Social Events
Zero Waste Icebreaker at The Florida Aquarium
Monday, September 15, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
One ticket is included in a full registration. Daily registration DOES NOT include a ticket. Additional tickets are available for $100 each. Children ages 3-11 are $50 USD additional. No ticket needed for children under 3.
Dive into the annual conference by breaking the ice at The Florida Aquarium’s “All Are Welcome Happy Hour.” Start the evening with a welcome signature drink that honors our rich Cuban heritage. Once inside, journey through Florida’s amazing wetlands, stroll along our vibrant coastlines, get wet at our newest rugged shoreline touch experience opening Summer 2025, and take a deep dive under the surface where you'll come face-to-fin with sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Immerse yourself in Morph’d, presented by PAR, where we celebrate the diverse and unique animals that share our natural world.
No happy hour would be complete without food, drinks and fun, so we’re cooking up culinary creations that highlight some of Tampa’s famous dishes and connect guests to the region’s emerging foodie scene. Drinks, both locally crafted and some of your favorite national brands, will be flowing (responsibly of course), and each attendee with enjoy two free ones “on the house.” Games, interactive experiences, behind-the-scenes tours, and vibrant music will abound.
Finally, the “All Are Welcome Happy Hour” will conclude outdoors with a "last call" celebration from 8:30-9:00 pm that you won’t want to miss. The Florida Aquarium is a short walking distance from the hotels and the free streetcar transport you from the Dick Greco station to The Florida Aquarium stop.
If you are unable to make it to registration prior to the Icebreaker, you can still attend the event. Volunteers will have a list of registered attendees at the entrance to the Icebreaker. Please be advised, tickets cannot be purchased at the door.
Zoo Day at Busch Gardens Tampa and ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Thursday, September 18, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
One ticket is included in a full registration. Daily registration DOES NOT include a ticket. Additional tickets are available for $100 each. There is no discounted child ticket. No ticket needed for children under 2.
Join us at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay as we host the first half of 2025’s Zoo Day! Our family-oriented theme park features up-close encounters with remarkable animals, incredible thrill rides and live entertainment. With thousands of animals representing more than 200 species, the park’s zoological collection is a marquee attraction. You can visit habitats featuring endangered species, such as Bornean orangutans, western lowland gorillas, and Asian elephants. The park's focus on conservation and education provides a unique opportunity to learn about global wildlife preservation efforts. There will be park-wide experiences to go behind the scenes as teams host “open houses” providing great opportunities for networking with fellow professionals. Whether you're discussing animal care, conservation projects, or the latest trends in the zoo industry, it’s a chance to connect and share ideas in a more informal, fun environment.
Upgrade your day by adding a Serengeti Safari! You’ll be transported to the wonderful world of the Serengeti Plain, a 65-acre habitat, home to giraffe, zebra, rhinoceroses, and various species of antelopes. Your guide will share secrets and stories of this amazing habitat during this 30 minute tour. AZA conference attendees will receive a 20% discount on this experience, as well as all purchases throughout the zoo.
Continue your Zoo Day at nearby ZooTampa! Buses will begin departing for ZooTampa at 2:30 pm, with the last bus leaving Busch Gardens for ZooTampa at 4:30 pm.
Explore ZooTampa at Lowry Park during the second half of the Zoo Day! We are Florida’s most attended cultural attraction and home to more than a thousand animals from climates similar to the Tampa Bay area. As a champion for wildlife, we participate in more than 70 Species Survival Plan programs and work collaboratively with 18 local and global conservation partners in almost every continent.
We have an unwavering dedication to protect and preserve wildlife and are a leader in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of Florida species. ZooTampa’s David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center is the largest nonprofit center of its kind in the US. Since 1991, ZooTampa has treated more than 600 sick, injured, and orphaned manatees with the majority returned to Florida waters. We are one of only 2 facilities in the United States able to treat critically injured and sick manatees and orphaned calves.
During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in more than 20 chats and behind-the-scenes tours (including a hard hat sneak peek of our newest area, Manatee Rescue) to get a closer look at what makes ZooTampa unique. We also encourage you to visit one of our retail shops and receive a 20% discount on one-of-a-kind gifts while exploring the park and sampling a variety of delicious food and drinks innovated by our partner, Oak View Group.
We thank you in advance for your visit and hope you have a great time at ZooTampa connecting with wildlife and each other.
Buses will begin departing the Convention Center for Busch Gardens at 9:30 am, and will run continuously until 2:30 pm. At 2:30 pm, all buses leaving the Convention Center will be going to ZooTampa. Buses will take attendees from Busch Gardens to ZooTampa between 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm. The last bus will leave Busch Gardens for ZooTampa at 4:30 pm. Buses will run continuously between ZooTampa and the Convention Center between 2:30 pm - 8:00 pm. The last bus will leave ZooTampa at 8:30 pm. Taxi/Uber/Lyft is also available throughout the day and evening.