Organization name:
Gallatin Airport Authority/Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
 	
Street address:
850 Gallatin Field Rd. Suite 6
 	
City:
Belgrade
 	
State/Province:
MT
 	
First name:
Michaela
 	
Last name:
Borovac
 	
Position/Role in Event:
Event Coordinator
 	
Email:
michaela.borovac@bozemanairport.com
 	
Phone number:
406-388-6632
 	
Which TBID are you applying to?:
Bozeman TBID
 	
Event Title:
2026 Montana Airline Rendezvous
 	
Proposed Date of Event:
August 31, 2026 
 	
Event Location:
Bozeman
 	
Amount of Funding Requested:
20,000.00
 	
Total Budget:
70,000.00
 	
Summary of Event:
We are hosting the 2026 Montana Airline Rendezvous event taking place August 31 – September 2, 2026 in Bozeman, MT. By way of background, the Montana Airline Rendezvous was created to give Montana’s commercial service airports and their airline partners a fresh, experience-based, approach to air service development. Instead of the traditional PowerPoint pitch, the Rendezvous invites airline representatives to experience our communities firsthand. Since its launch in 2018, it has become a cornerstone event for Montana Airports and air service development in the state. 
BZN last hosted the Rendezvous event in 2019 in Big Sky, MT, and that event played a significant role in securing Southwest Airlines service. We believe the event last year (hosted in Kalispell by Glacier Park International Airport) helped influence Delta Air Lines’ most recent announcement about service to Austin, TX (AUS) beginning this summer at our airport. The Rendezvous continues to bring meaningful visibility to Bozeman and has contributed to positive air service growth statewide. 
We are thrilled to be the host airport once again and are excited to keep the event local and showcase Bozeman’s vibrant community, local partnerships, and the many factors contributing to the success of our region and our airport. While the Rendezvous will be hosted entirely in Bozeman, attendees will also participate in a dedicated excursion day in Big Sky, MT. 
This event includes a “speed-dating” element on the last day (Wednesday, September 2). In this speed dating session, each Montana commercial service airport is allotted 20 minutes to meet with every airline in attendance. This opportunity allows airports to foster deeper connections with airline partners and discuss the current and future trends of air service development. 
We want attendees to leave with stories they cannot wait to share with their airline colleagues long after the event concludes. Ultimately, the event is designed to strengthen relationships, highlight the demand and appeal of our market, and support future air service opportunities for our region.
 	
Grant Request Purpose:
Funding is being requested to support airline attendee hospitality and transportation costs associated with this event. Specifically, grant funds will subsidize hotel accommodations in downtown Bozeman, ground transportation for airline representatives to and from Montana State University for a hosted meet-and-greet with staff and a tour of the university’s state-of-the-art facilities, as well as locally catered dining experiences including an event at the Museum of the Rockies and Carlisle’s. These experiences are designed to showcase the region’s community partnerships, hospitality, and amenities while fostering meaningful relationships with airline attendees that support future air service opportunities to Southwest Montana.
 	
Lodging Facility Impact:
This event will bring together current and future airline partners, community and business members, and our colleagues from all of Montana’s commercial service airports. We have reached out to 14 airlines: American, Air Canada, Alaska, Delta, Breeze, JetBlue, Sun Country, United, Southwest, Southern, CapeAir, Westjet, Allegiant, and Frontier and expect their attendees to come from across the United States. Additionally, our airport colleagues will be coming in from: Missoula, Billings, Butte, Helena, Great Falls, Kalispell, and West Yellowstone. By providing a memorable and authentic Southwest Montana experience, this event creates opportunities to strengthen airline partnerships and encourage future air service growth to the region, which in turn supports increased tourism, business development, and leisure travel throughout the area.
 	
Organization Overview:
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport has gone through many transformations throughout its history. From its origin nearly nine decades ago as Seifert Airport, to serving as the site for the Civilian Pilot Training program at Montana State University, it has grown into the state’s busiest airport, serving over 2.8 million total passengers in 2025, and a $2.2 billion economic engine for Southwest Montana.
 	
Available Resources:
In addition to seeking funds from the TBID, we have explored partnerships with local airport partners and businesses, Big Sky Resort and Big Sky Chamber, as well as Yellowstone Country Montana Incorporated.
 	
Project Budget Timeline & Requirements:
Detailed budget breakdown will be submitted via email in accordance with this application.
 	
Additional Comments:
We appreciate your partnership with this event. As mentioned earlier in the application, we are proud to bring the 2026 Montana Airline Rendezvous to Bozeman and showcase what makes our region a premier destination.
 	
Event Challenges:
At this time, we have not faced any challenges.
 	
How many volunteers are required?:
1 
 	
Has this event been in the Gallatin Valley before?:
No
 	
Has this event been in Montana before?:
Yes
 	
Could this event cancel on the same day due to inclement weather?:
No
 	
Could this event cancel a month of less before its intended date for any reason?:
No
 	
What, if any, entities will proceed from this event?:
Southwest Montana
 	
Why will proceeds be donated?:
This is an event that will increase tourism, business, and leisure travel to Southwest Montana and the state.
 	
Grant Application Terms & Conditions:
Yes
 	
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	•	CONTACT 
•	Michaela Borovac