Event Network, a leading operator of retail stores for experiential attractions in the US, has announced a new partnership with Zoo Knoxville, one of the leading zoological experiences in the southeastern United States.
The partnership commenced in early November with a refreshed main store and a new, more sustainable product range. Both Event Network and Zoo Knoxville share a commitment to educating and inspiring guests while providing exceptional visitor experiences.
Shop & Support
Known for increasing revenue for its partners through award-winning store environments and bespoke merchandise assortments, Event Network has been enhancing the guest experience at cultural institutions across North America for the past twenty-five years. Their partnership with Zoo Knoxville represents an exciting opportunity to further highlight the Zoo’s mission to save species from extinction.
By connecting the Zoo’s impressive history with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums‘ (AZA) Species Survival Programs to complimentary product assortments and in-store signage, Event Network will further educate Zoo visitors while inspiring them to “Shop & Support” Zoo Knoxville and its vital work.
This year Zoo Knoxville celebrates 75 years of protecting wildlife and threatened habitats through their educational programs, community outreach, and their work with other AZA members on Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE programs). Zoo Knoxville has the unique distinction of being a founding member of four AZA SAFE programs devoted to endangered species.
Additionally, Zoo Knoxville is considered the red panda capital of the world with more than 110 births, which is more than any other zoo on the planet.
Sustainable design
Through this partnership, Event Network aims to provide the Zoo’s visitors with a diverse range of high-quality products that align with the institution’s commitment to sustainability and education. In addition to an enhanced product range, a complete remodel of the Zoo’s main entrance store is planned to begin in 2024 with a focus on sustainable design and construction.
Lisa New, Zoo Knoxville president and CEO, and current chair of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Board of Directors, says: “We are committed to saving wildlife and wild places, and the choices we make as consumers have real impact on animals and habitats both locally and globally. We take every opportunity we can to educate and empower our guests to contribute to conservation through their purchases.”
Over the last two decades, Event Network has earned a reputation for creating custom retail solutions for mission-based institutions that extend the unique experience of each attraction. Event Network’s exclusive focus on retail delivers increased revenue and year-over-year growth to its partners as a result of creative product assortments and immersive, plastic-free store environments.
Curated shopping experience
Event Network’s dedication to elevating the retail experience as well as their long-standing association with AZA-accredited institutions has made them the leading retail operator in the zoo and aquarium space. They bring innovation, a diverse vendor base, local artisans, guest-centric team members, and cutting-edge technology that increases guest satisfaction, creating a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
Drew Rowan, Zoo Knoxville chief operating officer, comments: “We realized from our first conversation with Event Network that our values and missions aligned. In addition to their focus on offering sustainable merchandise, we were also impressed with their commitment to offering products sourced from our local community. We know that our guests appreciate a carefully curated shopping experience, and it was clear Event Network can deliver that for us.”
With this collaboration, Event Network is associated with a further well respected Tennessee institution (it began a partnership with the Tennessee Aquarium in 2020). The firm looks forward to serving Zoo Knoxville’s more than half million annual guests for years to come.
Event Network recently announced a new partnership with Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, California which launched with the opening of an entirely remodelled store on 28 October. This represents a major step forward for the organisations, and their shared commitment to education, conservation, and the provision of exceptional visitor experiences.
