Centaman took part in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Annual Conference this year with two sessions that drew strong attendance and discussion. The company addressed how self-service technology is changing visitor operations and how institutions can respond to the rise in fraudulent activity targeting zoos and aquariums.
The AZA conference is the largest gathering of its kind, bringing together professionals from across North America to exchange ideas on animal care, education, conservation, and guest engagement. For Centaman, the event was an opportunity to share practical insights gained from years of working with cultural attractions.
One presentation centered on kiosks and their role in the guest journey. Speakers showed how self-service entry points can shorten lines, ease pressure on frontline staff, and give visitors a smoother arrival experience. The case studies presented demonstrated that kiosks don’t just improve convenience but can also generate measurable gains in revenue and staff efficiency. Several institutions that have adopted kiosk systems reported higher guest satisfaction scores and stronger repeat visitation.
The second session turned to a less visible but increasingly urgent issue: fraud. As more transactions move online, zoos and aquariums face threats ranging from counterfeit tickets to misuse of memberships and theft of visitor data. Centaman experts outlined practical safeguards that institutions can adopt now, from tightening digital verification processes to monitoring suspicious purchase patterns. The discussion stressed that strong security does not have to come at the expense of guest experience.
Audience engagement during both sessions reflected the importance of these topics. Questions ranged from the cost of implementing kiosk systems to the technical requirements of fraud monitoring tools. Many attendees shared their own experiences of operational bottlenecks or attempted scams, reinforcing the relevance of Centaman’s focus.
By contributing to the AZA program, Centaman underscored its role as more than a technology vendor. The company’s perspective is rooted in the day-to-day realities of running zoos and aquariums, where institutions must serve the public while protecting revenue and reputation.
Looking ahead, Centaman plans to continue working with partners across the sector to apply these lessons. The sessions at AZA 2025 highlighted two themes that are likely to remain central: making the visitor journey as seamless as possible and ensuring that organizations are prepared for emerging threats. Both will shape how attractions operate in the years to come.
