Upcoming Professional Development

Animal Training Applications in Zoo & Aquarium Settings - 2019
Date: September 23 — 28, 2019
Location: Denver Zoo
Description: Animal Training Applications provides zoo and aquarium staff with a background in training theory and an understanding of the skills necessary to train animals. It includes a historical perspective of animal training as well as terminology and an overview of training techniques.

Managing Animal Enrichment & Training Programs - 2019
Date: September 23 — 28, 2019
Location: Denver Zoo
Description: Managing Animal Enrichment and Training Programs provides students with the tools and skills needed to set up and manage a successful enrichment and training program that meets AZA accreditation standards. This course focuses on developing the components of a successful program and learning the leadership skills needed to successfully implement that program.

Principles of Elephant Management II - 2019
Date: October 28 — 31, 2019
Location: Houston Zoo, Inc.
Description: Principles of Elephant Management II focuses on the skills necessary to safely accomplish all of the AZA-required elephant behavioral components. Live training demonstrations and hands-on experiences will be utilized to combine the teaching of advanced elephant principles with best occupational safety practices.

Creating Successful Exhibits - 2019
Date: November 11 — 16, 2019
Location: Clayton Plaza
Description: This course provides an integrated overview of a team-based exhibit development process. The course follows the phases of an exhibit project from formation of the team, through concept planning, design and construction, to operation, in chronological order of the tasks. Full attention is given to techniques that improve an exhibit's impact on visitors.

Principles of Program Animal Management - 2019
Date: November 11 — 16, 2019
Location: Clayton Plaza
Description: This course exposes students to the range of opportunities for program animal use and provides students with the knowledge to effectively develop and manage formalized programs utilizing animal ambassadors. By focusing on a range of methods, rather a single "recommended" approach, students will be better prepared to develop an approach that fits their institution's mission and philosophy.

Avian Management, Biology, and Conservation - 2020
Date: February 10 — 15, 2020
Location: Oglebay Resort & Conference Center
Description: Avian Management, Biology and Conservation will enhance your effectiveness as a bird keeper and avian program leader. Students will be given a variety of tools, techniques and best practices to provide a foundation for understanding and meeting current challenges in avian management.

Conservation Education: Effective Program Design - 2020
Date: February 10 — 15, 2020
Location: Oglebay Resort & Conference Center
Description: Conservation Education: Effective Program Design provides zoo and aquarium educators with a comprehensive overview of how to design, develop, implement and evaluate education programs and exhibit interpretive elements.

Institutional Records Keeping - 2020
Date: February 10 — 15, 2020
Location: Oglebay Resort & Conference Center
Description: Institutional Records Keeping offers students the theory and mechanics of animal records-keeping and identifies the important role accurate records play in successful animal management not only within the institution but also in regional and global cooperative species management programs.

Managing for Success: Career Development - 2020
Date: February 10 — 15, 2020
Location: Oglebay Resort & Conference Center
Description: Managing for Success: Career Development examines management disciplines with emphasis on their application to zoos and aquariums. Participants will receive practical tools and skills to take back to their institutions to apply at their level, including an increased network of resources and heightened leadership skills.

Managing for Success: Organizational Development - 2020
Date: February 10 — 15, 2020
Location: Oglebay Resort & Conference Center
Description: Managing for Success: Organizational Development prepares new leaders to meet the specific challenges of a leadership role within a zoo or aquarium and the duality of meeting both mission and bottom line. The course addresses ethical, animal welfare and collection issues as well as the techniques and strategies required to lead these unique organizations successfully.