Sponsors and Exhibitors
2026 ZRA Annual Conference Sponsors and Exhibitors
A Wild Welcome
The ZRA Conference brings together zoo and aquarium professionals from across the industry for a week filled with education, collaboration, networking, and fun. From educational sessions and workshops to social events and networking opportunities, the conference is designed to foster connection and support professional growth within the zoological community.
Our sponsors and exhibitors play a huge role in helping make the conference such a memorable and successful experience each year, and we’re always excited to welcome both familiar faces and new organizations into the ZRA community.
Our digital sponsorship and exhibitor packet below, where you can explore this year’s opportunities, benefits, and additional branding options:
2026 ZRA Annual Conference Exhibitor & Sponsorship Prospectus
You can also access the sponsorship and exhibitor selection forms and payment link here:
Exhibitor & Sponsor Selections
Exhibitor & Sponsor Payment Link
If you have any questions at all or would like help finding the best fit for your organization, I’d be happy to help.
We truly hope to welcome you to Pittsburgh and look forward to the opportunity to work together!
Best,
Kaylin Dunn
ZRA Annual Conference Committee Vice Chairman
Zoological Registrars Association
Pancake Tortoise- Bronze Level
$500 Contribution
Pancake Tortoise Sponsors may choose to be recognized at one of the following conference events or activities:
- ICRM Exam Preparation Workshop – A virtural workshop designed to help attendees prepare for the Certified Records Manager (CRM) or Certified Records Analyst (CRA) examinations
- A General Session break
- Pre-Conference Tour
- Post-Conference Tour
Benefits at this level include:
- Recognition in the Conference Program, on hotel signage (when available), and on the ZRA website
- Recognition signage at your selected sponsored event or activity
Attwater Prairie-chicken- Sliver Level
$1000 Contribution
Attwater Prairie-chicken Sponsors receive enhanced visibility and the opportunity to support one of the conference’s featured dining events.
Sponsors at this level may choose one of the following:
- Zoo Day Dinner Event – An evening event where attendees enjoy food, beverages, and networking opportunities
- Conference Lunch during one of the two General Session days
Benefits at this level:
- Recognition in the Conference Program, on hotel signage (when available), and on the ZRA website
- Recognition signage at your selected sponsored event
- Verbal recognition during your sponsored event and during one of General Sessions
Polar Bear- Gold Level
$1500 Contribution
Polar Bear Sponsors receive premier sponsorship visibility and the opportunity to support one of the conference’s signature events.
Sponsors at this level may choose one of the following premier opportunities:
- Zoo Day – One of the most anticipated conference experiences, featuring exclusive tours, presentations, and workshops at the host institution
- Z-CAP – The Association’s annual planning session, where members collaborate to develop goals and initiatives for the upcoming year
- One complimentary Conference registration
Benefits at this level:
- Recognition in the Conference Program, on hotel signage (when available), and on the ZRA website
- Recognition signage at your selected premier event
- Verbal recognition during the first day of General Sessions, your sponsored event, and the Zoo Day Dinner Event
African Elephant- Gold Plus
$3000 Contribution
African Elephant Sponsors receive maximum visibility and recognition throughout the conference while supporting some of the event’s most prominent experiences.
Sponsors at this level may choose two of the following featured opportunities to be recognized:
- Flamingle – The conference’s signature networking social event where attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors gather to enjoy food, beverages, and the highly anticipated silent auction
- Zoo Day – A conference highlight featuring exclusive tours, presentations, and workshops hosted by the conference institution
- Z-CAP – The Association’s collaborative annual planning session focused on shaping the future of the organization
Benefits at this level:
- Two complimentary Conference registrations
- Recognition in the Conference Program, on hotel signage, and on the ZRA website
- Prominent recognition signage at your selected featured event
- Verbal recognition during the first day of General Sessions, your sponsored event, and the Zoo Day Dinner Event
- Premier sponsor recognition throughout the conference week
Killer Whale- New Level for 2026
$5000 and up Contribution
As our premier sponsorship tier, Killer Whale Sponsors receive the highest level of visibility and recognition throughout the conference while helping support some of the week’s most impactful experiences. This sponsorship is designed for organizations looking to make a bold splash and leave a lasting impression on attendees from the moment they arrive.
Sponsors at this level will be recognized at the following featured events:
- Icebreaker – The conference’s official kickoff social event, where attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors connect over food and beverages as the week begins
- Zoo Day – A conference highlight featuring exclusive tours, presentations, and workshops hosted by the conference institution
- Z-CAP – The Association’s collaborative annual planning session focused on shaping the future of the organization
Benefits at this level:
- Two complimentary Conference registrations
- Prime exhibitor booth placement in a high-traffic location
- Branded sponsor swag distributed to all registered attendees at check-in
- Recognition in the Conference Program, on hotel signage, and on the ZRA website
- Prominent recognition signage at your selected featured event
- Verbal recognition during the first day of General Sessions, Z-CAP, and the Zoo Day Dinner Event
- Premier sponsor recognition throughout the entire conference week
Smalltooth Sawfish- General Sponsor
Custom Contribution
If you wish to contribute a different amount or prefer general recognition rather than a sponsorship package, this level is a flexible option designed to fit your needs.
Benefits at this level include
Recognition in the Conference Program, on hotel signage (when available), and on the ZRA website
- Contributions of $1,500 or more will receive:
- One complimentary Conference registration
- Verbal recognition during the first day of General Sessions and at the Zoo Day Dinner Event
More Ways to Roar
Sponsor Add-ons
Looking for even more ways to make your brand wildly visible throughout the Conference? These fun and engaging add-on opportunities are designed to help your organization stand out, connect with attendees, and leave a lasting impression long after the Conference ends.
These opportunities may be added to any sponsorship or exhibitor package — or purchased on their own for organizations looking for extra visibility throughout the week.
Ready to Make you selection? Fill out this form!
$5,500 each- 4 Available
Be the sponsor behind one of the Conference’s featured lunches, where attendees gather to recharge, network, and connect between sessions. Includes prominent signage and verbal recognition during the meal service.
$500- up to 6 Available
Sponsor a refreshment break between sessions and keep attendees fueled throughout the day. These highly visible networking moments provide excellent exposure in high-traffic areas.
$3,000
Help attendees raise a glass while putting your brand front and center at one of the Conference’s social events. Sponsorship includes branded signage at the bar area and verbal recognition during the event.
$2,500
Help fuel the Conference’s signature social event by sponsoring food at the Flamingle! This lively networking evening brings together attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors for food, drinks, conversation, and the highly anticipated silent auction. Your organization will receive prominent recognition throughout the food service area, giving your brand high visibility during one of the Conference’s most attended and memorable events.
$2,500
Sponsor the Conference’s official event app, Whova — the central hub attendees use throughout the week to access schedules, session details, announcements, networking tools, maps, and conference updates. This high-visibility opportunity keeps your organization in front of attendees before, during, and after the Conference through branded recognition within the app and attendee engagement tools.
$1,800
A signature cocktail named after your organization, product, or mascot to be featured during Zoo Day festivities. Includes branded cocktail signage and recognition at the event.
Price Varies
Put your organization directly into attendees’ hands with branded giveaway items such as fidgets, notebooks, pens, stickers, or other fun keepsakes. Organizations may provide their own branded items or select from a curated list of available options. Prices for this will vary based upon swag item selection or if you are providing your own.
Can’t commit to a sponsorship or exhibitor package this year? Consider donating a silent auction item to support the ZRA Scholarship Fund and help make a lasting impact on our registrar community.
Exhibitor Information
The 2026 ZRA Annual Conference brings together professionals from zoos, aquariums, wildlife organizations, and government agencies for a week of education, networking, and collaboration. The conference provides exhibitors with a unique opportunity to connect directly with the individuals responsible for animal records, compliance, permits, transports, and institutional data management.
Conference highlights include ZRA Committee Action Planning (Z-CAP), educational sessions, records management workshops, government and regulatory presentations, and our annual Zoo Day event, which offers a fun and informal networking environment for attendees and exhibitors alike.
We’ve built the exhibitor experience to be front-and-center, easy to engage with, and fun!
Your booth will be set up in a prime, high-traffic location right outside the main conference rooms. That means more visibility, more foot traffic, and more chances for real conversations. You’ll also have access to a semi-private meeting space when you want to step away for more focused chats or client meetings.
And because we want exhibitors to get time with attendees, we’ve built in a dedicated Exhibitor Break in the schedule. During this time, attendees are specifically encouraged to head to the exhibitor area, mingle, explore, and connect—so you’re not competing with sessions or squeezed into the margins of the day.
Additional sponsorship opportunities are also available to help support ZRA’s mission while increasing visibility for participating organizations.
Ready to Make you selection? Fill out this form!
Giant African Millipede
$500
This level is open to both ZRA Vendor Members and Non-Members and includes:
- One exhibitor table with two chairs
- Recognition as an official conference exhibitor during the event week
- An invitation to mix, mingle, and flamingle with attendees at our signature social event
*Conference registration is encouraged for access to official conference events and networking opportunities*
Pygmy Hippo
$1000
This exhibitor level is exclusively available to current ZRA Vendor Members and includes:
- One exhibitor table with two chairs
- Take the spotlight with exclusive mic time to showcase your products, services, and company to conference attendees.
- An invitation to mix, mingle, and flamingle with attendees at our signature social event
- Access to attendee networking opportunities throughout the conference
- Recognition as an official conference exhibitor in the Conference Program, on hotel signage (when available), and on the ZRA website
Plan Your Adventure
Let us know what selections you would like.
Ready to Make you selection? Fill out this form!
Need Time to think?
Selections for sponsorship and exhibitor packages should be submitted and payment received by August 31, 2026.
If you are needing to mail silent auction items or paying by check please send to:
Heather Terrell, ZRA Host / Registrar Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
One Wild Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Questions? Curious about customization opportunities? Ready to join the pack?
Reach out — we’d love to chat!
Thank you for your consideration in being part of one wild week with ZRA! Whether you’re looking to sponsor, exhibit, or find creative ways to make your brand stand out, we’re excited to help you find the perfect fit.
Please Contact:
Kaylin Dunn
ZRA Annual Conference Committee Vice Chair
kaylin.dunn@unitedparks.com
Katie Buckner
ZRA Annual Conference Program Chair
katie.buckner@seaworld.com
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.