More than 2,300 zoo and aquarium professionals met in Calgary, Canada, for the AZA Annual Conference from 14 - 19 September 2024. The week featured a trade show floor with over 150 exhibiting companies. There were also various engaging events, including an icebreaker at Heritage Park and a Zoo Day at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, Canada’s most-visited zoo. As part of the conference, 33 new facilities were accredited by AZA.
The show returned to Canada after 40 years. Dan Ashe, CEO of AZA, said, “AZA Canada is strong and growing stronger.” More than 20 countries were represented at the conference.
Over 70 thought-provoking educational sessions and AZA Live events from the show floor were held throughout the week. We’ve summarised key takeaways from this year’s conference.
Natural selection - adapt to changing times to survive
One session at the AZA Annual Conference 2024 outlined the six megatrends found in the AZA Trends 2033 Report:
- Environment
- Technology
- Zoo & aquarium design
- Changing audiences
- The next generation
- The future of work
The trends highlighted how much the industry will develop and change over the next decade. Zoos and aquariums must adapt to address modern challenges. These include animal welfare and conservation efforts, as well as increasing climatic variability and rising visitor expectations.
This was echoed in an AZA Expo LIVE session from industry veteran David Rosenberg (above), SSA Ventures executive vice president of growth and experience. Rosenberg discussed visitors' evolving expectations and the importance of aligning with their values to create exceptional guest experiences. He emphasised the importance of blending hospitality, innovative technology, and a commitment to guest values to engage visitors and foster loyalty.
One particular educational session - On the Boards - gave audience members insight into how designers and institutions approached the changing times through innovative visitor experiences, value-added revenue generation, nature-based play, and on-exhibit animal management practices.
The session covered projects from zoos and aquariums, showcasing a variety of sizes and construction budgets. Speakers included the Greensboro Science Center, CLR Design, Saint Louis Zoo, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Columbus Zoo and The Wilds, Tessere, The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, WDM Architects, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Salisbury Zoo, Epsten Group, PGAV Destinations, and San Antonio Zoological Society.
Storytelling and technology to increase engagement
In ‘Words to Wildlife: Storytelling for Conservation Action, ’ speakers explored the essential elements of building a successful storytelling program. They also discussed how this can enhance guest engagement at zoos and aquariums.
Presenters from the Walt Disney Company- Disney's Animals, Science and Environment, Tennessee Aquarium, the International Elephant Foundation, and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance - Safari Park shared their firsthand experiences developing, implementing, and evaluating storytelling initiatives. In addition, they offered practical insights and strategies.
Attendees engaged in collaborative discussions, brainstorming ways to create compelling narratives. By the end of the session, participants had valuable resources. They also had a clear roadmap for developing their own storytelling programs.
The applications of innovative technology in storytelling were in the spotlight during another AZA Expo LIVE session at the AZA Annual Conference 2024 with Dr Kristen Lukas, board chair of the Fossey Fund and director of conservation and science at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and Rod Findley, president and CEO of Immotion.
The pair explored how zoos and aquariums leverage technology and increasingly incorporate interactive exhibits, mobile apps, and immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to enhance visitor engagement and enrich learning. Examples of this could be seen at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus in Rwanda and also at Seattle Aquarium's new Ocean Pavilion, demonstrating how these advancements are reshaping conservation education.
AZA Annual Conference 2024: Knowledge is power
One of the promises in the newly launched AZA Strategic Plan for 2024-2029 focuses on expanding support and resources for smaller institutions while enhancing the Association’s professional development offerings. AZA is already making significant strides toward this goal. This was reflected in the wide range of sessions dedicated to fostering attendees' professional growth.
In the interactive PR Hot Seat session (above), guided by moderator and Museum of Life and Science’s director of marketing Ro Rode, six PR professionals from zoos and aquariums addressed fictional crisis scenarios and obstacles the audience chose. The session demonstrated real-time crisis management and highlighted the intricacies of PR.
By challenging the experts to collaborate with limited information, the session demonstrated the strength of collective knowledge. It also provided a thought-provoking look into the world of public relations.
Elsewhere, ‘What’s New in Exhibit Design’ explored how innovation allows new ways to engage visitors, enrich animal habitats, and enhance animal care. Presentations featured a range of exhibits from AZA institutions, illustrating both large-scale, multimillion-dollar projects and smaller, impactful exhibits.
The session emphasised the diversity of approaches to exhibit design. It aimed to spark lively dialogue among institutions and designers, encouraging greater creativity and collaboration. Highlighted exhibits included Indianapolis Zoo’s Global Center for Species Survival, Oklahoma City Zoo’s Expedition Africa, and the Mote Marine Science Education & Outreach Center.
Collaboration is key
Collaboration was a theme throughout the AZA Annual Conference 2024 but was especially present when discussing the SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction initiative. Starting in 2017, the critical objective of SAFE is to boost member participation in coordinated and strategic conservation efforts for these species. The framework has grown to involve 83% of all AZA members. It is now on track to surpass its target of 50 SAFE species by 2027.
An AZA Expo LIVE session presented by Event Network and New England Aquarium also showed the strength of collaboration and partnerships. The partnership began several years ago, but last year, the Aquarium’s gift shop began transitioning towards being totally plastic-free.
The rapid removal was in response to local activists. They questioned how the Aquarium could call itself an ‘ocean conservation organisation’ while simultaneously using and selling plastic products in its shop.
Despite concerns about the potential impact on retail revenue, the Aquarium achieved a significant milestone in March. During this month, it celebrated a record-breaking single sales day. Julie Ricci from Event Network encouraged continued advocacy, saying: "Please keep speaking up; suppliers and vendors are starting to listen."
Networking at the AZA Annual Conference 2024
Several parties and evening social events also took place during the week. This allowed conference attendees to network and explore Calgary's nightlife.
AOA, a leading immersive experience design, production, and full-service project management company, held an intimate happy hour mixer at the Shoe & Canoe Public House. Guests of scenic fabrication and rockwork company Nassal spent the evening at NATIONAL 10th Avenue. Here, they enjoyed a bears, beers, and bowling happy hour.
Meanwhile, at Club 452 in the ENMAX Conservatory (Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo), friends, colleagues and partners gathered to celebrate with the team from SSA Group and SSA Ventures and explore the greenhouse.
2025 is a big year for AZA. In the new year, the 100th committee chair, Denise Verret, CEO of Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, will begin her tenure. Then, the Annual Conference will return to the US from 13 - 18 September in Tampa, Florida. The hosts are The Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa at Lowry Park and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
