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From Tenerife to San Diego to Sydney to Cali to Cologne – and onwards
Posted: 28 January 2026
Each year, the WAZA Annual Conference moves to a new part of the world, reflecting the diversity and leadership of our global zoo and aquarium community.
From Tenerife to San Diego, from Sydney to Cali and on to Cologne, the conference has travelled across continents, hosted by members, shaped by regional perspectives, and strengthened through collective exchange.
As WAZA looks ahead to 2027 and 2028, Institution Members are invited to help shape the next chapters of this journey.
Call for Bids: WAZA Annual Conferences 2027 & 2028
WAZA invites its Institution Members in good standing to submit bids to host the:
- 82nd WAZA Annual Conference (2027)
- 83rd WAZA Annual Conference (2028)
Applicant institutions may indicate their preferred year or confirm availability for both.
Hosting a WAZA Annual Conference offers an opportunity to:
- Welcome the global zoo and aquarium community to your institution and city
- Showcase regional leadership, innovation, and expertise
- Contribute to shaping strategic conversations that extend beyond the event itself
Application documents
Interested institutions are required to submit all of the following:
- The official application form
- A letter of interest from your institution, outlining the motivation to host the conference and signed by the Director or CEO of the WAZA member institution
- A letter of interest from your city, stating the motivation to host the conference
- A short PowerPoint presentation or video (maximum 2 minutes) in support of the bid
The Conference Guide (version 2026) serves as the reference document and outlines the requirements and expectations for hosting a WAZA Annual Conference.
Timeline
- Call for bids: until 30 April 2026
- Initial review by WAZA Executive Office: May 2026
- Evaluation of shortlisted bids by WAZA Council: May 2026
- Announcement of 2027 & 2028 Conference Hosts: May/June 2026
Shortlisted bidders may be invited to deliver a virtual bid presentation to the WAZA Council in May 2026.
Members are encouraged to apply early to allow the WAZA Executive Office to review submissions and confirm their validity in due time.
Submission deadline: 17:00 CEST (GMT +2) on 30 April 2026
Submissions and enquiries: conference@waza.org
From continent to continent, the WAZA Annual Conference continues its global journey.
Where will we meet next?
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:
