CONFERENCE REPORT
AZA CONFERENCE REPORT
Green operations,
wildlife conservation and
business strategies were
the topics discussed
at the 85th Association
of Zoos and Aquariums
(AZA) conference.
Melissa Howerton,
director of conferences
and membership,
reports on the event
H
eld in Portland, Oregon, and The fi nale of the conference (right) was a
hosted by Oregon Zoo, AZA 2009 day at Oregon Zoo where delegates could
in September embraced the eco- mix networking with a look at the animals
friendly environment of Portland with a
Green Mission outlining ways the associa- programming themes featured thought-pro-
tion and conference suppliers cooperated voking topics on climate change, animal
to lower the meeting’s carbon footprint. and guest safety, green operations, doing
Materials were available in digital versions more with less, population sustainabil-
offering delegates the option to use print or ity, revenue generation and technological
electronic formats in planning agendas. advances in the zoo and aquarium fi eld.
Attendees were encouraged to take part More than 300 speakers in 64 sessions MEMBER RECOGNITION
in this effort by reusing water bottles and participated, providing enlightening discus- AZA announced four newly accredited
coffee mugs they received onsite, pur- sions and best practice examples. members — Binghamton Zoo at Ross
chasing carbon-offsetting, recycling name More than 120 exhibiting companies and Park in Binghamton, NY, Children’s Zoo at
badges and using public light-rail to get the Conservation Endowment Fund Silent Celebration Square in Saginaw, Michigan,
from one destination to another. Incentives Auction fi lled the 90,000sq ft (8,360sq m) Steinhart Aquarium in San Francisco,
were offered to attendees who registered exhibit hall. To support suppliers, new fea- California, and Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake
online before the conference, as opposed tures at the conference included increased City, Utah. This brings AZA-Accredited
to mailing in registration forms, with a draw promotional of exhibitors and sponsors, institutions to 221. Many honours and
for complimentary hotel stays. a virtual trade show that attendees could awards were also bestowed on individu-
search by company or product category, als in the zoo and aquarium community,
OPENING MESSAGE and enhanced member benefi ts. including recognition in outstanding serv-
The conference was opened by ice and committee work.
Dr Jane Goodall, DBE, founder The conference continued
AZA CONFERENCE 2010
of the Jane Goodall Institute to the fi nale and closing event,
and UN Messenger of Peace. AZA 2010 will run September 11 – 16 and will be hosted Zoo Day, fi lled with hands-on
Goodall addressed the audi- by the Houston Zoo, Houston, Texas. The event promises experiences at the Oregon
ence with her message of hope to bring together top-notch speakers, engaging program- Zoo. Attendees had access to
for the future and her call to ming and events and vibrant exhibitors featuring the behind-the-scenes exhibits and
make a difference every day newest products and services to the zoo and aquarium keeper chats. Social events
for people, animals and the world. For more information and details about attend- planned throughout the day
environment. Keeping her mes- ing, visit
www.aza.org/annualconference. The Call for offered delegates extensive
sage alive throughout the week, Papers opens early February 2010 on the AZA website. networking opportunities set
educational sessions and among the hills of the Zoo. ●
AM 1 2010
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cybertrek 2010 Read Attractions Management online
attractionsmanagement.com/digital 75
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