“Pen and Camera are potent weapons against oblivion, helping species to survive
- or serving as memorials” - George Schaller

Register Now for ZACC 2013
July 8 to July 12, 2013
Hosted by Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa

Why Iowa? Why not Iowa! There are many reasons Blank Park Zoo is proud to host this conference in Des Moines, Iowa. In fact, we'll give you the top 9 reasons you should be here July 8-12 for the Zoos and Aquariums Committing to Conservation Conference. (You tell us the #10 reason by sending us an email!)

9. It's affordable. Not only is your registration a mere $225, with $25 benefiting the ZACC Conservation Fund but Des Moines is a vibrant Midwestern city with an abundance of down-home fun including a broad choice of entertainment and nightlife (hayrack rides, square dancing and mom's apple pie not included). Exciting pre and post conference trips will be easy on the pocket-book.

Your $225 registration fee also covers the icebreaker event, many lunches and breaks and the informal zoo dinner and Zoo Brew. Register today!

8. It's inspiring. From listening to leaders from around the globe to hearing about their successes in the field, be inspired by their work in conservation. We also have an inspiring line-up of keynote speakers to motivate you to go out and blaze your own trail!

7. It's fun. Make memories, connections and friends at ZACC that last a lifetime. From the icebreaker session to Zoo Brew to enjoying Iowa's 90-degree summer (and 90% humidity!) while enjoying a cool brew (one of Iowa's favorite pastimes), we'll make sure to fit fun into every aspect of the conference.

6. It's providing great networking opportunities. Not only will you have the chance to network with field researchers, zoo personnel and conservationists from around the globe, but you'll also meet and interact with Iowans (you will leave knowing the meaning of "Iowa nice"). Let's learn from each other!

5. It's international. Nothing says international quite like Iowa! Some folks refer to Iowa as the "fly-over state" but after ZACC 2013 you can brag to all of your friends that you actually touched down and crossed the Hawkeye State off your bucket-list! Check out where other participants are converging from. It is a rare opportunity to have this diverse and knowledgeable group all at the same conference, an opportunity not to be missed! (Click here for Map)

4. It's convenient. Des Moines is like one big small town! Everything is located within minutes of each other, from the hotel to the airport to the Blank Park Zoo. The conference will take place at the Airport Holiday Inn. Special ZACC Rate: a very reasonable $89 plus tax - even more reasonable if you share a room with a colleague! Rate includes: Complimentary airport shuttle (sorry, it's not a tractor), parking, and wireless Internet access throughout the hotel (and no, it's not dial-up), swimming pool access, and free transportation to and from the hotel, the Icebreaker event & the Zoo.

3. It's productive. We're not just talking about Iowa's corn and soy bean production. The conference itself will provide round-table discussions, presentations and more that will allow us to invigorate and produce great ideas to improve and further our research and conservation efforts. We still have a few poster spots available! Email Jessie Lowry at jrlowry@blankparkzoo.org if you are interested in presenting a poster.

2. It's got shopping. Oh yes, we have world class shopping at Jordan Creek Mall, The East Village, and Valley Junction but we are talking about our ZACC Conservation Marketplace supporting field conservation projects. You can find the application here and return to Blank Park Zoo by May 15. Click here to see our vendors thus far!

1. It's important. This conference is the chance to share our stories, hear our successes, and learn what we can do to further our efforts. It's important work that we are doing, and it's important that we learn from each other and share our frustrations and accomplishments. We are proud to have the participants of this conference come together to the "fields of dreams" in Des Moines, Iowa for ZACC 2013.

Email Jessie Lowry at jrlowry@blankparkzoo.org if you have any questions about ZACC 2013. Please 'like' us on Facebook and share this with your networks.

See you in Des Moines in July!
THANK YOU to our Sponsors!

History of ZACC:
The ZACC conference was conceptualized, created and hosted by members of the Columbus Zoo staff in 1995. Born out of frustration with what at that time was a lack of commitment towards in situ conservation on the part of most zoos, the Columbus Zoo felt it was an issue that needed a strong focus.

This biennial conference provides opportunities for zoo and aquarium personnel and field researchers to meet and develop partnerships that benefit wildlife and wild places around the globe. The informal nature of the conference creates a positive atmosphere for networking and inspires collaborative action.

In the last few years many zoos have begun to focus on their respective zoo’s conservation commitment but there are still institutions that have yet to embrace this philosophy. This conference is a starting point for discussion, exchange of information and also a chance to be inspired by our colleagues from the field. Ultimately, our hope is that all zoos and aquariums will be supporting in situ efforts.

Past Hosts:
1995 - Columbus Zoo
1997 - Busch Gardens,.Tampa
1999 - San Diego Zoo
2001 - Brevard Zoo
2005 - Brevard Zoo
2007 - Houston Zoo
2009 - Houston Zoo
2011 - Woodland Park Zoo

Currently:
We are looking for institutions that would be willing to host future ZACC’s, please contact us if you are interested at info@zaccconference.com or contact any member of the ZACC Steering Committee - see “Who We Are” section.