Conservation Learning: Principles

After completing this course, participants will be better able to:

• Describe and advocate for the role of conservation learning within their institution

• Explain the basic principles of conservation behavior change

• Design a project framework that supports conservation learning experiences 

• Apply evaluative thinking and processes to their work

• Identify resources, mentors, and networks within AZA to further their project work and careers 

Monday
 - Student name badge pick up 4:30-6:30 PM
 - Opening reception 6:30-7:00 PM
 - Course meets for opening session/class 7:00-8:30 PM

Mid-Week
- Class meets all day

Saturday
- Class meets through mid-afternoon

Course activities begin on Monday evening, February 10 and the course ends on Saturday evening, February 15. Attendees should plan to depart on Sunday morning, February 16.

Attendance is required for course participants for the duration of the course until the evening of the last day. Attendees will receive a detailed schedule for their course after their registration is confirmed.  

Rachael Bashor, Vice President of Mission Engagement - Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Elise Bernardoni, Director of Engagement - Canopy Strategic Partners
Kyle Huetter, Content Development Manager - Disney's Animals, Science, and Environment
Dave Johnston, Director of Professional Development - Wildlife Conservation Society
Kathayoon Khalil, Associate Vice President of Conservation Learning - New England Aquarium
Trevor Mia, Director of Education & Volunteer Programs - Zoo New England
Becky Nellis, Director of Curriculum & Partnerships - Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
Andrea Stein, Director of Education - Roger Williams Park Zoo
Jim Wharton, Vice President, Conservation Engagement & Learning - Seattle Aquarium
Leanne White, Director of Learning & Conservation Engagement - Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

This course is for zoo and aquarium staff who have either direct responsibility for learning experiences or projects at their institutions, or for those staff who have an interest in, or connection to, creating experiences that inspire conservation action. Educators, volunteer managers, exhibit design staff, animal care staff, librarians, marketing, development, and public relations staff will benefit from participation in this course.

Prerequisites
None. Priority will be given to AZA members. Those not affiliated with an AZA-accredited institution will be considered on a case-by-case basis;  please submit a letter describing your intended benefit from taking this course to azatraining@aza.org for consideration.

As a science-based organization, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums encourages all registrants, instructors, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors and staff attending AZA meetings, courses and events to be up-to-date with vaccinations of all kinds, including COVID-19 and flu vaccinations.

Registrants are required to agree to the Attendee Liability Waiver and Assumption of Risk Policy (below) upon registering, agreeing to comply with any state or local mask mandates in place for indoor events until further notice. If no mask mandate is in place, attendees are encouraged to wear masks if they wish, but not required.

ATTENDEE LIABILITY WAIVER AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK POLICY 

Attendee assumes all risks and accepts sole responsibility for any injury (including, but not limited to, personal injury, disability, and death), illness, damage, loss, claim, liability, or expense, of any kind, that attendee may experience or incur in connection with attending the EVENT. Attendee hereby releases, covenants not to sue, discharges, and holds harmless ASSOCIATION, its employees, agents, and representatives, of and from any such claims, including all liabilities, claims, actions, damages, costs, or expenses of any kind arising out of or relating thereto.

Specifically relating to the global COVID-19 pandemic, attendee acknowledges the highly contagious nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assumes the risk of exposure or infection by attending the EVENT, and that such exposure or infection may result in personal injury, illness, disability, and/or death to attendee. Attendee understands that the risk of becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19 at the EVENT may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of others who may attend the event or their families, colleagues, or others with whom they may have contact. Accordingly, attendee understands and agrees that this release includes any claims based on the actions, omissions, or negligence of ASSOCIATION, its employees, agents, and representatives, whether a COVID-19 infection occurs before, during, or after participation in the EVENT.

In addition to all other rules and regulations relating to the attendee’s attendance at the EVENT, attendee agrees to comply with all COVID-related procedures that may be implemented by ASSOCIATION and EVENT VENUE, including, but not limited to, mask-wearing and social distancing requirements and restrictions on certain activities that carry higher COVID-related risk, in order to protect as much as possible, the health and safety of all EVENT attendees.

Air Travel
Dulles International Airport (IAD) is the closest airport, and is about 12 miles away from The National. 

Lodging

Course participants stay at The National Conference Center in Leesburng, Virginia, and classes meet on-site. All lodging reservations are priced per person at a package rate. Your accommodations will include breakfast, lunches, dinners, and snacks throughout the entirety of your stay. 

The National Conference Center does require a daily rate for local students who are not staying on site. If you are a local student and need to learn more about the daily rate, or have inquiries about lodging, please contact azatraining@aza.org.

Single Occupancy Rate*:

·       $269.00/night, plus tax

*Rates are all-inclusive and per single-occupancy room. Rooms are single occupancy only. Rate includes: 

o   Single occupancy room

o   Meals - starts with dinner on the day you check-in and ends with lunch on the day you check-out

o   Complimentary wi-fi

o   Complimentary fitness center

Please wait until you are admitted into the course before making your reservations. You will receive an email containing detailed information once you are admitted.

Registration for this course is open!

The registration fees below cover tuition. Other expenses include hotel, travel, and meals. Registration prices are subject to change each year. Notification of acceptance/wait list status will be sent to registrants after the Early Bird deadline. 

AZA Accredited / Certified Institutions*
Early Bird Rate: Deadline 12 weeks prior to course start date
$1200 with Individual AZA Membership 
$1400 without Individual AZA Membership

Regular Rate: Deadline 4 weeks prior to course start date
$1400 with Individual AZA Membership 
$1600 without Individual AZA Membership

*This pricing is for anyone currently employed at an AZA accredited/certified institution. Individual Membership must be Professional Affiliate or Professional Fellow to qualify. Not a member? Join first to receive the deepest discount. Once your membership is processed, you can then register at the lowest rate. Contact membership@aza.org for any questions.

Non-AZA Institutions*
Early Bird Rate: Deadline 12 weeks prior to course start date
$1400 with Individual AZA Membership

Regular Rate: Deadline 4 weeks prior to course start date
$1600 with Individual AZA Membership

*This pricing is for anyone who is not currently employed at an AZA accredited/certified institution. Individual Membership must be Professional Associate to qualify. Not a member? Join first to receive the deepest discount. Once your membership is processed, you can then register at the lowest rate. Contact membership@aza.org for any questions.

Registration prices are subject to change.

For information regarding our registration and refund policies, please visit our Professional Development Course Policies page. Accepted forms of payment for registration are by credit card, check, or purchase order. 

To register with a credit card
You may now register and pay online with a credit card. After logging in, select "Online Store" and click on the dropdown menu next to "Browse Categories." Choose "Professional Development" from the dropdown list, and click the title of the event for which you would like to register. You will receive an acceptance email or waitlist email once the acceptance decisions are made, which is typically when the Early Bird deadline closes. 

To register with a check or purchase order
Please email your request to register, specifying the course and the name of whom you would like to register, to the Professional Development Coordinator.
Checks sent for course payment will be cashed immediately upon receipt as per standard business practices. Cashing your check does not indicate that you have been accepted into a course. You will receive an acceptance email or a waitlist email once acceptance decisions are made. If you are not admitted into the course from the waitlist, a full refund will be promptly issued.

*Prices are subject to change