© 2026 WAZA | All Rights Reserved | Legal Notice | Terms of Use | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Design
Join WAZA’s 81st Annual Conference
Date: 25 – 29 October 2026
Cologne Zoo, Germany | In person
The WAZA Annual Conference is the principal annual gathering of the global zoo and aquarium community, offering an exceptional opportunity to connect, exchange knowledge and help shape the future of conservation and animal welfare worldwide.
Following WAZA’s 90th anniversary in 2025, the 81st WAZA Annual Conference marks a shift from reflecting on our shared legacy to taking responsibility for what comes next.
Hosted by Cologne Zoo, the conference will bring together colleagues and leaders from around the world to explore how we can lead with purpose, establish a clear shared direction and strengthen our collective global responsibility for animals, species, ecosystems and a thriving planet.
At a time of increasing environmental, social and operational complexity, stewardship requires more than good intentions. It requires informed leadership, collaboration across borders and institutions, and the courage to make decisions that deliver meaningful and lasting impact.
Join the global zoo and aquarium community in Cologne, Germany and help shape the decisions, priorities and partnerships that will define our shared future.
Event Details
Dates: 25–29 October 2026
Host: Cologne Zoo, Germany
Format: In person
Language: English
Conference website: www.waza2026.org
Registration Fees
WAZA Members
- Regular registration: €1,195
- Late registration: €1,395
Non-Members
- Regular registration: €1,395
- Late registration: €1,595
Honorary or Emeritus WAZA Members
- Regular registration: €990
- Late registration: €1,195
Companion Package
- Regular registration: €795
- Late registration: €845
The regular rate applies until 31 August, and the late rate applies from 1 September to 23 October 2026.
Programme
The 81st WAZA Annual Conference will feature a varied, interactive and thoughtfully curated programme designed to inspire reflection, encourage open exchange and support practical action.
Keynote Speakers
Day 1 Keynote - Monday 26 October
Dr. Mona van Schingen-Khan, Deputy Head of the CITES Scientific Authority at the BfN (German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation)
Keynote Title
Conservation Across Borders and Sectors: A CITES Perspective on Integrated Species Conservation
Session Description
International wildlife trade is one of the major drivers of biodiversity loss, and effective species conservation requires collaboration across borders, sectors and disciplines. This keynote will explore the role of CITES in addressing wildlife trade and the complementary contributions of governments, scientific authorities, zoos, researchers and the wider conservation community in supporting integrated species conservation, in line with the IUCN One Plan Approach. Dr Mona van Schingen-Khan will also reflect on practical experiences, emerging challenges and opportunities for strengthening collaboration through CITES to support effective species conservation.
Bio
Dr Mona van Schingen-Khan is a conservation biologist specialising in reptile conservation, with expertise spanning field research, wildlife trade regulation and international conservation policy. Since 2017, she has led the Fauna Team of the German Scientific Authority for CITES at the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) and, since 2025, has also served as Deputy Head of Unit. She currently serves as the European regional representative on the CITES Animals Committee. Before joining BfN, she conducted field research on threatened reptiles in Vietnam and received her PhD from the University of Cologne in 2017 for research on the Vietnamese crocodile lizard, undertaken with Cologne Zoo and conservation partners in Vietnam. Her work connects science, policy and legislation to support evidence-based conservation decisions.
Day 2 Keynote - Tuesday 27 October
More information coming soon
Day 3 Keynote - Wednesday 28 October
More information coming soon
Day 4 Keynote - Thursday 29 October
More information coming soon
What to Expect
A Thoughtfully Curated Programme
Inspiring keynote presentations, strategic conversations and compelling case studies exploring the issues that will shape the future of zoos and aquariums.
Global Perspectives
Insights and experiences from institutions, associations and experts working across different regions, contexts and areas of expertise.
Interactive Sessions
Hands-on workshops, open discussions and solution-oriented sessions designed to challenge assumptions, encourage participation and translate ideas into global action.
Meaningful Connections
Opportunities to strengthen existing relationships, establish new partnerships and exchange openly with colleagues from throughout the conservation community.
Conference Theme
Stewards of Tomorrow: Purpose. Direction. Global Responsibility.
The theme reflects the responsibility of today’s zoo and aquarium community to make decisions that will influence the future of animals, people and the planet.
Meaningful stewardship depends on three interconnected elements:
Purpose: Remaining grounded in why our institutions and global community exist.
Direction: Translating ambition into clear priorities, decisions and action.
Global Responsibility: Recognising our shared responsibility to act for animals, species, ecosystems, communities and future generations.
The conference will create a collective moment to reaffirm our purpose, shape shared direction and strengthen the contribution of zoos and aquariums to global conservation and animal welfare.
Lead with Purpose
Our ability to navigate change begins with a clear understanding of our purpose and the impact we want to achieve.
The conference will reconnect participants with the fundamental role of modern zoos and aquariums: advancing animal welfare, contributing to species conservation, connecting people with nature and using our collective influence to support a thriving planet.
Delegates will be encouraged to consider how a strong and clearly articulated purpose can guide institutional priorities, leadership decisions and long-term impact.
Shape Shared Direction
No institution can address the challenges facing animals and nature alone. Progress depends on our ability to establish shared priorities and move forward together.
The conference will provide a trusted space for the global community to exchange knowledge, challenge assumptions and contribute to the conversations shaping the future direction of zoos and aquariums worldwide.
By bringing together diverse regional, institutional and professional perspectives, the conference will help identify areas in which stronger alignment and collective action can increase our global impact.
Act with Global Responsibility
As globally connected institutions, zoos and aquariums have a responsibility to consider how their decisions affect animals, species, ecosystems, communities and future generations.
The conference will explore how individual institutions and the wider WAZA community can turn global responsibility into credible leadership and measurable action.
Delegates will examine how decisions made today can contribute to stronger animal welfare, more effective conservation and a more resilient future for people and the planet.
The WAZA Awards Gala
Celebrate excellence during the Gala Dinner, where WAZA awards will be presented:
- Heini Hediger Award – WAZA’s highest honour for individual professional excellence
- WAZA Conservation Award – recognising measurable conservation impact
- WAZA Environmental Sustainability Award – highlighting innovative sustainability leadership
- WAZA Animal Welfare Award – honouring institutional leadership in animal welfare
The winners of the four 2026 WAZA Awards will be honoured during the Gala Dinner at the Cologne Chocolate Museum on 29 October.
Annual General Assembly
The WAZA Annual General Assembly will take place on:
Thursday, 29 October 2026
13:00–16:30
Flora, Cologne, Germany
The Annual General Assembly is an important moment for WAZA members to participate in the governance of the Association, consider key organisational matters and contribute to decisions shaping WAZA’s future direction.
Further information and official documentation will be shared with WAZA members ahead of the meeting.
Join Us in Cologne
Registration for the 81st WAZA Annual Conference includes:
- Four days of conference programming.
- Inspiring presentations, interactive sessions and workshops.
- Lunches and coffee breaks during the conference.
- The Icebreaker Cocktail at the Aquarium at Cologne Zoo.
- Social and evening events.
- A special visit and concert at Cologne Cathedral.
- A Cologne Zoo visit, including opportunities to explore the zoo and connect with its teams.
- The Zoo Barbecue at Cologne Zoo.
- The Gala Dinner and WAZA Awards Ceremony at the Cologne Chocolate Museum.
- Free, unlimited entry to Cologne Zoo from 25 to 29 October 2026 upon presentation of your conference badge.
- A public transport conference ticket.
- Access to the conference app, including programme, venue and event information.
- Opportunities to network with colleagues from across the global zoo and aquarium community.
Experience Cologne
Located in the heart of Europe, Cologne has been a place of international exchange, culture and connection for more than two thousand years.
The city combines a rich history with a lively and welcoming atmosphere. From the iconic Cologne Cathedral and the banks of the Rhine to its museums, neighbourhoods and cultural institutions, Cologne offers delegates an inspiring setting in which to meet, exchange ideas and build new relationships.
The conference’s social programme will provide opportunities to experience some of the city’s most distinctive locations, including a visit and concert at Cologne Cathedral and the Gala Dinner at the Cologne Chocolate Museum.
Discover Cologne Zoo
Founded in 1860, Cologne Zoo is one of Europe’s oldest and most respected zoological institutions and an internationally recognised leader in species conservation, animal welfare, science and public engagement.
Home to more than 12,000 animals representing almost 800 species, Cologne Zoo combines its historic legacy with a forward-looking commitment to modern animal care, conservation research, education and international collaboration.
Sponsor
We thank our Sponsor for supporting the 81st WAZA Annual conference
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is the global alliance of regional associations, national federations, zoos and aquariums, dedicated to the care and conservation of animals and their habitats around the world.
WAZA is a member of the following organisations:
