Background:
The 79th Annual World Association of Zoos and Aquariums 2024 Conference (WAZA 2024), hosted at Taronga Zoo on the lands of the
Challenges:
Given the Conference’s overarching objective to safeguard animals and wildlife, careful attention was applied to the sustainability of event, to align it with organisers’ mission. The Conference aimed to answer critical questions, such as: “What will zoos look like in 2050?” and “How can global collaborations ensure increased conservation efforts?” – thus the event had to reflect that with both sustainable design and creative networking opportunities.
With the majority of attendees expected to be international, another unique challenge for WAZA 2024 was to provide a genuine Sydney experience. This required careful thought regarding the social program, networking opportunities and onsite tours.
Solutions:
To enhance the event and connection to the host destination, bespoke behind-the-scenes tours were organised, providing attendees with exclusive access to exhibits and wildlife areas at Taronga Zoo. The focus on insider access created a memorable experience that also provided bonding opportunities for attendees and enhanced networking.
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and Sydney Opera House’s Opera Bar were the chosen venues for the offsite Wednesday afternoon activity, with attendees transported by private ferry around Sydney Harbour. These iconic locations ensured guests bore witness to the exciting pulse of the city in waterside venues where they could network with their colleagues and enjoy the beautiful Sydney skyline at night.
Cultural connection was cemented through a special performance from school students who told the story of the Gyak, the critically endangered Northern Corroboree Frog, in a collaboration between Taronga Zoo, elders, scientists, the Bangarra Dance Theatre and conservation groups. A Smoking Ceremony was performed by Yuin elder Uncle Les Mcleod to formally open the program, and the Conference artwork was created by Tubbah-gah Wiradjuri artist Nathan Peckham.
The focus on sustainability encompassed all elements of the event, including:
- A near-complete vegetarian conference menu across the conference days, with the only exception being the Gala dinner, which offered Marine Stewardship Council certified seafood
- Name badges and materials were fully recyclable
- Social events – such as icebreaker drinks with the giraffes in Taronga Zoo’s Savannah space and the evening screening of a global conservation video
Outcomes:
With a focus on sustainability and global conservation, WAZA 2024 ensured it fulfilled its mission and objectives across all aspect of the event program. Taronga Zoo was the ideal host venue, with its prime Harbourside views providing an immediate connection to Eora, Sydney. This was particularly valued by the international delegation, which tallied up to more than 80% from 51 countries.
WAZA 2024 exceeded combined registration and sponsorship sales targets by 120%, with a sold-out exhibition zone. Most importantly, the Conference provided a platform for meaningful discussion about the future of zoos, conservation strategies, and how global collaboration can drive positive change.
