Corporate Sponsorship
The Air Zoo and You
Benefits of supporting Air Zoo events and programs
Air Zoo sponsorships provide mutual benefit that stretches beyond a day, week or season. Each sponsorship is designed to provide your business with the chance to support historic preservation, equip southwest Michigan’s future workforce through STEAM-focused education, enjoy valuable brand exposure and engage in meaningful volunteer opportunities.
1. Fulfill Community Engagement Priorities
Air Zoo sponsorships provide a wide range of opportunities for fulfilling community engagement priorities. Our goal is to focus on sponsorships that most closely match your business’s specific priorities, at a price point that fits your engagement budget.
2. Preserve & Explore the Past
Your sponsorship allows the Air Zoo to display its extensive collection of aircraft and aviation artifacts and to engage more than 150,000 visitors annually with the excitement of STEAM innovation. It also supports the Air zoo’s nationally recognized aircraft restoration program which is among few sought after by the United States Air Force and others to give new life to deteriorated, historic aircraft.
3. Develop the Future Workforce
Air Zoo sponsorships support our ability to provide hands-on experiences that cultivate interest in STEAM studies and careers. Together we empower young learners to pursue the skills needed to enjoy rewarding careers in the workforce of tomorrow.
4. Enjoy Substantive Brand Exposure
Air Zoo sponsorships are designed to provide local businesses with valuable brand exposure. Strategic print, digital and broadcast marketing places your brand in front of southwest Michigan, the Air Zoo’s 3,000+ member households, and Air Zoo enthusiasts across the country – even the world!
View Event Sponsorship, Program Sponsorship or Naming Opportunities from the options below, or download the 2024 Corporate Sponsorship Guide today!
To discuss how your organization can partner with the Air Zoo on these or other exciting opportunities please email Nikki Statler, Director of Development and Marketing or call 269.350.2811.
Event Sponsorship Opportunities
Discovery Series | Exclusive, 1 year commitment
January – December | $20,000 per year
The Air Zoo’s annual Discovery Series engages stories of science and engineering innovation from around the country to inspire audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Each event draws hundreds - sometimes thousands - of attendees. During the day, STEAM-related activities engage audiences with hands-on experiences. The evening features a more intimate setting for an engaging presentation or a hands-on “mini-camp” sure to bring out the innovator in each adult participant. Plans for the 2024 series are underway. Programming to include Adult Space Camp, Spy-posium, Blackbird Affair, and War of the Worlds LIVE!
Our 2024 Discovery Series sponsor will enjoy these and other valuable benefits:
Brand placement on all print and digital promotions, including billboards
On-air interview opportunities on WOTV and WKZO
Exclusive series sponsor recognition
Complimentary general admission passes
Complimentary tickets to each evening event
Speaking opportunity at applicable events
Discovery Events | Exclusive
July & October | $2,500 each
For a targeted budget, businesses can sponsor single events within the Air Zoo’s Discovery Series. Annually, the series is comprised of three or more stand-alone events. Individual events typically draw hundreds of audience members and range from daytime family focused activities for the public to registration-based evening events geared for adults.
Our 2024 Discovery Event sponsors will enjoy these and other valuable benefits:
Brand placement in event print and digital promotions
On-air interview opportunities on WOTV and WKZO
Complimentary general admission passes
Complimentary tickets to evening event
Speaking opportunity at evening event
Science Innovation Hall of Fame Awards | Shared
May 2024 | Presenter - Western Michigan University | Award Sponsors - $5,000 | Event Support - $500-$2,500
One powerful evening at the Air Zoo offers the annual convergence of inductions to the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame (MAHOF) and recognition of Southwest Michigan’s Science Innovation Hall of Fame
(SIHOF) awardees.
Established in 1987, MAHOF is dedicated to preserving the history of outstanding air and space pioneers. Michigan’s contributions to aviation history have deep roots. While the direction of these roots varies, each recognized contribution has changed the world.
SIHOF recognizes excellence and innovation in science among Southwest Michigan K-12 students, educators, and organizations. SIHOF awards play a key role in our region’s embracing of STEAM studies, helping to ensure a thriving local workforce and economy for years to come.
Our 2023 Hall of Fame sponsors will enjoy these and other valuable benefits, which vary by level:
Brand placement in event print and digital promotions
Presenter has on-air interview opportunities on WOTV and WKZO
Speaking opportunity at evening event
Complimentary event tickets
Complimentary general admission passes
2024 Science Innovation Hall of Fame Awards Presented by
Supported by:
Schupan | Barbara J. Parish | Darwin & Mary Wellington | Donna Ward | Esper Electric | Quality Air | Kindred Financial Partners of Raymond James | First National Bank of MI | Kalamazoo Battle Creek International Airport | KSS Enterprises | WowToyz
Ice Cream Challenge | Exclusive
January 2025 | $5,000
Your name can be associated with one of the most deliciously exciting days of the year at the Air Zoo. Join us for a day of sweet competition - with a little science thrown in! During this one day event, 8-10 local organizations will battle for the Gold Cone. Their original recipes will be frozen on site with liquid nitrogen for all attendees to sample! More than 2,000 attendees are anticipated at the 2024 Ice Cream Challenge.
Our 2025 Ice Cream Challenge sponsor will enjoy these and additional valuable benefits:
Brand placement on print and digital promotions
On-air interview opportunities on WOTV and WKZO
Complimentary general admission passes
Banner placement table in event space
Speaking opportunity at event
The 2024 Ice Cream Challenge brought to you in part by Charles River Laboratories
Winter Break Family Fun Days | Exclusive
2024-2025 Winter Break | $10,000
The Air Zoo’s annual Winter Break Family Fun Days (WBFFD) invites visitors from our region and beyond to get out of the cold and enjoy special STEAM activities as they explore the Air Zoo’s extensive collections. Special art projects, games, and demonstrations will also enrich the Air Zoo experience and are sure to help fend off the winter blahs.
Our WBFFD sponsor will enjoy these and other valuable benefits:
Brand placement in print and digital promotions, including billboards
On-air interview opportunities on WOTV and WKZO
Complimentary general admission passes
Multiple weeks of high traffic brand exposure
2024 Winter Break Family Fun Days are Sponsored in part by Charles River Laboratories
Spy-posium | Shared (every 2 years)
August 2024 | Presenter $10,000 | Supporting $2,500/$5,000
Featuring the legendary SR-71 Blackbird program and the Air Zoo’s own SR-71B plane, Spy-posium welcomes thousands of guests over a long summer weekend of STEAM and history exploration. The scope of this event - including Blackbird pilots, RSOs, ground crew members and Lockheed contractors from around the country - permits its occurrence every 2 years. Programs and activities explore the SR-71’s extraordinary aerial capabilities and the historic role it played in the success of the United States Air Force’s surveillance program.
Spy-posium sponsors enjoy these and additional valuable benefits:
On-air interview opportunities on WOTV and WKZO
Brand placement on print and digital promotions, including billboards
Complimentary tickets and cockpit seating for the Blackbird Affair
Complimentary general admission passes
Banner placement in event space
Tabling space throughout 4-day event
The 2024 Spy-posium was Sponsored by Parker Aerospace, Jamie Pleune & David Morgan, KalBlue Group, Discover Kalamazoo!, and One Well Brewing
Blackbird Affair | Ask about exclusive bar and hospitality sponsorship opportunities
While some organizations have a black-tie affair, the Air Zoo parties a bit differently with the Blackbird Affair. This exclusive event boasts two-tiered ticketing options for attendees. The first ($250/person) provides guests with an opportunity to sit in one of the Blackbird's two cockpits and receive a personal tour from one of the pilots, trainers, or RSOs; these seats are limited and sell out quickly. The second ($150/person) provides all the fun of the evening: mingling, food, bar, activities, private tours from SR-71 crew members, pilots, RSOs, Lockheed historians,
and others, but without a view from the cockpit. An average of 180 participants will be a captive audience to your brand
that evening. Many travel from out of state, making this a great opportunity for area hospitality partners.
The Blackbird Affair bar and hospitality sponsor will receive:
Brand placement on print and digital promotions
Brand placement in correspondences with ticket buyers
Complimentary tickets to the Blackbird Affair
Complimentary general admission passes
Banner near refreshments
Branded materials at the bar
Summer STEAM Days | Exclusive
June-August | $5,000 per year
This unique sponsorship opportunity supports one of the Air Zoo’s exciting Community Access Programs. Summer STEAM Days feature hands-on activity and experiment stations. Stations are hosted by Air Zoo staff, restoration volunteers, local businesses, and area non-profit partners. The goal is to create a safe, accessible, and inspiring opportunity for ALL families in our community. The activities are free of charge to participants and happen one Saturday a month in June, July, and August. The events typically take place outdoors where rocket launchers, gliders, and messy science stations can be enjoyed by everyone. In the event of inclement weather, this event will move indoors.
Our 2024 Summer STEAM Days sponsor will enjoy these and other valuable benefits:
Brand placement on all print and digital promotions
On-air interview opportunities on WOTV and WKZO
Exclusive sponsor recognition at each event
Booth space at each of three events
Complimentary general admission passes
2024 Summer STEAM Days Underwritten by Zoetis
National Aviation Day Open House | Exclusive
August 19 | $2,500
In honor of National Aviation Day, the Air Zoo’s Flight Discovery Center (FDC) on Milham Road will be open to the public at no charge from 9am-5pm on Monday, August 19. Not only will attendees get to explore the FDC’s exhibits, aircraft, and
restoration center, they can also get creative with STEAM activities, climb into trainer cockpits, and observe visiting
aircraft throughout the day.
Our National Aviation Day Open House sponsor
will enjoy these and additional valuable benefits:
Brand placement in print and digital promotions
On-air interview opportunity with WKZO
Branded materials at the FDC the week of the event
Complimentary general admission passes
National Aviation Day Underwritten by Parker Aerospace
Air Zoo Explorers | Exclusive
Available for 2025 | $20,000 per year
As the Air Zoo strives to create greater impact through accessibility, we are proud to launch a new outreach program this year. This program is designed to take hands-on interactive experiences on the road to the neighborhoods in our community who need these experiences the most. This traveling experience will visit approximately 15 partnering locations in 2024, with special space and eclipse themed activities to ignite curiosity and inspire passion in STEAM fields. There is no cost to the participants and take-home materials will be made available whenever possible to expand learning beyond the event. Surveys will be conducted both before and after the activities to assess effectiveness and support program enhancements.
Our Air Zoo Explorers sponsor will enjoy these and other valuable benefits:
Brand placement on print and digital promotions
On-air interview opportunities on WOTV and WKZO
Exclusive sponsor recognition at each event
Volunteer opportunities at each of event
Complimentary general admission passes
Thank you to our 2024 Underwriter Stryker.
Open Cockpit Weekends | Exclusive 2025
Weekends in February | $5,000
If you think housing these planes is cool, you should really visit during our most popular month of the year! Every February,
the Air Zoo hosts our Open Cockpit weekends. We see visitors from all over the tristate region travel, sometimes several
weekends in a row, for a chance to sit in the pilot's seat of some of our most beloved aircraft. This is a great opportunity to get your brand in front of a captivated audience. Marketing for this event begins in December, so sponsorship acknowledgement goes a very long way!
The 2024 Open Cockpit weekend sponsor will enjoy these and other valuable benefits:
Brand placement on print and digital promotions
On-air interview opportunities on WOTV and WKZO
Exclusive sponsor recognition on all Open Cockpit signage
Complimentary general admission passes
Panels Off Month | Exclusive
September | $3,000
Ever wonder what makes these beautiful aircraft fly? Lots of guests do! As much as we enjoy sparking curiosity, we
also love moments of discovery. Every September, the Air Zoo removes panels from several of its aircraft, offering
guests an opportunity to see exactly what is underneath and provide a greater sense of an era's technology and
engineering capabilities. Put your business in front of thousands of Air Zoo guests on-site and online!
The 2024 Panels Off sponsor will enjoy these and other valuable benefits:
Brand placement on print and digital promotions
Exclusive sponsor recognition on all Panels Off signage
Complimentary general admission passes
Discovery Carts | Exclusive, 1 year commitment | $15,000 per year
Your brand will be "on a roll" all around the Air Zoo! Discovery Carts provide a mobile, hands-on, science-based experience. Each cart contains space for neatly stowing program supplies and materials and is equipped with dozens of curiosity igniting activities. The top of the cart functions as an artifact showcase or mini laboratory for Air Zoo led exploration. Created to entertain, educate, and engage explorers of all ages, these carts, powered by you and run by our out-of-this-world guest experience staff and volunteers, will surprise, and delight all. Your sponsorship makes it possible to stock supplies, purchase take-home elements, and support dedicated staff hours.
Our Discovery Cart sponsor will enjoy these and other valuable benefits:
Brand placement on print and digital promotions
Exclusive sponsor recognition on Discovery Carts
Complimentary general admission passes
Sponsored in 2023 by The Tyler Little Family Foundation
Education Labs | Exclusive | $10,000 per year | Available in 2025
The Air Zoo’s exciting STEAM labs house hundreds of diverse education programs and thousands of program participants every year. From monthly homeschool and preschool programs to daily field trips with K-12 schools throughout West Michigan and Northern Indiana, there is always need for new supplies, materials and fixtures. Your sponsorship can help further our mission and gain valuable visibility with more than 200,000 on site visitors and all of our partnering districts at the same time.
Our annual classrooms sponsor will enjoy these and other valuable benefits:
Brand placement in print and digital promotions
Exposure to area educators, members, and more
Name recognition at classrooms/labs
Complimentary general admission passes
Thank you to our 2024-2026 Education Lab Sponsor William Blair
Intercampus Shuttle | Exclusive, 2-year commitment
Calendar years 2027 & 2028 | $6,000 per year
The Air Zoo’s intercampus shuttle transports visitors between the Flight Innovation Center (main building) and Flight Discover Center (original building) 7 days a week, weather permitting. The sponsor’s brand is prominently placed on the shuttle for year-round exposure.
Our 2027-2028 shuttle sponsor will enjoy these and other valuable benefits:
Brand placement in print and digital promotions
Custom application of sponsor branding to shuttle
Branded shuttle signage and online schedule
Complimentary general admission passes
Thank you to our 2023-2027 Shuttle Sponsor, Schupan.
Missions Theater | Exclusive, 2-year commitment
Calendar years 2024 & 2025 | $15,000 per year
The Air Zoo’s 100-seat Missions Theater shows 4 films on a rotating schedule 7 days a week. We also offer monthly
features as part of this daily rotation. Ten shows a day provide 70 opportunities per week to market your brand to Air Zoo
visitors from across the globe. With more than 200,000 visitors a year, the cost averages less than 8¢ per person!
Our 2024-2025 Missions Theater sponsor will enjoy these and other valuable benefits:
Brand placement in print and digital promotions
Custom video spot(s) to highlight your company
Branding on theater exterior
Complimentary general admission passes
Toddler Tarmac | Exclusive | $15,000 per year
The Air Zoo’s Toddler Tarmac is a popular destination for families with toddlers and other young learners. Multi-sensory, hands-on fun, and learning means equipment must be updated and repairs undertaken on a regular basis. This dynamic space provides business sponsors with an opportunity to make their mark on early learning STEAM experiences through a sponsorship that keeps the Toddler Tarmac in good repair and relevant to parents and children alike.
Our 2025 Toddler Tarmac sponsor will enjoy these and other valuable benefits:
Brand placement in print and digital promotions
Name recognition at the Toddler Tarmac
Complimentary general admission passes
Feature in our member and donor newsletters
Thank you to our 2023 Toddler Tarmac Sponsor, The Tyler Little Family Foundation.
Come visit us.
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Great place! Very interesting educational and informational! Great place to take the whole family as there is something for young children up to adults!
blackeyedsusan2018
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We took our grown daughters and young grandsons to the Air Zoo. It was very entertaining for all of us. There is so much to see and do. Rides for the whole family!
Rick C