Registration
2026 Annual Conference Registration Summary ***Page Under Construction***
Registration for the 2026 conference opens soon!
2026 Annual Conference Registration Summary
Register here:
Important Notes:
- All prices are listed in USD.
- Payment is required at the time of registration.
- Credit card payments must be made through the ZRA Stripe account.
- Check payments may be mailed to:
Heather Terrell, ZRA Host / Registrar, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, One Wild Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 - To avoid a $30 late fee, payment must be received by September 4, 2026 (11:59 p.m. EST).
- To receive a refund, cancellations must be submitted by September 18, 2026 (5:00 p.m. EST).
Registration Levels
Full Conference Registration
- Member:
Includes all general sessions, workshops, and meetings for the full conference.
- Non-Member:
Includes all general sessions, workshops, and meetings for the full conference.
Daily Registration (Monday–Thursday)
- $100 per day
Available to members and non-members (excluding exhibitors) who cannot attend the full conference.
Speaker Registration Options
- Single-Day Speakers:
Daily registration fee is waived for the day of presentation.
Speakers must still pay for any additional paid events that day. - Multi-Day Speakers:
Full Registration is recommended for maximum access.
Daily Registration is also available.
ICRM Certified Records Analyst (CRA) Workshop
- Friday, October 2, 2026
Half-Day Workshop: $129 for non-full registrants 10am-2pm (EST)
(Includes CRA Parts 2, 3 & 4)
Workshops & Events
⚠️ Note: Events included with Full Registration must still be selected during registration for attendance tracking.
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Pre-Conference Trip — National Aviary and The International Conservation Center
- 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (ET)
- Includes admission, lunch, & transportation
Monday, October 12, 2026
Daytime Events 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (ET) (includes lunch)
Applied Skills Workshops
Records Software Workshops
Registrar 101 Workshop
Committee Working Sessions
Evening Event 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (ET)
Icebreaker (Includes dinner & entertainment)
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Daytime Events
General Sessions 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (ET) (includes lunch)
Evening Event- 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (ET)
ZRA Member Flamingle, Silent Auction, Exhibitor Showcase
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Daytime Events
General Sessions
- 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (ET) (includes lunch)
Evening Optional Event- 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (ET)
Duquesne Incline
Thursday , October 15, 2026
Daytime Events
Z-Cap 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (ET)
Annual Business Meeting 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (ET)
Afternoon Event
Zoo Day & Dinner 1:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (ET)
- Includes admission, lunch, and dinner
Friday, October 16, 2026
Post-Conference Trip-Molly’s Trolleys, Phipps Conservatory, The District
- 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (ET)
- Includes admission & transportation
Annual Conference Policies
ZRA is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all conference participants. Each and every participant, including attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, and service providers, are expected to understand and follow policies in all in-person and virtual spaces. These expectations apply to all ZRA conference-related events, including those held in conjunction with ZRA conferences.
ZRA meetings and official events are designed to create an inclusive environment, welcoming and respectful to all attendees, inclusive of age, race, religion, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or spiritual or political belief. All are welcome – to join, learn, share, network, and help create a stronger ZRA community. Your attendance is vital to advancing ZRA’s mission.
In addition, while recognizing that we do not control any areas or behaviors beyond official conference meeting spaces and events, ZRA will share resources provided by host members and local visitor bureaus to help attendees in selecting opportunities to safely explore and experience surrounding communities.
Accepted methods of payment are Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or Check. If you are paying by check, you will still need to register online. Check payments must be received by the conference host institution within 30 days of submitting your registration. All payments must be made in U.S. funds, drawn on by a U.S. bank, and payable to the host institution. Credit card payments will be processed in U.S. funds, in accordance with effective exchange rates. Statements will show a charge by the host institution.
Refund requests must be received by Friday, September 18, 2026. No refunds will be processed for requests received after this date. Approved refunds will be issued within 30 business days. Substitutions from the same institution or company will be accepted in writing without penalty. Please send cancellation or substitution requests to the conference host.
ZRA works closely with contracted hotels and conference host(s) to confirm registered attendees. By your registration for the conference, you consent to this sharing of data to the hotel and conference host/s.
Any organization that plans to meet or hold events in conjunction with the ZRA Annual Conference, must not schedule during competing times to any event scheduled during the annual conference. That includes food functions, programming, receptions, meetings, and sessions over the full conference dates. Ancillary organizations wishing to host events should reach out to the Annual Conference Program Chair. If it is determined an organization is in conflict of this policy, ZRA will request a change to their event time and may choose to refuse space/participation at future conferences.
Solicitation of attendees and exhibitors by individuals who are not ZRA approved exhibitors is not permitted. Individuals found soliciting may be subject to expulsion and prohibited from attending future ZRA annual conferences.
By registering, you grant ZRA authorization to film, photograph, or otherwise document your participation in the event. You further agree that such images, photographs, and recordings may be used by ZRA without prior approval to promote ZRA and its events. Such use will not entitle you to any credit or compensation. You release ZRA, its officers, and vendors from any liability connected with the use of any image, photograph, or recording.
Contact Us
General
Shelly Roach, President
Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
P: 614-645-3429
F: 614-645-3465
shelly.roach@columbuszoo.orgMembership Chair
Vickie Edel, Chair
Audubon Nature Institute
P: 504-212-5369
vedel@auduboninstitute.orgProfessional Development
Rae Lynn Haliday, MBA, CRM/CIGO, FAI, Chair
Saint Louis Zoo
P: 314-646-4572
F: 314-647-7969
haliday@stlzoo.orgZRA connects, trains and empowers the community of zoo and aquarium registrars.