Frequently Asked Questions

The 2026 Annual Conference will take place in Portland, Oregon. 

All meetings, program sessions, General Session events, and Exhibit Hall events will take place at the Oregon Convention Center. Accreditation Hearings will take place at the Hyatt Recency Portland.

AZA has contracted with four official hotel partners that are offering discounted rates for 2026 Annual Conference attendees and exhibitors. There is no headquarter/main hotel.

The discounted rates are only available for registered individuals. You will find your unique reservation link in your registration confirmation email. The hotels will not be accepting call-in reservations. Discounted rates are only available until the room block sells out, or Friday, August 28, whichever comes first.

Visit our Hotel and Travel page for more information on the Conference hotels.

Registered attendees can sign up for a Post-Conference tour, or purchase additional tickets to the Icebreaker or Zoo Day for a guest, in the Attendee Service Center (ASC). Your ASC login information will be found in your registration confirmation email. There will not be a Pre-Conference tour this year.

Once logged into the ASC: 

• Click: Update Your Registration - update your contact information, purchase additional event tickets
• Click: Edit
• Go through the registration form until you get to the page that says Additional Items
• Add the event/tours you want
• Finish the registration process

No matter what time of year you choose to visit Portland, there’s always something new to see, do, taste and experience in the Rose City. Explore the changing colors of fall, the gorgeous spring blooms, musical winter festivals and an abundance of summer outdoor adventures. Year-round, tax-free shopping, thrilling theater debuts, live music, award-winning culinary experiences and more await any visitor. So, whether it’s your first time visiting Portland, you’re only here for the weekend, or you’re a pro looking for something new to discover, we have the resources to help you plan your trip to Portland.

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. 

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.

Visit our Policies webpage to learn more.

Food will be provided at the Oregon Convention Center (see schedule below), the Icebreaker (heavy appetizers), and Zoo Day (lunch and dinner). However, you can never have too many snacks, especially during a jam-packed day of conference sessions and networking. Pack healthy and easy-to-eat choices such as granola bars, nuts and dried fruit.

Yes! You can add pronouns during the registration process. If you have already registered, update your pronoun field in the Attendee Service Center (ASC). Your ASC login information will be found in your registration confirmation email.

Once logged into the ASC: 

• Click: Update Your Registration - update your contact information, purchase additional event tickets
• Click: Edit
• Go through the registration form until you get to the page that has the pronoun field
• Choose your pronouns
• Finish the registration process

You can list your food allergy/dietary restrictions in the registration form. If you are already registered log into the Attendee Service Center to update your registration. Your ASC login information will be found in your registration confirmation email.

Once logged into the ASC: 

• Click: Update Your Registration - update your contact information, purchase additional event tickets
• Click: Edit
• Go through the registration form until you get to the page that allows you to add food allergies/dietary restrictions
• Select your restriction or select "other" to type one in
• Finish the registration process

Yes, there are family and all-user restrooms located throughout the Oregon Convention Center.

Yes, the Convention Center provides two Mamava® nursing suites for our visitors. These private and secure suites are located near the A Meeting Rooms and E Meeting Rooms on Level 1. They are ADA-accessible with a comfortable seating area and are equipped with standard AC power outlets and USB charger ports.

Yes, the exact location will be noted in the Program Guide.

There is no business center. However, there is a concierge desk on the 1st floor of the Oregon Convention Center that can assist answering questions.

Yes, a message board and information table will be located at the Conference Registration Desk outside of Exhibit Hall C. The message board and table are for professional networking and conservation/education programs only. No commercial solicitation permitted at the information table, or any other location throughout the convention center or hotels.

Visit our Exhibits & Sponsor page for more information or reach out to Grace Hamilton, Coordinator of Integrated Marketing and Development.

Yes, the Oregon Zoo is offering free admission for attendees (up to 4 people), September 25-October 4. Just show your name badge or registration confirmation email for admission.

Oregon Zoo is also offering a 10% discount on concessions and rides (train or carousel).

Yes, there is a Conference app. It contains the full schedule, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, maps, FAQs, and other helpful information.

To download, go to your app store and search "AZA Meetings and Conferences". You do not need to log in to view the schedule, maps, etc. However, to utilize the My Planner features you will need to login. Those credentials can be found in your conference registration confirmation email.