AZA, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, has announced new additions to its Commercial Member Engagement Council (CMEC).
Now in its third year, the CMEC exists to find the confluence between economic, environmental, and social aspects of the zoological profession. The group aims to set industry standards by carrying out AZA’s mission of “respecting, valuing, and conserving wildlife and wild places”.
Returning supporters
Two inaugural members have renewed their strategic partnerships with the CMEC for a third consecutive year;
Event Network is a leading operator of experiential retail stores for a number of cultural attractions and destinations, working with thirty-five AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums including Zoo Atlanta and Denver Zoo.
The firm is recognised for implementing sustainable practices in its gift shops, and its devotion to educating, inspiring and driving support for wildlife conservation missions.
An award-winning provider of visitor amenities, SSA partners with tourist attractions across the US to deliver impact through revenue and innovation.
The company has created a “best-in-class integrated services model” with food, retail, admissions and digital commerce solutions, with the objective of sustainably growing visitor participation by providing powerful customer experiences.
New members
A major financial institution and technology supplier will join the cohort this year;
Satisfi Labs is another new addition, a specialist in conversational Artificial Intelligence (AI). The tech firm uses AI-powered virtual assistants to enable zoos and aquariums to provide automated guest assistance.
The system means visitors can access answers to popular queries on-demand, as well as the ability to purchase directly through a chat function on websites, apps, and other online messaging channels. The firm’s clients include Universal Orlando Resort, Mall of America and Premier League football club Tottenham Hotspur.
Also joining is renowned US wildlife television series, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. The programme was launched in 1963 by the Mutual of Omaha on NBC network. Exploring nature and conservation, the programme has since been broadcast on Animal Planet and YouTube. Its namesake supporter, the Mutual of Omaha, is an insurance and financial services company featured in the Fortune 300.
Leading the way
With the new additions, CMEC will continue to examine how AZA’s over three hundred commercial members can align their processes for “Good Corporate Citizenship” with each other and with AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums. Good Corporate Citizenship is an evolving business strategy that incorporates sustainable development into the core of an organisation’s business model.
AZA president and CEO Dan Ashe says “AZA’s commercial members are invaluable to the AZA community. We are excited to welcome Satisfi Labs and Mutual of Omaha to the CMEC, who will add value and expertise to that offered by our returning members, SSA Group and Event Network.”
