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
1:00-3:00 PM- Zoo Tours including:
Giraffes, Sea Lions, Amphibians, Birds & Stingrays
(for attendees of IDE/NDE PL Day)
3:30 PM - Vendor Area Open for Setup
@ Thompson Alumni Center,
University of Nebraska Omaha
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
*Discounted rate ended September 8
Educator Justification Letter Link
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
For those interested in the Photography Session with Carlee Moates at the Wildlife Safari Park, there is an additional tour opportunity available.
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.