Annual Conference
The 2024 AZA Annual Conference will take place September 14-19 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, hosted by the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.
Register Today!
Registration and housing are now open! Early bird discounts end Friday, August 16.
Please note: There are two Convention Centers in Calgary. The Conference will take place at the BMO Centre on Stampede Park, not the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre. All Conference hotels are located about a 15-20 minute walk or short train ride from the BMO Centre on Stampede Park.
2024 Call for Papers Deadline Passed
The deadline for the Call for Papers was Friday, April 7. Submitters will be notified of the Annual Conference Program Committee's decision by the end of May.
Interested in Exhibiting or Sponsoring?
View the Conference prospectus. Contact Grace Hamilton for more information.
Future Annual Conferences
The Annual Conference is the largest, most comprehensive zoo and aquarium professionals’ event in the country. Attending the AZA Annual Conference provides opportunities to:
- Explore ideas and best practices with more than 150 education program sessions, poster presentations, and round-table topic discussions;
- Discover successes and lessons learned from a community of veterans and young professionals – large and small facilities alike;
- Experience new technology and services in a diverse Exhibit Hall featuring more than 150 companies and organizations showcasing their latest products;
- Connect with more than 2,000 dedicated colleagues at AZA-accredited aquariums and zoos who share a common vision to protect and save species.
2025 Annual Conference
September 13-18, 2025
Tampa, FL
Hosted by The Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
2026 Annual Conference
September 26-October 1, 2026
Portland, OR
Hosted by the Oregon Zoo
Animal Wellbeing Summit
The AZA Animal Wellbeing Summit will take place November 11-13, 2024 in New Orleans, LA. It will bring together professional colleagues from a variety of animal-related fields to network and share ideas with others who are actively engaged in enhancing animal wellbeing. The Summit kicks off with a welcome reception at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas on the evening of November 11th, followed by two full days of sessions, including formal presentations, panel discussions, Q & A with audience participation, and interactive activities. The Summit reflects the goals of the AZA Animal Wellbeing Strategy.
Programming Topics
- Animal Wellbeing Culture and Leadership – What specific behaviors can leaders demonstrate to cultivate and reinforce a culture of animal wellbeing? What are the challenges we face and how can leaders address those challenges? How important is strong leadership to the day-to-day lives of the animals in our care? How can leaders help to foster a culture of continual improvement for animal wellbeing?
- Partnerships and Collaborations to Advance Animal Wellbeing – Where is the common ground between zoos and aquariums and other animal organizations that don’t fully align with our mission? How do we identify shared goals, and how can we approach reaching those goals by joining forces?
- Welfare Science and Innovation – What’s the latest cutting-edge animal welfare science? How are other animal-related industries innovating to better understand and provide for animal wellbeing? How do we translate science into practical application?
- Communication and Public Perception about Animal Wellbeing – How can we engage our audiences to care about animal wellbeing? How are others talking about wellbeing? What are the best practices and how effective are they?
Register Today!
Registration and housing are now open! Early bird discounts end Friday, October 11.
Interested in Sponsoring the Summit?
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact Grace Hamilton for more information.
Mid-Year Meeting
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Memphis for the 2024 Mid-Year Meeting! More than 1,100 colleagues, exhibitors, and sponsors made the trip to learn from one another and discuss big ideas, in person. A big thank you to the staff and volunteers of the Memphis Zoo! Your time and dedication to the Mid-Year Meeting is recognized and greatly appreciated.
Future Mid-Year Meetings
2025 Mid-Year Meeting
March 24-29, 2025
Palm Springs, CA
Hosted by The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Conference Proceedings
Mid-Year Meeting and Annual Conference Proceedings, dating back to 2019, are available for download to AZA members. If you're looking for older proceedings, contact the AZA Meetings Department.
Questions about Conferences and Meetings?
General questions - Contact the AZA Meetings Department
Exhibiting or sponsorship questions - Contact Grace Hamilton, Coordinator, Integrated Marketing & Development
General updates - Sign up for our Conferences and Meetings e-newsletter to stay informed