This year’s AZA Annual conference takes place September 13-18, 2026, in Tampa, Florida, bringing together professionals from the zoo and aquarium communities, as well as vendors that supply and support that market. InPark will be covering the conference this year. As a preview, we spoke to Melissa Howerton, senior vice president of Member Services for AZA, for more information about the event and what attendees can expect. You can learn more about AZA and its members here: https://www.aza.org/about-us
InPark: For people new to the AZA Annual conference, what are some of the highlights of the event?
Melissa Howerton: The Association of Zoos and Aquariums Annual Conference is the largest, most comprehensive zoo and aquarium professional event in North America. Attending the AZA Annual Conference provides opportunities to:
– Explore ideas and best practices with more than 150 education program sessions, poster presentations, and round-table topic discussions
– Hear updates from and observe meetings of over 75 AZA Committees, SAFE, and Animal Programs (TAGs, SSPs, SAGs)
– Discover successes and lessons learned from a community of veterans and young professionals – large and small facilities alike
– Experience new technology and services in a diverse Exhibit Hall featuring more than 150 companies and organizations showcasing their latest products
– Connect with more than 2,800 dedicated colleagues at AZA-accredited aquariums and zoos who share a common vision to protect and save species.
Why is it important for people from the themed entertainment industry to consider attending the conference?
The AZA Annual Conference was last held in Tampa in 2006. We anticipate this year’s event to be one of the largest, as there are 24 AZA-accredited members that call Florida home, including some of the largest attractions – with Disney’s Animal Kingdom and SeaWorld Orlando topping the charts. The three co-hosts are ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and The Florida Aquarium.
What role does themed entertainment play in the future of zoos and aquariums?
AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums represent a diverse range of themed entertainment experiences that connect, inspire and educate visitors about the natural world around them. AZA members include theme parks and attractions, wildlife safaris, alligator farms, and more traditional zoos and aquariums. Bringing these two worlds together aligns the mission to connect people with a world where animals thrive because all people respect, value, and conserve wildlife and wild places.
What benefits does Tampa provide for conference goers?
Tampa is unique in having three AZA-accredited members co-hosting the Annual Conference. ZooTampa, The Florida Aquarium, and Busch Gardens Tampa guarantee there is something for everyone! The Florida Aquarium will open their doors to attendees for the Icebreaker event, kicking off the Annual Conference with a spectacular, Zero Waste event. And, wrapping up the week will be a double-header Zoo Days! First stop is Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with thousands of animals representing more than 200 species. The last stop brings attendees to ZooTampa at Lowry Park, where we’ll enjoy this family-friendly venue and celebrate the important conservation work they are doing. This will be the ultimate in Zoo Days!
Are there any other details about the event potential attendees should know about?
In addition to what I’ve already mentioned, there are several unique aspects that visitors should be aware of:
– CMEC Section on the Exhibit Hall Floor: In order to amplify the work of the AZA Commercial Member Engagement Council, AZA will have an designated CMEC section on the exhibit show floor. CMEC members will be located adjacent to AZA Central at booths 550 to 555.
– AZA Silent Auction to benefit AZA Saving Animals from Extinction: The auction will take place on the exhibit hall floor on Tuesday, September 16 and Wednesday, September 17, with bids ending at 7pm on the 17th. More details and an online auction site will be available soon!
– AZA Expo LIVE: AZA Expo LIVE is an exhibit hall theater open September 16th and 17th that allows AZA exhibitors the opportunity to share programming content in the Annual Conference Exhibit Hall. AZA Expo LIVE provides 30-minute sessions that are focused, high-value LIVE marketing spots for exhibitors, sponsors, and advertisers. The theater is set for approximately 50 attendees and attendance may vary depending on the topic. AZA Expo LIVE presentations may be used for demonstrating new and existing products, technology, and services that would be of interest to attendees. Learn more and reserve your spot HERE.
For more information on the conference, visit AZA’s dedicated website.
