Host your event here!
The SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus at SUN ‘n FUN FLY-IN, INC. is one of the most unique venues in Central Florida. Our wide-open space on over 200 acres of natural Florida setting has access to the Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL) and hosts the annual SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo in March or April. Located along the 1-4 High-Tech Corridor, only 5 miles off 1-4 (Exit 25), the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus is easily accessible to the Tampa and Orlando metro areas. In addition to our acreage, the Expo Campus has a myriad of special event spaces – from boardrooms to clubhouses, to aircraft hangars, to wide-open grassy areas - there is space to accommodate most needs. Onsite Camping (full/partial hookups and primitive) is available for your group. Major festivals, RV rallies, galas, trade shows, weddings, sporting events, including 5k races have all found their perfect home at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus with the support of our friendly and professional Events Team. From initial planning, event execution, to a seamless move-out, we are here to turn your vision into reality, and to deliver outstanding results for our clients.
For 45 years, the leadership, staff, and volunteers of SUN ‘N FUN FLY-IN, INC., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, have produced the second-largest airshow and fly-in in North America. Each Spring, the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus hosts over 225,000 visitors from around the world for a week of aviation-related activities.
Proceeds from events held on the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus fund over $2m annually for the Aerospace Center for Excellence’s aerospace-based youth education programs and scholarships. Visit their website https://aceedu.aero/ to learn about this groundbreaking program and its mission to Engage, Educate & Accelerate The Next Generation of Aerospace Professionals.
Event Spaces
Skylight Hangar (Hangar A)
20,000 sf | Capacity: up to 900
Aircraft Hangar, Indoor, Skylights, Air-conditioned, Electric Power Drops, Adjacent Restroom Facilities, Bose House Sound, Entry Annex, Aircraft may be provided as a backdrop or step-and-repeat photo op for any event!
Atmosphere/Decor: Spacious, large aircraft doors for natural Florida feel
Special Features: Aircraft Hangar with front double-doors, back hydraulic door
Aerospace Discovery at the Florida Air Museum
20,000 sf | Capacity: up to 350
Indoor, Air-Conditioned, Aircraft on Display, Home of the personal aviation collection of Howard Hughes, Museum Tours available for your guest experience. Includes chairs and round tables for 150 guests.
Atmosphere/Décor: Aviation exhibits, aircraft suspended overhead, experiential tours available,
impressive feel.Special Features: Available after 4 p.m., or Museum buy-out available - request pricing
Aerospace Pavilion
10,000 sf | Capacity: 1,000
Covered, Open-Air, Stage, Prep Kitchen, Loading Dock, Restrooms, Parking
The Lunz Architecture Group describes the Pavilion in 2002 (one year after completion):
"Sloping steel columns tether the large “wing” of the pavilion roof to the ground. The tapered edge both visually lightens the roof structure while reinforcing its metaphor as a wing. The angled forms reference modern aviation design while the crossing pattern of the steel columns recalls the struts of an earlier generation of flight. The wing as a concept is simple yet appropriate in its emotional impact acting as a precursor to the prestigious Howard Hughes exhibit housed within the museum itself."
Event space type: Amphitheatre
Atmosphere/Decor: Covered, outdoors, tree canopy, modern design
Sunset Grill
9,600 sf | Capacity: up to 750
Covered, Open-Air, Stage, Picnic Tables or Banquet Rounds
Floor concrete / Floor number ground
Cessna Textron Center
900 sf | Capacity: up to 60
Free-standing Clubhouse 900 sf + Covered front porch 1,000 sf (50’x20’) with space for picnic tables or additional seating, located near an active runway
Air-conditioned, Restrooms, Kitchenette, Covered Front Porch, View of Runway, Front Yard Garden
(seasonal) opens to large grassy area with space for parking.Atmosphere / Décor: Open main room with lots of windows, aviation theme
Campus-Wide
200+ acres Florida Nature, Secure Access, Campus and Hangars are truck and tractor-trailer accessible, Ample indoor and outdoor space and electric power for festivals, concerts, races, etc. Four aircraft hangars, conference rooms, facilities with kitchens and meeting space. Camping sites at several campgrounds.
Core Area
The North Field to Homebuilt Building, east to Sunset Grill, west to Hangar C, south to Skylight Hangar (A). Does not include indoor space.
Eickhoff Hospitality Room
1,100 sf | Capacity: 125
2nd Level, Elevator / Stairs, Kitchenette, Restrooms (ground floor)
Features a wall of windows for ample natural light
Tom Davis Aerospace Skills Center
6,000 sf | Capacity: 50
Free-standing building with main seating area, restrooms and showers, bunk rooms, large screened back patio, parking
Decor / Atmosphere: Library bookshelves, hanging aircraft models, building located next to a vintage European passenger plane - great for photos
Piedmont 727 Airplane
Conference table for 14 | Classroom for 32
This converted Piedmont 727 airplane is the perfect aviation-themed conference room for 14, or
classroom for 32. The conference space is appointed with a converted aircraft wing for the conference table and aircraft seats. Built-in audio-visual equipment makes this space turn-key. A working cockpit is visible from the classroom area. Ask us to start the engines!Visit Central Florida Building
1,100 sf | Capacity: 60
Stand-alone building sponsored and branded by Visit Central Florida.
Air-conditioning, windows, small front porch with rockers, back loading door
Perfect space for attendee registration, small classroom, or space for a meal for up to 60.
PREFERRED PARTNERS
SUN ‘n FUN is focused on making each event a unique and custom-tailored experience. We partner with some of Central Florida’s best vendors. Each Partner has been handpicked because of their distinct style and individualized approach to special events, making SUN ‘n FUN a space where clients can write their own story.
Please consider these recommendations as a resource when choosing your Event Partners. We’re confident in their attention to detail and their ability to provide you with a professional level of service for your event.
Catering
You must select one of our preferred caterers.
Other options are available upon approval with your sales manager.
ARTHUR’S CATERING
Charlie Putney ∙ 407-331-1993
charlie@arthurscatering.com
arthurscatering.com
800 Sunshine Lane ∙ Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
THE CATERING CO. OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Christa Morgan ∙ 863-207-7057
thecateringco@hotmail.com
thecateringcompanyofcentralfl.com
233 Avenue O, SE ∙ Winter Haven, FL 33880
DWAYNE’S PLACE DINER & GRILL
Dwayne Williams ∙ 863-940-2099
liesel@dwaynesdiner.com
dwaynesdiner.com
6960 S Florida Avenue ∙ Lakeland, FL 33813
FRESCOS
Tina Calhoun ∙863-608-1347
catering@frescoslakeland.com
frescoslakeland.com
132 S Kentucky Avenue ∙ Lakeland, FL 33801
NINETEEN61
Samantha Martin ∙ 863-688-1961
catering@nineteen61.com
nineteen61.com
215 E Main Street ∙Lakeland, FL 33801
PUFF ‘N STUFF CATERING
Lauren Balden ∙ 813-712-7833
lauren@puffnstuff.com
puffnstuff.com
5804 E Columbus Drive ∙ Tampa, FL 33619
SMOKIN’ JIMS HOUSE OF BBQ
Jim Rabe ∙ 863-206-7158
jimrabe@msn.com
smokinjimsbarbecue.com
3615 Havendale Blvd ∙ Auburndale, FL 33823
TERRIE LOBB CATERING, INC.
Terrie Lobb ∙ 863-533-6483
terrie@terrielobbcatering.com
terrielobbcatering.com
1239 E Main Street ∙ Bartow, FL 33830
RENTALS & MORE
EQUIPMENT
PREMIER PARTIES
Jennifer Douglas ∙ 863-644-3000
staff@premierparties.com
https://premierpartyonline.com/
553 W Brannen Rd ∙ Lakeland, FL 33813
TRUE VALUE RENAL (TAYLOR RENTAL)
Melissa Arnold or Craig Owens ∙813-685-4551
brandon@trc-tampa.com
https://truevaluerentaltampa.com/
2134 E Edgewood Dr ∙ Lakeland, FL 33803
LINENS
MARILYN’S LINEN & WEDDINGS
Marilyn & Bill ∙ 863-687-3357
bill@marilynslinenandweddings.com
https://marilynslinenandweddings.com/
1541 W Memorial Blvd ∙ Lakeland, FL 33815
INFLATABLES
LAKEAND MOONWALK
Guy LaLonde ∙ 863-286-5922
info@lakelandmoonwalk.com
https://lakelandmoonwalk.com/
1248 George Jenkins Blvd ∙Lakeland, FL 33815
HEAVY EQUIPMENT & GENERATORS
UNITED RENTALS
Alexandra Scanlon ∙ 813-868-3854
ascanlon@ur.com
https://www.unitedrentals.com/
1731 Tappan Blvd ∙ Tampa, FL 33619
AUDIO-VISUAL
SHOW SYSTEMS, INC.
Eric Rung & Jeremy Miller ∙ 407-363-1950
eric@showsystemsinc.com
jeremy@showsystemsinc.com
https://showsystemsinc.com/
2426 Viscount Row ∙ Orlando, FL 32809
MABE
Austin Smith ∙ 863-859-2354
austinsmith@mabepro.com
mabepro.com
924 Fairlane Drive ∙ Lakeland, FL 33809
VALET PARKING
Lakeland Valet Corp.
Gabrielle Drumheller ∙ 863-774-7275
gabrielle@lakelandvalet.com
https://lakelandvalet.com/
122 E Main St ∙ Lakeland, FL 33801
VENUE SERVICES
PARKING
SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus offers several parking options based on the scope of your event. For events with 300 guests or greater, a professional parking company may be required. All guests must park in designated areas only.
BARS AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE SERVICE
SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus and its employees endorse the responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages at all events for the safety of our mutual guests. Bar service is available from one of our Preferred Partners.
Things to consider when hosting alcoholic beverages:
- Hosting full liquor bar, or beer and wine only
- Bar services include Cash Bar, Host Open Bar, and Host Bar B.O.C.
Cash Bar – client typically pays bartender fee(s), and their guests pay for their own drinks. May be limited to beer and wine only, or include liquor as well.
Host Open Bar – client agrees to host (pay for) an open bar for a certain amount of time (per hour, for example) at a flat rate. May be limited to beer and wine only, or include liquor as well. Usually, the bartender fee(s) is waived with a hosted bar. Client may set a maximum amount, for example, $2,500, at which point the hosted open bar will close. Sometimes, a cash bar will follow a hosted bar.
Host Bar B.O.C. – client agrees to host (pay for) a bar and pay for drinks that are consumed, or billed on consumption (B.O.C.) for a certain amount of time (per hour, for example). May be limited to beer and wine only, or include liquor as well. Usually, the bartender fee(s) is waived with a hosted bar. Client may set a maximum amount, for example, $2,500, at which point the hosted bar will close. Sometimes, a cash bar will follow a hosted bar.
We reserve the right to ask any guest to provide identification in order to ensure they meet the minimum 21 year of age requirement pursuant to Florida Beverage Law (Title 34, Chapter 562.11). SUN ‘n FUN and its employees and Preferred Partners may refuse service to any person who is objectionable and appears intoxicated at its sole discretion (Title 34, Chapter 562.51).
TENTS
Tent rentals, set-up, and placement must be approved by SUN ‘n FUN prior to setting up. Tents are available for rental from one of our Preferred Partners. Proper weights must be used with tent on concrete and asphalt. Tent stakes are only allowed in grassy areas.
OTHER EQUIPMENT
Large equipment at your event (such as inflatables, dunk tanks, large stages, semi-trailer trucks, etc.), or any items that require excessive electric power must receive prior approval from SUN ‘n FUN. Depending on the equipment item and power needs, client may be required to provide a quiet generator.
PORTABLE TOILETS & HAND-WASH STATIONS
SUN ‘n FUN offers inside restrooms at several locations around the campus. We do have some spaces that may require portable toilets and hand-wash stations, depending on the scope of the event. SUN ‘n FUN can secure these comfort items for you at competitive rates from one of our Preferred Partners.
Venue Clean-Up
The client assumes responsibilities for clean-up and disposal of all event displays, confetti, ribbon, garland, banners and any other décor on the floors, walls or tables as well as any exterior décor.
TRASH MANAGEMENT
SUN n’ FUN provides the necessary amount of trash barrels, cans and liners. Depending on the time of the year and the availability of SUN ‘n FUN volunteers, the Raiders Volunteers will gladly pick-up and remove bagged trash at location agreed upon. Should Raiders Volunteers not be available, it will be the responsibility of the client to remove trash and deposit it in the dumpster. The dumpster lid must be able to close. Rental dumpsters left overnight will need to be covered or netted, and cannot be left for more than two (2) days.
WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS FOR
GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS & LODGING?
SUN ‘n FUN is conveniently located near accommodation options – including our Campground here on Campus with full hook-ups and dry (tent) camping. There are also hotels and short-term rentals near us. Options may be found at VisitCentralFlorida.org.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY THE CITY
For events that will use City of Lakeland Safety Services (Lakeland Police, Fire Department, Traffic, etc.), a Special Event Permit application will need to be completed.
Special Event Permit Application
Special Event Extra Duty Application
CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE
Certificate of Insurance with SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In, Inc. and the Lakeland Linder International Airport as additionally named insureds may be required depending on the scope of your event.
AMENITIES
Handicapped Accessible, Valet Parking, Outdoor Function Area, Wireless Internet/Wi-Fi
Max. Capacity 100,000
200 + acres of natural Florida featuring sites at several campgrounds with full (50-amp electric power) or partial hookup, and dry camping, plus active runways for group Fly-In's.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
By way of summary, we are located on the southwest corner of Lakeland Linder International Airport in Lakeland, FL. The Aerospace Discovery at The Florida Air Museum is located at the entrance to the SUN ‘n FUN Expo campus.
From Interstate 4 – Take County Line Road (Exit 25) south approximately five miles to West Pipkin Road. Turn left on West Pipkin Road, left again on Medulla Road, and proceed approximately ½ mile to Aerospace Discovery at the Florida Air Museum on the right.
From Highway 60 – Take County Line Road north to West Pipkin Road, and turn right. Turn left on Medulla Road, and proceed approximately ½ mile to the Aerospace Discovery at the Florida Air Museum on the right.
From Lakeland – Take Pipkin Road west to Medulla Road and turn right.
