Social Events

Icebreaker at Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
Monday, September 28, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Presented by Event Network

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.

Kick off the AZA Annual Conference with a true taste of the Pacific Northwest at our Icebreaker Event—a lively welcome to Portland set inside the iconic Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). Overlooking the Willamette River with sweeping views of downtown Portland, this evening is designed to spark connection, curiosity, and celebration as we come together to open an unforgettable conference week.

Explore interactive exhibits, immersive experiences, and hands-on discovery throughout the night. Enjoy live music and feature films in the planetarium and theater, wander OMSI’s galleries after hours, and connect with colleagues amid an atmosphere that is energetic, engaging, and distinctly Portland.

Food and drink will flow throughout the evening, highlighting the flavors of our region. Savor Northwest-inspired cuisine themed by the landscapes that define us—from the coast with fresh seafood, to the mountains featuring seasonal berries and wild mushrooms. Local Oregon beer and wine will be served alongside creative bites, and for dessert, guests can indulge in treats from some of the food trucks Portland is famous for.

OMSI is conveniently located just a short Uber, MAX, or light rail ride from the Convention Center. To ensure the event is welcoming and accessible for all, bus transportation will also be provided, offering easy and inclusive access to and from the venue.

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 Oregon Zoo
Thursday, October 1, 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Presented by Levy Restaurants

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.

Join us for a signature AZA experience as we come together for Zoo Day at the Oregon Zoo, set in the scenic hills of Washington Park and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. This special day invites attendees to connect more deeply—with wildlife, with one another, and with our shared commitment to conservation—under our guiding theme: Together for Wildlife.

We’ll welcome everyone with a hosted lunch provided by presenting sponsor Levy Restaurants, offering a delicious start to an afternoon designed for discovery and inspiration. Following lunch, enjoy time to explore the zoo at your own pace while taking part in behind-the-scenes tours, animal chats, and unique wildlife experiences that showcase the care, expertise, and dedication of the Oregon Zoo team.

As the afternoon unfolds, the experience shifts into celebration. Around 4:00 pm, the zoo will transform into a lively evening event featuring live music, heavy appetizers, and flowing beverages, creating the perfect atmosphere to relax, reconnect, and reflect on the week’s experiences. Stroll the grounds, enjoy the music, and celebrate alongside colleagues in one of Portland’s most iconic settings.

Before you leave, be sure to visit the Oregon Zoo Gift Store, where attendees will receive an exclusive 30% discount, courtesy of Event Network—a great opportunity to take home a meaningful souvenir that supports wildlife conservation.

We look forward to welcoming you to an unforgettable Zoo Day—one that celebrates collaboration, conservation, and our shared purpose. Together, we are stronger. Together for Wildlife.