Frequently Asked Questions

The 2025 Annual Conference will take place in Tampa, FL.

All meetings, program sessions, General Session events, and Exhibit Hall events will take place at the Tampa Convention Center. Accreditation Hearings will take place at the Tampa Marriott Water Street. Executive Leadership Development Program will take place at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street.

AZA has contracted with four official hotel partners that are offering discounted rates for 2025 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 15, whichever comes first.

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

Registered attendees can sign up for a Pre- or 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.

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

Unlock Tampa Bay, the heart of Florida’s Gulf coast. Discover active adventures, sky-high coasters, exotic wildlife, and authentic culture and cuisine… and enjoy it all at a relaxing pace. It’s the perfect union of exhilaration with relaxation, creating something we like to call The Tampa Bay Effect. 

Learn more about the attractions and activities you can enjoy while in Tampa!

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 Convention Center (see schedule below), the Icebreaker (heavy appetizers and dinner), 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

You can get to the Tampa Convention Center by foot or rideshare. The address is:
1333 S Franklin St,
Tampa, FL 33602

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

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

Yes, a message board and information table will be located at the Conference Registration Desk at the entrance of the Exhibit Hall. 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.

The Florida Aquarium is offering complimentary admission to registered attendees. This begins on Saturday, September 13 and runs through Friday, September 19. Registered attendees only need to show their badge or confirmation email at the front entrance to enter. Traveling families and friends of registered attendees must check-in with the guest services team when they arrive to receive complimentary admission. In addition, all AZA conference attendees will receive a 20% discount on food and beverage, retail and photo memories.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park will be offering complimentary admission to conference attendees and their families and friends from Saturday, September 13-Wednesday, September 17 and Friday, September 19-Saturday, September 20. Free admission is not available on Zoo Day, Thursday, September 18. To take advantage of this offer, please show your conference badge or registration confirmation email at the Zoo’s front gate. Parking and all attractions are included in admission. AZA conference attendees and their guests will also receive a 20% discount at retail shops, 10% discount at restaurants, and 10% discount on Animal Signature Encounters. 

Busch Gardens Tampa invites conference attendees and their family to enjoy the park during their visit to Tampa. Simply bring your conference registration confirmation to the Animal Interactions building to the far right of the Ticket Windows to receive a complimentary admission ticket(s) for the day. Complimentary admission only valid Saturday, September 13-Wednesday, September 17 and Friday, September 19-Saturday, September 20. Free admission is not available on Zoo Day, Thursday, September 18. Offer not valid for Howl O Scream event.

Absolutely! Visit the Local Institutions webpage to learn about with Florida institutions are offering free/discounted entry during the Conference.

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.