SUN 'n FUN President Gene Conrad Introduces New Site Plan to Boost Lakeland's Annual Event

Preparations are well underway for SUN 'n FUN's 52nd annual Aerospace Expo, celebrating “Red, White and Blue at 52”, in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. Held at Florida's Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) from April 14 to 19, 2026, the event promises to never disappoint.

Today, SnF President and CEO Gene Conrad introduced some upcoming changes to the annual airshow, including a new strategic site plan to hit the Lakeland Airport in the next 3 to 5 years alongside an exciting preview of new and returning events.

With much anticipation, there will be two brand new parallel runways, making significant changes to SUN 'n FUN’s footprint on the airport and allowing more planes to fly into the Expo. There will be three new ramps, including one for exhibitors, one for the Warbirds, and one for the Blue Angel demo teams. There will also be a new southern taxiway. Numerous sections of the airport will be shifted East and West to optimize spacing.

As for building improvements, the Florida Air Museum will be reimagined into a fully functional museum with expanded exhibits; it will feature a glassed-in pavilion and exhibit improvements with a new P3 exhibit. Next to the museum, there will be an entry plaza and two new exhibit buildings. There will also be a new National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) hangar built in the next 6 to 8 years. Best part? All exhibit buildings will be air-conditioned.

Next year’s Expo will feature all the fan favorites: a return of the Thunderbirds, special fly-bys, Warbirds, exhibitors, forums and workshops, an opening night concert (to be announced in November 2025), and some potential Wednesday Air Show changes.

All net proceeds for the upcoming event will go to the Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the education of the next generation of aerospace professionals.

Aside from the Aerospace Expo, SUN 'n FUN is dedicated to engaging the youth population in aviation; their program initiative, “Engage, Educate, Accelerate”. Their various programs include the pre-school enrichment program, Stem Sprouts, summer camps partnered with AOPA, the Lakeland Aero Club, the ACE After School Program, and student scholarship opportunities.

SUN 'n FUN recently wrapped up its 51st Aerospace Expo, “Turn Up the Fun At 51”, with a final count of 210,000 visitors, 561 exhibitors, and 500+ forums and workshops. The 52nd Expo is set up to bring even more traction in the coming year.

FMI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-WoEqVrqKE&list=PLP2ituGOkPSfaShcDymBUdZ29BZHCjuxF&index=16