2008 Annual Conference

Our 2008 Annual Conference in Milwaukee on September 12 - 18 was a great success! A heartfelt thanks to all of the staff, docents, and volunteers of the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Zoological Society of Milwaukee for their countless hours of dedication and hard work.

Outgoing Chair of the Board Satch Krantz thanks Milwaukee County Zoo director Chuck Wikenhauser and conference coordinator Renee Klatt for their hard work and hospitality.

The Conference in Review

Sponsoring Companies and Organizations = 44
Poster Presentations = 54
Program Sessions = 55
Conservation Program and Committee Meetings = 85
Exhibit Booths = 163
Speakers = 275
First Time Attendees = 327
Conference Attendees = 1,670
Dollars raised during the Art by Animals Live Auction = $20,295
Dollars raised for CEF during the Silent Auction = $34,192
Opportunities to Network and learn best practices, and mistakes, from fellow colleagues = Countless!

Jack Hanna Receives Highest Honor

AZA awarded its highest honor, the R. Marlin Perkins Award for Professional Excellence, to world-renowned wildlife conservationist Jack Hanna. AZA established the award in honor of R. Marlin Perkins, a noteworthy pioneer of animal conservation and education who made it his mission to give adults and children alike an understanding and appreciation for wildlife.

Director Emeritus at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Jack Hanna began working with animals at his family veterinarian's office at age eleven and has never stopped. In 1978, he was named Director of the Columbus Zoo and is credited with transforming it into the state-of-the-art park that it is today. "It has been my privilege to work with zoos and animals for so many years, and I am honored to receive this award," said Jack Hanna. "This is truly a highlight in my career and I am confident that my colleagues and I will continue on in the mission of animal conservation and education."

More 2008 Award Winners

Conference Exhibitors

Our expo at the Milwaukee conference featured more than 140 companies with a wide range products, programs and services.

Sponsorship

AZA and the Milwaukee County Zoo would like to thank all of the Conference and Social Event Sponsors for their support.

AZA Conference Sponsors

Platinum Level Contributors
Busch Gardens, SeaWorld, and Discovery Cove
CNN / Planet in Peril
Disney's Animal Kingdom
K&K Insurance Group, Inc.
nWave Pictures and MediaMation, Inc.
San Diego Zoo
Wild Republic, a division of K&M International, Inc.

Gold Level Contributors
Chicago Zoological Society
CLR Design Inc.
Event Network
PGAV Destination Consulting
The Portico Group
Shedd Aquarium

Silver Level Contributors
Gateway Ticketing Systems
International Species Information Systems (ISIS)
Morey Group Paragon Aquatics
Sodexo

Bronze Level Contributors
Animaland
Classic Escapes
Columbus Zoo and Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Diagnostic Imaging Systems
Fauna Research
The Nassal Company
Premier Rides

Milwaukee County Zoo Sponsors

Icebreaker Sponsors
DMC Advertising
Sharp Shooter Imaging
SkyTrans Mfg., LLC
Zoo Pride

Zoo Day Sponsors
Cost of Wisconsin
David J. Wagner, LLC
Go-Picnic
Karl's Event Rentals
Land's End
Living Exhibits
Miller Brands
Mike's Hard Lemonade
Orion Seafood International, Inc.
PepsiAmericas
Purina Mazuri
S&S Worldwide
Safari Ltd.
Sun World International
Wild Impact Marketing