AZA, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, will hold the 2024 AZA Annual Conference from 14 to 19 September at the BMO Centre in Calgary, Canada. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo will host the event, which is the region’s biggest and most comprehensive gathering for zoo and aquarium professionals.
Attendees at the AZA Annual Conference can explore ideas and best practices in over 150 education program sessions, poster presentations, and roundtable conversations. They will also have the opportunity to hear from over 75 AZA Committees, SAFE, and Animal Programs (TAGs, SSPs, SAGs) and discover successes and lessons from large and small zoo and aquarium facilities.
Meanwhile, they will also be able to experience new technology and services in a diversified Exhibit Hall. Over 150 firms and organisations will display their latest products at the event. Plus, attendees can connect with over 2,000 passionate colleagues at AZA-accredited aquariums and zoos who share a common vision to protect and save species.
Highlights from the 2024 AZA Annual Conference agenda
Over the weekend, a series of pre-conference tours requiring a separate ticket will take place. These include trips to Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s Archibald Biodiversity Center, Banff & Lake Louise, Drumheller, Royal Tyrrell Museum, and the Badlands. Various committee meetings and executive sessions are also scheduled for the weekend.
On Monday 16 September, there will be an evening Icebreaker event at Heritage Park Historical Village. One ticket for this is included with a full conference registration. Extra tickets can be purchased ahead of the event.
Heritage Park in southwest Calgary sits on a 127-acre peninsula surrounded by the Glenmore Reservoir on three sides. The majestic Rocky Mountains form the backdrop.
Attendees will be welcomed in true Western fashion and transported into a nostalgic wonderland. Here, they can explore the area’s history and enjoy food and drink pairings with a prairie flair. They can also enjoy an entertainment line-up featuring country music bands and Indigenous performers. The amusement park rides, the ice cream parlour, and the old-time candy shoppe will also be open.
General sessions
The 2024 AZA Annual Conference features three fascinating General Sessions. This includes the Honors & Awards General Session, which celebrates excellence in the zoo and aquarium community.
Anthony Morgan
Firstly, on Tuesday 17 September, from 8 – 9.30 am, attendees will hear from Anthony Morgan. Morgan is an award-winning science communicator, PhD researcher, startup founder, and game designer who has hosted dozens of TV programs. He’s also the new host of The Nature of Things on CBC Television.
Morgan wants to change how people see, think, and talk about science in their daily lives. He has worked at the Ontario Science Centre with Asap SCIENCE, written for newspapers, hosted CBC Radio, worked with municipal governments, and is also on the misinformation-tackling Science Up First’s steering committee. He has been designated one of CBC’s top 20 millennial change-makers. In addition, he received a Falling Walls nomination for a groundbreaking scientific engagement effort.
Peter Gros and Dr Rae Wynn-Grant
On Wednesday 18 September, from 8 – 9.30 am, wildlife expert Peter Gros and wildlife ecologist Dr Rae Wynn-Grant, co-hosts of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, will highlight current work being done within AZA that will be shown in the next season of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild.
This general session will also feature panellists Nadya Seal Faith from Santa Barbara Zoo, Ruth Allard of Phoenix Zoo, Jeff Ewelt from Zoo Montana, and Nikki Smith from Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
AZA Honors and Awards
Finally, on Wednesday from 11.45 to 1.30 pm, the Honors & Awards Lunch will take place. This general session will include an address from Denise Verret.
Verret is the CEO of Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens and the incoming AZA board chair. Prestigious awards and the annual Marketing Committee’s presentation of PIZZAZZ will be presented. The incoming and outgoing board of directors and ethics board members will be recognized for their leadership.
Hear from peers and experts from across the sector at the 2024 AZA Annual Conference
Here are a few highlights attendees can expect from the packed agenda at the 2024 AZA Annual Conference.
Tuesday 17 September
The Exhibit Hall’s Grand Opening is at 9.30 on Tuesday, following the opening general session. The action kicks off with a Trends Report Q&A from 9.30 to 11.30.
AZA Expo LIVE sessions
AZA Expo LIVE sessions will occur throughout the day at the new AZA Expo LIVE exhibit hall theatre. This includes AZA Expo LIVE: Impact of a Plastic-Free Gift Shop: New England Aquarium Case Study, presented by Event Network at 10 am.
In early 2024, Event Network and the New England Aquarium committed to eliminating plastic from the gift store. The collaboration involved honest, transparent data sharing, including discussions on the risks. The teams also noted that a plastic-free environment would be “an evolution, not a revolution.”
Suzanne Liola Matus of the New England Aquarium and Event Network’s Julie Ricci will discuss how this transformation affected the mission, guest experience, retail environment, and revenue.
At 12:15 pm, attendees can enjoy AZA Expo LIVE: Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Season Two Reveal and Q&A. Co-hosts Peter Gros and Dr Rae Wynn-Grant will reveal what’s to come in Season Two and host a Q&A.
This will be followed by AZA Expo LIVE: Creating Next-level Guest Experiences and Deepening Connections Across Generations, presented by SSA Group at 1 pm. As the next generation of visitors emerges, understanding how to meet their expectations is crucial. An excellent guest experience requires exceptional service, innovative technology, and a dedication to visitor values. This encourages people to act, stay connected, and return as loyal and engaged visitors.
David Rosenberg from SSA Ventures will discuss industry trends and best practices for improving visitor experiences.
At 3.30 pm, Immotion will present AZA Expo LIVE: Technology and Education in Zoos and Aquariums. This will explore how institutions are embracing technologies such as VR and AR. Milwaukee County Zoo’s Trish Kahn and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s Kristen Lucas, board chair of the Fossey Fund, will share case studies.
Guest experience, DEAI, and more
One highlight on Tuesday morning is Creating Guest Experiences that Generate Resources for Mission Impact at 10.30 am. From behind-the-scenes encounters to zip lines, evening events, and underwater experiences, zoos and aquariums are finding new ways to engage with people and increase revenue.
During this session, Adam Huston of Toronto Zoo, Bob Chastain from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Tina Cloutier-Barbour of Dallas Zoo, Dave Peranteau of OdySea Aquarium, Stephanie Alexander from San Diego Zoo, and Jaime Yablonicky of San Diego Zoo Safari Park, will discuss how AZA institutions’ distinctive visitor experiences are creating new revenue streams and resources to save wildlife. Sean Greene, CEO of Dallas Zoo, will moderate.
In Changing Minds: Media Strategies, Transparent Trust-Building, Gen Z Activation, Accessible Adventures, and Persuasive Campaigns at 2 pm, Dan Dipiazzo of Georgia Aquarium will lead a discussion about the latest approaches to identifying key audiences, reaching them in meaningful ways, crafting persuasive messages, and shifting people’s misperceptions about the industry.
Speakers include Oceanogràfic Valencia’s Eduardo Nogués Meléndez and Beatriz Domínguez; Deyanira Romo Rossell from the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher; Dr Elizabeth Folta of the North Carolina Zoo; Katie Smith from the National Geographic Society; and Dr Kerrie Littlejohn of Woodland Park Zoo.
Artificial Intelligence at the 2024 AZA Annual Conference
AI in the Wild: Elevating Guest Experiences in Modern Zoos and Aquariums is at 2 pm. Attendees can discover how AI can transform their institution into a more engaging, efficient, and economically thriving environment. This is led by Jason Stover of The SSA Group. It will include insights from Jill Macauley from Behavioral Essentials, David Rosenberg of The SSA Group, Matthew Beaudin from Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Trisha Blake of GoldPhish Marketing.
In Beyond Politics: Leading With DEI in a Divided World at 2 pm, Tiffaney McClendon from Birmingham Zoo will lead a panel discussion around developing actionable strategies to champion Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Panellists are Jasmine Williams of Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Alex Rodriguez from San Antonio Zoo, Tony Rokita from The Florida Aquarium, and Christopher Durosinmi of the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Impactful aquarium design & sustainability
Gen Z & Conservation Action: How National Geographic’s Slingshot Challenge is Reaching the Next Generation of Changemakers is at 2 pm. This is presented by Katie Smith of the National Geographic Society.
Lynne Riesselman of EHDD Architecture will lead Maximizing Impact in Aquarium Design – A Case Study at the Kansas City Zoo. This takes place at 4 pm on Tuesday. Kansas City Zoo’s new Sobela Ocean Aquarium is an award-winning project. It weathered COVID-19 to yield a high impact for its campus and community. This panel uses it as a case study to explore the range of strategies to achieve design excellence at a manageable cost.
Riesselman will also be joined by Sean Putney of Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, Bryan Schuetze from Space Haus, Jeff Hanson of Reynolds Polymer Technology, Inc., and Terri Johnson from TJP Engineering.
Climate change is heavily featured in the 2024 AZA Annual Conference agenda. In Energize for the Ocean: New Approaches to Engaging Audiences in Climate Action, on Tuesday at 4 pm, attendees will review the results from the Energize for the Ocean! campaign’s pilot phase and discuss how these efforts can be adapted and made accessible to other institutions.
Kim McIntyre of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP) will lead. Panellists include Douglas Meyer of the Climate Resilience Fund, Bianca Santos from ACP, Miguela Marzolf of Seattle Aquarium and Deyanira Romo Rossell of the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.
Meanwhile, in Sustainability and Climate Action Planning: Why, How, and What We’ve Learned, sustainability and conservation-driven leaders from institutions across the country discuss the why, how, and what they’ve learned in their climate action journey. Daniel Lawse of Verdis Group will be joined by Tim Lyons of Albuquerque BioPark, Wanda Kolo from Saint Louis Zoo, Colley Hodges of Houston Zoo, and Andrew Fischer from SSA Group.
SAFE updates & crisis scenarios
Advancing Conservation Collectively: Diverse Lessons Learned in Advancing SAFE Program Communications Outcomes is on Tuesday at 4 pm. This will explore seven SAFE species programs.
This will be led by AZA’s Katey Leban. The speakers are Windy Arey-Kent from Seattle Aquarium on SAFE Shark and Ray; Alyssa Taylor from Monarch Joint Venture on the SAFE Monarch Program; Cassandra Davis from the Aquarium of the Pacific on SAFE Sea Turtle; Michelle Kolar from Indianapolis Zoo on SAFE Hornbill, Kristin Ulvestad from Reid Park Zoo on SAFE North American Songbird; Corey Romberg from the Florida Aquarium on SAFE Orangutan; and Joey Powell of Dickerson Park Zoo on SAFE Andean Highland Flamingo.
Also at 4 pm, the PR Hot Seat is an interactive session in which six PR experts – Jillian Braun, Lincoln Park Zoo; Jackie Wallace, Houston Zoo; Hova Najarian, Oregon Zoo; Thom Benson, Tennessee Aquarium; Johnny Ford, Shedd Aquarium; and Jessica Wood, Georgia Aquarium. They will tackle audience-chosen crisis scenarios. Guided by moderator Ronelle Rode of the Museum of Life and Science, they’ll navigate each crisis in a make-believe setting. The audience will also vote on obstacles and ask questions for deeper learning.
At 4.50, AOA‘s Denise Hatcher will moderate Bridging Research and Experience: Diving into MOTE SEA! She will be joined by Dan Bebak of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Jonathan Henry from TVS, Allan Gladstone of Whiting-Turner and Arthur Price of AOA. In this session, attendees will learn how MOTE SEA integrates cutting-edge research into guest experiences. They will also gain insights from diverse experts on collaborative design’s pivotal role in successful aquarium projects.
At 5.30 pm, there will be a reception party on the exhibit hall floor. Attendees can also participate in a session on the Slingshot Challenge presented by National Geographic at 5.45 pm.
Wednesday 18 September
Educational sessions continue on Wednesday at the 2024 AZA Annual Conference. These cover various topics, from virtual programming to field-based experiences.
One interesting session is Beyond our Gates: Connecting Communities through Virtual Programming at 10 am. This will highlight different avenues facilities have explored to communicate important messages. Speakers include Justin Williams from Edmonton Valley Zoo, Steve Gerkin of North Carolina Zoo, Lisa Wu and Katie Farley from The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, and Sara Lesser of the Aquarium of the Pacific.
Meanwhile, Safari Adventures: Bridging Conservation and Donor Engagement through Field-Based Experiences will explore the synergy between safari programs, conservation, and donor cultivation. The moderator is James Ward from Safari Professionals. Speakers include Susan Altrui of Little Rock Zoo, Tim Tetzlaff from Naples Zoo, Rebecca Snyder of Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, Noelle DeLage from Denver Zoo, and Nick Espinosa from Houston Zoo.
Collective impact at the 2024 AZA Annual Conference
Aquariums and Zoos Using Collaborative Approaches for Environmental and Ocean Justice is at 10 am. In this, the Aquarium Conservation Partnership will discuss how to use the collective impact model to communicate to broader audiences about its approach to conservation and the intersection of Environmental and Ocean Justice.
Speakers include Ayana Melvan of ACP, Elaine Alberts from the Georgia Aquarium, Noah Chesnin of the New York Aquarium, Jasmine Williams from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Courtenay Lewandowski of the South Carolina Aquarium, and Michelle Burch from the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Marketing, PR & Government Affairs Rapid Fire will showcase the best forward-facing campaigns from these three committees.
Dr Vincent Jeffries of Akron Zoo will lead the session. It also features Deyanira Romo Rossell of North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, Kawal Mahendru from Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, Layne Pitcher from Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, Bianca Santos of ACP, Cary Burgess from Zoo Atlanta, Jennifer Baader of Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Ronna Kelly of Steinhart Aquarium, and Dani Hogan of Philadelphia Zoo.
Collaboration and conservation
Better Together: Collaboratively Planning for Awareness, Education, and Engagement Outcomes in Conservation Programs is at 2 pm. In this, educators and representatives of AZA animal and conservation programs will share their approaches to developing strategic plans, collaborative visioning, identifying audiences, developing awareness, education, and engagement strategies, and evaluating impact.
This session is led by Jennifer Charette of Tessere. It will include insights from Dr Anna Young of The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Debbi Stone from The Florida Aquarium, Terry O’Connor of Pathways Collaborative, Michelle Kolar and Dr Monika Böhm at Indianapolis Zoo, Staci Wiech from Zoo Atlanta, Katie Corr of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Windy Arey-Kent from Seattle Aquarium, and Trevor Mia of Zoo New England.
At 4 pm, Bridging Barriers: Expanding Access and Creating Inclusive Experiences for All will look at the role of inclusion and access in advancing the mission of zoos and aquariums. This will include actionable strategies and success stories of initiatives and programs designed to engage diverse audiences, foster a welcoming environment for all visitors, and inspire would-be conservationists of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities.
The moderator is Katherine Jones from the Aquarium of Niagara. Speakers include Alexander Jones from Woodland Park Zoo, Elena Bell of Akron Zoo, Allison Price from Lincoln Park Zoo, Luz Arregoces of New England Aquarium, and Cynthia Mead from Zoo New England.
Words to Wildlife: Storytelling for Conservation Action at 4 pm will delve into what storytelling truly means for driving guest engagement. It will also explore what it takes to construct an effective storytelling program. Speakers include Jaime Yablonicky and Ryan Haynes from San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Bethany Dauner from Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, Jen Collier of Tennessee Aquarium, and Sarah Conley and Julie Bates from the International Elephant Foundation.
Thursday 19 September
A final morning of educational sessions at the 2024 AZA Annual Conference covers subjects from exhibit design to youth engagement.
Innovation in exhibit design & empowering change
At 8 am, What’s New In Exhibit Design will showcase new exhibits featuring innovative ideas from various AZA institutions. Short exhibit presentations will illustrate diversity in scope, from multimillion-dollar, brand-new exhibits to small-scale, impactful exhibits.
Attendees will hear from Sue Chin from the Wildlife Conservation Society, Jacqueline Bershad from the National Aquarium, David Jenike of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Kristen Neria, Sarah Werner and Sarah Hezel from the Shedd Aquarium, Darryl Dziadky from Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, Dwight Lawson of Oklahoma City Zoo, Emily Howard from PGAV Destinations, Sara Hough from Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, Michael Eckmann, of Holland Basham Architects, Sam Bledstein from Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, and Hilary McVicker of The Elumenati.
Next, in Empowering Change: The Impact of Memberships at 10 am, attendees will discover how memberships can transform zoo visitor engagement and support conservation efforts. This session will explore the successes and learnings of launching and maintaining an impactful membership programme. Speakers include Dallis Cartwright from Edmonton Valley Zoo, Adrian Cavazos of Houston Zoo, and Amy Lazoff from Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo.
Meanwhile, Youth as Drivers of Community Conservation Action and Advocacy at 10 am will show how zoos and aquariums can empower youth to drive collaborative community conservation action and advocacy. This will include insights from Samantha Norton of Shedd Aquarium, Dani Hogan of Philadelphia Zoo, Emma Martell from Lincoln Park Zoo, Stephanie Joseph from New York Aquarium/Wildlife Conservation Society, British Thomas from Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Tiffani Macarelli of New England Aquarium, and Miguela Marzolf from Seattle Aquarium.
Zoo Day at Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
The Zoo Day at the 2024 AZA Annual Conference is on Thursday from 12 to 10 pm. Full conference registration includes one ticket.
Canada’s most-visited zoo welcomes delegates to Zoo Day. This is a time to explore and connect with friends, both new and old, and experience the sights and sounds of more than 4,000 animal residents. The zoo will close its doors to the public for the day. Therefore, attendees will have exclusive access to back-of-house opportunities, tours, animal spotlights, informative demonstrations, engaging Wilder Moments presented by Servus Credit Union, and more.
After 5 pm the zoo will transform into “A Taste of Canada”. There will be pop-up themed zones featuring a range of entertainment, bars, and food stations serving Canadian culinary delights.
Meet the exhibitors at the 2024 AZA Annual Conference
accesso – booth #518
accesso Technology Group PLC is a leading technology provider for attractions worldwide. Attendees can discover the firm’s latest ticketing solutions on the show floor. The team will also showcase its cloud-native, accesso Freedom restaurant and retail POS solution.
The firm recently released the latest edition of its industry-leading accesso Passport eCommerce ticketing technology.
Meetings at the show with sales directors Amanda Single and Colby Preston can be scheduled via email.
Capturelife – booth #100
Capturelife, the innovative digital platform reimagining attractions photography, will exhibit its updated platform. This helps zoos and aquariums create, manage, and/or enhance souvenir photo sales. It includes new features like automated background removal and enhanced on-site sales tools. There is also additional functionality for multi-size automatic printing, post-visit marketing, and e-commerce sales.
Capturelife is a digital image and content capture and distribution platform. It enables operators to drive revenue, brand loyalty, and customer engagement for their businesses. Whether it is a theme park, excursion, adventure, resort, cruise, zoo, or any attraction or vacation destination where memories are made, an attraction brand is an experience.
Attendees can visit the booth to learn how zoos across the US and globally leverage the Capturelife platform to increase revenue while also enhancing the guest experience for souvenir photos. They can also schedule time directly with Alex Pudney, managing director, via email.
COST of Wisconsin, Inc. – booth #410
COST of Wisconsin, an industry leader in theme and speciality construction, will also exhibit at the 2024 AZA Annual Conference. Since 1957, COST has provided exhibit fabrication services for zoos, aquariums, and museums worldwide. The team constructs authentic rock, cascading waterfalls, earthen textures, facades, faux trees, sculptures, coral, nature play and other themed items.
One recent project was the Pepper Wildlife Center at Lincoln Park Zoo. COST of Wisconsin was responsible for simulated rockwork within the exhibit space, including some heating/cooling rocks for the cats. The company created Kopje-style rockwork to let the cats perch and view the exhibit grounds from above. It also provided some rock cladding on the guest view side.
The firm also worked on the $465 million Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation at New York’s American Museum of Natural History.
Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc. – booth #506
Gateway Ticketing Systems, a leading provider of admission control systems, will display its ticketing and guest management solutions.
The company serves over 500 clients globally. Its position at the forefront of technical innovations demonstrates the firm’s ongoing dedication to investing in R&D. This commitment aims to provide a personalised, stress-free guest experience that makes each visitor feel appreciated. Gateway has significantly contributed to the attractions sector with multiple game-changing solutions, including the award-winning Galaxy Connect platform.
Recently, the company was chosen to provide its Galaxy guest management and ticketing system for Milwaukee County Zoo.
GoPhoto – booth #137
The GoPhoto team will be on hand at the 2024 AZA Annual Conference to demonstrate the company’s innovative photography services. These allow visitors to capture lasting memories of their experiences. Current zoo and aquarium partners in the US include Ripley Aquariums and the Mississippi Aquarium.
GoPhoto recently launched a new US office in collaboration with Ripley Entertainment. This partnership represents a significant milestone for both firms. It also illustrates their dedication to advancing the leisure and themed entertainment sector.
See also: Capturing lasting memories at Ripley’s attractions with GoPhoto
Meetings can be booked via email with Daniel Duivestein, CEO.
Imagine Exhibitions – booth #230
Imagine Exhibitions, a leader in worldwide travelling exhibitions and entertainment, will present its newest Trolls exhibition, Trolls: A Field Study. This exhibition, currently being developed in Copenhagen, will feature twelve distinctive Troll sculptures, each crafted entirely from recycled materials.
These Trolls will engage visitors with their ‘field study’ of the human world, highlighting the importance of environmental stewardship in an educational and enchanting manner. Space requirements will vary by venue, offering flexibility in installation. Angela Henry, senior director of sales, and Troy Rainville, senior director of business development, will be at the booth to discuss this and the other 40+ exhibitions in the company’s portfolio. Meetings can be booked by email.
Immotion – booth #204
Immotion, the global leader in immersive edutainment, will also be at the 2024 AZA Annual Conference. Earlier this year, the company revealed its newest virtual reality film, The Great Migration, at the AZA Mid-Year Meeting.
Using motion-based, 360º virtual reality technology, IImmotion immerses viewers in the amazing journey of over two million animals moving between Tanzania’s Serengeti and the Maasai Mara reserves in Kenya. The Great Migration of East Africa, which is regarded as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is packed with predators, such as crocodiles, lions, and cheetahs, who feed on herds of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles as they cross the Mara River in search of better pastures.
Immotion uses immersive technology to improve visitor engagement in aquariums and zoos while educating audiences about the value of conservation.
Nassal – booth #419
Nassal is a leading global speciality theming fabricator and program manager. It fabricates and installs immersive environments for theme parks, cultural experiences, hospitality, zoos and aquariums, and other themed environments.
Nassal’s expertise as a zoo and aquarium contractor and fabricator spans projects of all scales, from small-scale exhibits to grand, immersive environments. With a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in these projects, it has established itself as a trusted partner in the industry.
National Geographic – booth #218
National Geographic, a leading creator of documentaries, live events, experiences, and travelling exhibitions, brings the wonders of our world to zoos and aquariums.
Now on display at The National Aquarium in Abu Dhabi, Pristine Seas: Bringing the Ocean Back shows how marine protected areas illuminate and protect our world’s oceans. Attendees can learn about hosting this or other wildlife-focused exhibits. They can also pick up the latest catalogue of photo+ shows, immersive experiences, and large-scale interactive exhibitions. These are available for booking in the US and internationally.
The team will also be able to provide more information on National Geographic Live. This renowned touring speaker series features acclaimed storytellers who transport audiences through captivating tales, breathtaking imagery, and unparalleled expertise. The talks aim to ignite a passion for exploration long after the final applause.
Meetings can be booked by email with Emily Huegel, director of marketing (revenue generating programs).
n-gage.io – booth #113
n-gage.io is a specialist in creating attractions management software for the visitor attractions and hospitality industries. The team will showcase n-gage’s all-in-one, cloud-based attraction management software and mobile visitor app solution.
Users gain the benefits of their own mobile app without having to worry about significant upfront investment or technical skills. Already working with AZA, EAZA, and BIAZA members, the platform and highly customisable mobile app can help zoos and aquariums become interactive and improve learning and conservation education. It also helps them to gain valuable insights, personalise campaigns, and drive revenue and engagement.
RocketRez – booth #334
At the 2024 AZA Annual Conference, attendees can also meet the team behind RocketRez, the end-to-end cloud ticketing platform for tours and attractions.
RocketRez provides an all-in-one platform to manage tickets, memberships, gift shops, and more in one place. RocketRez currently works with several AZA-accredited attractions. The firm will showcase new updates to its platform, which will be released right before AZA.
RocketRez recently announced that it enhanced its payment offerings by integrating PayPal, Pay Later, and Venmo in the US.
Meetings can be booked with Robbie Payton, senior account executive and Matt Lederman, lifecycle marketing manager, here.
Rocky Mountain Construction – booth #548
Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC), a world-leading roller coaster manufacturer, will attend the 2024 AZA Annual Conference. For over 50 years, RMC has been a premier manufacturer of amusement rides and attractions. Its safe, high-quality rides can be found in amusement parks, water parks, family entertainment centres, zoos, and other attractions.
— Columbus Zoo (@ColumbusZoo) July 7, 2021
The Rides at Adventure Cove are open daily until August 17! Guests 2 years old and younger ride for free on all rides (must meet height and safety requirements). Rides are open Monday–Friday from 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. https://t.co/SRr46jeDtP pic.twitter.com/ZzEsRlDNVL
The Rides at Adventure Cove are open daily until August 17! Guests 2 years old and younger ride for free on all rides (must meet height and safety requirements). Rides are open Monday–Friday from 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. One recent example is Mission Macaw, an interactive swing ride at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. RMC also recently shared how its services can help attractions extend the life of their rides and increase ROI.
During the show, attendees can meet Dave Schloegel and Tevin Hamilton from the business development team.
Roto – booth #224
Roto is a leading planning and design-build firm. It will return to this year’s AZA Annual Conference to showcase its latest work, created for institutions like Orlando Science Center and Save the Bay.
Since 2004, Roto has been a leader in creating genuine human connections in the built environment through nature, play, creativity, multisensory immersion, and more. This year, as part of the company’s 20th anniversary, it is not just celebrating milestones. It is setting the stage for the next era of experience design.
Click here to schedule a meeting with Roto at the 2024 AZA Annual Conference to discuss bringing a new vision into reality. Sean Ramsay, partner; Dana Russell, partner/VP of brand and culture; David Evans, project architect; Zepher Potrafka, exhibit developer; Ren Hopkins, associate producer; and Rachel Escusa, marketing director, will all be present.
Scenario – booth #618
Scenario is a themed scenic, rockwork, and speciality fabrication company serving multiple markets, including the themed entertainment industry.
The company’s award-winning rockwork and scenic elements can be found in projects worldwide for clients of all sizes. Its specialists work closely with architects, designers, owners, and client teams to translate concept designs into detailed, animal-safe environments and exhibits for zoos, aquariums, science and nature centres, and museums. From habitats and interactive experiences to exhibits to educational centres, Scenario works across a broad portfolio of projects, bringing clients’ visions to light.
Recent projects include the Jacksonville Zoo penguin exhibit, Jacksonville Zoo manatee exhibit and master planning, Palm Beach Zoo panther exhibit, the Dino Play area for Universal’s Jurassic World – The Ride, and the McKee Botanical Garden Children’s Garden.
Gary Garrison, senior project director; Brain Wirsch, director of rockwork operations; and Kelly McLaud, senior estimator, will be at the booth. Meetings can be arranged by email.
Severn Lamb & Trams International – booth #545
Severn Lamb is a leader in manufacturing and supplying leisure, resort and amusement transport. The company’s offerings range from park trains and trolleys to high-capacity, low-speed, purpose-built road trams and trains, all featuring the latest electric powertrains.
The firm recently partnered with the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area in Arizona, US. Sabino Canyon Recreation Area is part of an environmentally sensitive and protected land managed by the US National Forest Service. It wished to upgrade its visitor transportation system from diesel-powered vehicles to cutting-edge, fully electric shuttles. The project aimed to improve guest experience, reduce environmental impact, and increase operational efficiency.
Newton Montano, director of business development for mobility solutions, will be manning the booth. He will be happy for people to contact him via email to arrange a meeting at the conference.
WaveTek – booth #407
Aquatic Development Group, a leading water park and recreational design, construction and manufacturing firm, will showcase its WaveTek wave system. The firm has been providing wave and water motion systems for zoo and aquarium exhibits for over 50 years.
The WaveTek team will discuss the critical role that waves and water motion play in aquatic exhibits. Lewis Wemple, business development manager for the ADG Waves product line, will also give a poster presentation. This will explore how these elements not only enhance the aesthetics of exhibits but also enrich marine animals’ lives, encourage natural behaviours, and elevate the overall guest experience.
WaveTek is also reinforcing its commitment to marine life conservation with the WaveTek Welfare campaign. It is donating 2% of the proceeds from every speciality WaveTek wave system sold to zoos and aquariums to AZA. This will support marine life research, rescue, and restoration efforts.
To schedule meetings with the team, please get in touch by email.
Wild Republic – booth #248
Wild Republic, a leader in nature-inspired toys and education for over 40 years, will also be present. The company has been delighting consumers around the globe with an expansive collection of nature-related toys and gifts since 1979. It has offices worldwide with international distribution serving zoos, museums, aquariums and retailers.
Wild Republic was created to connect its founder’s love for children and wildlife. Its mission is to deliver toys and stuffed animals that foster curiosity about wildlife and educate children about the wonders of nature.
Earlier this year, it revealed its groundbreaking new biodegradable toy line.
Event sponsors
A Thru Z Consulting & Distributing, Inc., Advanced Aquarium Technologies, Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc., Event Network, SSA Group, Zoo Miami, Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, Sodexo Live, Saint Louis Zoo and n-gage.io are platinum sponsors of the 2024 AZA Annual Conference.
Gold sponsors include Dallas Zoo, Rodent Pro, EDGE Themed Environments, and CCS Fundraising. Silver sponsors are Holland Basham Architects, Tessitura, Peppermint Narwhal and Blackbaud. Mazuri Exotic Animal Nutrition is a bronze sponsor.
Save the date
The 2025 AZA Annual Conference will be held from September 13 to 18 in Tampa, Florida. The Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will host it.
For the full agenda and to register for the 2024 AZA Annual Conference, please click here.
The post What not to miss at the 2024 AZA Annual Conference appeared first on Blooloop.