AAZK Professional Development manages the program for AAZK National Conferences via the AAZK Director for Professional Development and Conference Manager including solicitation and selection of Papers, Posters, Workshops and Professional Certificate Course content. AAZK Professional Development provides peer review of solicited and submitted materials to ensure professional content in the interest of the AAZK membership.
Guide to Presenting at an AAZK National Conference (PDF download)
Professional Certificate Courses
In 2014, AAZK Professional Development introduced advanced training workshops to the AAZK National Conference program. These courses consist of 12 hours of classroom instruction and testing, which results in the awarding of a professional certificate of completion. In 2015, the program was expanded to offer three courses annually, and continues to coordinate 12-hour destination learning during the AAZK National Conference. Professional Certificate Courses (PCCs) are taught by a combination of subject matter experts from the conference host facility, AAZK partners and AAZK Committees.
2008 AAZK National Conference – Salt Lake City, Utah (Workshop idea pilot)
- Neonatal Care Workshop
2009 AAZK National Conference – Seattle, Washington
- Crisis Management Workshop
2010 AAZK National Conference – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Passerines Workshop
2011 AAZK National Conference – San Diego, California
- Ungulates Workshop
2012 AAZK National Conference – Syracuse, New York
- Information not available.
2013 AAZK National Conference – North Carolina
- AAZK went to papers AM and Workshops (Open and Breakout). There were at least 25 workshops over 3 days.
2014 AAZK National Conference – Orlando, Florida
- Quarantine Workshop
- AAZK C.O.R.E. Workshop
2015 AAZK National Conference – St. Louis, Missouri (PCC format Year 1)
- Advanced Animal Keeping Skills Certification Workshop
- Elephant Care and Training Certification Workshop
- Ungulate Keeper Certification Workshop
2016 AAZK National Conference – Memphis, Tennessee
- Animal Welfare
- Carnivore Husbandry
- Avian Husbandry
2017 AAZK National Conference – Washington DC
- Reptile Husbandry
- Keepers Role in Research
- Zoo Nutrition
2018 AAZK National Conference – Denver, Colorado
- Leadership
- Advanced Animal Behavior
- Small Primate Husbandry
2019 AAZK National Conference – Indianapolis, Indiana
- Advanced Marine Mammal Husbandry
- Advanced Elephant Husbandry
- Keepers Role in Safety
2020/21 AAZK National Conference – Los Angeles, California
- Advanced Husbandry: Hand-rearing Birds
- Essential Medical Skills for Keepers
- Keepers in the Spotlight: Public Relations, Presentation, and Media Skills Training
2022 AAZK National Conference – Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Advanced Polar Bear Care: The Bear Necessities
- Everything You Need to Rhin-Know: Advanced Rhino Care
- Animal Transportation
2023 AAZK National Conference – Akron, Ohio
- Advanced Waterfowl Husbandry
- Emerging Keeper Culture: Working within Your Herd
- Geriatric Animals: Supportive and End of Life Care
2024 AAZK National Conference – Omaha, Nebraska
- Green You Green Zoo Better Planet
- Intro to Aquatic Systems and Husbandry
- Nails Needles Beaks Hooves Oh My!
2025 AAZK National Conference – Phoenix, Arizona
- Keepers in Conservation: Opportunities Here & Abroad
- Husbandry and Management of Desert Ectotherms
- Just Keep Smiling: Ambassador Animal Husbandry and Management
Director of Professional Development & Conference Management
Bethany Bingham
Bethany.Bingham@aazk.org
Professional Development
pdc@aazk.org