Annual Conference

2023 Annual Conference

The 2023 Annual Conference will take place September 9-14 in Columbus, OH, hosted by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. 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 2,500 dedicated colleagues at AZA-accredited aquariums and zoos who share a common vision to protect and save species.

Registration Now Open

Register to attend in-person and join 2,500 peers who share a passion for what they do, a drive to find new solutions, and an eagerness to make a difference in the zoo and aquarium community.

Not able to attend this year’s Annual Conference in-person? Register to access the Annual Conference REWIND from your computer or mobile device! View content, including General Sessions and select Concurrent Sessions, presented during the in-person Conference, Tuesday, September 12-Thursday, September 14. In addition to the on-demand recordings, mark your calendar to participate in the Annual Conference REWIND LIVE with an online community! Join conversations taking place Monday, October 16-Wednesday, October 18. You'll be able to connect with colleagues and speakers online. Bring your thoughts and questions as we revisit the sessions presented during the in-person Annual Conference.

Full Conference Schedule Now Available

View the Full Conference Schedule, which includes the detailed schedule of Committee, Animal Program, and SAFE Meetings and Concurrent Sessions. 

Exhibit and Sponsor

Learn more about the opportunities to promote your business at AZA Annual. Network with peers & sharing of successful programs. Explore new ideas and best practices. Learn about new technology, products, and services. Visit here to exhibit, advertise, and sponsor today!

Future Annual Conferences

2023 Annual Conference
September 9-14, 2023
Columbus, Ohio
Hosted by Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

2024 Annual Conference
September 14-19, 2024
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Hosted by Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

2025 Annual Conference
September 13-18, 2025
Tampa, Florida
Hosted by The Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay


Mid-Year Meeting

The 2023 Mid-Year Meeting took place in Oklahoma City, March 25-30, hosted by the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden. More than 940 colleagues, exhibitors and sponsors made the trip to Oklahoma to learn from one another and discuss big ideas, in person.

Future Mid-Year Meetings

2024 Mid-Year Meeting
March 16-21, 2024
Memphis, TN
Hosted by Memphis Zoo

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

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