The Aviation Mental Health Symposium 2024 is hosted by Western 麻豆传媒应用 University at the College of Aviation in Battle Creek, 麻豆传媒应用. The symposium will be held on October 7-10, 2024, with the 7th and 10th as travel days. Registration is required to attend. If you would like to attend the whole symposium or one or more sessions, please Information regarding our keynote event and a link for keynote-only sign up is available below.
Keynote
The keynote event, Training The Durable Mindset: 10 Keys to Elevating Mental Performance by Dr. Dillon L. Small is slated for October 8 at 7pm. Location is TBD on our main campus in Kalamazoo. Dr. Small is the Director of Sport Performance Psychology for Air Force Academy Athletics, and a licensed clinical psychologist. Prior to this role, Dr. Small served as the Chief of Psychological Health for the Air Force Academy Cadet Wing, where he maintained programmatic oversight for a team of embedded mental performance experts that work directly with Cadets to ensure high-performance in academics, athletics, and leadership.
Planning to attend only the keynote given by Dr. Dillon Small, Director of Sports Psychology at the USAFA Athletic Department?
Accommodations
Below you will find information regarding travel, lodging, and dining. The Symposium is being held at our Aviation Education Center (AEC) in Battle Creek, which is about 20 miles from Kalamazoo. We recommend lodging in downtown Kalamazoo which has the convenience of several dining options within walking distance. If you have any questions regarding any of the information below, contact Meredith Stravers at (269) 964-7767 or meredith.stravers@wmich.edu.
Flights
Kalamazoo is accessible from several airport locations
- (53 miles)
- (123 miles)
- (171 miles)
- (152 miles)
There will be limited transportation to Battle Creek from Kalamazoo lodging; renting a vehicle and/or ride sharing with other attendees is strongly recommended. Shuttle service to the AEC in Battle Creek may be available and this site will be updated once that is established. Shuttle seating may be limited.
Lodging
Lodging will be available at the for $119/night in downtown Kalamazoo. A room block for symposium guests will be available until September 27th. On the reservations site, you can click on "Edit Stay" at the top of the page to edit your travel dates. Any stay between October 7 - 10 will be granted the room block rate. A continental breakfast is provided by the hotel and a light breakfast will also be available at the AEC prior to the Symposium start.
The is also available in the heart of downtown, across the street from Home2 Suites.
Dining
Lunch for Oct. 8 and 9 will be provided. Downtown Kalamazoo has several delicious dining options available. Recommendations are below.
Attractions
Many attractions are driving distance attractions. Some are in Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, or somewhere between.
Early October in southwest 麻豆传媒应用 begins our fall and is just before our leaves begin their gorgeous transformation. If you are looking for fall fun, we recommend for fresh pressed apple cider, donuts, pumpkins, petting farm, corn mazes, and more. is also a great option for getting some fresh air and visiting their new baby zebra!
The in Kalamazoo has attractions, exhibits, aircrafts, a museum, and more! The Air Zoo is located near the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport. is just a few blocks away from the Kalamazoo airport and offers bowling, laser tag, a mini rollercoaster, escape rooms, a full arcade, and so much more. If you are looking for a quieter experience, we recommend the movies! is spacious with recliner seating and great concessions.
If you're feeling competitive and want to hangout in an 80s/90s flashback, is a great place for food, drinks, arcade, and video games (Donkey Kong, Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, Ninja Turtles, Rampage, Game Cube, etc.). Downtown also has quite a few local-owned shops that are all within walking distance from the Hilton. Look for the street "Kalamazoo Mall" and you'll find lots of cute, unique places to peruse!