52nd Annual AAZK National Conference
Conference Program
Workshops
- AAZK is accepting workshop abstracts for the Columbus Chapter-hosted conference. Deadline: January 15, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
- Workshops should be two hours and focus on animal health, management, taxa-specific husbandry, conservation, or keeper professional development, with submissions supporting the conference theme, “Time & Change.” Scroll down to learn more.
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 1, 2027
CALL FOR WORKSHOPS
AAZK is pleased to announce the call for Workshops for the 2027 AAZK National Conference hosted by the AAZK Columbus Chapter.
Abstract Submission Deadline: January 15, 2027 (11:59pm EST)
Authors will be notified regarding acceptance approximately February 15, 2027.
How to Submit Your Abstract for Consideration: AAZK members or non-members submitting abstracts in consideration for presentation at the 2027 AAZK National Conference in Columbus may submit abstracts in their preferred language but shall also include an English translation to assist in the scoring process. Questions should be directed to pdc@aazk.org with ATTN: Workshop as part of the email subject.
Workshop Format: Workshop subjects should be in-depth explorations of animal health, animal management, taxa-specific husbandry, conservation, and keeper professional development. Workshops are two hours in length. Subjects that require more than two hours should be submitted as “Part One” and “Part Two”. Abstracts should be no more than 250 words and should focus on the main theme of the workshop, while also keeping the conference theme in mind. The conference theme is “Time & Change”.
Open Workshops: The Open Workshop format will offer unlimited attendance (based on the capacity of the ballroom) and will be best suited for lecture-based workshops with a Q & A session at the end.
Limited Workshops: Limited Workshops will be held in limited capacity breakout rooms. This format is best suited for small group interactive workshops and will have a cap on the number of participants, usually 60.
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.
Are you looking for information?
Visit the menu dropdowns for additional event information including the Schedule, Program and Sessions for attendees.
Questions?
We’re here to help. Email the Columbus Chapter at columbusaazk2027@gmail.com
2027 AAZK NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Registration opens on March 1, 2027.
