ANNUAL AZFA
CONFERENCE
BUILDING BETTER NETWORKS. BUILDING BETTER FACILITIES.
Please plan to join us in Cincinnati October 11-15, 2026, for the Aquarium & Zoo Facility Association’s 33rd Annual Conference! Here are some of the highlights that we would like to share with you about this year’s conference:
Pre-Conference Tour and Icebreaker
Sunday October 11
Bowyer Farm
Mason, OH
The Cincinnati Zoo has been dedicated to sustainability and conservation not only on grounds within its Avondale location but at its off-grounds property as well. In 1995, a 529-acre farm called Bowyer Farm was willed to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden with the guideline that it could never be developed unless it is to further the mission of the Zoo.
Since then, the property has grown to 600+ acres, and includes a native plant program, wetland restoration, a browse program, a cheetah run area, and sun and sheep farming.
Zoo Day
Wednesday, October 14
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Cincinnati, OH
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of the oldest and best zoos in the nation. At its core lies an abundance of biodiversity, featuring over 400 species of animals and 3,000 plant species. It is also a world-renowned leader in the areas of endangered species reproduction, groundbreaking education collaboratives, and green practices.
Post-Conference Tour
Thursday, October 15
Newport Aquarium
Newport, KY
Delighting families since 1999, Newport Aquarium welcomes your family to discover the wonder of an underwater world. SEA thousands of the world’s most exotic aquatic creatures as you waddle with playful penguins, meet a rare white alligator, be surrounded by sharks and surprised by smiling stingrays. Encounter thrilling adventures like the first-in-the-world Shark Bridge, where you can cross inches above a tank full of sharks on a rope bridge. Plus, experience the NEW exhibit Shipwreck: Realm of the Eels and explore a long ago-sunken ship and the creatures that call this accidental reef home. All while spending quality time together and creating lasting memories.
EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS FOR CINCINNATI 2026
The AZFA Program & Education Committee has been hard at work putting together our educational sessions for this year's conference. We know one of the main reason your institution sends you to the annual AZFA conference is for the educational sessions. Our goal is to offer a variety of educational opportunities that broadens the brim your professional facilities hat.
Stay tuned for more agenda updates, and in the meantime start planning your selections. Session topics include:
- Lantern Festivals: What to Know Before You Glow
- Waste Management & Diversion Panel
- Bird-Safe Buildings: Designing with Native Birds in Mind
- LSS Workshop
- Eliminating the Disconnect Between Zoos, Architects, CMs, and Zoo Specialty Contractors
- Improving Zoo Stormwater Retention Systems for Sustainability and Operational Efficiency
- Bright Ideas for Better Habitats: An Overview of UV Light Supplementation in Zoos & Aquariums
- Stakeholder Engagement in Design & Construction
- Climate Resilience Through the Lens of Climate-Experienced Loss
- Large Animal Moves: Planning for Life, Loss, and Logistics Roundtable
- Keeping the Water Moving: A Hands-On Introduction to Pool and Exhibit Motor Bearing Replacement
- Solar Installations Panel
- Management by Objective vs. Management by Control
- The Science of Sound: Sound Level Measurement at Brookfield Zoo
- You Can’t Grow That Here: Hydroponic Farms at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
- Ready, Set, Generate: Building Strong Emergency Power Plans Roundtable
- Mesh Repair Workshop with Nets Unlimited
- Sustainability Certifications
- MacGuyver Awards: Creative Problem Solving by AZFA Members
…and more!
Agenda, sessions and speakers will be updated regularly. Bookmark this page to check for updates.
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