The event is geared towards teens in grades 9-12 and their educational support networks (parents, educators, career/college counselors, etc.) but other ages/groups are allowed to attend. Any attendees younger than 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult. All attendees must have a ticket.

If your child is aged 14 or older you may drop them off and pick them up at the end of the event. Any participants ages 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult who must also purchase a Teen Career Conference ticket. Formal programming ends at 3 p.m. but there is an optional Resume Building and Interviewing workshop for conference attendees from 3-4 p.m. The Exhibit Hall will remain open until 5 p.m. All conference attendees must depart the Zoo by 5 p.m.

Yes. The registration cost includes a continental-style breakfast during check-in from 8:30 – 9 a.m. and a boxed lunch. Please list any dietary restrictions on your registration form. 

Attendees are encouraged to dress professionally yet comfortably. We will be enjoying a guided walking tour as part of the conference and attendees are encouraged to wear shoes that are comfortable for walking in. We are striving to make this a “green event” and encourage attendees to bring a reusable water bottle.

You will enter the Zoo through the main entrance across the long wooden bridge. Please don’t forget to bring your PDF ticket which is attached to your email confirmation – this is your ticket to the event and will be scanned at turnstiles. Check-in will run from 8:30 – 9 a.m. and after you enter the Zoo, you will be directed to the Neely Events venue.  

We are inviting local organizations and educational institutions to have a table to share with attendees more about their organization and the opportunities they have available. This is a great opportunity to network with like-minded organizations to see how and where to get involved! 

You will get to meet some of our Ambassador Animals during check-in from 8:30 – 9 a.m. Attendees will also participate in a guided walking tour around the Zoo where they will have an opportunity to meet some of the amazing animals that call the Phoenix Zoo home.

At 3 p.m. after the formal programming is over, there is an optional 1-hour workshop with the Phoenix Zoo’s Humam Resources team. Landing your dream job starts with a strong resume and a great interview! Join the Phoenix Zoo’s Human Resources team for an interactive workshop where you’ll learn how to craft a standout resume and practice key interview skills. Whether you’re applying for your first job or planning for your future career, this session will give you the tools and confidence to succeed.

The Phoenix Zoo is committed to making the Teen Career Conference accessible to all teens. At this time, all available fee waiver funding has been fully allocated, and we are no longer accepting fee waiver requests. Thank you for your interest and understanding.

We understand that large events can feel overwhelming at times. To support attendees with sensory needs, we will provide a designated quiet sensory room where participants can step away to recharge. Additionally, our KultureCity sensory bags, which include items like fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones and other resources, will be available at check-in. These resources are designed to ensure all attendees have a comfortable and enjoyable experience at the conference.

Refunds can be obtained until February 7, 2026 (two weeks prior to the event). There are no refunds for “no-shows”.