.jpg)
Register* today at: https://members.kite.org/event-6212193
Join us at the AKA Convention in Niagara Falls
September 29 to October 4, 2025
We are pleased that the 2025 AKA Convention will be held in a new location: Niagara Falls, New York, USA. You’ve probably heard of Niagara Falls before, but you may not know much about how great it is outside of the obvious—the Falls.
We have selected a beautiful, modern convention center for the annual meeting. Niagara Falls Convention Center has plenty of space for our meetings, meals, breakout sessions, raffle, and auctions. It also has space for a kite art/artist recognition reception, and a Great Hall for indoor kite flying. We are looking forward to wonderful food at our Welcome reception, the Kite Art reception, the Auction, and the Awards banquet.
The Sheraton Niagara Falls host hotel is right across the street from the convention center, making for a very easy morning commute. In addition, the American Falls is a short walk from both the hotel and convention center, and Goat Island is a very short drive from the hotel, where you can look at the Falls from the middle of the Niagara River.
For flying fields, mass ascensions, and competition, we’ve arranged to use Gratwick Riverside Park, which is located right on the Niagara River in North Tonawanda, New York. The flying fields are huge—at least 1,000 feet by 500 feet wide, with a possible second field 250 feet by another 1,000 feet. The park is the home field used by the local Great Lakes Kite Flyers club on a regular basis. It runs along the north side of the river, from northwest to southeast. Prevailing winds are typically from the southwest, and therefore are often smooth due to being right off the river.
Perhaps you are worried about the weather in late September and early October? The Buffalo area is known for its abundant winter snow, but don’t worry. Upstate New York is usually blessed with typical New England fall weather: warm days and cool nights. September highs average 72F/22C, with lows 51F/10C, and October averages 60F/15C highs, lows 40F/4C (usually higher in the earlier part of October). But what do we really care about as kite flyers? Average wind speed on October 1 is 9.4 miles per hour, predominantly from the west.
Niagara Falls is within easy driving distance of two airports: Buffalo (40 minutes) and Toronto (about 1.5 hours), and both have many flights every day. Buffalo is served by American, United, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, and JetBlue. Toronto is served by Air Canada, Porter, Westjet, and almost all major U.S. and international airlines, which makes it a good choice for anyone from Region 13 or even from the U.S. western states.
Make 2025 the year you cross two items off your bucket list with one trip. Come to Niagara Falls to attend the 46th AKA Convention and see the Falls as well!
You are encouraged to reserve your room at the Sheraton host hotel soon to receive the AKA discounted rates (starting at $129/night). Contact the Niagara Falls Sheraton hotel location directly and confirm you are with the AKA Convention by calling (716) 278-2695, or reserve online at: https://sheratonatthefalls.com/group/akaconvention2025
If you choose not to stay at the Sheraton, there are many other hotels in the area. Parking near the Convention Center is limited, so we recommend choosing a hotel with parking and a short walk to the Center.
Deadlines & Refunds
Early bird discounts end August 1, 2025. Members canceling their own registrations prior to August 1, 2025, will receive a 100% refund. Members canceling their own registrations between August 2 and August 29, 2025, will receive a 50% refund. There will be no refunds after August 29, 2025. (Please note that the AKA has no control over hotel reservations and/or its refund policies.)
Can I register now and pay later? Yes. You can register for the Convention today but instead of making a payment, hit the invoice me tab. You can then pay any time before August 1, 2025 to receive the early bird discount. Unpaid registrations will automatically be suspended after August 1, 2025 and will need to be renewed at the non-discounted registration rate.
Please Note: Convention apparel may only be ordered prior to the early bird deadline of August 1, 2025.
Register* today at: https://members.kite.org/event-6212193
When you complete the online registration, please check the question(s) "yes" if you want to bring a sewing machine, fly sport kites or compete in one or more categories of competition.
For more information, call the AKA office 609-755-5483
*By registering for the Convention, you agree to the following:
In consideration for the right to compete, as well as participate in the American Kitefliers Association 46th Annual National Convention and Grand National Competition (the Event), I hereby hold the American Kitefliers Association, the City of Niagara Falls, New York, the sponsors, promoters, and any and all other persons associated with the Event harmless and release them from any and all liability in connection with my participation. I agree to engage in, and promote safe, responsible flying and to adhere to all event safety rules. I agree to inspect all facilities, fields, and equipment prior to participating and to immediately share any safety concerns with event organizers. I acknowledge that kiteflying may involve risk of serious injury and/or economic losses resulting from my actions and those of others and assume this risk and agree not to sue event sponsors, organizers, owners and lessors of event locations, and event participants as well as the American Kitefliers Association, its directors, agents and volunteers for losses damages, property damage or injury. I further agree that the Event may use, without payment, permission or restriction any photograph, film, tape, or digital image in which I may appear for any purpose whatsoever. I understand that the AKA does not control the weather and that there will be no refunds given due to cancellation of any events after August 29, 2025. NOTE: by registering on behalf of a participant less than 18 years old, the parent or guardian also expressly agrees to all of the above agreement.
I HAVE READ THE ABOVE WAIVER AND RELEASE, AND UNDERSTAND I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY AGREEING TO IT VOLUNTARILY.
