About Us

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation.

AZA represents more than 230 institutions in the United States and overseas, which collectively draw more than 195 million visitors every year. These institutions meet the highest standards in animal care and provide a fun, safe, and educational family experience. In addition, they dedicate millions of dollars to support scientific research, conservation, and education programs.

Leaders in Animal Care and Welfare

AZA is the independent accrediting organization for the best zoos and aquariums in America and the world, assuring the public that when they visit an AZA-accredited facility, it meets the highest standards.

Less than 10 percent of the 2,800 wildlife exhibitors licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture under the Animal Welfare Act meet the more comprehensive standards of AZA accreditation.

The highly trained professionals at AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums provide excellent care for more than 800,000 animals, making them the leading experts in care and animal welfare.  

Leaders in Conservation Education

As centers for conservation, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums provide the public with essential connections to the natural world. More than 50 million visitors to AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are children, making accredited zoos and aquariums essential to science and environmental education.

AZA-accredited facilities train 40,000 teachers every year, supporting state science curricula with teaching materials and hands-on opportunities for students who might otherwise have no first-hand experience with wildlife.

3000 + Attendees, 180 + Exhibitors, 500 + Speekers and Presenters, 300 + Concurrent Programs

We Are AZA

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums  is committed to providing the highest quality member services to advance the zoo and aquarium movement. AZA is also committed to being a global leader in promoting species conservation and animal welfare by leveraging the size, scope, expertise, and public trust of its member institutions.

Through AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction, AZA will redefine for the public the value of accredited zoos and aquariums and provide more opportunities for people to participate in wildlife conservation.

Vision
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums envisions a world where all people respect, value and conserve wildlife and wild places.

Mission
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums helps its members and the animals in their care thrive by providing services advancing animal welfare, public engagement and the conservation of wildlife.

Our Promise
We will promote AZA accreditation as the standard of excellence in the zoo and aquarium profession.

We will increase the collective impact of AZA members in animal care, welfare, sustainable population management and the conservation of wildlife.

Welcome

More than 200 exhibitors will share products, services, programs, and solutions with the zoo and aquarium community in the Exhibit Hall.

First Time Attendees

Tips For A Great Conference

Study the schedule and learn about all the program options available each day--don't just focus on one track! Conference registrants are welcome to attend any education sessions and meetings, provided they are not marked "executive session".

Go to the events! The Icebreaker will take place at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and Zoo Day happens at the Audubon Zoo. Transportation will be provided to the Icebreaker and Zoo Day. All other conference happenings take place at the Convention Center.

Review the roundtable format discussions that are scheduled in the Exhibit Hall. These are offered for smaller, more interactive discussions and open to all attendees.

If you have a smartphone, take advantage of the Annual Conference mobile app and free Wi-Fi to plan your agenda. Search: AZA Conferences. The option to have a printed program guide and schedule-at-a-glance will still be available.

Review the Exhibit Hall Floorplan and schedule of activities with exhibitors. Even if you don't plan to purchase anything, you can learn a lot from the suppliers so don't be shy!

Source: Event Website