AZA Professional Development Course Policies

2023 Vaccination Policy

As a science-based organization, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums encourages all registrants, instructors, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors and staff attending AZA meetings, courses and events to be up-to-date with vaccinations of all kinds, including COVID-19 and flu vaccinations. While vaccinations are encouraged, providing proof of vaccination is not required.

Registrants are required to agree to the Attendee Liability Waiver and Assumption of Risk Policy upon registering, agreeing to comply with any state or local mask mandates in place for indoor events until further notice. If no mask mandate is in place, attendees are encouraged to wear masks if they wish, but not required.

Registration Policies

Registration and payment does not constitute acceptance in the course. Registration secures a spot on the waiting list only. Enrollment priority is given to current AZA Professional Affiliate and Professional Fellow members, and other groups as indicated by course. If a course fills, applicants will be placed on a waiting list and contacted if space becomes available. Registrants will be notified of acceptance decisions prior to course start date. Course registration closes four weeks prior to the course start date.

Substitutions from the same institution will be accepted without penalty, but must be provided in writing and approved by AZA staff. Please email cancellation or substitution requests to azatraining@aza.org.

Payments

All payments must be made in U.S. funds, drawn on by a U.S. bank, and payable to AZA. Credit card payments will be processed in U.S. funds, in accordance with effective exchange rates. Statement to show a charge by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Check payments must be received by AZA within 30 days of submitting your registration or four weeks prior to the course start date, whichever comes first. In order to receive the Early Bird rate, payment must be postmarked before the Early Bird deadline. If payment is not postmarked by this date, registrant will be re-invoiced at the Regular rate. Checks sent for course payment will be cashed immediately upon receipt as per standard business practices. Cashing your check does not indicate that you have been accepted into a course.

Refunds

Refund requests must be received in writing no later than four weeks prior to the course start date. No refund consideration will be given for cancellations after this date or for no-shows. Approved refunds will be issued within 45 business days after the course ends and a $50.00 processing fee will be deducted.

Wait-list applicants who are not admitted into a course will automatically be refunded the full registration amount without the $50.00 processing fee.

Participant Code of Conduct

AZA is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all meeting participants and AZA staff. Each and every participant, including attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, Association staff, service providers, is expected to understand and follow attendance policies. These expectations apply to all AZA events. Please review the full Code of Conduct here.

Speaker Code of Conduct

1 – Representation: Each SPEAKER at an AZA-sponsored event commits to accurately represent their qualifications and experience in all oral and written communications.

2 – Professionalism: Each SPEAKER shall act and speak in a most professional and ethical manner at all times during an AZA event so as not to bring discredit to the SPEAKER or AZA.

3 – Zero Tolerance: The SPEAKER understands that AZA is committed to providing a welcoming environment for all attendees of every background. AZA has zero-tolerance for any form of discrimination or harassment, in speech or conduct, at any AZA event. Each SPEAKER must avoid offensive comments and conduct based on race, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion or personal appearance. SPEAKER further understands that violation of this paragraph at any time during an AZA event can result in expulsion from this and future AZA events, or other corrective actions.

4 – Intellectual Property: Each SPEAKER shall not use the intellectual property of another - either orally or in writing - unless granted written permission by the owner of the material, except for permissible fair use of material under copyright laws.

5 – Respect & Collegiality: The SPEAKER shall always maintain a collegial relationship with all those in attendance at an AZA event. All speech and conduct at an AZA event must be based on respect, professional courtesy, dignity and the highest ethical standards in the AZA Code of Professional Ethics.

Speaker Agreement

My presentation will cover information/topics requested by AZA's Professional Development Program Staff & Committee, and agreed to by me. I agree to comply with all program-related deadlines provided to me by AZA for this event, including but not limited to deadlines for equipment requests, course resources and documents, travel arrangements, etc.
During my presentation, I will not engage in any type of promotional marketing or selling of any company, product, brand, or service.
I agree to notify AZA's Coordinator of Professional Development (azatraining@aza.org) immediately in the event that I am unable to meet my obligations as a presenter.
I authorize AZA to use my name, likeness, photograph, and biographical data in connection with the use and promotion of the program.
To the best of my knowledge, my presentation does not violate any proprietary or personal rights of others (including any copyright, trademark and privacy rights), is factually accurate, and contains nothing defamatory or otherwise unlawful. I have the full authority to enter into this agreement and have obtained all necessary permissions or licenses from any individuals or organizations whose material is included or used in my presentation and given them appropriate credit.
I will be responsible for making all travel arrangements in a timely manner prior to the course, and for submitting all expense reimbursements promptly following the event.
All attendees, speakers, and Association staff are expected to abide by the terms of the Code of Conduct. Violations may result in expulsion and possible ban from future AZA events.

Questions?

For additional details please contact the AZA Professional Development Department

updated May 18, 2023