Avemco's Guide to Getting the Most Out of AirVenture

AirVenture isn’t like any other aviation event. It’s big, it’s busy, and it offers more than anyone can realistically see in a single day. Pilots fly in from across the country. Vendors bring their best gear, tech, and knowledge. Industry professionals, instructors, and aviation enthusiasts all show up with a shared goal: make the most of the week in Oshkosh. With so much happening, it pays to have a plan.

Packing well, knowing where to go, and picking a few key events each day can make all the difference. Whether it’s meeting experienced CFIs, catching a book signing, or speaking with someone who understands your flying needs, the best moments usually come from showing up prepared. AirVenture is about the aircraft, sure, but it’s also about the people, the conversations, and the opportunities that only come around once a year. A little planning now sets the tone for a good week ahead.

The Small Stuff That Makes a Big Difference

A few simple items can make a long day at AirVenture a lot more comfortable. The weather in Oshkosh tends to be warm in July, and most of the displays and activities take place outdoors. With so much to see, you’ll end up walking more than you think—and probably staying longer than you planned.

Experienced attendees recommend bringing a few basics that are easy to overlook. A brimmed hat helps with the sun. Comfortable shoes matter more than you expect, especially by the second or third day. A refillable water bottle saves time and keeps you out of the longer lines. A backup battery for your phone can help you stay connected in case you’re tracking schedules or meeting up with friends. Carrying a little cash also helps—some booths and vendors still prefer it.

It doesn’t take much, but these small things add up and make a difference by the end of the day.

Why It Helps to Have a Plan Before You Walk Through the Gates

AirVenture has more going on than any one person can cover in a day. Between aircraft displays, forums, airshows, workshops, and exhibitor booths, it’s easy to lose track of time. The schedule is full. So is the layout. Without a plan, it’s easy to miss the things you’d actually care about most.

Start by figuring out your priorities. Maybe it's talking to underwriters or instructors. Maybe you're after STOL demos, vintage warbirds, or a specific forum on avionics. Whatever it is, write it down or download the EAA app. Set times. Give yourself locations.

Wandering can be fun, but the people who leave feeling like they used their time well usually walked in with a short list. A few key goals each day gives you room to see the highlights and still leave time for the unexpected. It keeps the day focused without making it feel packed.

Where to Find Us and What’s Happening at the Booth

Avemco will be at Spruce Hangar A, Booth 1158. You can meet Gary “GPS” Reeves on Monday afternoon. He is the 2019 FAA National CFI of the Year, known for IFR training, and an author. His schedule at the booth offers a chance to get a signed copy of his book Single Pilot IFR (supplies are limited, so come early for a copy).

Visitors can talk with an Avemco Underwriter face-to-face. The booth offers a genuine interaction with someone who understands aviation insurance. It becomes a place where you learn directly from professionals. This meeting is a highlight for those planning to get accurate information about policy options or simply learn from an experienced aviation insurance underwriter.

Tuesday’s Guest Lineup Highlights Women Making an Impact in Aviation

Tuesday brings a full schedule of guest speakers to Booth 1158, with a focus on women who are shaping aviation through instruction, mentorship, and community involvement. These are pilots who fly, teach, lead, and give back.

Jolie Lucas will join the booth first. She’s the founder of Mooney Ambassadors, Friends of Oceana Airport, and Right Seat Ready! educator.

Emmi Berg follows — she’s a first-generation private pilot, Ninety-Nines Member, and graduate of Community Aviation’s Intro to Stalled Flight course.

Karen Kalishek rounds out the day. She brings deep experience as Chair of The National Association of Flight Instructors, DPE, four-time NAFI Master Instructor, CFI, CFII, MEI, CFI-G, AGI, IGI, FAA Gold Seal Instructor, FAASTeam Lead Representative, WINGSPro. and more titles than most business cards can hold.

Their schedules offer time to meet them, hear their stories, and ask questions. These aren’t scripted presentations. They’re real conversations with people who spend their time in the air and in the community, helping others do the same.

What to Expect From the Grounds and How to Stay Comfortable

Oshkosh covers a lot of ground. Most visitors end up walking several miles a day without realizing it. Comfortable, supportive shoes make a big difference. Lightweight sneakers might feel good in the morning but can wear you down by mid-afternoon. Pick shoes built to keep you comfortable for hours on your feet.

Shade can be tough to find, especially near popular exhibits. Bring a hat and don’t count on finding a quiet spot under a wing or tent whenever you need one. Hydration stations are scattered throughout the grounds, but lines get long—having your own refillable bottle saves time.

There are a few places to take a break without missing the action. The vintage aircraft area tends to be quieter in the afternoon. Picnic tables near the food vendors offer some relief if you get there early. If you need to regroup or check your schedule, some booths—like Avemco’s—have staff happy to chat while you catch your breath.

Why It’s Better to Stop by Early Than Try to Catch Up Later

The busiest part of the day hits fast. Booth traffic picks up by mid-morning and stays steady through the afternoon. By the time the air show winds down, everyone else who said they’d “swing by later” shows up at once.

Giveaways like signed books or swag go quickly. Guest appearances have fixed times, and once they wrap up, that’s it. Getting there early means you can take your time, ask real questions, and actually talk to someone without shouting over the crowd.

It’s also just a better experience. No long lines. No pressure to rush through a conversation. Whether you're looking to learn more about coverage or want to grab something before it's gone, early stops make the most of your time on the grounds.

What to Ask an Underwriter While You’re Face to Face

Talking to an underwriter in person is different than filling out a form or waiting on a callback. You can ask the kind of questions that don’t come up until something goes wrong, like what happens if your flight review expires mid-policy, or what coverage applies if a flying club member files a claim against another member.

This is also the time to ask about specifics for your situation. CFIs have distinct needs from pilot renter’s insurance. Flying clubs need liability protection that covers members, not just outsiders. Owners of experimental aircraft often run into gray areas other insurers avoid.

At Avemco’s booth, you’re not talking to a rep who passes things along. You’re speaking directly with the person who can approve coverage, make adjustments, or explain what your current policy might not cover. It’s a faster way to get real answers without the usual back and forth.

Avemco at AirVenture 2025

Avemco is the only direct writer of aircraft insurance, which means the person you're speaking to at Booth 1158 is the same person who can quote your coverage, approve it, and answer questions specific to the way you fly. No middleman. No layers of communication.

Whether you’re flying your own aircraft, instructing, renting, or managing a flying club, your policy should reflect the real details of how, when & why you fly. Avemco offers liability and hull coverage for single and multi-engine piston aircraft, gliders, seaplanes, experimentals, CFIs, and more. We’ve been doing it since 1961.

You can get a quote right at the booth, or call 888-241-7891. You’ll talk to someone who knows aviation, not someone reading from a script. You can also manage your policy and get started anytime right here at avemco.com.

Key Takeaways

• AirVenture is massive—a plan helps you focus on what matters most to you instead of wandering and missing key events
• Pack for the weather and walking—bring a hat, supportive shoes, refillable water bottle, and backup phone power
• Avemco’s booth is at Spruce Hangar A, Booth 1158—stop by early to catch guest appearances and giveaways
• Monday and Tuesday feature special guests—including Gary “GPS” Reeves and several accomplished female pilots and instructors
• Real conversations happen at the booth—talk to underwriters about policies for flying clubs, renters, CFIs, and experimental aircraft
• Speaking with Avemco at the show means direct answers—no brokers, no runaround, just real help from people who understand aviation
• You can get a quote on-site—or start anytime online at avemco.com or by calling 888-241-7891