The AZA Annual Conference returns this September, bringing zoo and aquarium professionals together in Portland, Oregon, to explore the latest ideas, challenges and opportunities shaping the sector.
Running from 26 September to 1 October, the 2026 event is hosted by Oregon Zoo and will be held at the Oregon Convention Center.
The programme brings together more than 150 education sessions, poster presentations and roundtable discussions, alongside an Exhibit Hall showcasing new technologies, products and services for the zoo and aquarium community.
AZA 2026: Register for the Annual Conference in Portland from 26 September to 1 October.
Following a successful 2025 conference in Tampa, which attracted 3,011 attendees and 224 exhibitors, this year's event will once again provide a forum to share best practice, discuss emerging challenges, and connect professionals across the industry.
With conservation, animal welfare, sustainability, technology and visitor engagement all continuing to shape the sector, the 2026 programme offers a broad look at the issues facing zoos and aquariums, as well as the approaches being developed to address them.
Here are some key sessions, themes, and exhibitors to look out for at the AZA Annual Conference 2026.
To register for the event, please click here.
Special events
Sessions will be held at the Oregon Convention Center, with an Icebreaker event at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) on Monday 28 September, sponsored by Event Network. This event will provide attendees with a lively welcome to the city along the Willamette River.
Oregon Zoo, situated in Washington Park amidst the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, will host Zoo Day on Thursday 1 October, under the theme Together for Wildlife. Participants can explore the zoo, network with colleagues, and observe conservation efforts firsthand.
Last year's AZA Conference Icebreaker, hosted by SSA & Florida Aquarium
After the conference, tours will be available at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
Funds raised from the SAFE Silent Auction will benefit AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction, supporting programmes for over 55 species globally and involving nearly 90% of AZA members in wildlife and habitat protection.
The 2026 auction also aims to boost the JoEllen Doornbos Endowment for SAFE to $10 million by 2029, with donations matched dollar for dollar up to $250,000 annually from 2026 to 2029.
General Sessions
The 2026 AZA Annual Conference includes three General Sessions.
On Tuesday 29 September at 8.30, attendees can hear from Amy Bowers Cordalis, executive director of the Ridges to Riffles Indigenous Conservation Group. Amy Bowers Cordalis is a mother, fisherwoman, attorney, and a member and former General Counsel of the Yurok Nation, the largest Indigenous Nation in California.
She currently leads the Ridges to Riffles Indigenous Conservation Group, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing Indigenous sovereignty by protecting cultural and natural resources, such as efforts to undam the Klamath River.
Recognised for her achievements, she received the UN’s highest environmental honour, the Champions of the Earth Laureate, and was listed on the second annual TIME100 Climate List in 2024, highlighting top leaders driving climate action in business.
She is also a finalist for the 2026 Jordan Schnitzer Prize of the West by The High Desert Museum. Additionally, she authored The Water Remembers, published by Hachette in 2025.
AZA Annual Conference 2026 General Sessions speakers: Amy Bowers Cordalis, Heidi Rahn, Sally Jewell and Benji Backer
Then on Wednesday 30 September, Heidi Rahn, director of Oregon Zoo, will moderate Conversation on Conservation – Is Non-Partisanship a Strategy or a Dream? at 8:00 am
Heidi Rahn has been Zoo Director since 2021, focusing on conservation, sustainability, and innovative animal care. She worked at the zoo from 2013 to 2018, leading Metro’s $125 million zoo bond and developing signature exhibits like Condors of the Columbia and Elephant Lands, which gained national recognition.
A conservation advocate, Heidi is passionate about wildlife and protecting endangered sea otters and butterflies. She holds a degree in Zoology and Conservation Biology from the University of Wisconsin and an MBA in Sustainable Operations from York University.
In 2017, she received the Daily Journal of Commerce Women of Vision Award for promoting opportunities for women and people of colour.
The session will feature Sally Jewell, former U.S. Secretary of the Interior, and Benji Backer, founder & CEO of Nature is Nonpartisan.
Sally Jewell was U.S. Secretary of the Interior from 2013-17 after 40+ years in business, including eight as CEO of REI. She promoted the protection and development of public lands, used science to understand resources, fostered relationships with Native tribes, and engaged youth in nature.
Her volunteer work in environmental, educational, and social organisations has deepened her appreciation for democracy and civil society and earned her awards.
She serves on several boards and encourages students to collaborate across disciplines and communities, shaping a future that's equitable, prosperous, and sustainable.
The AZA Annual Conference brings together professionals from across the zoo and aquarium sector for education sessions, networking, and more Image courtesy of AZA
Benji Backer is the founder and CEO of Nature Is Nonpartisan, which promotes nonpartisan environmental issues. He founded the American Conservation Coalition (ACC), the largest conservative environmental group, during college.
Author of The Conservative Environmentalist, he has been named a NYTimes Changemaker and received awards like Fortune 40 Under 40, Forbes 30 Under 30, GreenBiz 30 Under 30, and Grist 50.
After completing a fellowship at FREOPP, Backer is a leading youth environmental voice. An outdoorsman, he spends time in the mountains out West. He graduated from the University of Washington and lives in Scottsdale, Arizona.
At 11:45 am on Wednesday, the Honors and Awards Lunch takes place. Prestigious awards will be presented, and the Marketing Committee’s annual PIZZAZZ presentation will take place.
The leadership of the incoming and outgoing AZA board of directors and ethics board members will be acknowledged. Dwight Scott, the incoming board chair, will be inducted and give a speech to the delegates.
AZA Live
The AZA Expo LIVE show theatre will feature 30-minute presentations exploring trends in retail, guest relations, sustainability and conservation.
On Tuesday, Event Network will describe how, in partnership with KultureCity, it is developing retail merchandise to meet every guest's needs, including those with invisible disabilities.
The AZA Annual Conference is an opportunity to meet with peers and discover the latest research and developments Image courtesy of AZA
Later, Immotion will look at how to harness new technology to amplify a conservation mission and create moments of wonder that stay with visitors long after they leave.
Education sessions not to miss
Tuesday 29 September
On Tuesday morning, On the Boards: Projects in Design or Construction, will give attendees a first look at the next generation of zoo and aquarium exhibits before they’re built. From innovative animal habitats to immersive guest experiences, each project offers creative solutions to today’s design challenges.
In-progress projects will be shared by institutions and their design partners, including Zoo Atlanta, Tessere, Shedd Aquarium, Potter Park Zoological Garden, PGAV Destinations, and Oregon Zoo.
On Tuesday afternoon, To Visit, or Not to Visit, That is the Question – Connecting Guest Motivations and Your Unique Destination will feature PGAV Destinations' Emily Howard exploring consumer economics and visitor motivations and how destinations have used this as inspiration for innovative ideas that balance value, unique offerings and sustainable growth.
She will be joined by speakers from the Florida Aquarium and the Georgia Aquarium.
Speakers from Florida Aquarium will take part in the 2026 AZA Annual Conference Image courtesy of Florida Aquarium
Also on Tuesday afternoon, aquarium professionals from across the country will explore how institutions are moving beyond awareness to actively tackle marine debris through the From Creeks to Coasts campaign, in From Creeks to Coasts: Mobilizing Public Action to Tackle Marine Debris.
In this, Mark Losavio of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership will be joined by speakers from Maritime Aquarium, Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Inform Evaluation & Research, National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, Seattle Aquarium Society, and Intuitive AI.
Membership Reimagined: Bold Ideas for Momentum and Loyalty gathers five membership leaders from across the zoo and aquarium field to share strategies for driving membership growth, deepening visitor engagement, and improving donor conversion and retention.
Later, Jonathan Stechschulte of PGAV Destinations will also present Design is a Hypothesis. Evaluation is the Test: Managing Habitats Across Their Lifecycle, with insights from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and Columbus Zoo.
In Elevating Leadership: Strategies for Visibility, Voice, and Influence, Kelsey Ryan from Brookfield Zoo Chicago will be joined by blooloop's Ruth Read alongside speakers from Monterey Bay Aquarium, Shedd Aquarium and the Florida Aquarium.
They will discuss how to elevate leaders through communications strategies that build trust, increase visibility, and position them as credible voices in the field.
In From Values to Outcomes: Measuring Conservation Culture, a panel explores what conservation culture is, why it is essential to the long-term success of zoos and aquariums, and how it is measured and implemented.
Wednesday 30 September
On Wednesday morning, Sarah Hezel of Shedd Aquarium will present What's New in Exhibit Design. Speakers from Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, Tessere, PGAV, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, San Antonio Zoological Society, Santa Ana Zoo and more will illustrate diversity in scope, from multimillion-dollar, brand-new exhibits to small-scale, impactful exhibits.
The agenda features speakers from zoos and aquariums across the US, including Santa Ana Zoo Image courtesy of Santa Ana Zoo
Later, Susan Nguyen of accesso will bring together leaders from across the sector to explore how data and AI can support better decisions across institutions in Entering the AI Era: Data, Decisions and the Future of Zoos and Aquariums.
In the afternoon, Dr Joe Heimlich of COSI will be joined by Grayson Ponti of Zoos and Aquariums for a Neurodiverse Ecosystem (ZANE), as well as speakers from Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Oregon State University for Bang, Whoosh, Roooaarrrr! Ways Sound Affects Learners at Zoos and Aquariums.
Laying the Groundwork: Positioning Projects for Success will ask: what does success mean, and what to consider at the beginning to support success on opening day and beyond? PGAV's Megan Nielsen Hegstad will lead with speakers from Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, Oregon Zoo, Woodland Park, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and Pepper Construction Company.
Thursday 1 October
Sessions continue on Thursday, with From Green to Gold: How Plants Drive Revenue and Sustainability. This looks at how plants can move beyond aesthetics to serve as functional assets that contribute to an institution’s environmental performance, animal care, guest experience, and bottom line.
Presented by Jonathan Stechschulte of PGAV Destinations, attendees will hear from Oregon Zoo, Detroit Zoo, Woodland Park Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
Also on Thursday morning, Beyond the Zoo Gates: The Role of Zoos in Ethical Wildlife Tourism brings together voices from animal welfare, zoos, aquariums, and the broader public engagement sphere to explore the opportunities and risks of engaging in ecotourism initiatives.
Building Better Coral Conservation Communications, Education and Messaging: Insights from the TALKING CORAL Project will discuss the development and real-world testing of this social science–based communications guide for zoo and aquarium professionals.
The AZA Anual Confernce agenda includes insights from leading zoos such as Cincinnati Zoo Image courtesy of Cincinnati Zoo
Attendees can learn how AI supports better website experiences, more personalised content, stronger paid media results, and smoother daily workflows in Smarter Engagement: How Zoos Are Using AI to Transform Marketing, Websites, and Paid Media.
In Play That Performs: Designing Family Spaces that Drive Engagement and Return Visits, Julie Hartunian of Roto will be joined by speakers from Lincoln Children's Zoo, Canopy Strategic Partners, Oregon Coast Aquarium, and Reid Park Zoo to discuss what makes family play spaces truly successful.
What Your Board Is About to Ask You: Creating an AI Strategy for Your Zoo or Aquarium will feature SSA Group's Jason Stover and Sean McNicholas alongside speakers from Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Woodland Park Zoo, and Santa Barbara Zoo.
See also: SSA Group: using AI to protect, not replace, human hospitality
From Screen to Strategy: Leveraging Pop Culture Trends to Advance Conservation Impact will discuss how streaming series and viral trends influence public trust, behaviour, and conservation outcomes, with Julianne Olivo of Brookfield Zoo Chicago, alongside speakers from RWS Global, Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
PGAV's Tom Marschner will lead Building the Unconventional: The Specialized Features That Bring Zoos and Aquariums to Life, speaking to industry experts from WholeTrees Structures, Nassal, Reynolds Polymer Technology, Inc., and Nets Unlimited, Inc. about how these elements are designed, coordinated, and constructed successfully.
Meet the exhibitors
accesso - booth #722
accesso Technology Group PLC, a leading technology provider for attractions worldwide, will exhibit at the AZA Annual Conference 2026.
accesso's patented, acclaimed solutions increase revenue for attraction operators while improving the visitor experience
Over 1,200 venues in 34 countries have chosen to partner with accesso. Its patented, award-winning solutions drive increased revenue for attraction operators, improving the guest experience while helping clients streamline operations and harness the power of data for real-time decision-making.
In May, Lee Cowie was named the new CEO of accesso following an 18-month tenure as COO. He spoke to blooloop about how technology is no longer simply a support function but is fundamental to attractions' success in a rapidly changing landscape.
Chance Rides - booth #523
Chance Rides, a leading manufacturer of amusement rides, will display its new all-electric eTRAM, designed to provide quiet, efficient and zero-emission transportation. It will also highlight its carousels, trains and trams for zoos and aquariums.
Designed for commercial settings where reliability and uptime are crucial, the Utility eTRAM adds to the company's growing range of electric transportation options.
Meet Chance Rides at the 2026 AZA Annual Conference
The company is exhibiting to connect with zoo and aquarium professionals and demonstrate how its transportation and ride solutions can improve mobility, enhance the guest experience and create memorable reasons to return.
Attendees can meet Jayden Wallentine, sales executive, and can arrange meetings by email.
Cinchio Solutions - booth #302
Cinchio, a technology platform specialist, will exhibit its full operating stack, from POS, digital ordering, reporting and more, at the Experience UK booth.
The team will also highlight the company's guest sentiment tool, deployed at over 100 attraction locations and soon at more in the UK.
POS solutions by Cinchio
Earlier this year, Cinchio announced the launch of its new retail kiosk, a self-service solution designed specifically for cultural institutions aiming to modernise retail operations, enhance guest flow, and better manage complex inventories.
Designed for busy environments, the kiosk helps operators manage peak visitor times, eases staff workload during busy seasons, and streamlines the sale of merchandise with large SKU counts.
Cloward H2O - booth #924
Cloward H2O, an expert in aquatic design, will be represented by Rob Cloward and Braden Steiner at the show. They will be available to discuss the company's latest aquatic life-support and water treatment technologies, recent updates, and projects.
Recently, the team shared insights into the hidden engineering behind today's aquariums, revealing how life-support systems, water-quality management, structural design, and operational resilience combine to create healthy environments for aquatic species while delivering memorable experiences for visitors.
Cloward H2O supports design of critical-care manatee rehab pools at ZooTampa Image credit ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Earlier this year, Cloward H2O contributed to the aquatic engineering design of new critical-care manatee rehabilitation pools in partnership with ZooTampa at Lowry Park in Florida.
COST of Wisconsin - booth #503
COST of Wisconsin, an industry leader in theme and speciality construction, provides exhibit fabrication services for zoos, aquariums, and museums worldwide.
The team constructs authentic rock, cascading waterfalls, earthen textures, facades, faux trees, sculptures, coral, and other themed items, including nature play elements.
Meet the COST team during the trade show
The firm recently worked on the $465 million Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation at New York’s American Museum of Natural History.
Digonex - booth #607
Digonex, an expert in dynamic pricing solutions that provide visitor attractions with customised and automated systems to drive revenue, will also be exhibiting.
Attendees can learn how Digonex combines years of zoo and aquarium pricing expertise with human-led, AI-assisted technology to balance attendance and improve revenues. Andy Thorson, business development representative, and Scott Sauls, business development representative, will be at the booth, and meetings can be booked by email.
Digonex optimises prices based on booking pace and market signals, helping operators maximise revenue, increase attendance, and improve overall yield through its human-led, AI-assisted copilot approach.
Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc. - booth #203
Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc., a leading provider of admission control systems, will showcase Galaxy, its unified platform for ticketing, admission control, membership, group sales, ecommerce, CRM, reporting, retail, and food and beverage operations.
The team will be on hand to highlight several recent zoo and aquarium projects, including a new campus-wide Galaxy implementation, designed to streamline operations and improve the guest experience; a recent implementation of Galaxy self-service food and beverage kiosks; and the selection of Galaxy as the new zoo management, ticketing, and guest access platform.
Gateway's Galaxy 8 platform will be on show at AZA Annual Conference 2026
Galaxy 8 and its enhanced user experience improved performance, mobile wallet capabilities, SMS ticket delivery, and expanded self-service options.
The larger story is how zoos and aquariums can use one connected platform to simplify operations, better understand visitors, create smoother guest journeys, and generate more revenue to support their missions.
Chad Wallace, director of sales; Andy Hummel, business solutions architect; and Marcus Schmidt, business solutions architect, will be at the booth, and meetings can be booked here.
GoPhoto - booth #235
GoPhoto, a provider of innovative photography services that let visitors capture lasting memories of their experience, will showcase its automated photography solutions designed to help attractions create memorable guest experiences while generating additional revenue from every visit.
GoPhoto allows visitors to capture lasting memories of their experience at to ZSL London Zoo
Visitors will also get a first look at the company's new AI Stylist.
Beyond enhancing photo quality and backgrounds, it transforms guest photos into themed creations tailored to the attraction, including matching outfits, settings and visual styles. The result is a more immersive and personal souvenir that guests will want to keep and share.
Imagine - booth #634
The team from Imagine, a global leader in immersive storytelling and experiential design, will present some of its new projects in development.
Over the past 15 years, Imagine has transformed from a company focused solely on creating and touring exhibitions into a multifaceted organisation. It offers master planning, design, production, retail design, merchandise development, operations, and marketing for both its own projects and those of its clients.
The Trolls: A Field Study travelling outdoor exhibition is the second exhibition in Imagine’s portfolio to showcase the acclaimed Danish artist and sculptor Thomas Dambo Image credit & artwork, Thomas Dambo
Through its four divisions—Exhibitions, Design Studio, Retail, and Operations—Imagine delivers experiences that entertain, educate, and inspire.
See also: Imagine’s 15-year evolution: crafting stories beyond exhibitions
Immotion - booth #441
Immotion, a global leader in immersive edutainment, will also be at AZA Annual Conference 2026. The company specialises in out-of-home virtual reality (VR), focusing on the aquatics and wildlife sectors.
The power of VR allows visitors to see breathtaking experiences that are difficult to see in real life- whether under the sea or in remote mountains, it can take you to all corners of the world.
Visitors to the Immotion booth can experience a variety of VR titles including Polar Odyssey Image credit T. Robinson
Immotion invites audiences to journey into one of the planet's harshest and most spectacular environments with its new immersive film experience, Polar Odyssey.
Another recent release, Dolphins of the Reef, won the 2026 Lumiere Award for Best Use of Virtual Reality, presented by the Advanced Imaging Society.
kubik maltbie - booth #913
kubik maltbie has been a leading producer of world-class exhibits and experiences for museums, science centres, and immersive environments since 1961.
As a provider of turnkey exhibit production services, it covers the full project cycle from pre-construction and cost estimation through to project commissioning and closeout.
Meet the kubik maltbie team at AZA Annual Conference 2026
For every project, kubik maltbie takes a collaborative, client-centred approach. The company's cross-disciplinary team brings a diverse skill set, ensuring that clients' objectives are met at every stage of the design-build process.
MAT Zoological - booth #928
MAT Filtration Technologies, a manufacturer of high-efficiency water filtration equipment and provider of engineering services, will send its Zoological Operations Division.
The company recently shared insights into the key role aquariums can play in conservation. Committed to marine life, MAT has spent more than 10 years developing sustainable, technology-driven solutions.
MAT Filtration Technologies' Zoological Operations Division
The company has collaborated with some of the world’s leading aquariums and facilities, including Michin Aquarium, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Mazatlán Aquarium, Poema del Mar, Istanbul Aquarium, The View Hospital, and others, and continues to work on projects across the Middle East, Asia, the Americas, and Europe.
Nassal - booth #623
Nassal is a leading global speciality theming fabricator and program manager. Working on some of the industry's largest projects, Nassal brings clients' ideas to life from the drawing board.
With an experienced team of in-house designers, craftsmen, and construction professionals, it works with clients through every step of the process.
Nassal shared zoo & aquarium design trends for immersive animal welfare & guest engagement
Last year, Nassal revealed four major trends that are reshaping the zoo and aquarium industry, transforming how these institutions operate, engage, and evolve.
With its experience in the sector, the firm is seeing firsthand how these trends intersect with design, fabrication, and guest experience.
National Geographic Society - booth #231
The National Geographic Society, a global non-profit and leading creator of live events, experiences, and travelling exhibitions, will present highlights from its catalogue, including Animals of Earth; Red, White and Blue; Becoming Jane and more.
National Geographic's Pristine Seas exhibition has been seen by over 1.9 million visitors Image credit Enric Sala
National Geographic has dedicated over 130 years to showcasing the wonders of the world through documentaries, live events, experiences, and travelling exhibitions. With its rich history of exploring our incredible planet, the team creates engaging stories of adventure, diverse cultures, and wild places, all tailored for audiences of every age.
See also: National Geographic & David Doubilet: the immersive power of Oceans
Roto - booth #535
Roto, a leading planning & design-build firm, will showcase its latest work created in collaboration with institutions like MOTE, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Oregon Coast Aquarium, and more.
The company leads the way in creating genuine human connections in the built environment through nature, play, creativity, and multisensory immersion.
Roto launches Prototype: The Experimental Museum
The firm recently opened its “experimental” museum, Prototype, in Columbus, Ohio.
This unique, 30,000-square-foot cultural laboratory opened to the public on 1 November 2025 and aims to advance the art and science of museum experiences.
Severn Lamb - booth #935
Severn Lamb's utility vehicles are used in zoos, aquariums, theme parks and more
From accessible guest transportation and guided tours to maintenance, landscaping, logistics and facilities management, the expanded range provides practical, efficient and sustainable solutions for both front-of-house and essential back-of-house operations.
Attendees can meet Newton Montano, director of business development for mobility solutions, and can book meetings via email.
