ANNUAL AZFA
The AZFA is expanding the conference this year to a full series of hour-long virtual sessions, starting in February and culminating in a special two-hour session in October that includes the annual Business Meeting. We are now accepting proposals for presentations and sponsorships. This year’s theme is Catalyst for Good Change, focusing on the positive ways the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted our industry to adapt and rebuild toward a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable future.
The Zoom sessions will occur on the 4th Thursday of each month at 2:00 p.m. Central Standard Time*. Each will include member news and updates, a feature presentation, and a vendor/sponsor message. Feature presentations can be 15 minutes long, plus Q&A, on topics such as sustainability, safety, LSS and water quality, exhibit design, animal holding, construction details, project management, leadership and advocacy, and facilities maintenance best practices as they relate to the theme.
Since we can’t travel, we’d like to bring the facilities to you by featuring a different zoo or aquarium each month. We also want to add a personal connection by highlighting one of our members. Both of these will be 10-minute segments per session. For those missing our usual happy hour meet-and-greets, stay tuned for more details about a virtual September Social.
Time slots for vendor/sponsor messages are available throughout the series. Sponsorships include speaking opportunities, logo recognition on the website and session slides, and admission to the September mixer.
If you are interested in presenting, sponsoring, or recording a featured member or facility video, please contact sam.peterson@sazoo.org for further details. Pre-recorded videos and presentation slides may be requested with your proposal.
The September session may have a different time, to be determined, due to the inclusion of the Social. The October session will be 2 hours long to feature a keynote address, presenting sponsor, and elections.
Session 1 Agenda 2/25/2021
Session 1 Zoom recording
Session 2 Agenda 3/25/2021
Session 2 Zoom Recording
PREVIOUS CONFERENCES
2019 AZFA CONFERENCE – Oklahoma City Zoo, Oklahoma City
Professionals from over 40 zoos and aquariums from around the world and 22 vendors traveled to historic Oklahoma City for four days of exploration, learning and fun.
Are you interested in applying to host an upcoming conference? Please find applications and host help documents below!
AZFA Conference Host Facility Application 2022
AZFA Conference Host Facility Application 2023
Conference Host Responsibilities
Conference Registration & Information Booth
Not sure if you’re ready to host a conference yet? Consider hosting the spring Mid-Year Meeting.
Have questions or need more information, please contact John Kanzia, Site Selection Subcommittee Chair at john.kanzia@czs.org.