Full Conference Schedule

Opening General Session

Speaker(s):

Dan Ashe, President & CEO, Association of Zoos & Aquariums Bert Castro, President / CEO, Arizona Center for Nature Conservation / Phoenix Zoo Martha Williams, Principal Deputy Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

General Session - Modern Zoos and Aquariums: Are they Relevant and How Can They be Better?

Speaker(s):

Dr. Jane Goodall, Founder, Jane Goodall Institute, U.N. Messenger of Peace Susan Goldberg, Editor-In-Chief, National Geographic, Editorial Director of National Geographic Partners Dan Ashe, President & CEO, Association of Zoos & Aquariums Azzedine Downes, President and CEO, International Fund for Animal Welfare Juliet Eilperin, Senior National Affairs Correspondent, The Washington Post Dr. Carl Safina, Safina Center Founding President, Ecologist and Author

Honors and Awards General Session

General Session - Conversation with Dr. Carl Safina

Speaker(s):

Dr. Carl Safina, Safina Center Founding President, Ecologist and Author Cynthia Vernon, Chief Operating Officer, Monterey Bay Aquarium

Board Transition Ceremonies and Address of Incoming Chair, Dr. Brian Davis

The Buzz

Speaker(s):

Chris Corpus, Director of Conservation, Dallas Zoo Sean Devereaux, Executive Director, Leadership Long Beach

Animal Welfare Committee Resource Showcase Dr. Katie Cronin, Senior Animal Welfare Scientist, Lincoln Park Zoo

Capacity-building for Youth Civic Leadership for Issues in Science and Society (CYCLIST) Jen Kretser, Director of Climate Initiatives, The Wild Center

Coral-aboration: Building a Conservation Partnership That Works Jim Kinsler, Curator of Aquariums, SeaWorld Orlando

Cultivating Psychological Safety for a More Inclusive, Engaged and Productive Team Dr. Jim Wharton, Director of Conservation Engagement & Learning, Seattle Aquarium

Explore the Bridge Between School Science Standards and Empathy Sean den Bok, School and Public Programs Manager, Seattle Aquarium

Explore Your National Marine Sanctuaries in 360º: Education Using Virtual Reality Claire Fackler, National Education Liaison, NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries

Extending Conservation Engagement Through Collaboration Between the Arts and Science Ellen Wieczorek, Coordinator for North America, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Fecal Glucocorticoid Metabolite (FGM) Analysis and the Power of Poop as a Health Monitoring Tool for Endangered African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus) Dr. Maureen Driscoll, Research Scientist, Mystic Aquarium

The Science of Conservation Storytelling Katie Dolan, Adjunct Professor, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts Universtiy

Freedom to Fail: Learning to Take Programmatic Risks When There’s No Other Options Rachael Bashor, Director of Education, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

The Buzz

Speaker(s):

Chris Corpus, Director of Conservation, Dallas Zoo Juliana Kim, Mammalogist, Alaska SeaLife Center

Assisting AZA Aquariums in Measuring Sustainability of Wild Collections using Ecosystem Health & Welfare Assessments Brittany Fischer, PhD Student, The Ohio State University

Conservation Stories Come to Life Adrienne Garwood, Director of Exhibits & Design, National Aquarium

Discord During COVID: What a Gaming Comms. App Can do for Youth Programs and Community Building Erin Prada, Assistant Director of Youth Development, Wildlife Conservation Society Emily Stoeth, Manager of Youth Development, Wildlife Conservation Society

How Does Relocation Affect Marine Mammal Welfare? Madeline Winans, Research Assistant, The Ohio State University

IF/THEN: Resources to Support Girls in STEM Jessica Hay, Marketing and Partnerships Manager, National Girls Collaborative

Is a Gardener a Scientist? Getting Visitors to Re-Evaluate What It Means to Be a Scientist to Increase Engagement and Trust Dr. Alexandra Beauchamp, Curatorial Science Fellow, Wildlife Conservation Society

Masked Theater: Stealing from Theater's Past to Bring It Back to the New York Aquarium Bricken Sparacino, Assistant Director of Live Interpretation, Wildlife Conservation Society

Using Augmented Reality to Engage Guests Ryan Hawkins, Education Manager, Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium Jim DePompei, Program Director, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

Marine Mixology and Our Journey Through Virtual Programming for Adults Katie McMahon, Manager of Education and Conservation, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

The Buzz

Speaker(s):

Cassandra Davis, Manager of Volunteer Programs, Aquarium of the Pacific Sean Devereaux, Executive Director, Leadership Long Beach

A Whole New (virtual) World: Expanding your Outreach Program Dawn Moon, Outreach Supervisor, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Asynchronous Learning Platforms Claire Lannoye-Hall, Director of Education, Detroit Zoological Society

Globally Shared Records Show How Flock Size and Structure Influence Reproductive Success in Captive Flamingos Dr. Andrew Mooney, PhD Researcher, Trinity College Dublin

Leveraging Touchscreen Technology to Assess Primate Attentional Biases and Welfare Jesse Leinwand, Research Assistant, Lincoln Park Zoo

New Mediation Tools: Are They Effective? Etienne Laurence, Head of Public Programs and Education, Biodôme de Montréal

Using 3D Photogrammetry to Quantify Usable Space in Zoo Primate Habitats Charles Ritzler, Graduate Research Associate, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

What You Give is What You Get: Influence of Facilitation Style on Ambassador Animal Program Participants Shelley (Shuli) Rank, Research & Evaluation Associate, Wildlife Conservation Society

Whole School Partnerships: Long-Term, Meaningful Collaborations with Schools Nicki Rosenfeld, Education Manager: Vessel Programs and School Partnerships, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk

Locked Zoo but Not Locked Down: Out of The Box Programming in An Unprecedented Year Gillian Cardwell, Manager, Special Experiences, Calgary Zoo

The Poster Buzz

Speaker(s):

Amy Rutherford, Director, Professional Development & Education, Association of Zoos & Aquariums Craig Saffoe, Executive Director, Association of Minority Zoo & Aquarium Professionals

Community Representation Evaluation and Diversification Plan Progress For Butterfly Pavilion Citizen Science Volunteer Pool Olivia Sieverts, Professional Science Masters Student, Butterfly Pavilion

Advancing the Behavioral Welfare of Sumatran Orangutans (Pongo abelii) through the Animal Vending Machine Ryann Gregory, Master's Student, Colorado State University

Do Evening Events Impact Zoo Animal Welfare? Dr. Cathleen Cox, Zoo Research Director, Los Angeles Zoo

Effects of Dietary Composition on Behavior of Male Gorillas at The Santa Barbara Zoo Dr. Estelle Sandhaus, Director of Conservation & Science, Santa Barbara Zoo

Engineering Students Build Sensor Activated Choice and Control for Animals Stephanie Norton, Animal Welfare Specialist, Reid Park Zoo

Feeding Regimen and Growth Comparison in Two Related African Painted Dog Litters Dr. Tammy Cloutier, N/A, Antioch University New England

Geographic Origin and Genetic Diversity of Angolan Colobus Monkeys (Colobus angolensis) in North American Zoos and Its Implications for Ex-situ Population Management Dr. Monica McDonald, Program Scientist, AZA Reproductive Management Center, RMC at the Saint Louis Zoo

Establishing Care Standards and a Biometric Baseline for Popular Marine Invertebrates Paul Rosenbaum, Masters Student at Colorado State University for an Aquarium management PSM, Colorado State University

Increasing Welfare of Ambassador Raptors via Volunteer Education and Positive Reinforcement Training at the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program Lindsay Palmer, Education Intern, Rocky Mountain Raptor Program

Membership Subscription Revenue - The Value and Power of Recurring Revenue Leinad Borman, Client Partner, Semnox Solutions LLC

Honoring Award-winning Staff and Volunteers Jessica Young, Manager of Exhibit Graphic Design, National Aquarium

Using Browse to Increase Guest Engagement, Feeding Duration, and Reduce Oral Stereotypies in Giraffes at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Jackelynn Gutierrez, PSM Graduate Student, Colorado State University

The Poster Buzz

Speaker(s):

Amy Rutherford, Director, Professional Development & Education, Association of Zoos & Aquariums Craig Saffoe, Executive Director, Association of Minority Zoo & Aquarium Professionals

Improving Maned Wolf Health Management through Scat Observation & Scoring Creating a Maned Wolf Fecal Scoring Card Ellen Wieczorek, Carnivore Animal Care Intern, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute

Influence of Feeding Frequency on Thermoregulatory Behavior and Growth Rate in Juvenile Komodo Dragons (Varanus komodoensis) Ren García-Hellmuth, Master's Student, Colorado State University Luke Sanders, Student, Colorado State University

Motivating a Dragon Timothy Van Loan, Behavior & Enrichment Manager, ABQ BioPark

Species360 Conservation Science Alliance - Transforming Global Species Data to Conservation Action Dr. Johanna Staerk, Conservation Biologist, Species360

The Role of Caretaker Well-Being in Animal Wellness Hollie Colahan, Vice President of Living Collections, Birmingham Zoo

Who’s on View at the Zoo? A Look at Current Species Diversity and Collection Trends at AZA Member Facilities Dr. Megan Brown, Director of Population Management Strategy, Association of Zoos & Aquariums

Sex-Differences of Age-Related Survival and Fecundity Rates for the Five Big Cat Species (genus Panthera) Living in Zoos Dr. Morgane Tidière, Postdoctoral Researcher, Species360 | SDU | CPop

S/He’s Just Not That into You (Or Your Contraception History): Predictors of Reproductive Success in Asian Small-Clawed Otters Dr. Ashley Franklin, Program Analyst, AZA Reproductive Management Center at the Saint Louis Zoo

Best Practices in Wildlife-Friendly Architecture & Planning Dr. James Karl Fischer, Executive Director, The Zoological Lighting Institute

Eliciting Conservation Behavior: An Evidence-Based Approach to Reduce Illegal Trade in The Red Siskin (Spinus cucullatus) Dr. Kathryn Rodriguez-Clark, Population Ecologist, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Head, Shoulders, Foot and Mouth Myra Brooks, Student (DVM/MPH), Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary/Zoo and Aquarium All Hazards Partnership

Wildlife Collisions: Partnerships and Solutions

Speaker(s):

Dr. Michael Kreger, Vice President of Conservation and Sustainability, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

60 Seconds for You. A Lifetime for a Panther. Tim Tetzlaff, Director of Conservation, Naples Zoo

Understanding Bird-window Collisions and What You Can Do Bonnie Van Dam, Associate Curator of Birds, Detroit Zoo

Saving Turtles and Tortoises from Vehicle Collisions Michael Dawson, Conservation Education Liaison, Saint Louis Zoo

Vehicle Collisions and Solutions for Painted Dogs in Zimbabwe Dr. Greg Rasmussen, Founder/Executive Director, Painted Dog Research Trust

Hot Topics in PR

Speaker(s):

Jackie Wallace, Senior Director of Public Relations, Houston Zoo, Inc. Jessica Fontana, Senior Director of Communications and Marketing Events, Georgia Aquarium

Quantifying and Fighting the Illegal Wildlife Trade in Live Animals

Speaker(s):

Dr. Nichole Nageotte, Conservation Education Researcher, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Combatting the Cheetah Trade in the Horn of Africa Dr. Laurie Marker, Executive Director, Cheetah Conservation Fund

Eliciting Conservation Behavior: An Evidence-Based Approach to Reduce Illegal Trade in the Red Siskin (Spinus cucullatus) Arlene Cardozo, Red Siskin Initiative Coordinator, Provita

Keeping American Turtles SAFE: Confronting the Illegal Trade Dave Collins, Program Leader, AZA SAFE American Turtle Program

Testing Messages about Wildlife Trafficking Dr. Nichole Nageotte, Conservation Education Researcher, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

#StopAAPIHate: When Conservation, Language, and Culture Collide

Speaker(s):

Andrew Asaki, Collaborative Program Manager, Woodland Park Zoo

Where Have All the Pollinators Gone? A Case Study on How AZA Aquariums and Zoos Can Help Bring Them Back, Delighting Visitors and Delivering a Net Gain for Pollinators

Speaker(s):

Russ Pecoraro, VP of Marketing, Butterfly Pavilion Patrick Tennyson, President and CEO, Butterfly Pavilion

Panelists Amy Yarger, Horticulture Director, Butterfly Pavilion Mary Ellen Mateleska, Director of Education & Conservation, Mystic Aquarium Rachel Veal, Horticulturist, North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island

Adopt-an-Animal Programs Today: Learning from the Challenges & Successes of 2020

Speaker(s):

Amy Lazoff, Director of Development, Fort Wayne Children's Zoo

Adopt-an-Animal Program at Potter Park Erin O'Rourke, Fund Development Specialist, Potter Park Zoological Society

Adopt an Animal Program at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo Jessica Taylor, Event Fundraising Coordinator, Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

Adopt-An-Animal Program at LA Zoo Danika Jensen, Manager, Annual Giving Programs, Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association

Adopt an Animal Program at Roger Williams Park Zoo Lauren Ustaszewski, Development Associate, Roger Williams Park Zoo

Adopt an Animal Program at Akron Zoo Allyson Boyd, Annual Giving Manager, Akron Zoo

Adopt an Animal Program at Cleveland Zoological Society Jason Orlando, Director of Operations, Cleveland Zoological Society

Advancing Conservation Through Empathy for Wildlife: Your Next Step On Your Empathy Journey

Speaker(s):

Daniel Rother, Empathy Network Specialist, Woodland Park Zoo

Applying An Empathy Lens to Your Programming and Language Emily Bernhardt, Education Specialist & Social Media Coordinator, ZooMontana

Empathy in the Virtual Classroom Sarah Witt, Elementary Age Program Coordinator, Zoological Society of Milwaukee

Empathy as a Tool for Environmental Justice Will Kittel, Empathy Fellowship Coordinator, Seattle Aquarium

Measuring Empathy: Collaborative Assessment Project (MECAP) Tools in Practice Jennifer Gauble, Conservation Audience Research and Evaluation Associate, Saint Louis Zoo Sarah Brenkert, Principal Evaluator, Seattle Aquarium Nette Pletcher, Partner, Pathways Collaborative

Ambassador Animal Tough Conversations

Speaker(s):

Dr. Mandi Schook, Science Operations Director, Disney's Animal Kingdom Liz Evans, Manager of Behavioral Husbandry & Animal Programs, National Aquarium Maureen O'Keefe, Assistant Curator, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Mandi Krebs, Interactive Animal Programs Manager, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium Katie Manion, Conservation Education Professional Christina Simmons, Assoc.Director of Mission Communications, San Diego Zoo Christina Dembiec, Director of Education, Memphis Zoo Jacqueline Menish, Curator of Behavioral Husbandry, Nashville Zoo at Grassmere Jacqueline Peeler, Manager Living Collections, Museum of Science Nicki Boyd, Associate Curator, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Kym Janke, San Diego Zoo

Ambassador Animals and AZA Animal Programs: Partnerships for Sustainable Populations

Speaker(s):

Jacqueline Menish, Curator of Behavioral Husbandry, Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Ambassador Alliances Nicki Boyd, Associate Curator, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Whoooo Said You Can’t Do It All? Cathy Schlott, Director of Animal Programs and Experiences, National Aviary

Ambassador Animal Sustainable Population Management: What a Charismatic Cat is Doing to “Serval” Your Ambassador Needs through Experimental Animal Management Techniques Dan Dembiec, Curator, West Zone, Memphis Zoo

Feelin’ Jelly? Jennie Janssen, Assistant Curator, National Aquarium

Animal Population Management (APM) Committee - Updates and Discussion regarding the Reimagination of Animal Programs

Speaker(s):

Joe Barkowski, VP- Animal Conservation & Science, Tulsa Zoo

Aquatic Sustainability - Next Steps

Speaker(s):

Adrienne Rowland, Director, Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay

Panelists Dr. Barbara Bailey, Curator of Husbandry and Sustainability, New England Aquarium Kevin Curlee, Assistant Animal Operations Manager, Disney's The Seas with Nemo and Friends Andrew Pulver, Director of Husbandry, National Aquarium Hap Fatzinger, Director, North Carolina Aquariums

AZA and Climate: Keeping Pace with the Change

Speaker(s):

Peter Zahler, Vice President of Conservation Initiatives, Woodland Park Zoo

Climate Change and Field Conservation Jess Phillips, Area Manager, Penguin Coast and Africa Barn, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

Education, Communications, and Climate Literacy Christos Michalopoulos, Deputy Director of Education, Office of Education, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Climate Change and Visitor Engagement Debbi Stone, Senior Vice President of Engagement and Learning, The Florida Aquarium

Climate Change and Community Engagement Windy Arey-Kent, Education Curator, North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

Climate Justice Curtis Bennett, Director of Equity and Community Engagement, National Aquarium

Climate Rescue and Rehabilitation Patrick Burchfield, Executive Director, Gladys Porter Zoo

Climate Change Policy Eleanore Humphries, Federal Ocean Policy Manager, Monterey Bay Aquarium

Institutional Security from Climate Impacts Darryl Dziadyk, Director, Facilities & Grounds, The Calgary Zoo

Mitigating Climate Impacts from our Organizations Claudia Pineda Tibbs, Sustainability Manager, Conservation and Science, Monterey Bay Aquarium

Behavior and Welfare Beyond the ABC’s: Novel Studies of Animal Behavior and Welfare in Understudied Taxa

Speaker(s):

Dr. Austin Leeds, Research Manager, Disney's Animal Kingdom

How Are You Doing, Mr. Reptile? The Applicability of Three Welfare Indicators To Assess Reptile Well-Being Jennifer Hamilton, Animal Welfare Programs Coordinator, Detroit Zoological Society

Toads “Tell” Us How They Feel About Habitat Styles Dr. Katherine Cronin, Senior Animal Welfare Scientist, Lincoln Park Zoo

A Coral’s True Colors: Using Color Hues To Assess Coral Health and Welfare Catherine Razal, Conservation and Animal Wellness Specialist, Texas State Aquarium Dr. Keisha Bahr, Assistant Professor in Marine Biology, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Figuring It Out Takes a While Crocodile: How Husbandry Procedures and Exhibit Modifications Affect Nile Crocodile Behavior Dr. Austin Leeds, Research Manager, Disney's Animal Kingdom

Best of Marketing - Rapid Fire

Speaker(s):

Ryan Bickel, Chief Marketing Officer, Blank Park Zoo

Our World Without: Save the Heart and Soul of the South Carolina Aquarium Amie Yam-Babinchak, Director of Marketing, Sales & Strategic Communications, South Carolina Aquarium Danielle Raub, Marketing Communications Coordinator, South Carolina Aquarium

Calgary Zoo: Daily and Weekly Dose Campaign Katie Frost, Marketing Manager, Calgary Zoo

Shedd Aquarium Recovery Campaign Johnny Ford, Assistant Director, Public Relations, John G. Shedd Aquarium

Indianapolis Zoo: Tembo Camp Karl Traeger, Director of Marketing, Indianapolis Zoo

Beyond 2020 - Looking to the Future of Virtual Engagement

Speaker(s):

Becky Bingham, Production Manager, Seattle Aquarium

Expanding Community through Virtual Engagement Becky Bingham, Production Manager, Seattle Aquarium

From Necessity to Opportunity: The Changing Mindset of Our Virtual Future Debbi Stone, Senior Vice President of Engagement and Learning, The Florida Aquarium

How Virtual Program Enhances Accessibility Allison Price, Director of Learning Experiences, Lincoln Park Zoo

Creating Connections With Virtual Programs J.J. McLeod, Director of Education, Santa Barbara Zoo

Multiple Visits Are Better Than One Dan Keeffe, Director of Learning and Engagement, Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Garden

Beyond the Biofact: Mentoring Teens for Success After Volunteering

Speaker(s):

Stephanie Joseph, Curator of Education, New York Aquarium/WCS

Citizen Science – A Teen Empowerment Tool Cheri Vogel, Education Curator, ABQ BioPark

Telling the Story of Conservation Through Teens Christine Eckles, Chief Engagement Officer, Blank Park Zoo

Teen Testimony: Truth in Youth Stephanie Joseph, Curator of Education, New York Aquarium/WCS

Big Impact, Little Budget

Speaker(s):

Diane Villa, Director of Communications and Marketing, North Carolina Zoo

Taking Partnerships to the Next Level Laura Reider, Director of Marketing and Advertising, Woodland Park Zoo

Revamping Special Events Quickly and Efficiently Linda Hardwick, Director of Marketing and Communications, Phoenix Zoo

Maximizing Earned and Owned Media Tina Tison, Director of Marketing, Maritime Aquarium

Colonialism in Conservation

Speaker(s):

Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman, Director, Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park

Conservation Commerce & SAFE: Strengthening Programs Through Collaboration and Practical Solutions

Speaker(s):

Andrew Fischer, Vice President of Sustainability & Conservation, SSA Group

Leading the Group on Building AZA SAFE Commercial Conservation Programs Dr. James Danoff-Burg, Director of Conservation, Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Building a Commercial Conservation Commerce Program: Insight into the Challenges and Opportunities - YUS Conservation Coffee Trevor Holbrook, Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program Manager, Woodland Park Zoo

Conservation Commerce Programs From the Field: Action for Cheetahs in Kenya Mary Wykstra, Action for Cheetahs Founder, Action for Cheetahs

Building a Commercial Conservation Commerce Program: Peninsular Pronghorn Recovery Program Aidee Sanchez, Peninsular Pronghorn Recovery Project

Leading the Group on Increasing Your Visitor Engagement Adam Senior, Managing Director, CREW Training and ConsComm

Giving Your Team the Voice for SAFE Programs to Better Connect Conservation Commerce Paul Cox, Managing Director, Shark Trust

SAFE Programs: Changing Hearts, Minds, and Culture to Increase Your Visitor Engagement. Jeffrey Vanek, Director of Human Resources, Utah's Hogle Zoo

Successful Implementation of a Conservation Commerce Program: YUS Conservation Coffee Chris Banks, Manager of Conservation Partnerships, Zoos Victoria Foundation

Challenges and Opportunities for Conservation Commerce Products Tommy Brown, Retail Manager/Conservation Buyer, Saint Louis Zoo

Giving Facilities, NGO's and Operators the Opportunity for Successful Program Collaboration Beth Armstrong, ZAAC - Zoos and Aquariums Committed to Conservation, ZACC

Conservation Education: Is It a Department, or an Organizational Priority?

Speaker(s):

Debbi Stone, Senior Vice President of Engagement and Learning, The Florida Aquarium Windy Arey-Kent, Education Curator, North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores Samantha Norton, Sr. Director of Learning Programs, John G. Shedd Aquarium Dr. Joy Kubarek, Co-Founder, Inform Evaluation Katie Manion, Conservation Education Professional

Conservation Is a Team Sport

Speaker(s):

Dr. Kayla Cranston, Director of Conservation Psychology Strategy and Integration, Antioch University New England

The Importance of Participatory Processes for Conservation Success Shareen Knowlton, Director of Education, Roger Williams Park Zoo

Meaningfully Owning the Integration of People Into Conservation Greg Heanue, Chief Marketing Officer, Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden

Steering the Ship While Integrating People Into Conservation Regina Mossotti, Director of Animal Care and Conservation, Endangered Wolf Center

Community Demand for Integrating People Into Conservation Dr. Kathayoon Khalil, Director of Engagement, Zoo Advisors

Being Able To Correct Mistakes and Pivot While Integrating People Into Conservation John Anderson, Director of Education, Zoo New England

Feeling Effective as a Group While Integrating People into Conservation Curtis Bennett, Director of Equity and Community Engagement, National Aquarium

From Theory to Practice - A Closer Look At Co-Design in Process Dr. Joy Kubarek, Co-Founder, Inform Evaluation

Conversations in Environmental Justice & Civic Engagement

Speaker(s):

Kimm Fox-Middleton, Wilderness Interpretation & Outreach Specialist, Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center Cassandra Davis, Manager of Volunteer Programs, Aquarium of the Pacific Kelli Crawford, Director of Impact, Junior Achievement of Triad Kim Haas, Senior Manager, Guest & Volunteer Engagement, Woodland Park Zoo Callum Watson, Youth Volunteer Coordinator, Aquarium of the Pacific

Creating Equitable Pathways for More Diverse Representation

Speaker(s):

Jasmine Williams, Community Partner Program Coordinator, Seattle Aquarium

Breaking the Green Ceiling: A Fellowship Model Will Kittel, Empathy Fellowship Coordinator, Seattle Aquarium

The Migrant Education Program Coral Barrerio, Manager of Community Programs, Los Angeles Zoo

Culturally Responsive Teaching and Representation Chris Conner, W.I.L.D Program Coordinator, Jacksonville Zoo

African-American Scholar Program Anthony Brown, Vice President of Finance and CFO, Aquarium of the Pacific Alyssa Pacaut, Senior Manager of Membership, Aquarium of the Pacific

Optimizing Grant Funds to Create Equitable Pathways in Aquarium Careers Mara-Lynne Payne, Senior Manager of Inclusion, Equity & Diversity, Tennessee Aquarium Anna George, VP of Conservation Science and Education, Tennessee Aquarium

Earned Revenue Revolution – Bold Business Strategies to Drive Your Zoo/Aquarium Forward

Speaker(s):

Jill Macauley, Director of Strategic & Business Planning, Relevant Strategies & Solutions

Driving Earned Revenue Through Flexibility Andy Wood, Chief Operating Officer, The Florida Aquarium

Earned Revenue Planning & Innovative Attractions Michele Smith, Chief Financial Officer, Woodland Park Zoo

Rip the Band-Aid Off: More Money for More Mission Delivery Rhealyn Carter, Vice President of Advancement, Dallas Zoo and Children's Aquarium at Fair Park

Take a Walk with Me: Exclusive Experiences and Behind the Scene Tours Jason Jacobs, Executive Director, Sacramento Zoo

Education Advisors Roundtable

Speaker(s):

Jennifer Charette, Manager of Family Programs, GLMV Architecture, Inc Lisa Lidgus, Conservation Education Liaison, Saint Louis Zoo Jacque Williamson, Curator of Education, Brandywine Zoo Katie Manion, Conservation Education Professional Windy Arey-Kent, Education Curator, North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores Trevor Mia, Curator of Education, St. Augustine Alligator Farm Terry O'Connor, Partner, Pathways Collaborative

Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus: Hope Through Research, Communication, and Community

Speaker(s):

Lisa Marie Avendano, Vice President of Animal Operation, Houston Zoo

It Takes a Village: AZA Community Support for EEHV Dr. Christine Molter, Director of Animal Health, Houston Zoo

The Role of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) in EEHV Hemorrhagic Disease (HD) Dr. Lisa Abegglen, Assistant Professor, University of Utah Dr. Joshua Schiffman, Professor, Huntsman Cancer Institute/University of Utah

EEHV Serology and Vaccine Update Dr. Paul Ling, Professor, Baylor College of Medicine

Social Media and EEHV Judy Palermo, Director of Public Relations, Indianapolis Zoo

Engaging Programming is Not Conservation Engagement: Involving People in Meaningful Conservation Action

Speaker(s):

Christine Schmitz, Director of Education, Utah's Hogle Zoo Debbi Stone, Senior Vice President of Engagement and Learning, The Florida Aquarium Terry O'Connor, Partner, Pathways Collaborative Dr. James Danoff-Burg, Director of Conservation, Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Engaging the Public, Informing Policymakers, Advancing Conservation and Achieving 30x30

Speaker(s):

Douglas Meyer, Strategic Advisor for Public Engagement, The Ocean Project

Welcome Rob Vernon, Senior Vice President, Communications & Strategy, Association of Zoos & Aquariums

Panelists Rosemary Slick, Guest Engagement Manager, National Aquarium Dani Hogan, Director of Mission Integration, Philadelphia Zoo Taylor Engelsman, Content & Evaluation Specialist, New England Aquarium Andrea Caldwell, Associate Director of Government Relations, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Dr. Erin Meyer, Director of Conservation Programs & Partnerships, Seattle Aquarium

Expanding Diversity in Aquarium and Zoo Fields

Speaker(s):

Steven Yong, Senior Biologist, Steinhart Aquarium Jennie Janssen, Assistant Curator, National Aquarium

Data Driven Decision-Making To Drive Innovation Dr. Eduardo Fernandez, Senior Lecturer of Applied Animal Welfare and Behavior, University of Adelaide, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences

Overcoming DEAI Obstacles Through Individual Actions Jennie Janssen, Co-Founder, Minorities in Aquarium and Zoo Science

Tools for Advancing DEAI Within AZA and Beyond Misha Body, Director of Husbandry, California Science Center

The Role of Non-Minorities in Facilitating DEAI Meghan Holst, Co-Founder, Minorities in Aquarium and Zoo Science

Collaboration for Collective Success in DEAI Initiatives Dr. DeAndrea Matthews, Director of Diversity & Community Engagement, Detroit Zoological Society

Federal Partnerships...No Longer a One-Way Street

Speaker(s):

Steve Olson, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Association of Zoos & Aquariums

AZA Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project Beth Firchau, Conservation Project Coordinator, AZA-Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project

Fifty Years Since Salt Lake City: The Past and Future of the Association

Speaker(s):

Grayson Ponti, Conservation Interpreter, Dallas Zoo Kris Vehrs, Executive Director- Retired, Association of Zoos and Aquariums

How We Got to Where We Are and Where We Are Going Peggy Sloan, Chief Animal Operations Officer, John G. Shedd Aquarium Beth Stevens, PhD, Former Senior Vice President of Environmental Affairs, Walt Disney Company Jeffrey Bonner, PhD, President/CEO, Saint Louis Zoo Steve Taylor, Director Emeritus, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

From Grassroots to Environmental Leadership, Making Sustainability a Part of Our Organizational Culture

Speaker(s):

Stacia Pieroni, Conservation Manager/ GSAG Chair, Kansas City Zoo Margaret Spring, Vice President of Conservation & Science, Monterey Bay Aquarium James Sheard, Guest Services Retail and Membership Manager, Elmwood Park Zoo Sean Putney, Senior Director of Zoological Operations, Kansas City Zoo Claudia Pineda Tibbs, Sustainability Manager, Monterey Bay Aquarium

From Optimism and Relief to Exhaustion and Survivor’s Guilt: Navigating the Impact of Our Emotional Realities Post-COVID and Beyond

Speaker(s):

Julie Henry, Partner, Pathways Collaborative

How Does Conservation Education Impact Institutional Priorities?

Speaker(s):

Dr. Aaron Marshall, Chief Operating Officer, Santa Barbara Zoo

How Conservation Education Goals Impact Georgia Aquarium Priorities Dr. Brian Davis, President & Chief Executive Officer, Georgia Aquarium Dr. Alistair Dove, Vice President of Research, Conservation and Education, Georgia Aquarium

How Conservation Education Goals Impact Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Priorities Dr. Chris Kuhar, Director, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Vicki Searles, Director of Conservation Education, Cleveland Metropark Zoo

How Conservation Education Goals Impact Oakland Zoo Priorities Nik Dehejia, President & CEO, Oakland Zoo Caterina Meyers, Vice President of Education, Conservation Society of California, Oakland Zoo

How Conservation Education Goals Impact Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk Priorities Jason Patlis, Director, Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk Tom Naiman, Director of Education, Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk

How To Create Behavior Change Through Community-Based Conservation

Speaker(s):

Dr. Corinne Kendall, Curator of Conservation and Research, North Carolina Zoo

Giraffe Guards: Conservation on Community Lands in Kenya Dr. Kirstie Ruppert, Scientist, Community Engagement, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

From Conservation Education to Community Engagement: The Role of Teacher Training in Sustainable Behavior Change in Uganda Dr. Corinne Kendall, Curator of Conservation and Research, North Carolina Zoo

Meeting Them Where They Are: Assessing Boaters’ Mental Models Surrounding Coexistence with Wildlife Fatima Ramis, Wildlife Wellness and Research Officer, Jacksonville Zoo

Community-driven Conservation: Making Space Behind the Monarch Conservation Steering Wheel for All Stakeholders Dr. Lily Maynard, Director of Global Conservation, Cincinnati Zoo

Insights Into Visitor Effects on Animals From the COVID-19 Closures

Speaker(s):

Dr. Ashley Edes, Animal Welfare Scientist, Saint Louis Zoo

Evaluating Visitor Effects on Space Use in Multiple Species During and After the COVID-19 Closure Dr. Ashley Edes, Animal Welfare Scientist, Saint Louis Zoo

Leveraging a Behavioral Monitoring Program to Assess Visitor Effects on Ten Species of Mammals and Birds During Lincoln Park Zoo’s COVID-19 Closure Natasha Wierzal, Research Assistant, Lincoln Park Zoo

Behavioral and Physiological Changes of Giraffes (G. c. reticulata & G. tippelskirchi) and Cheetahs (A. jubatus) During Two Visitor Transitional Periods at the Oregon Zoo Laurel Fink, Graduate Research Assistant, Oregon Zoo

Effects of Visitor Presence and Crowd Size on Zoo-Housed Red Kangaroos (Macropus rufus) During and After a COVID-19 Closure Megan Jones, Research Associate, Detroit Zoological Society

‘Bearly’ Changing with the Seasons: Five Bear Species Show Few Behavioral Changes Across Seasons and at Varying Visitor Densities Dr. Laura Bernstein-Kurtycz, Graduate Research Associate, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

So Far Away From Me: Use of Space and Behavior in Elasmobranchs With and Without Guest Interactions Dr. Stephanie Allard, VP, Animal Care & Welfare, National Aquarium

The Dither Effect: Humans as a Neutral Sensory Stimulus with Positive Behavioral Outcomes for Zoo Animals Dr. Bethany Krebs, Research Manager, San Francisco Zoo

Integrated Pest Management In Zoos and Aquariums

Speaker(s):

Thomas Cornwell, Pest Management Specialist, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Fighting Fire With Fire! How Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden Uses Biologicals to Help Control Animal and Plant Pest Problems Misty Minar, Botanical Curator, Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden Leigh Ramon, Assistant Animal Curator, Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden

The Value of a Designated IPM Specialist Jef Taylor, IPM Specialist, Zoo New England

Selecting and Working With a Contracted Company (Challenges and Opportunities) Daniel Hemmann, Area Curator, John Ball Zoological Garden

IPM Approaches to Rodent Management Gregory Ose, Entomologist, Animal Care Sciences, Smithsonian's National Zoological Park

IPM Approaches to Invasive Species: How Red Imported Fire Ants Have Contributed to the Decline of Texas Horned Lizards Denise Ibarra, Curator/Registrar, Abiline Zoo

Lasting Innovations: New Programs and Practices to Continue Post-Pandemic

Speaker(s):

Bricken Sparacino, Assistant Director of Live Interpretation, Wildlife Conservation Society

Deploying Unity Allison Schwartz, Volunteer Manager, Maryland Zoo

Virtual Volunteer Program Beth Markowitz, Director of Volunteer Engagement, National Aquarium Megan Anderson, Director of Guest Engagement, National Aquarium

Mobile Crew and Visitor TLC Bricken Sparacino, Assistant Director of Live Interpretation, Wildlife Conservation Society

Virtual Birth Watch Volunteers Sarah Bruemmer, Volunteer Engagement Supervisor, Woodland Park Zoo

Leadership Resiliency & Advancing DEAI Across AZA: Lessons from the 2020-21 ELDP Cohort

Speaker(s):

Misha Body, Director of Husbandry, California Science Center

Leading Like a Network: What Zoos and Aquariums Can Learn From Networks to Achieve Their Goals

Speaker(s):

Nette Pletcher, Partner, Pathways Collaborative

Focus on Mission Before Organization Monica Lopez, Director of Cites & Community Engagement, Children & Nature Network

Manage Through Trust, Not Control Daniel Rother, Empathy Network Specialist, Woodland Park Zoo

Promote Others, Not Yourself Cassie Klein, NNOCCI Membership Committee, National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Communication

Build Constellations, Not Stars Liz Georgakopoulos, Teen Programs Supervisor, New England Aquarium

Level Up Your Impact: Lessons from Youth Leaders

Speaker(s):

Stephanie Joseph, Curator of Education, New York Aquarium/WCS

Youth Voices at the Local, State and Federal Level Baylee Ritter, Strategic Advisor, Youth Initiative, The Ocean Project

Virtual Summit Connects Youth in Conservation Efforts Across the Nation Lauren Gibson, Youth Engagement Specialist, NOAA Office of Education

For Youth By Youth Kimberly Swan, Teen Programs Manager, Monterey Bay Aquarium

Engaging the Hands, the Heart and the Mind through Youth Conservation Leadership Austin Kennedy, Teen Programs Supervisor, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Cultivating the Next Generation of Conservation Heroes Colleen Cavanaugh, Teen Programs Supervisor, Houston Zoo

Recycled Art Inspires Visitors to Refuse, Replace & Revive Amy Orchard, Education Specialist, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Making 1.5.0 More Meaningful Roundtable 1 of 2 With the Animal Welfare Committee: Working Out the Kinks

Speaker(s):

Beth Posta, AZA Animal Welfare Committee Chair, Curator of Behavioral Husbandry, Toledo Zoo

Making 1.5.0 More Meaningful Roundtable 2 of 2 with the Animal Welfare Committee: Maximizing Benefits for Animals

Speaker(s):

Dr. Katie Cronin, Senior Animal Welfare Scientist, Lincoln Park Zoo

Membership and the Data: How Membership Survived and is Recovering After Covid

Speaker(s):

Dana Hines, VP Membership Marketing, Membership Consultants/OSG

Membership Resilience in a Time of Recovery Roisin Morgan, Assistant Director of Membership & Guest Experience, Franklin Park Zoo

Taking the Next Step in Membership Growth Dardenelle Long, CEO/President, Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park

Meeting the Membership Challenges During a Crisis Lisa Correa, Director of Membership, Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association

Aquarium Membership Rebound Erin Kane, Member Relations Manager, Texas State Aquarium

Membership Hot Takes: Novel, Buzzworthy, and Unpopular Ideas to Shake Up Your Membership Program

Speaker(s):

Dan Sullivan, Head of Growth and Partnerships, Cuseum Maddie Taylor, Cuseum

Does Your Organization Have Too Many Members? Zachary Winfield, Vice President, Zoo Advisors

Can You Build an "A La Carte" Membership? Stephanie Wilkes, Senior Membership Manager, Woodland Park Zoo

What’s the Future of Member Acquisition Strategy? Jessica Harrington, President, The Harrington Agency

Membership Experiments and Lessons During COVID-19 Jacqueline Zassick, Manager of Member and Donor Services, Cleveland Zoological Society

Back to Basics Jennifer Porter, Director of Sales & Marketing, Adventure Aquarium

Membership Vs. The Gate

Speaker(s):

Leigh Pierre-Oetker, Executive Director, Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation, Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation Tom Jacobson, President, Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association Bill Moore, President & CEO, Zoo Miami Foundation Cathi Decker, Executive Director, Friends of Santa Ana Zoo Pamela Reed Sanchez, President/CEO, Seneca Park Zoo Society

Mission Driven Thinking + Solid Scientific Information = Institutional Collection Plans: Advances in Data-Driven Institutional Collection Planning Processes

Speaker(s):

Dr. Gina Ferrie, Science Operations Manager, Disney's Animal Kingdom

Zoo And Aquarium Collections by The Numbers: An Analytics Tool for Collection Planning and Evaluation Dr. Andrea Putnam, Population Biologist, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Principle-Based Aquatic Collection Decision-Making Kevin Curlee, Assistant Animal Operations Manager, Disney's The Seas with Nemo and Friends

Regional Species Planning in the Australasia Region (formerly Regional Collection Planning): Association and Institutional Perspectives James Biggs, Director, Conservation and Population Management, Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia

Species Planning in the Australasia Region: An Institutional Perspective Amanda Embury, Senior Manager Animal Welfare & Life Sciences, Zoos Victoria

Movin’ On Up: Next Level Leaders Movin’ Forward

Speaker(s):

Rachel Ritchason, Director of Collections, Santa Barbara Zoo Hollie Colahan, Vice President of Living Collections, Birmingham Zoo Misha Body, Director of Husbandry, California Science Center Jess Kohring, Director of Equity Programs, Los Angeles Zoo

Shifting the Paradigm & Creating New Norms Rachael Bashor, Director of Education, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

What Got Us Here Today Will Not Get Us Where We Need To Be Tomorrow Sean den Bok, School and Public Programs Manager, Seattle Aquarium

Leveraging the Hope & Passion of Our Youth to Lead Change Emily Pinckney, Youth Volunteer Coordinator/DEAI Team, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Prioritizing & Adapting: Skills to Grow My Leadership Anthony Tapia, Animal Keeper, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Moving Beyond Threats to Create a Sustainable Future

Speaker(s):

Dr. Jim Wharton, Director of Conservation Engagement & Learning, Seattle Aquarium

Understanding Threats to Biodiversity in the Conservation Planning Process Jamie Copsey, Director of Training, IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group

Conservation for Development: A Landscape Level Approach to Conservation and Development Dr. Ranjini Murali, Conservation Scientist/Research Associate, Snow Leopard Trust

Veterinary Medicine and the One Health Approach Luis Padilla, Vice-President Animal Collections, Saint Louis Zoo

Amplifying Indigenous Voices to Conserve the Arctic Lisa Lidgus, Conservation Education Liaison, Saint Louis Zoo

Turning the Tide of Biodiversity Loss through Collaboration Katie Frohardt, Executive Director, Wild Earth Allies

Working with the Community to Create Conservation Solutions Mollie O'Neil, Director of Community Partnerships in Conservation, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Not Just a Plan: Developing a Sustainability Master Plan That Catalyzes Action

Speaker(s):

Daniel Lawse, Chief Century Thinker, Verdis Group

How the Sustainability Master Plan Advanced the Seattle Aquarium’s Sustainability Leadership Dr. Erin Meyer, Director of Conservation Programs & Partnerships, Seattle Aquarium Jesse Phillips-Kress, Director of Facilities, Seattle Aquarium

Setting The Course for Sustainability at The Dallas Zoo Sean Greene, Executive Vice President and COO, Park Operations, Dallas Zoo

The Evolution of The Sustainability Master Plan at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium Dennis Schnurbusch, Senior Vice President of Operations & COO, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

On the Boards

Speaker(s):

Keith McClintock, Principal, SH|R Studios

Houston Zoo’s Galapagos Islands Trisha Crowe, Project Manager, Houston Zoo Keith McClintock, Principal, SH|R Studios

Franklin Park Zoo’s New Greeting to Boston Ace Torre, Principal, Torre Design Consortium, LTD Bob Chabot, COO, Zoo New England/Franklin Park Zoo

Conservation, Sustainability and Community Come Together at Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman, Director, Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park David McGuire, William Bernoudy Vice President of Architecture & Planning, Saint Louis Zoo

Kansas City Zoo Aquarium Randy Wisthoff, Executive Director/CEO, Kansas City Zoo Jennifer Devlin-Herbert, Principal, EHDD Architects Brian Schuetze, Principal + Creative Director, Space Haus

A New Zoo for Sacramento Jason Jacobs, Executive Director, Sacramento Zoo

Denver Zoo 7-year Improvement Plan George Pond, Senior Vice President for Planning and Design, Denver Zoological Foundation Jacob Dumler, Principal, Director of Experience Design, MIG | Portico

Relocation & Renovation of the Audubon Nature Institute’s Insectarium Rich Toth, Managing Director, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas Sumi Fasolo, AIA, Senior Associate, CambridgeSeven

Page by Page: Turning Young Readers into Conservationists

Speaker(s):

Brenda Royce, Senior Editor, Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association

Inspiring a Passion for Nature, One Book at a Time Georgeanne Irvine, Director of Publishing, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

The Truth About Storytelling: Cultivating Discovery and Empowering Action Kim Allgeier, Curator of Conservation Education, Louisville Zoo

Inspiring Young Readers to Go Wild for Nature Candice Rennels, Director of Public Relations, Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden

Fiona: Fact and Fiction Michelle Curley, Communications Director, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Reimagining Partnerships from Influencers to Promotions

Speaker(s):

Ashley Mobley, Director of Marketing & Events, Sequoia Park Zoo

Importance of Partnership in Non-profit Settings Laura Rieder, Director of Marketing and Advertising, Woodland Park Zoo

Sponsorvation: Making Paid Partnerships Work for Wildlife Shervin Hess, Wildlife Advocacy Program Manager, Oregon Zoo Mitch Maxson, The Nature Conservancy

Forced to Close Because of Covid. No Problem, We’ll Bring the #ZooToYou! Kevin Milhomme, Director, Corporate Sponsorships, Zoo New England

From “Capturing Lightening in a Bottle” to Building Capacity Emily Marrin, Marketing and Communications Director, Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association

Popping The Influencer Bubble: Aligning Brands for Collaboration Over Promotion Patrick Webster, Social Media Content Creator, Monterey Bay Aquarium

Renewing Collaboration Towards Buffalo Consciousness: The Role of Zoos in Bison Conservation

Speaker(s):

Mollye Nardi, Curator, Great Plains Zoo Marie-Eve Marchand, VP, Harvey Locke Conservation Inc

Conservation Collaborations Between Indigenous Communities and Zoos Towards Meaningful Actions on the Ground Darren Minier, Assistant Director, Conservation Society of California - Oakland Zoo Dr. Leroy Little Bear, Instigator of the Buffalo Treaty/Ass. to the Uni. of Lethbridge President, Kainai Nation Dr. Stefan Ekernas, Rocky Mountain/Great Plains Program Director, Denver Zoological Foundation

Relationships and Relatedness Between Bison, Their Ecosystems and Indigenous Peoples Dr. Tasha Hubbard, Cree-Saulteaux Film Maker and University Professor, University of Alberta Professor Wes Olson, Author and Artists, Parks Canada Retiree, Self Employed C-Jae Breiter, Research Conservation Specialist, Assiniboine Park Zoo

Retail Sustainability Work Group: Guiding Your Team to Build a Sustainable Future for Your Operation

Speaker(s):

Elizabeth Bagley, Director – Drawdown Learn, Project Drawdown

Sustainable Materials and Circular Product Lifecycle Andrew Fischer, Vice President of Sustainability & Conservation, SSA Group

Setting Standards for Vendor Compliance and Data Gathering Methodology Andrea Froehle, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Event Network

Impact of Overseas Shipping and Carbon Neutrality James Ward, Executive Vice President of Conservation and Sustainability, Event Network

Front and Back-of-house Packaging Materials Impacts Judy Rancour, Director of Retail Operations, Saint Louis Zoo, President, ZAG Buyers Group

Rising to the Challenge: Training New Volunteers During a Pandemic

Speaker(s):

AnnMarie Lisi, Associate Director of Education, The Maritime Aquarium Liz Emerson, Volunteer Coordinator, Toledo Zoo

SAFE Sharks and Rays - Engaging the New Program Plan

Speaker(s):

Jennie Janssen, Assistant Curator, National Aquarium

New SAFE Sharks and Rays Program Plan Overview Hap Fatzinger, Director, North Carolina Aquariums

Engage to Save Paul Cox, Managing Director, Shark Trust

Changing the Narrative and Developing Unified Shark and Ray Conservation Messaging Dr. Jim Wharton, Director of Conservation Engagement & Learning, Seattle Aquarium

Leveraging Tools, Expertise and Resources in Support of Global Shark Conservation Beth Firchau, Conservation Project Coordinator, AZA-Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project

Breakout Room Leaders Hans Walters, Animal Supervisor and Field Scientist, New York Aquarium Kelli Cadenas, Curator, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium Dr. Alistair Dove, Vice President of Research, Conservation and Education, Georgia Aquarium Matt Seguin, Curator of Husbandry and Records, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium Erin McCombs, Aquarium of the Pacific Karin Stratton, Sustainable Seafood Advisor, AZA SAFE Shark & Ray

Safety Trends in Zoos and Aquariums

Speaker(s):

Dan Marsh, Director of Education, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Establishing a Strong Safety Culture Through the Use of Just Culture Steve Bauer, Safety Manager, Denver Zoological Foundation

Establishing an Effective Safety Council Maria Gallegos, Director, Health Safety & Security, Houston Zoo

The Top 10 Safety Concerns from Accreditation Inspections Thomas Meehan, VP of Veterinary Services, Chicago Zoological Society Brookfield Zoo

How to Leverage Checklists Included in the Example Practices Document To Move Your Safety Programs Forward Nathan S. Fague, Director of Safety & Security, Mystic Aquarium

Encounters and Escapes Database Summary Anne Knapp, Director Animal Resources, Franklin Park Zoo

Shifting Focus: Putting Animal Behavior First

Speaker(s):

Angela Miller, Behavioral Husbandry Zoological Manager, Disney's Animal Kingdom Nicki Boyd, Associate Curator, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Steve Martin, President, Natural Encounters, Inc. Darren Minier, Assistant Director, Conservation Society of California - Oakland Zoo Melissa Nelson, Assistant Curator of Behavioral Husbandry, Bronx Zoo/ Wildlife Conservation Society

Smash the Patriarchy: Solving Education’s Professionalism Problem

Speaker(s):

Dr. Kathayoon Khalil, Director of Engagement, Zoo Advisors

Core Competencies of Non-School Educators Dr. Joy Kubarek, Co-Founder, Inform Evaluation

The Feminization of Education Dr. Joe Heimlich, Senior Director of Research, COSI

Breakout Discussion: How Does the Devaluing of Education Affect Our Current Operations and Ability To Achieve Our Education Mission? Katie Manion, Conservation Education Professional

Breakout Discussion: Post Pandemic Education Departments; What Does Our Future Look Like? Dr. Kerry Carlin-Morgan, Director of Education, Oregon Coast Aquarium

Breakout Discussion: Organization-Wide Education Strategic Planning Terry O'Connor, Partner, Pathways Collaborative

Breakout Discussion: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly of Institutional Pandemic Responses Nancy Hotchkiss, Partner, Pathways Collaborative

Breakout Discussion: What Are the Next Steps To Create a Culture of Education Professionalism in Zoos and Aquariums? Dean Watanabe, Chief Conservation Education Officer, Fresno Chaffee Zoo

Stand Up and Be Counted: Why Representation Matters

Speaker(s):

Craig Saffoe, Executive Director, Association of Minority Zoo & Aquarium Professionals Kathryn Juliano, Animal Keeper, Smithsonian National Zoological Park

Minority Representation at the "Big Table" Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman, Director, Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park

Underrepresented – Not Invisible Dean Watanabe, Chief Conservation Education Officer, Fresno Chaffee Zoo

You Know Me, Now Hear My Story Dr. Buddhan Pukazhenthi, Research Physiologist- Ungulates, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Isolated Amanda Felix, Aquarium Biologist, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Don’t Be Afraid - I Am Proud of My Heritage Rebekha Delgado, Animal Keeper, Disney's Animal Kingdom

Successes and New Directions in Ex situ Population Management

Speaker(s):

Dr. Kathryn Rodriguez-Clark, Population Ecologist, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Dr. Lisa Faust, Senior Director of Population Ecology, Lincoln Park Zoo

Expected Demographic and Genetic Declines Not Found In Most Zoo and Aquarium Populations Dr. Lisa Faust, Senior Director of Population Ecology, Lincoln Park Zoo

Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Population Management in AZA Rachel Bladow, Population Biologist, AZA Population Management Center at Lincoln Park Zoo

Applying Genomics to Metapopulation Management in North American Insurance Populations of Sable Antelope (Hippotragus Niger) and Dama Gazelle (Nanger Dama) Dr. Rebecca Gooley, Postdoctoral Researcher, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Working Mothers and Other Creative Solutions: AASAG’s Efforts To Support Sustainable Collections Mandi Krebs, Interactive Animal Programs Manager, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

Population Management of Fishes: We Closed the Life Cycle, Now What? Dr. Andrew Rhyne, Associate Professor of Marine Biology, Roger Williams University Dr. Barbara Bailey, Curator of Husbandry and Sustainability, New England Aquarium

Improving Ex Situ Plant Population Management With Lessons From Animals, and Vice Versa Dr. Jeremie Fant, Conservation Scientist, Chicago Botanic Garden

Towards Group-Based Population Management for Every Species That Needs It, With the Group Management Initiative (GMI) Dr. Kathryn Rodriguez-Clark, Population Ecologist, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

EAZA Ex Situ Programs: From One-Size-Fits-All, To Custom-Built by All Dr. Kristin Leus, Population Management Advisor, The European Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Supporting Professionals Across Dimensions of Diversity

Speaker(s):

Amy Rutherford, Director, Professional Development & Education, Association of Zoos & Aquariums

The Doctor Is In! A Social Science Research and Evaluation Clinic

Speaker(s):

Dr. Brian Johnson, Co-founder and Partner, Inform Evaluation & Research

The Psychology of Welfare

Speaker(s):

Lyndsay Newton, Senior Keeper, Zoo Atlanta

Cognitive Bias Testing and Its Application in Measuring Animal Welfare Dr. Marieke Gartner, Associate Curator of Animal Welfare, Zoo Atlanta Lyndsay Newton, Senior Keeper, Zoo Atlanta

Assessing Affect in Grizzly Bears Using a Judgment Bias Task Dr. Laura Bernstein-Kurtycz, Graduate Research Associate, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Flipper Chewing in a California Sea Lion: Understanding Motivation for a Stereotypical Behavior Dr. Louis Divincenti, Assistant Zoo Director, Seneca Park Zoo

Learning From Animals, Guests, and Staff: Post-Occupancy Evaluation of Sanctuary Asia at the Oklahoma City Zoo Dr. Lisa Barrett, Postdoctoral Fellow in Animal Behavior, Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden

The Resilience of Nature Play

Speaker(s):

Jessica Schellhorn, Education Program Manger, Blank Park Zoo Anna Becker, Curator of Community Conservation, Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens Nemesia Herzstein, Lead Learning Facilitator, Early Childhood, Woodland Park Zoo Lisa Thibault, On-Site Programs Specialist, Buffalo Zoo Heidi Faris, Connecting to Nature Coordinator, Association of Zoos & Aquariums Marine Astin, Education Manager, Tracy Aviary Catherine Jackson-Banks, Educator, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

The Value and Impact of Dynamic Pricing in the New Era

Speaker(s):

Andy Wood, Chief Operating Officer, The Florida Aquarium

Dynamic Pricing Defined Greg Loewen, Chief Executive Officer, Digonex

Dynamic Pricing for Special Events Adrian Cavazos, Senior Director of Business Operations, Houston Zoo

Dynamic Pricing to Improve Access Lisa Townsend, Vice President, Marketing and External Relations, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

Changing the Discussion with Dynamic Pricing Andy Wood, Chief Operating Officer, The Florida Aquarium

The Value of Interpretation at Zoos and Aquariums During a Pandemic

Speaker(s):

Dr. Sarena Gill, Animal Area Supervisor, Oregon Zoo

Connecting With Guests Emotionally and Intellectually Through Interpretation Dr. Sarena Gill, Animal Area Supervisor, Oregon Zoo

Virtually New Programming Steve Gerkin, Interpretive Programs Manager, North Carolina Zoo

Reinventing Security Kevin Wright, Security Manager, Monterey Bay Aquarium

Reinventing For Success! Jessica Moore, Education Curator, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

Youth Volunteers as Interpretation Developers: The Pandemic Journey of WCS’ Virtual Discovery Guide Program Emily Stoeth, Manager of Youth Development, Wildlife Conservation Society Olivia Ramos, Coordinator of Youth Development, Wildlife Conservation Society

Planning for the Pandemic and Beyond Evelyn Serrano, ScienceLIVE! Assistant Manager, California Science Center

How the Pandemic Helped Carrie Hawthorne, Curator of Education, Buttonwood Park Zoo

Toadally Confused? Developing Welfare Indicators for Amphibians and Reptiles

Speaker(s):

Dr. Stephanie Allard, VP, Animal Care & Welfare, National Aquarium Dr. Grace Fuller, Director of Animal Welfare, Detroit Zoological Society

Considerations and Approaches to Amphibian Welfare Dr. Ruth Marcec-Greaves, Executive Officer, Honduras Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Center

Denver Zoo’s Approach To Assessing Reptile and Amphibian Welfare Katie Vyas, Director of Animal Wellness and Research, Denver Zoological Foundation

Who’s That Frog? Managing Amphibians as Individuals To Improve Welfare Jessica Nelson, Assistant Curator, Australia and Rainforest, National Aquarium

Reptile Husbandry and Welfare as a Continuum: Evaluating Snake Housing Lauren Augustine, Curator of Herpetology, Saint Louis Zoo

A Framework for the Use of Natural History Information in Evidence-Based Herpetoculture Zachary Loughman, Zoo Science and Applied Conservation Coord./Co-Biology Program Director, West Liberty University

Can Reptiles Experience Good Welfare in the Absence of Full-Spectrum Lighting? Robert Mendyk, Curator of Herpetology, Audubon Zoo

Reptile Responses to a Pandemic Zoo Closure: Implications for Behavioral Indicators of Reptile Welfare Dr. Grace Fuller, Director of Animal Welfare, Detroit Zoological Society

Tons of Poo: A Discussion on Why and How Zoos Should Compost

Speaker(s):

Nancy Huffman, Animal Keeper, Queens Zoo

Trends in Volunteering - 2020 Volunteer Benchmarking Survey

Speaker(s):

James Bluher, Volunteer Services Manager, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Kerrie Kovaleski, Vice President of Education, Interpretation, and Volunteer Programs, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore Toy Lambeth, Volunteer Services Coordinator, North Carolina Zoo Cassandra Davis, Manager of Volunteer Programs, Aquarium of the Pacific

Turning the Tide on Climate Change: Organizing a Joint Aquarium Commitment

Speaker(s):

Noah Chesnin, Associate Director, NY Seascape Program, Wildlife Conservation Society – New York Aquarium Kim McIntyre, Aquarium Conservation Partnership Coordinator, Monterey Bay Aquarium

Creating a Joint Climate Commitment With the Aquarium Conservation Partnership Kristin Blackler, Consultant, C2Change

The Path to Carbon Neutrality at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Claudia Tibbs, Sustainability and Operations Manager, Monterey Bay Aquarium

Omaha Zoo’s Sustainability Efforts Result in Big Savings Stephanie Huettner, Assistant General Curator, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Planning for a Sustainable Future at the Seattle Aquarium Jesse Phillips-Kress, Director of Facilities, Seattle Aquarium

Advancing a Sustainable Future at Shedd Aquarium Bob Wengel, Senior VP, Facilities and Security, John G. Shedd Aquarium

Virtual is Here to Stay: Reaching and Retaining New Audiences

Speaker(s):

Erika Novak, Manager of Innovative Learning Experiences, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Science @ Home - Reaching Family Audiences in A Virtual World Cassie Graff, Asst. Manager of Public Programs, California Academy of Sciences

"Un-ZOO-Sual" Careers - Reaching International Audiences through Webinars Shellie Pick, Animal Keeper, Smithsonian National Zoological Park

Virtual Field Trips - Effective Classroom Programs in a Digital World Bethany Dunn, Science Education Coordinator, Albuquerque Biological Park

Virtual Programming, Now What?

Speaker(s):

Andrea Stein, Manager of School Programs, Roger Williams Park Zoo

Volunteer Management SOS

Speaker(s):

Emily Stoeth, Manager of Youth Development, Wildlife Conservation Society Jessica Greensmith, Volunteer Engagement Specialist, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Saying Yes to What Matters Most to Your Mission Alana Knoppow, MSW, Volunteer Program Manager, Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice

Supporting Staff that Supervise Volunteers for Maximum Impact Jessica Greensmith, Volunteer Engagement Specialist, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Want the BIG Gifts? Board and Staff Perspectives on How to Achieve Fundraising Success

Speaker(s):

Jill Macauley, Director of Strategic & Business Planning, Relevant Strategies & Solutions

Capital Campaign Success Like Never Before - Staff Viewpoint Anne Weber-Smith, Director of Major Gifts, Minnesota Zoo Foundation

Capital Campaign Success Like Never Before - Board Viewpoint 1 Suzanne Gappa, Campaign Co-Chair & Board Member, Minnesota Zoo Foundation

Capital Campaign Success Like Never Before - Board Viewpoint 2 Ken Culter, Campaign Committee Co-Chair & Board Member, Minnesota Zoo Foundation

A Couple Events Plus An Appeal to A Successful Major Gifts Program - Staff Viewpoint Cathy Mousseau, Campaign Director, Cosley Zoo

A Couple Events Plus An Appeal to A Successful Major Gifts Program - Board Viewpoint Susan Varcak, Board Chair, Cosley Foundation

Want to Save Species? Start with Engagement and Wellbeing

Speaker(s):

Jonathan Miot, Director, Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo Kyle Lundby, Global Aspect Human Capital Advisors Christina Gorsuch, Curator of Mammals, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Charlisa Shelly, Director of Human Resources, Kansas City Zoo Laura Martina, Chief People Officer, Fresno Chaffee Zoo Laura Weiner, Zoo Manager, Henry Vilas Zoo

We Can’t Do It Alone -- The Importance of Community Partnerships in Working Towards Equity and Inclusion

Speaker(s):

Roger Torbert, Vice President of Education, Birmingham Zoo

Funding Community Partnerships Michelle Kolar, Vice President of Education, Zoo Atlanta

Community Based Participatory Research and Design Jennifer Garcia, Doctoral Student, Clemson University

Transactional, Performative and Transformational Community Partnerships Kimm Fox-Middleton, Wilderness Interpretation & Outreach Specialist, Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center

Give & Take in Community Partnerships Leslie Clements, Special Projects Coordinator, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

Allyship: Building Community Partnerships From Mutual Trust Caterina Meyers, Vice President of Education, Conservation Society of California, Oakland Zoo

Using a Co-Creation Model To Make the Shift From Transactional to Transformational Partnerships Dana Murphy, VP Learning & Community Engagement, Lincoln Park Zoo

We’re a Conservation Organization, Too: Ways AZA Members Communicate Their Conservation Efforts to the Public

Speaker(s):

Greg Heanue, Chief Marketing Officer, Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden

The Fiona Effect: Ways Individual Wildlife Can Inspire Conservation Change Jenna Wingate, Senior Africa Animal Keeper, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Fear to Fascination: Turning Guests From Skeptics into Shark Conservationists Martin Gray, Chief Marketing Officer & SVP, Georgia Aquarium

Welfare Considerations for Fish: Environment, Social Structure and Welfare and Ethical Dilemmas of Fish Larval Rearing

Speaker(s):

Dr. Linda Penfold, Director, South-East Zoo Alliance for Reproduction & Conservation

An Introduction to the Five Welfare Domains and How They Relate To Fish Dr. Rob Jones, Veterinarian/Vet Advisor MFTAG, The Aquarium Vet

Three-Dimensional GIS: From Visualization to Analysis - A Technique To Incorporating Depth Into Habitat Use Descriptions for Aquariums Nancy Pham Ho, Aquatic Biologist, South-East Zoo Alliance for Reproduction & Conservation

Understanding Aggressive and Dominance Relationships to Guide Management of Ex situ Carcharhinus melanopterus Emily Kelly, Senior Aquarist, National Aquarium

Welfare and Ethical Issues in Fish Larval Rearing Dr. Andrew Rhyne, Associate Professor of Marine Biology, Roger Williams University

What Gets Measured Gets Done: Building Evaluation into Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion Plans

Speaker(s):

Su-Jen Roberts, Director of Educational Research & Evaluation, Wildlife Conservation Society

A Call to Action: The Importance of Research and Evaluation of DEI Efforts Dr. Joy Kubarek, Co-Founder, Inform Evaluation

Using AZA’s DEI Standard and Guidelines to Create an Evaluation Plan Marley Steele-Inama, Director of Community Research and Evaluation, Denver Zoo

Developing Measurable DEAI Goals Shelley (Shuli) Rank, Research & Evaluation Associate, Wildlife Conservation Society

Measuring Impact Without an Evaluator Jess Kohring (she/her), Director of Equity Programs, Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens

How Community Voices Shape DEAI Priorities Amy Niedbalski, Director, Conservation Audience Research & Evaluation (CARE), Saint Louis Zoo

What is the New Normal in Events?

Speaker(s):

Gail Brown, Chief Development Officer, Reid Park Zoo

In-Person Events During Covid Erin Ward, Corporate Philanthropy Officer, Fort Wayne Children's Zoo

Record-breaking Revenue with Virtual Events Jillian Koehring, Event Manager, Aquarium of the Pacific

Donor Stewardship During Covid Robin Savoian, Associate Director, Annual Fund, Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association