2008 National AAZK Conference

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The Utah Chapter AAZK is proud to host the 35th annual AAZK National Conference in Salt Lake City  September 24-28, 2008.  Here's an exciting preview of what you'll experience in Utah.

Our host hotel, the Salt Lake City Marriott at City Center, is located in the heart of the city's business and cultural district with nearby access to the TRAX light rail system.  It is an absolutely beautiful hotel with wonderful facilities and rooms moderately priced at only $139/night!

Utah is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.  The pre-conference and post-conference trips will explore the unique and natural diversity that Utah has to offer. The state's wild beauty ranges from rugged mountains and forests in northern Utah to the colorful landscapes of southern Utah's red rock canyons.  The pre-conference trip will explore the diverse ecosystem of the Great Salt Lake while birding at the world-renowned Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.  This trip will also include a lovely autumn drive through the foothills of Logan Canyon to visit to the Coyote Depredation Management Research Center, one of the premiere predator research facilities in the world.  The post-conference trip will take you to beautiful southern Utah where you will be surrounded by the gorgeous, red rock, desert landscapes near Arches National Park and Moab, Utah.  

The conference officially opens on Thursday, September 25, 2008 with a keynote address by one of the finest (and funniest) natural history writers of our time, Dr. Robert Sapolsky, author of A Primate's Memoir and Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers.  You will hear from a number of other exciting speakers during the week, including Amy Sutherland, author of Kicked, Bitten and Scratched: Life and Lessons at the World's Premier School for Exotic Animal Trainers.

And don't forget Zoo Day which will begin early with a "Breakfast with the Birds" at the Tracy Aviary.  You'll then head to Utah's Hogle Zoo for a full day of presentations, tours, workshops and fun followed by dinner and the silent auction on zoo grounds. 

Full conference registration is $195 until August 1, 2008. After that, the late fee registration is $245. Non-member fees are $245. We are green! Online registration only! See top of page.

Are you up to the challenge?  AAZK chapters will be receiving information in the mail soon about the 2008 Chapter Challenge (please scroll down for more information) and other sponsorship opportunities. 

2008 AAZK National Conference Photo Contest!

Gisele Bundchen, Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford, Tyra Banks, Basha the Tiger? Want to make your animal the next supermodel? Enter in the 2008 AAZK National Conference Photo Contest! Entry fee is only $10. The top three entries will win fabulous prizes. All full conference delegates will be able to vote, so start campaigning now. Photos must be
8" x 10" including any matting. Photos must be taken from the public's perspective to maintain a "naturalistic" view. All photos from the contest will be donated to the silent auction so you can purchase your favorites. Photo release form will be emailed after conference registration has been completed.

2008 AAZK Photo Contest Rules and Regulations

1. One entry allowed per contestant
2. Entries must be taken from a public perspective. No behind-the-scenes photos are allowed
3. Entries may not be larger than 8” x 10” including matting. Matting is not required for entry. Any non-matted entry must have a sturdy backing.
4. All entries are donated to the Utah Chapter of AAZK to be auctioned at the silent auction.
5. Top three entries as determined by delegate voting will receive prizes.
6. Any entries from institutions that require release forms must submit said form when the entry is submitted.
7. All entries must be accompanied by a completed 2008 photo release form signed by the donor and any person in the photo.

LAST Call For Papers & Posters

Deadline for abstracts: 1 May 2008         
Deadline for papers: 15 July 2008

Our guiding theme for the 2008 conference, "Elevating Animal Care", will focus on concepts that highlight professionalism, creativity and initiative in the realm of conservation, education and animal husbandry.  Animal care professionals from all related fields are encouraged to submit high quality, original topics for consideration.  Abstracts will be accepted for 3 presentation types:

• Papers

Standard papers typically represent a summary of innovative techniques, achievements or approaches to animal care, welfare, conservation, education or research.  Authors will be expected to give a 15 minute presentation on the relevance and practical application of their topic.

• Posters

Accepted posters will be displayed during the conference, therefore the topic should be suitable for visual presentation. Authors will discuss their work with conference delegates during the designated poster presentation session.

• Workshops

Workshops allow practical presentation and discussion of concepts relevant to animal care professionals.  Workshop organizers should outline a list of group leaders, a summary of the theme & significance, format of discussion, expected number of participants and length of workshop.

Abstracts should be no longer than 300 words and should include in detail the significance of the topic being presented along with results, conclusions and benefits of the work described.  Poorly written abstracts, those that do not contain proper information or do not otherwise meet submission criteria will not be considered.

All abstracts should include the following information:

• Full name of presenter & co-authors

• Institution

• Position or title

• Title of paper, poster or workshop

• Short bio of yourself for introduction

• A/V needs

• Contact information, including email address

Submit abstract by 1 May 2008 in Microsoft Word via email to utahaazk@hoglezoo.org.  Authors will receive an email confirmation upon receipt of their abstract.  Authors will then be notified regarding acceptance by 1 June 2008.  All final papers must be received by 15 July 2008 in order to be included in the program.  

Exhibitor Tables

Chapter Challenge: A New Twist

This year the Chapter Challenge has a new twist....many new ways to participate and win!
 
Your donation of $350 will enter your chapter into a drawing to win the following (two chapters will have the opportunity to win in this category!):

• One complimentary conference registration

• Guest pass to the VIP book signing and meet-and-greet with keynote speaker Dr. Robert Sapolsky

• Verbal and written recognition throughout the conference

Your donation of $500 will enter your chapter into a drawing to win the following:

• One complimentary conference registration

• Guest pass to the VIP book signing and meet-and-greet with keynote speaker Dr. Robert Sapolsky

• Verbal and written recognition throughout the conference

• One complimentary hotel room for the duration of the conference

Your donation of $1250 will enter your chapter into a drawing to win the following:

• One complimentary conference registration

• Guest pass to the VIP book signing and meet-and-greet with keynote speaker Dr. Robert Sapolsky

• Verbal and written recognition throughout the conference

• One complimentary hotel room for the duration of the conference

• One complimentary round trip airfare to Salt Lake City

• Live elephant painting demonstration and keepsake artwork.

To be included in the drawing chapter challenge donations must be received by July 1st. Winners will be notified by July 15th!

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REFUND POLICY OPTIONS

All conference cancellations and requests for refunds MUST be received in writing by the appropriate dates. Telephone requests WILL NOT be honored. Letter or email requests must be received by the following dates:

Prior to June 1st
Receive a full refund minus a $25 processing fee.

Starting June 1st
Receive a 50% refund minus a $25 processing fee.

Starting August 1st
No refunds will be provided. Late requests for refunds due to family emergency will only be considered on a case-by-case basis.

**Refund requests will be processed 4-6 weeks AFTER the conference and will be issued in the form of a check from the Utah Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers

**The Utah Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers is not responsible for problems incurred due to weather related events including natural disasters.

**Requests sent to us via postal carrier should be postmarked before the deadline in order to receive that deadline's refund amount and be addressed to:

The Utah Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers
ATTN: Crystal DeWeerd
2600 Sunnyside Avenue
Salt Lake City, UT 84108

**Requests sent via email need to be received by 11:59 pm of each cutoff date to be issued the appropriate refund. All email requests should be sent to the following email address: Email: utahaazk@hoglezoo.org. All hotel questions, comments/concerns and refund information will need to be dealt with through the Salt Lake City Marriott City Center directly. 1-800-961-8700 / 1-800-266-9432

Utah Chapter AAZK
2600 Sunnyside Avenue
Salt Lake City, Utah 84108

(801) 584-1784

utahaazk@hoglezoo.org