First Time Delegate Information

Welcome, First-Time Delegates!

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome you to the 2026 AAZK National Conference right here in beautiful Tacoma, Washington! Whether you are exploring our local zoological facilities, networking with fellow passionate keepers, or taking in the stunning views of Commencement Bay and Mount Rainier, this week is all about connecting, learning, and growing together.

To help you navigate your very first conference experience seamlessly , we’ve put together a few essential resources right at your fingertips. Click Quick Tips above for an immediate digital cheat sheet covering our top page-one conference hacks and eco-friendly tips. If you want to dive deeper into the full schedule, hotel details, and post-conference steps, click the buttons to download the Full PDF Guides in either English or Spanish to save them directly to your device.

AAZK Conference Buddy System

The AAZK National Conference Buddy System is a networking system to help new conference delegates with a veteran conference attendee. The Buddy System is a fun way to meet new people, having someone to help navigate the conference, and get a behind-the-scenes look at all things AAZK. We are looking for all interested parties for this program. If you are interested in participating, please sign up by September 1, 2026. Unsure if you can attend, decide you want a buddy after the deadline or have questions? Email arc@aazk.org