Save the Date
Location
The 2026 conference will be hosted at the San Antonio Zoo, an AZA-accredited institution and beloved San Antonio, TX landmark. The staff of Will Smith Zoo School is ready to welcome conference attendees for concurrent sessions both indoors and outdoors in the school's extensive outdoor play and learning areas. Plenary sessions will be hosted at the zoo's brand-new event space, The Ralston, with views across the zoo and the San Antonio skyline. And, as always, the conference will include site tours to nature-rich programs across the San Antonio area.
Tentative Schedule
The conference is being held in June 2026, earlier than it has been held in past years.
- Wednesday June 24: Optional Workshops and Pre-Conference Meetings, Conference Kick-Off
- Thursday and Friday June 25-26: Concurrent and Plenary Sessions
- Saturday June 27: Optional Site Visits of San Antonio-Area Programs
Registration Cost
We anticipate registration opening in late February. While we don’t have finalized registration rates yet, costs typically increase slightly each year—last year’s in-person rates were $435 per person, or $348 per person for groups of four or more.
Call for Proposals
The Call for Proposals is now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted. Notifications will be provided by mid-Februrary.
Conference Hotel
Conference attendees should book their rooms at the Kimpton Santo San Antonio - Riverwalk, steps from both San Antonio's famed Riverwalk, Hemisfair Park, and Tower of the Americas. The Kimpton has provided a special discounted rates starting at $140/night for conference attendees. The conference opening reception will be held at the Kimpton Santo, and transportation will be provided to the San Antonio Zoo for conference sessions. When not attending conference activities, guests can enjoy the Kimpton's rooftop, pool, or relax under the century-old live oaks in the courtyard.
A booking link will be provided soon.
San Antonio Attractions
Whether you love nature, history, culture, food, or music, San Antonio is full adventures waiting just for you! Get excited about visiting San Antonio and start planning your trip.