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Full Conference Schedule

Meetings and events will take place at the Long Beach Convention Center and Hyatt Regency Long Beach. Be sure to check the onsite program guide for room locations. Schedule is subject to change. If you have questions about the schedule or would like to reserve meeting space, please contact Cheryl Andrews.

*Meetings that are listed as Executive Session are only open to members of that particular Committee or Program. If a meeting is NOT listed as Executive Session, it is open to all registered attendees as an observer only.

Due to limitations of program options conducive to an online audience, as well as the cost of live streaming, AZA will not be offering a virtual registration option to participate in this year’s Mid-Year Meeting.

Tuesday, April 19
8:00 am - 12:00 pm SAFE: Asian Elephant (Executive Session*)
8:00 am - 12:00 pm Green SAG (Executive Session 8:00 am - 10:00 am*)
8:00 am - 5:00 pm Accreditation Hearings (Executive Session*)
8:00 am - 5:00 pm Executive Leadership Development Program (Invitation Only)
8:00 am - 5:00 pm Animal Population Management Committee (Executive Session*)
8:30 am - 4:30 pm Conservation Education Committee (Executive Session 8:30 am - 10:30 am*)
9:00 am - 10:30 am AZA Conservation Culture Pilot Program (Executive Session)
For more information or to become involved in the pilot, please contact Jeff Vanek.
9:00 am - 12:00 pm Wildlife Conservation Committee (Executive Session 9:00 am - 10:00 am*)
9:30 am - 3:30 pm Pre-Conference Tour - Los Angeles Zoo (additional $75 fee - SOLD OUT)
10:00 am - 5:00 pm White-blotched River Stingray SSP Planning Meeting
11:00 am - 10:00 pm Pre-Conference Tour - The Living Desert (additional $75 fee - SOLD OUT)
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Lunch Provided for Attendees
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Trends Committee
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm SAFE: Chinchilla
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Human Resources Committee
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Volunteer Management Committee (Executive Session*)
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Government Affairs Committee
2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Zoo and Aquarium All Hazards Partnership (ZAHP)
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm SAFE Reports: North American Songbird, Tree Kangaroo of PNG, African Vulture, Giraffe, and African Painted Dog
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm Ciconiiformes, Phoenicopteriformes, Pelecaniformes TAG

 

Wednesday, April 20
8:00 am - 9:30 am Animal Program Leaders Meeting
8:00 am - 12:00 pm Design Thinking through an Empathy Lens (Workshop is full; waitlist available)
Join us for a dynamic workshop focused on inspiring conservation action through empathy for animals. This workshop includes a deep dive into the science and strategy of empathy as a conservation tool and a facilitated "design charette" experience where we'll apply those principles - through playful design-thinking activities - to imagine engaging and compelling new programs and exhibits. There is no additional cost to participate in this workshop, but spots are limited. Registration is closed; waitlist available.
8:00 am - 12:00 pm Public Relations Committee
8:00 am - 12:00 pm Marine Mammal TAG (Executive Session*)
8:00 am - 5:00 pm Accreditation Hearings (Executive Session*)
8:00 am - 5:00 pm Giraffe SSP Breeding and Transfer Planning
8:00 am - 5:00 pm Safety Summit
8:30 am - 5:00 pm Green Summit
9:00 am - 10:00 am Animal Health Committee
9:00 am - 12:00 pm Ambassador Animal SAG (Executive Session 9:00 am - 10:00 am*)
9:00 am - 5:00 pm Diversity Summit (Advanced RSVP was required; Summit is full)
Join the AZA Diversity Committee for an engaging day of learning as we focus on elevating excluded voices within the communities of zoos and aquariums. The summit will consist of panelists and speakers on topics such as creating a culture of belonging and inclusion and cultivating opportunities for partnership with organizations outside of AZA. Additionally, we'll engage in workshops that focus on environmental justice and DEAI workforce development. The summit will end with an opportunity to apply learnings from the summit to your organization's strategic goals. 
  • Welcome
  • Keynote: Tina Calderon, Culture Bearer of Gabrielino Tongva, Chumash and Yoeme descent
  • Panel: Community Organizations Engaging Diverse Audiences in Nature Connection and Leadership Development
  • Panel: Viewpoints and Stories from Diverse Zoo and Aquarium Professionals
  • Break for Lunch
  • Panel: Tools for Workforce Diversification
  • Panel: Environmental Justice and Zoos and Aquariums
  • Work session: Incorporating DEAI Into your Zoo or Aquarium’s Strategic Goals
  • Closing Remarks
10:00 am - 11:00 am Coraciiformes TAG
10:00 am - 12:00 pm Avian SAG Steering Committee
10:00 am - 4:00 pm Population Management Center (PMC) Help Desk
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Lunch Provided for Attendees
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm AZA-Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project - Cancelled
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm SAFE: Tree Kangaroo
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Elephant Strategy Meeting (By Invitation Only 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm)
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Avian SAG General Session
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Business Operations Committee
1:30 pm - 4:30 pm Joint Public Relations & Marketing Committees
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm SAFE: Andean Highland Flamingo
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Education Advisors
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm Aquarium Conservation Partnership
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Cocktail Party at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (Space Limited; Sold Out)
Join us for cocktails and appetizers at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, which offers a scenic view, a fun crew, and all the grunion eggs you can hatch. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, which traces its roots to 1935, achieved its first AZA accreditation more than 20 years ago. Located within the Port of Los Angeles (about 10 minutes from Long Beach), the Frank Gehry-designed facility offers a unique interface between the industrial, urban harbor and coastal waters teeming with marine life.

There is no charge for this event, but space was limited. The event is sold out. Transportation will depart from the Hyatt Regency at 5:30 pm.

 

Thursday, April 21
8:00 am - 10:00 am SAFE: Shark and RAY
8:00 am - 12:00 pm Giraffe SSP Breeding & Transfer Planning
8:00 am - 12:00 pm Avian SAG and Ambassador Animal SAG Workshop
8:00 am - 5:00 pm Accreditation Hearings (Executive Session*)
8:00 am - 5:00 pm Rhino TAG and Rhino Research Council
8:00 am - 5:00 pm Safety Summit
8:30 am - 12:00 pm Marketing Committee
8:30 am - 4:30 pm Green Summit
9:00 am - 10:00 am Research and Technology Committee
9:00 am - 5:00 pm Volunteer Management Committee (Executive Session 9:00 am - 12:00 pm*)
9:30 am - 11:30 am Wildlife Trafficking Alliance
10:00 am - 11:00 am Open Conversation on Technology Use in the Zoo/Aquarium Community (facilitated by the Research and Technology Committee)
10:00 am - 12:00 pm Marine Fishes TAG
10:00 am - 12:00 pm Zoo Conservation Outreach Group (ZCOG) (Executive Session*)
10:00 am - 12:00 pm Population Management Center (PMC) Help Desk
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Lunch Provided for Attendees
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Committee Chairs Meeting
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Galliformes TAG
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm SAFE: African Penguin
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Giraffe Technical Rescue Working Group Meeting - Moved to Friday, April 22, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Joint Small Population Management Advisory Group and Molecular SAG
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Managing for Success Course Planning Meeting (Executive Session*)
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Aquatic Collections Sustainability Committee
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Diversity Committee
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Passerine TAG
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm SAFE: African Vulture
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm AZA Public Perception Research Update
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm Social Science Research and Evaluation SAG - Canceled; an update will be given at the Research and Technology Committee Meeting
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Coraciiformes TAG Steering Committee (Executive Session*)
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Working Meeting - WCC, APMC, PMC Subgroups (Executive Session*)
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Welcome Reception, hosted by AZA

 

Friday, April 22
7:30 am - 8:00 am Breakfast with Exhibitors
8:00 am - 9:30 am General Session
9:30 am - 10:30 am Break with Exhibitors
10:30 am - 11:30 am Aquarium Affairs Committee
10:30 am - 12:00 pm SAFE Program Leaders (Executive Session*)
10:30 am - 12:00 pm New World Primate TAG
10:30 am - 12:00 pm Safety Committee (Executive Session*)
10:30 am - 12:30 pm Population Management Center (PMC) Help Desk
10:30 am - 12:30 pm Reproductive Management Center (RMC) Help Desk
10:30 am - 12:30 pm Hot Topics in PR
10:30 am - 12:30 pm Ungulate TAGs: Giraffe Technical Rescue Working Group Meeting (full Ungulate TAG agenda PDF)
10:30 am - 12:30 pm Bird Friendly Coffee
Led by SAFE: North American Songbird
10:30 am - 12:30 pm Crowdsourcing: Sustainability Best Practices and Troubleshooting
Led by the Green SAG
10:30 am - 12:30 pm Equitable Internships
Led by the Volunteer Management Committee
11:30 am - 12:30 pm Zoo-Park Partnerships for America’s Keystone Wildlife
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Lunch with Exhibitors
2:00 pm - 10:00 pm Aquarium Day at Aquarium of the Pacific

 

Saturday, April 23
7:30 am - 8:00 am Breakfast with Exhibitors
8:00 am - 9:00 am General Session
9:00 am - 9:30 am Break with Exhibitors
9:30 am - 10:30 am Anseriformes TAG
9:30 am - 12:00 pm Reproductive Management Center (RMC) Help Desk
9:30 am - 5:30 pm International Population Biology Colleagues Meeting
9:30 am - 5:30 pm AZA Board of Directors (Executive Session 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm*)
9:30 am - 5:30 pm Ungulate TAGs (full agenda PDF)
10:00 am - 12:00 pm SAFE: African Penguin (Executive Session*)
10:00 am - 12:00 pm Rodent, Insectivore, Lagomorph TAG - Cancelled
10:30 am - 12:00 pm Movin' On Up: Makin' the Most of Your Time
Do you find yourself always strapped for time? As you grow in your career, is it hard to balance your expanding scope of responsibilities and “me” time? How do you take care of yourself as well as your professional development? Join us for both a practical and reflective opportunity centered on tips for managing a busy calendar while prioritizing both self-care and professional growth.
11:00 am - 12:00 pm Raptor TAG - Cancelled
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Lunch Provided for Attendees
1:00 pm - 1:30 pm Chimpanzee SSP
1:00 pm - 1:30 pm Charadriiformes TAG
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Canid and Hyenid TAG (Executive Session 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm*)
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm SAFE: Seascape (Executive Session*)

 

Sunday, April 24
8:00 am - 5:00 pm AZA Board of Directors (Executive Session*)
8:00 am - 5:30 pm Ungulate TAGs (full Ungulate TAG PDF)
9:00 am - 10:00 am Old World Monkey TAG - Cancelled
9:00 am - 12:00 pm Small Carnivore TAG
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Lunch Provided for All Attendees
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Bear TAG
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm WAZA Committee for Population Management (Executive Session*)

 

Monday, April 25
8:30 am - 5:00 pm Post-Conference Tour - Santa Barbara Zoo (additional $70 fee)


*Meetings that are listed as Executive Session are only open to members of that particular Committee or Program. If a meeting is NOT listed as Executive Session, it is open to all registered attendees as an observer only.



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