The 2026 Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) Conference will take place 4–7 August 2026 in Auckland, hosted by Auckland Zoo. The event will bring together zoo and aquarium professionals from across Australasia to share knowledge, inspire innovation, explore challenges and strengthen the region’s conservation community.
The 2026 theme, “Foundations First: Strengthening What Matters Most,” will highlight the essential practices and priorities for zoos, aquariums and wildlife parks operating in today’s landscape. Across the week, participants will engage in a programme of workshops, conference sessions and networking events designed to support collaboration, growth and sector leadership.
Key Conference Dates
- Call for Conference Abstracts Opens: 12 December 2025
- Early Bird Registrations Open: 9 March 2026
- Conference Abstracts Due: 10 April 2026
- General Registrations Open: 20 April 2026
- Conference Program Announced: 1 May 2026
Conference Week – Auckland | 4–7 August 2026
- Icebreaker Event – Auckland Zoo: 4 August 2026
- Conference & Workshops – Aotea Centre: 5–6 August 2026
- Conference Dinner – Auckland Zoo: 6 August 2026
- Field Trip and Educational Tour: 7 August 2026
