Annual Convention
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For the third time in eleven years, Enid, Oklahoma will host our 44th Annual Convention, October 9-14, 2023. One of the most supportive communities in the country for all things kiting, Enid is famous for its large mowed-grass kite fields. Enid’s state-of-the-art Convention Center, Stride Bank Center, has ample space for all our workshops, banquets, meetings, gatherings and one of the best indoor flying spaces you have ever experienced. Enid is blessed with great kite flying weather in October with temperatures averaging 65 to 72 degrees and winds 12 to 19 mph out of the southwest.
There has been a lot of growth around Enid these past few years. A new hotel, The Best Western GLō, is adjacent to the Stride Bank Center, and convenient to all the downtown hotspots. There are two downtown craft breweries, new art installations, many local restaurants, coffeehouses and sweets shops, all within walking distance of the Convention Center. The “Richard Dermer Memorial Flying Fields” are located at the Autry Technology Center, just a few miles north and west of downtown. These fields have held many world-class flying competitions and North American records. Known for its multiple city block space, there are plenty of separate fields for different kites and spectator viewing. The Autry Technology Center and City of Enid staff take pride in offering us the best flying experiences ever.
If you are driving, Enid is located on US Highway 412, thirty miles west of US Interstate 35. If you are flying, Wichita, Tulsa and Oklahoma City are to closest airports serviced by all major airlines. From the airports it’s a quick car trip to Enid. Enid does have a regional airport but does not offer commercial air service.
You may register online by clicking here or by contacting the AKA office at (609) 755-5483; email: aka@aka.kite.org. You can make your hotel reservations at The Best Western GLō, by calling (580) 540-4172. Make sure you tell them you’re with the American Kitefliers Association for our discounted room rates.
Register today and be ready to “Stake your Claim” this October in Enid, Oklahoma. Let me be the first to say, “Welcome Back.”
Phillip Whitaker
President and Convention Chair
AKA’s Annual Convention is a five-to-six-day gathering of kite enthusiasts, artists, & competitors, traditionally held in late September or early October.
Our Convention is one of the top events of the year. Conventions rotate around the country and are held at suitable kite flying venues in Eastern, Central, and Western regions of the USA. Convention activities include large outdoor and indoor demonstrations, educational workshops, displays, auctions, a fly market, and national level competitions for kite making, sport kite flying, kite battles, and miniature kites, as well as three categories of People’s Choice awards.
more convention information
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to attend? What do people want to know about AKA conventions?
Convention Policies
Here’s the official story about our conventions
Requirements for Convention Sites & Hosts
Interested in hosting the annual convention? Take a look at the AKA Convention Site Requirements.
All Past Conventions
Interested in some of our previous conventions? Here’s a list of them all with information about activities and awards.
Grand National Champions
Here are the top awards for the kitemakers’ Grand National Champions.
The People's Choice Awards
A list of the People’s Choice Awards from past conventions.
