Policies

Code of Conduct
AZA is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all meeting participants and AZA staff. Each and every participant, including attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, Association staff, and service providers, is expected to understand and follow policies in all in-person and virtual spaces. These expectations apply to all AZA meeting-related events, including those held in conjunction with AZA conferences.

By registering for the Conference, you agree to abide by the Code of Conduct.

All Are Welcome
AZA meetings and official events are designed to create an inclusive environment, welcoming and respectful to all attendees, inclusive of age, race, religion, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or spiritual or political belief. All are welcome – to join, learn, share, network, and help create a stronger AZA community. Your attendance is vital to advancing AZA’s Mission: helping its members and the animals in their care thrive by providing services advancing animal welfare, public engagement, and the conservation of wildlife.

All meeting and event participants must agree to, and abide by, the AZA Code of Conduct, which outlines AZA’s policy on harassment, safety, and reporting unacceptable behavior.

In addition, while recognizing that we do not control any areas or behaviors beyond official conference meeting spaces and events, AZA will share resources provided by host members and local visitor bureaus to help attendees in selecting opportunities to safely explore and experience surrounding communities.

Membership Requirement
AZA Commercial Membership is required for any individual representing a commercial entity (a company that provides products and services, including consultants). Non-member registration is only open to individuals employed by a zoo, aquarium, non-profit organization, or government agency. Non-member registration is not open to individuals employed by a non-member commercial entity. Consultants or individuals representing a commercial entity that is not a current AZA Commercial Member, Conservation Partner, or Exhibitor, are not eligible to register for the Conference.

Attendees representing a zoo, aquarium, non-profit organization, or government agency are not required to be individual members of AZA or work for an AZA-accredited institution in order to register for the Conference. 

Age Requirement
Student Members (under 18) must be registered and accompanied by a registered parent/guardian (over the age of 18) at all times. Attendees' children under 18 are not permitted in the Exhibit Hall. Infants/toddlers are permitted if they are in a backpack or carrier at all times. Strollers are not allowed in the Exhibit Hall. No one under the age of 18 is allowed in the Exhibit Hall during exhibitor move in or move out.

Payments
Accepted methods of payment are Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or Check. If you are paying by check, you will still need to register online. Check payments must be received by AZA within 30 days of submitting your registration. All payments must be made in U.S. funds, drawn on by a U.S. bank, and payable to AZA. Credit card payments will be processed in U.S. funds, in accordance with effective exchange rates. Statement to show a charge by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

In order to receive the Early Bird Rate, payment must be postmarked by Friday, August 16. If payment is not postmarked by this date, registrant will be re-invoiced at the Regular Rate. For registrations submitted after Friday, August 16, payment must be received onsite, if not before.

Refund Policy
Event tickets are non-refundable. Refund requests must be received by Friday, August 23, 2024. Refund requests received after this date will be reviewed on a case by case basis. No refund consideration will be given for requests received after Monday, September 23, 2024. Approved refunds will be issued within 30 business days and a $75 processing fee will be deducted. Substitutions from the same institution or company will be accepted in writing without penalty. Please send cancellation or substitution requests to AZA Meetings Department.

Vendor Solicitations
Solicitation of attendees and exhibitors by non-exhibitors is prohibited. Individuals found soliciting may be subject to expulsion and prohibited from attending future AZA meetings.

Digital Recording, Photography and Video
By registering, you grant AZA authorization to film, photograph, or otherwise document your participation in the event. You further agree that such images, photographs, and recordings may be used by AZA without prior approval to promote AZA and its events. Such use will not entitle you to any credit or compensation. You release AZA, its officers, employees, and vendors from any liability connected with the use of any image, photograph, or recording.