NATS Fall Conference
October 8-10, 2026
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
Omaha, NE
2026 Fall Conference
Keynote Speaker
Michael Forsberg
Conservationist | Photographer | Author | Nebraskan
Thursday, October 8, 2026
@ Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM - Free IDE/NDE Science Teacher
Professional Learning Day
**Registration link will be available here in August**
1:00-3:00 PM- Zoo Tours including:
Giraffes, Sea Lions, Birds & Amphibians
(for attendees of IDE/NDE PL Day)
3:30 PM - Vendor Area Open for Setup
@ Location TBD
5:30-7:30 PM - Science Trivia Social
Friday, October 9, 2026
@ Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
8:00 AM - 4:45 PM - Keynote, Break Out Sessions
& Aquarium Tour (included with registration)
@ Kiewit Luminarium
6:00-8:00 PM - Evening Social
Sponsored by Lab-Aids
Saturday, October 10, 2026
@ Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Workshops, Breakout Sessions
& Zoo Tours (Tickets available for purchase below)
1:00 PM - Board Lunch
New Board Member Welcome & Past Board Member Farewell
Headquarters Hotel
@ Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District
222 N 10th Street; Omaha, Nebraska 68102
$165 Nightly Discounted Rate | RESERVATION LINK HERE
Must book by September 8 to guarantee discounted rate
Fall Conference Side Quests
These additional tours are available to NATS guests who are staying for Saturday events and are available at a deeply discounted rate (65% off) compared to the cost for the general public. We hope you will enjoy these adventures!
Side Quests at Omaha's Zoo & Aquarium
Saturday, October 10, 8-8:50 a.m. - Kingdoms of the Night Backstage Experience
Saturday, October 10, 9:30-10:20 a.m. - Animal Hospital Tour
Saturday, October 10, 11-11:50 a.m. - Elephant Backstage Experience
Side Quests at the Wildlife Safari Park in Ashland, Nebraska
Saturday, October 10, 10:30-11:20 a.m. - Tiger/Cheetah Conservation Backstage Experience
NOTE: The Wildlife Safari Park is located in Ashland, Nebraska, approximately a 30-minute drive from Omaha's Zoo & Aquarium. Be sure to plan for travel time for this experience. Transportation to the Wildlife Safari Park will not be provided by NATS.
Sat, Oct 10Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & AquariumBehind the scenes guided tour of the nocturnal habitat; includes a stroll through the world's largest indoor swamp and feeding the alligators!- Sat, Oct 10Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & AquariumThis BRAND NEW tour takes you through the Bill and Berniece Grewcock Animal Hospital. Discover how this world-class veterinary team cares for 39,000+ animals at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.
Sat, Oct 10Wildlife Safari ParkFor NATS FC Attendees opting for the OFF-SITE keynote follow up workshop with Carlee Moates at the Darrald Harsh Wildlife Education Center, this is an add on tour at the Wildlife Safari Park to visit the Tiger/Cheetah Breeding Centers.- Sat, Oct 10Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & AquariumTake a behind the scenes tour of the Elephant Herd Room and learn from one of the zoo's Animal Care Staff about how to take care of the African Elephant Herd.