Welcome to Cork, Ireland!
EAZA Directors' Days and AGM 2024 will be hosted by Fota Wildlife Park, Ireland from 23 to 26 April 2024, with an optional excursion on Friday 26 April.
EAZA Directors' Days and AGM meetings are by invitation only and open to Director level employees of EAZA Member institutions of all institutional and organisational categories (inclusive of Full, Temporary and Candidate for Membership institutions (a support letter of the respective mentor is required) and National Associations).
This is the premier forum for EAZA Member Directors to meet and discuss the strategy and direction of EAZA, and we urge all Directors to attend, network and influence.
Programme theme: Shaping the Future: The Evolving Role of Zoos and Aquariums in Society by 2050
This year’s programme covers a wide and varied range of topics that are both vital to the work of Directors and to the work of EAZA.
Venue: The brand new Education, Conservation and Research Centre (ECRC) at Fota Wildlife Park.
Travel
Travel from the conference hotel to the venue will be arranged with buses in the morning, departure timings will follow. Delegates can return to the hotel with the Cork rail line, departing from Fota to Cork Central. Tickets will be provided. Travel time in total is around 20 minutes. Please click here to find the timetable for the Cork City to Cobh line (Stop: Fota). The timetable will also be available through the Whova Conference app.
Taxi from the airport to Metropole Hotel or any other accommodation in downtown Cork: 15 minutes, approximate cost €45. Please check out the ride-sharing option in Whova (In the Community board) for carpooling from the airport to downtown Cork Alternative option is to take the bus Éireann 225 or 226 buses to Parnell Place bus station. The Parnell Place Terminus is a two-minute walk from the Hotel. More info here.
Sponsorship
This Directors' Days event is partly made available by EAZA Corporate Members Immotion and HMJ Design
Immotion is a new kind of entertainment company with a pedigree in content creation and emerging technologies. In bringing together award-winning directors, world-class CGI experts, state-of-the-art motion platform technology, and a proprietary Content Management System, Immotion is able to deliver new level of immersive entertainment that drives valuable ancillary revenue for their partners worldwide.
HMJ Design helps EAZA Zoos to efficiently execute their masterplans. This is done by designing, planning and building outdoor zoo facilities at a highly specialised professional level, in partnership with zoos. HMJ Design is passionate about working with zoos, and seeks to act as an integral part of the zoo community. We follow the EAZA Code of Ethics and husbandry guidelines, and design for animal welfare, quality and sustainability of the project, taking into account all stakeholders. Affordability is a key factor in project execution – Our projects maximise space and provides the best possible facility for the investment.
Registration
If you are entitled to register for EAZA Directors' Days 2024 you have received a personal invitation by e-mail. For questions regarding attendance or registration please contact mirko.marseille@eaza.net
The EAZA Directors' Days 2024 programme will be made available in the Whova Conference app which is available to all registered delegates.
Cancellation policy
Please take notice of the following EAZA Events cancellation policy:
- If you cancel more than four weeks before the event starts you will be reimbursed the full registration fee minus €50,- handling charges.
- If you cancel less than four weeks before the event starts you will be charged 25% of the fees.
- If you cancel less than two weeks before the event starts you will be charged 50% of the fees.
Cancellations one week prior to the event will not be refunded It is your responsibility to ensure that your cancellation for EAZA Directors' Days 2024 is confirmed by the EAZA Office.
Accommodation
The conference hotel is the Metropole Hotel, located right in the heart of Cork in the Victorian Quarter.
Address:
MacCurtain Street, Victorian Quarter, Cork, T23 PX44
EAZA has arranged a special event rate at the Metropole Hotel. The discounted room rate is:
| B&B single occupancy per room per night (Signature) | €180 |
| B&B single occupancy per room per night (Executive) | €215 |
This fee includes breakfast. Breakfast for an additional guest is €15.
UPDATE: The Metropole hotel is now fully booked. Please refer to the other recommended hotels below.
Other hotel options in downtown Cork are:
- The Dean, €230 - €275 (single occupancy, breakfast included), contact:corkinfo@thedean.ie For the Dean hotel please reference 'EAZA conference'. These rooms are subject to availability as they are unable to hold rooms without a deposit.
- The Address, €162 (single occupancy, breakfast included), contact: cork@theaddresscollective.com When booking The Address, delegates can contact the hotel directly and reference 'FOTA Conference'.
- Other nearby accommodation options in downtown Cork via booking.com or Airbnb
Another nice option is the The Clayton, only an 8-minute walk to the Metropole Hotel.
All recommended hotels are located in the Victorian Quarter. Nestled within the heart of Cork, Ireland, the Victorian Quarter continues to exude its timeless charm, blending rich history with contemporary flair. This bustling neighborhood remains a vibrant hub, boasting a myriad of eclectic shops, cozy cafes, and cultural landmarks that pay homage to its Victorian roots. From the iconic architecture adorned with intricate details to the inviting ambiance of its bustling streets, the Victorian Quarter invites visitors to embark on a journey through Cork's storied past while embracing its modern vibrancy. Whether exploring the renowned Crawford Art Gallery or catching a captivating performance at the historic Everyman Theatre there's no shortage of delights to discover in this dynamic district. With its enduring allure and welcoming spirit, the Victorian Quarter stands as a testament to Cork's enduring legacy and boundless creativity.
Programme
The conference programme is currently being developed and will be shared with the invited delegates soon. The day-to-day schedule is as follows:
23 April (Tuesday): Membership and Ethics Committee meeting 09:00-13:00 (closed), Executive Committee Meeting 14:00-15:00 (closed), National Associations Committee meeting 15:15–17:30, Technical Assistance Committee meeting 15:15–17:45 (closed), Icebreaker at the Metropole Hotel in Cork, 19:00-21:00
24 April (Wednesday): Meeting day 1 09:00-16.30, EAZA Spring Council Meeting, 16:30–19:00 (closed)
25 April (Thursday): Meeting day 2 and AGM, 09:00–17:45, Gala Dinner, 19:30-late
26 April (Friday): Optional Jameson Whiskey Distillery Tour (Midleton) for an additional charge of €45, 10:00-14:00
Midleton Distillery Experience - this is a fully guided tour through the Old Midleton Distillery, covering our history, heritage and whiskey making process. The experience includes a small comparative tasting and a choice of Jameson Original or our signature cocktail: Jameson, Ginger Ale and Lime.
Delegates can visit the park anytime they wish, the Education, Conservation and Research Centre (Conference venue) is located on Fota's premises.
