CAZA 2024 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Thank You for Your Interest in the CAZA Annual Conference!
We’re thrilled to have you explore our conference information and consider joining us in celebrating CAZA’s ongoing commitment to conservation, education, and animal welfare. Your support and involvement help us build a stronger, more connected community for the future. We look forward to the opportunity to connect, share insights, and work together toward a sustainable future.
Thank you for being part of this journey!
Before completing your order, please review the add-ons section and select tickets for the events you will be attending. The available are:
- Icebreaker – Meet and Greet Cocktail
- Cocktail Party in the Exhibit Hall
- Team Building Activity Dinner at LB Distillery
- Awards and Recognition Cocktail and Gala Dinner
- Zoo Day at Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo
*Early Bird sale ends on August 5, 2024 at 11:30 p.m.
To see the description of the tickets, click here
Ticket | Price |
Early Bird Full Conference Pass – CAZA Members* | $729 CAD |
Full Conference Pass – CAZA Members | $895 CAD |
Full Conference Pass – Spouse/Partner | $ 795 CAD |
Full Conference Pass – Director Emeritus | Donation |
Full Conference Pass Non-Members | $995 CAD |
Full Conference Pass – Students | $395 CAD |
Daily Pass for Students – Thursday Daily Pass for Students – Friday | $175 CAD $200 CAD |
Flights Information: Airlines flying to Saskatoon from: Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver, and Edmonton
Airline Name | Phone number | Website | Departing from |
| Air Canada | 1 888 247 2262 Baggage Inquiries: 1 888 689 2247 |
| |
| Flair Airlines | 1 855 936 5656 support@flyflair.com |
| |
| Porter | 1 888 619 8622 |
| |
| WestJet | 1 888 937 8538 Baggage Inquiries: 1 866 666 6224 |
|
Taxi Information
From Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport to Delta Bessborough Hotel:
- Distance: Approximately 11 kilometers.
- Estimated Fare: Taxi fares range from CAD 20 to CAD 30, depending on traffic and time of day.
- Taxi Services: United Cabs and Comfort Cabs. Rideshare options like Uber may also be available.
- Private transfer: Jayride
- Public Transportation: Line 11 bus Duration: 42 min
Saskatoon has long been a gathering place — a place where bonds are strengthened and community comes together. A vibrant urban centre on the doorstep of awe-inspiring natural wonder. Where contemporary culture thrives alongside Indigenous history 11,000 years in the making. Here, you’ll find kinship and connection, share in the stories of the land, and reawaken your sense of wonder under the living skies.
Saskatoon is a destination of discovery. What will you find here?
Saskatoon – Western Development Museum (wdm.ca)
- Dress for the Occasion
Conference rooms are notoriously cold, not to mention October in Saskatoon could mean snowy days. Review the weather ahead and take with you appropriate clothes for the weather and for each occasion
Consider packing a pair of sweats and some tennis shoes in case you have the opportunity to explore the city or do other activities.
Dresscode for the Awards of Excellence Gala: bring your best business attire.
- Business Cards
CAZA Conference is the perfect occasion to meet people with aligned interests and vision. Be sure to bring plenty of business cards to pass out. - Taking Notes at the Conference: In an effort to reduce paper waste, we ask you to bring your device to take notes! In addition, consider that the conference material will be posted on our website after the conference.
- Charger/Extended Batteries
If you decide to use your laptop or tablet to take notes during conference sessions, or to share information from the event in your social platforms, you’ll want to be prepared with a charger and/or extended batteries for all of your devices. - Reusable Water Bottle
Hydration is important, especially when you are sitting and/or talking most of the day. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle with you to fill up whenever you need to. A water station will be offered during the conference. - Snacks
Food will be provided at the event venue (see schedule below), the Icebreaker, and Zoo Day. However, we recommend you to pack healthy and easy-to-eat choices such as granola bars, nuts and dried fruit.
| Wednesday, Oct 16 | Thursday, Oct 17 | Friday, Oct 18 |
Light Breakfast | 07:30 AM – 08:30 AM | 07:30 AM – 08:30 AM | 07:30 AM – 08:30 AM |
Coffee Break | – | 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM |
Lunch | Provided for zoo visit attendees. Don’t forget to add your add-on when registering | 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM | 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM |
Refreshment Break | – | 02:30 PM – 03:00 PM | 02:30 PM – 03:00 PM |
Dinner | – | Don’t forget to add your add-on when registering | Don’t forget to add your add-on when registering |
*When registering, don’t forget to identify your allergies.
Registration Desk opens on Tuesday, October 15, at 12:00 PM.
Participate in the social events!
- Icebreaker – Meet and Greet Cocktail
- Cocktail Party in the Exhibit Hall
- Team Building Activity Dinner at LB Distillery
- Awards and Recognition Cocktail
- Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner
- Zoo Day at Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo
Visit our Exhibit hall Whether you are looking for a specific product or service, or are just curious of what the exhibitors have to offer, the Exhibition Hall will offer you an opportunity to connect with organizations in the world of zoos and aquariums.
Poster Presentations – this is a great opportunity to discuss and meet authors of poster presentations on a variety of topics.
Interact with other attendees! More than likely the person sitting next to you is just as shy as you are. Make a point to share contact information if you meet someone at the conference.
Our Conference will be hosted in the Delta Bessborough Hotel – 601 Spadina Crescent East, Saskatoon, SK S7K 3G8
Block of rooms has been reserved. Please click here.
Other accommodation options:
- Holiday Inn Express, 315 Idylwyld Drive North, SK
- Hilton Garden Inn, 90 22nd Street East, SK
- Best Western Plus East Side, 3331 8th Street East, SK
See our schedule at a glance here.
Conference Highlights
Martín Zordan
Chief Executive Officer, WAZA
Martín Zordan has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) since April 2020, where he leads global initiatives for wildlife conservation and animal welfare, within the zoo and aquarium community. Before his role as CEO, Zordan joined WAZA in November 2017 as Conservation Coordinator.
Before his time at WAZA, he held the position of Executive Director at the Latin American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (ALPZA), overseeing efforts to unify and elevate the role of zoos and aquariums in the region. A trained veterinarian, Zordan’s expertise combines a deep understanding of animal care with a commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship.
Melissa Schenk
Broadcaster / Video & Digital Marketing Consultant / Producer / Content Marketing Specialist
Melissa Schenk is passionate about the power of video, livestreaming, broadcasting, animals, agriculture, construction and skilled trades.
Described by many as energetic, creative, and a leader in her field – Melissa wears many exciting hats as a Business Consultant, TV Personality, Producer, Entrepreneur, Educator, Speaker, Shopping Channel Spokesperson, and Executive Officer.
Melissa’s unique combination of skills, experience and business credibility result in her being in high demand from successful business people. You might remember her from Tourism Queensland’s “Best Job in the World” Competition. She was in the TOP 10 online out of more than 37,000 entries.
Her professional experience spans a variety of networks from CTV, CNN, Shop NBC, The Shopping Channel and more! She is the owner of MS2 Productions – a high impact online video marketing agency that cost effectively brands, networks and markets for corporations and businesses with the next generation of media, video marketing and corporate storytelling.
Celebrating 25 years of experience in on-air television and online video production, she is frequently sought after to craft powerful messages that speak to customers, educate prospects, increase conversions and build brand equity.
With Melissa Schenk you will Get Noticed! Be Remembered! and Get Results!
“Because the impact you have on others is the greatest currency there is!”
Dr. Angela Rasmussen
virologist at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) at the University of Saskatchewan
Dr. Angela (Angie) Rasmussen, PhD is a virologist at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) at the University of Saskatchewan. Her research focuses on the role of the host in virus susceptibility and pathogenesis, with a particular interest in emerging viruses that are or have the potential to be major threats to global health, such as avian influenza virus, dengue virus, Ebola virus, mpox (monkeypox) virus, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2. Her work combines classical experimental virology and animal models with systems biology approaches to study the global response to infection and how that contributes to pathogenesis or protection from emerging pathogens.
Dr. Rasmussen graduated from Smith College with a BA in Biological Sciences (2000) and received a MA (2005), MPhil (2006), and PhD (2009) in Microbiology and Immunology from Columbia University. She did her postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Washington and previously held faculty positions at the University of Washington and the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, as well as an affiliation with the Georgetown Center for Global Health Science and Security. In addition to her primary appointment at VIDO, Angie is also an adjunct professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology at the University of Saskatchewan and an adjunct professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolution at Stony Brook University. She is the co-lead of the Coronavirus Variants Rapid Response Network (CoVaRR-Net) Host-Virus Interactions pillar. She is also a member of the WHO Ad Hoc Expert Committee for Preclinical Models of COVID-19 and sits on the Editorial Boards at Vaccine, mSphere, and Cell Reports.
In addition to her research, Dr. Rasmussen is a prolific science communicator on both social media and in the mainstream press, as well as a writer for numerous publications including Forbes, Leaps.org, Slate, Foreign Affairs, the Washington Post, and the New York Times. She is passionate about advocating for equity in biomedical research and public health, and is a member of the US NIH Advisory Committee to the Director Working Group on Changing the Culture to End Sexual Harassment, as well as a faculty mentor for the volunteer science education group Wearing is Caring. She believes strongly that biosecurity and global public health must be collaborative international efforts and is eager to extend this outreach work in Canada and abroad.
Madeline Winans
Animal Welfare Committee Member for the Zoological Association of America and Research & Administrative Coordinator for the One Welfare & Sustainability Center (OWSC), Ohio State
Madeline Winans received her B.S. in Zoology and M.S. in Animal Sciences from The Ohio State University and currently works as the Research & Administrative Coordinator for the One Welfare & Sustainability Center (OWSC) at Ohio State. Madeline’s master’s research was aimed at evaluating the effect of transport and relocation on the welfare of the California sea lions at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Upon completing her masters, she worked as the Program Coordinator for the Center for Human-Animal Interactions Research & Education (CHAIRE) at Ohio State, before transitioning to her current position in 2023. Through her role with OWSC, Madeline works to facilitate the center’s research, training, and outreach programs in addition to working towards her PhD. Her current research focuses on developing a One Welfare approach to assess crocodilians under professional care in the United States, through evaluating animal welfare, human wellbeing, and environmental conservation. Madeline has also served as a member of the Zoological Association of America (ZAA)’s Animal Welfare Committee for the last two years, where she has led webinars, helped curate a resource bank, and developed and facilitated a workshop, all to continue elevating ZAA’s commitment to animal welfare by providing support and resources for its members.
Andrea Gielens
Wildlife Biologist
Andrea Gielens is a Wildlife Biologist with extensive experience in managing ex-situ breeding programs for conservation reintroduction as well as supporting field work to develop recovery programs and assess species. Andrea manages captive breeding and release programs for the Oregon spotted frog, the Coastal Western Painted turtle, and the Taylors Checkerspot butterfly as Lead Biologist for BC Programs for Wildlife Preservation Canada.
She began her career as a zookeeper with small cats and primates, completing her undergraduate thesis on African Wild dog pack structure maintenance ex-situ. She began working with Oregon Spotted frogs in 2008 and subsequently studied at-risk reptiles and amphibians in Canada and abroad, including a term at the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in Jersey, UK. She completed her masters in Environmental Management at Royal Roads University and returned to Canada where she resumed her work with herpetofauna. She has worked collaboratively with institutions, First Nations, Government agencies, Universities and independent biologists to define and achieve recovery goals. Recently she has developed husbandry techniques to increase ex-situ Oregon Spotted frog production as well as a treatment for turtles for Cryptosporidium infection.
Brock Andews
Saskatchewan born singer/songwriter Brock Andrews burst onto the country music scene in 2016 with the launch of his first full length album “Eight” which spent several weeks in the Top 10 charts on iTunes. Garnering critical acclaim, he led all artists at the 2017 SCMA awards with 6 nominations. Over the past 5 years Brock has become one of the most played Saskatchewan artists on country radio across Canada with over 15,000 spins. Brock has an energetic, heartfelt approach to songwriting and performance, and he has proven time and time again that he has what it takes to leave a lasting impression on audiences of all ages across the country. Relatable storytelling, honest songwriting and high energy performances have helped to create a brand for Brock that keeps him in demand on stages across Canada.
Highlights
- 1 Million + total streams on all platforms
- 16-time SCMA nominated artist
- 6 singles on the Canadian Top 100 Country Charts
- CBC Future 40 Award Winner
Join us as a sponsor for the CAZA 2024 Annual Conference and elevate your brand while contributing to a sustainable future. We will bring together leaders and innovators in wildlife conservation, providing a unique platform for you to showcase your commitment to environmental stewardship. By sponsoring, you’ll gain exposure, engage with a passionate audience, and help drive impactful conservation efforts. Together, we can build a brighter, more sustainable future for all. Be a part of this transformative event and make a lasting difference.
To get to know more about our sponsorship and exhibition opportunities click here.
The CAZA Awards of Excellence celebrate the outstanding achievements of our member institutions in the fields of animal welfare, conservation, education, and science. These awards are a testament to the dedication and hard work of the professionals who strive to advance our mission of preserving biodiversity and fostering a deep connection between people and nature. Recognizing these efforts is crucial, as it highlights the significant contributions of our institutions and their staff in promoting ethical practices, innovative research, and impactful educational programs. By honoring excellence, we inspire continued progress and commitment to building a sustainable future for wildlife and their habitats.
Are you or your institution interested in submitting a nomination, please contact Mayra Garcia at at comms@caza.ca or 613 627 3779 ext. 101