Reopening Webinar Series
Impact of COVID-19 on Attitudes toward Animals: Framing Effective Messages
How has our collective human experience with COVID-19 affected people’s attitudes toward animals and nature? As we begin to reunite with our guests in-person (and continue to connect with global audiences through our online programming), zoo and aquarium educators need to re-frame messages around the basics: the interdependence of people and wildlife, importance of connection to nature, and the value of science.
Join us for this first in a series of webinars in partnership with AZA's Conservation Education Committee designed to build a community of practice as we discuss the opportunities and challenges of interpreting conservation during this tumultuous time. We will explore framing effective messages both internally for volunteers, staff and Board members and for our guests, social media audiences, our donors and our community.
Presenters:
Julie Henry, President, Finish Line Leadership
Terry O’Connor, Principal Consultant, Terry O’Connor Consulting LLC
Nette Pletcher, Founder, Beez Kneez Creative
Date/Time: Tuesday, August 11, 1-2:30 PM EDT
Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity for Membership Programs
Find out how to incorporate diversity, inclusion, and equity into your membership program. You will learn that by focusing on knowledge, empathy, and action you can create a community that is inclusive for people of different races, cultures, and backgrounds. This webinar will go into detail about how to 1) build your knowledge about anti-racism as a way to better inform your DEI plans, 2) launch an accessible membership level with DEI in mind, and 3) connect with local communities and launch DEI initiatives to attract a more diverse audience to your organization.
Speakers:
Emily Pinckney, Youth Volunteer Coordinator - Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Alix Gasser, Director of Membership, Business Development & FUN! - Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Alyssa Pacaut, Senior Manager of Membership - Aquarium of the Pacific
Date/Time: Thursday, August 20, 2-3:30 PM EDT
Past Webinars
Building Resiliency in Our People
This pandemic and current social climate poses daily opportunities to improve how we guide and support our staff and volunteers as individuals and teams. Join this webinar, led by the AZA Human Resources Committee to hear colleagues discuss their experiences, including challenges and solutions they’ve realized along the way. Join us for insights, lessons learned, and ideas for supporting our people in our ever-changing environment.
Moderator: Laura Martina, Chief People Officer - Fresno Chaffee Zoo
Speakers:
Tammy Burnett, VP Organizational Development - Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden
Melissa Dude, Volunteer Program Manager - The Florida Aquarium
Mara-Lynne Payne, Senior Manager of Diversity & Inclusion - Tennessee Aquarium
Charlisa Shelly, Director of Human Resources - Kansas City Zoo
Jeff Vanek, Director of Human Resources - Utah's Hogle Zoo
Christie Vondrak, Chief Administrative Officer - Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens
Date/Time: Friday, July 10, 2-3:30 PM EDT
What Have We Learned Since Re-Opening?
Join this session presented by the AZA Business Operations Committee to learn from peers what facilities have learned during their re-opening including: How to determine capacity & ticketing; Staff & Guest Safety; Sanitation; Social Distancing; In Zoo Communication - Signage & other methods; and Concessions (Retail, Food Service, Animal Encounters, rides).
Moderator: Andrea Froehle, VP of Marketing & Communications - Event Network
Speakers:
Doug Lund, Sr. VP & COO - Utah's Hogle Zoo
Rachel Summers, COO - Blank Park Zoo
Eric Donovan, Director of Operations - Elmwood Park Zoo
Greg Charbeneau, VP/GM - OdySea Aquarium
Date/Time: Wednesday, June 24, 2-3:30 PM EDT
Population Management During the COVID-19 Crisis
This webinar, developed by the AZA Animal Population Management (APM) Committee, focuses on the current challenges that our cooperatively managed breeding programs are facing as a result of this public health crisis. The panelists will discuss various management strategies, priorities, and options that our zoos and aquariums may implement during this time. Program Leaders will hear ideas on how to keep managing their animal populations during the current budget, staffing, and transport limitations.
Moderator: Stacey Johnson, Corporate Director of Conservation & Research - San Diego Zoo Global
Presenters & Speakers:
Lori Perkins, Deputy Director - Birmingham Zoo
Joe Barkowski, Vice President of Animal Conservation & Science - Tulsa Zoo
Kristine Schad Eebes, Director - AZA Population Management Center
Drew Foster, Animal Curator - Phoenix Zoo
Barrett Christie, Director of Animal Husbandry - Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
Mandi Schook, Science Operations Director - Disney's Animal Kingdom
Colleen Lynch, Curator of Birds - Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Date/Time: Friday, June 12, 12-1:30 PM EDT
Preparing for Re-Opening Operations
Join this session presented by the AZA Business Operations Committee to learn from peers how to tackle the big re-opening questions including: How to determine capacity & ticketing; Staff & Guest Safety; Sanitation; Social Distancing; In Zoo Communication - Signage & other methods; and Concessions (Retail, Food Service, Animal Encounters, rides).
Moderator: Sean Greene, COO/Exec. VP of Park Operations - Dallas Zoo
Speakers:
Lochlan Wooten, Chief Operating Officer - Riverbanks Zoo
Douglas Rickenbach, Chief Operating Officer - Naples Zoo
Sally Jacobson, Executive Director - Red River Zoo
Dale Schmidt, EVP/Chief Operating Officer - National Aquarium
Charles Hopper, Business Operations Manager - Seattle Aquarium
Date/Time: Thursday, May 28, 2-3:30 PM EDT
Managing Membership Through a Changing Landscape
Join this session presented by the AZA Advancement Committee to learn from peers how they are communicating with and supporting their members through closure and re-opening. Topics will include planning for re-opening; special considerations and benefits for members; membership extensions; and budget impacts and planning.
Moderator: Alyssa Pacaut, Membership Manager - Aquarium of the Pacific
Speakers:
Gail Brown, Chief Development Officer - Reid Park Zoo
Lucia Clifton, Director, Membership - Saint Louis Zoo
Kate Fridholm, Senior Director of Annual Giving - Lincoln Park Zoo
Liz Grover, Development & Member Services Manager - Roger Williams Park Zoo
Date/Time: Wednesday, May 27, 2-3:30 PM EDT
Communicating with Our Local Communities
Join this session presented by the AZA Public Relations Committee to learn more about communications around zoo and aquarium openings with first-hand accounts of what has worked for organizations that have already opened. It will also include reference information for communications building regarding biosecurity and operational aspects of openings.
Moderator: Ted Molter, Chief Marketing Officer, San Diego Zoo Global
Presenters:
Timothy Ng, Zoological Operations and Education Director - Ocean Park
Andy Wood, Chief Operating Officer - Florida Aquarium
Jennifer Vela Director of Marketing, Sales, and Communications - Texas State Aquarium
Erica Hansen, Community Relations Manager - Hogle Zoo
Lauren Howard, D.V.M., Associate Director, Veterinary Services - San Diego Zoo Global
Date/Time: Thursday, May 14, 1-2:30 PM EDT
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