The Annual Conference Committee serves to create a valuable and enriching experience for all conference participants while achieving the objectives set forth by the ZRA Board and/or host institution.  Main priorities for the Committee are:

• Event Planning: Organizing all aspects of the conference, including venue selection, scheduling, and logistics.
• Program Development: Creating a compelling agenda with keynote speakers, workshops, and sessions that align with the conference theme and objectives.
• Participant Engagement: Encouraging attendance and participation from relevant stakeholders, such as zoo professionals and government affairs.
• Networking Opportunities: Facilitating networking opportunities among attendees.
• Evaluation and Improvement: Gathering feedback from participants to improve future conferences and ensure they meet the needs of attendees.

Committee Projects:

• Conference Program: We are finalizing the conference program. We have received the majority of the speaker agreements and are awaiting finished presentation by the end of the month. 
• Venue and Logistics Planning: We are arranging necessary audiovisual and technical equipment.
• Speaker and Session Planning: We gave confirmed our keynote speaker and session presenters and are in the last stages of developing the conference schedule, including breakout sessions, workshops, and panel discussions.
• Marketing and Promotion: We have creating promotional materials for e-blast and social media content.
• Sponsorship and Partnership Development: We would like to thank all those who have already committed to sponsoring this year’s conference. We are also still accepting sponsorships through the end of September. For more information on sponsoring, please contact Kaylin Dunn, Annual Conference Vice-Chair. 

Committee Goals: 
Our near-term goals are to start building the 2026 ZRA Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, PA!  We are also working to find the host for the 2027 and 2028 conference.  Please reach out if you are interested!