52nd Annual AAZK National Conference
Conference Program
Workshops
- AAZK Professional Certificate Courses (PCC) are 12-hour educational courses, taught by subject matter experts. At the conclusion of the 12- hour instructional period, a written test is issued, and professional certificates are awarded for those who pass each test and attend all 12 hours of the course.
- Courses are primarily classroom based learning, but some courses may spend time outside of the classroom setting. All PCC Courses will occur from 1:00-5:30pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
- Abstract submission deadline January 15, 2027
Professional Certificate Courses
- AAZK Professional Certificate Courses (PCC) are 12-hour educational courses, taught by subject matter experts. At the conclusion of the 12- hour instructional period, a written test is issued, and professional certificates are awarded for those who pass each test and attend all 12 hours of the course.
- Courses are primarily classroom based learning, but some courses may spend time outside of the classroom setting. All PCC Courses will occur from 1:00-5:30pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Paper and Poster Presentations
Authors will be allowed 15 minutes for a presentation with five minutes of Q & A immediately following.
- Presentations are scheduled in the main ballroom or during concurrent, themed sessions for a more intimate setting.
- Submission deadline May 15, 2027
Kathayoon Khali
Senior Vice President of Conservation, Education, and Sustainability at the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks
Our keynote speaker is Kathayoon Khali. Shel is the Senior Vice President of Conservation, Education, and Sustainability at the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks. Kathayoon has worked in the zoo and aquarium world as an educator, keeper aide, volunteer, evaluator, researcher, and manager for since 2000. Kathayoon holds a Ph.D. in Learning Sciences from Stanford University, a Masters in Environmental Science from Yale University, and a B.A. in Biology from Claremont McKenna College. Originally from Portland, Oregon, Kathayoon is also a professor for Project Dragonfly at Miami University of Ohio. She loves beaches, mountains, cats, crafts, and running.
Call for Program Content
Share your expertise while contributing to the programming at the AAZK National Conference. See options above for Workshops, Papers and Posters.
Professional Certificate Courses
AAZK’s PCCs are a great opportunity to expand depth of knowledge and participate in professional development.
Become an AAZK member today
Unlock your potential and join a thriving community of animal care professionals dedicated to making a difference.