Updates

2026 Annual Conference Registration Summary

2026 Annual Conference Registration Summary

Register here: https://zooregistrars.org/conference/register

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 $10 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: $275

Includes all general sessions, workshops, and meetings for the full conference.

• Non-Member: $375
  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 Workshop

• Friday, [Date] October 2026
  Half-Day Workshop: $[TBD]
  (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    $75

• 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)                                                         $100

Applied Skills Workshops

Records Software Workshops

Registrar 101 Workshop

Committee Working Sessions

Evening Event 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (ET)                                                                                                 $95                                                                                               

Icebreaker  (Includes dinner & entertainment)

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Daytime Events

General Sessions 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (ET) (includes lunch)                                                       $100                   

Evening Event- 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (ET)

ZRA Member Flamingle, Silent Auction, Exhibitor Showcase                                                         $95

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Daytime Events

General Sessions                                                                                                                                                        $100

• 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                                                                                                                                                       $4.00

Thursday , October 15, 2026

Daytime Events                                                                                                                                                          $50      

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)                                                                                              $120

• Includes admission, lunch, and dinner

Friday, October 16, 2026

Post-Conference Trip-Molly’s Trolleys, Phipps Conservatory, The District                          $90

• 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (ET)
• Includes admission & transportation

Dear ZRA Members:

We are excited to announce that the Call for Presentations is now open for the 2026 ZRA Annual Conference! Presentation Applications can be submitted from:

Friday, June 1, 2026, 7a.m. (ET)

through

Tuesday,  June 30, 2026, 5 p.m. (ET)

Presentations will be accepted in six primary categories – Record Keeping; Applied Skills; Wildlife Permits and Legislation; Animal Transport; Records and Collection Management; and Conservation. 

You can submit your presentation submission form on the ZRA website which can be accessed here: https://zooregistrars.org/conference/presentations

Please consider sharing your expertise in one or more of these core areas.  Remember that your experiences can help your colleagues to be more efficient and effective in their jobs, so don’t hold back.

Sincerely,                                                                                   

Katie Buckner

2026 ZRA Annual Conference Program Chair

Hello ZRA Members,
Registration details, including the call for presentations, will be available shortly. We
encourage you to stay tuned for updates. For any inquiries, please reach out to:
Heather Terrell, Registrar, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
Phone: 412-365-2581
hterrell@pittsburghzoo.org

Conference at a Glance
Dates: October 11–16, 2026
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Pre-Conference Trip – Sunday
• Workshops & Icebreaker – Monday
• General Sessions & Flamingle –Tuesday
• General Sessions & Optional Event– Wednesday
• Business Meeting, Z-CAP & Zoo Day– Thursday
• Post-Conference Trip – Friday

What’s New: Updated Conference Format
Based on member feedback and a desire to maximize both learning and connection,
we’ve made a few updates this year:
• More structured workshop time: Dedicated space for hands-on learning (ZIMS,
Tracks, and AnimalCare) without competing sessions.
• Balanced scheduling: A clearer flow between sessions, networking, and events to
reduce overlap and fatigue.
• Enhanced networking opportunities: Intentional social events like the Icebreaker
and Flamingle are designed to strengthen member connections.
• Streamlined daily options: Easier planning so more members can attend.
• These changes are aimed at creating a more engaging, manageable, and
valuable experience for all attendees.
Why Registration Rates Increased This Year
As part of our commitment to delivering a high-quality conference experience,
registration rates have been modestly increased for 2026. This adjustment reflects:
• Rising costs for venues, food & beverage, AV, and transportation
• Increased technology and platform expenses (including registration and payment
systems)
• Expanded workshop offerings and professional development opportunities
• Ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of ZRA events

We’ve worked carefully to keep costs as low as possible while continuing to provide
meaningful value and an engaging, high-impact conference experience for our
members. The 2026 ZRA Annual Conference registration fees will be announced when
registration opens.

The Draft Annual Conference Program will be available in July 2026. In the meantime,
we will be providing promotional materials for events and educational opportunities
planned for the conference. We hope this will assist you in securing your approval and
funding to attend the conference.

We can’t wait to see you there for a week of collaboration and connection with your
fellow registrars!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,
Joann Watson
Annual Conference Committee Chair