ACP Collective Action Summit 2027 

January 18–22, 2027 | New Orleans, Louisiana

Hosted by the Audubon Aquarium

LISTEN • CONNECT • CO-CREATE • COMMIT

Summit Overview

Register

  • Coming Together for Collective Action

    The ACP Collective Action Summit brings together aquarium leaders, conservation professionals, ACP members, and select mission-aligned partners for an opportunity to step away from day-to-day work and focus on what we can accomplish together.

    As the conservation landscape continues to evolve, our collective strength matters more than ever. This summit creates dedicated space to listen, connect, share perspectives, and co-create priorities that will help guide ACP's work in 2027–2028.

    Through facilitated working sessions, shared learning, and opportunities for collaboration, participants will explore common challenges, identify opportunities for greater collective impact, and turn shared ideas into meaningful action.

    Our goal: Leave New Orleans with stronger relationships, clearer shared priorities, and a renewed commitment to advancing ocean and freshwater conservation together.

  • Date

    Summit activities

    Monday, Jan. 18

    Aquarium tour & EC Retreat, followed by a Welcome Happy Hour (Location TBD)

    Tuesday, Jan. 19

    Full-day Collective Action Labs

    Wednesday, Jan. 20

    Morning Labs & afternoon Partnership Symposium

    Thursday–Friday, Jan. 21–22

    Community Round Table (invitation-only)

    Collective Action Labs

    • Policy & Advocacy Communications

    • Equity

    • Sustainable Business

    Partnership Symposium

    An opportunity for select partners to share expertise, resources, and opportunities for collaboration with ACP members. The symposium will also include a livestream option if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The ACP Collective Action Summit is a gathering of ACP members, leadership, staff, and select partners to strengthen relationships, share knowledge, and collectively shape ACP's priorities and direction for 2027–2028.

  • ACP's strength comes from what we accomplish together. This summit creates dedicated time and space to align around shared priorities, strengthen collaboration, explore common challenges, and identify opportunities where collective action can make a greater impact.

  • The summit is primarily designed for ACP member institutions, including Member Representatives, institutional leadership, and staff interested in contributing to ACP's collective work. A small, select group of external partners will also be invited to participate in designated portions of the summit.

  • Absolutely not! We welcome participation from across our member institutions. Whether your work focuses on conservation, policy, education, communications, community engagement, animal care, sustainability, or institutional leadership, your perspective is valuable. Curiosity, a willingness to collaborate, and a passion for ACP's shared mission are what matter most.

  • Yes! We encourage multiple colleagues to attend when possible, particularly individuals who bring different perspectives and areas of expertise. Each attendee should complete their own registration.

  • No. There is no registration fee to attend the ACP Collective Action Summit.

  • These facilitated working sessions bring members together to explore shared challenges and opportunities in three areas: Policy & Advocacy Communications, Equity, and Sustainable Business. Participants will exchange ideas, identify opportunities for collaboration, and help develop practical priorities and next steps.

  • The Partnership Symposium brings ACP members and select external partners together to explore collaboration, resource-sharing, and alignment around ACP's mission. The afternoon will include partner presentations and discussions highlighting relevant expertise, resources, and opportunities for collective impact.

  • No. The January 21–22 programming is a separate, invitation-only gathering for local community leaders, policymakers, and relevant stakeholders. It is not part of general ACP Summit registration.

  • The Wednesday, January 20 Partnership Symposium will include a livestream option if possible. The remaining summit activities are primarily designed as in-person experiences.

  • New Orleans, Louisiana, with the Audubon Aquarium serving as our host institution.

  • ACP has arranged a discounted room block at the DoubleTree by Hilton New Orleans for $179 per night. Please use the designated hotel reservation link to access the ACP rate.

    Important: The room block booking deadline is December 17, 2026.

    Booking link here ; Group Code: 917

  • The room-block cutoff date is December 17, 2026. After this date, the discounted rate and availability are no longer guaranteed.

    Important: The room block booking deadline is December 17, 2026.

    Booking link here ; Group Code: 917

  • No. The DoubleTree is a recommended option with a negotiated ACP rate, but attendees are welcome to arrange accommodations elsewhere.

  • Yes! Most meals and food during scheduled summit activities will be provided by ACP and/or our host institution. Specific meal details and any exceptions will be communicated as the schedule is finalized.

  • Attendees should plan to cover meals outside of scheduled summit programming, along with personal expenses.

  • Yes! If your travel plans, attendance dates, or other details change, please contact Nikki Saccoccia at nsaccoccia@mbayaq.org

  • Nikki Saccoccia, People & Culture Manager, at nsaccoccia@mbayaq.org

Partnership Opportunities

  • Connect. Collaborate. Create Collective Impact.

    The ACP Collective Action Summit brings together aquarium leaders, conservation professionals, and mission-aligned partners to explore opportunities for collaboration and advance shared conservation priorities.

    We invite organizations and businesses that align with ACP's mission to engage with our network through several partnership opportunities.

    Whether you are interested in sharing your expertise, supporting the gathering, or creating meaningful connections through an after-hours experience, we welcome the opportunity to explore how we can work together.

    Fill out Partner Interest Form below for this opportunity

  • Share your expertise. Spark collaboration. Explore what's possible.

    The Partnership Symposium on Wednesday, January 20, 2027, offers select partners an opportunity to introduce their organization, share relevant expertise and resources, and explore opportunities for collaboration with ACP members.

    Presentations should highlight how your organization's work, resources, services, or expertise connect with ACP's mission and the priorities of our member institutions.

    Interested partners may submit an expression of interest to be considered for an in-person presentation. Presentation opportunities are limited and will be coordinated with ACP to ensure alignment with the symposium's goals.

    Fill out Partner Interest Form below for this opportunity

  • Invest in connection, collaboration, and collective action.

    Sponsorship helps make the ACP Collective Action Summit possible while supporting the connections and conversations that move our shared conservation mission forward.

    Sponsorship opportunities:

    Community Supporter – Helps provide meals for Summit participants.

    $1,000

    Collaborative Supporter – Supports catering and shared gathering spaces.

    $5,000

    Collective Impact Sponsor – Helps offset event space and food costs.

    $10,000

    Leadership Sponsor – Provides significant support for the Partnership Symposium gathering.

    $20,000

    Sponsorship contributions support summit programming, attendee experiences, and opportunities for meaningful collaboration. Contact ACP to discuss sponsorship opportunities and recognition.

    We welcome mission-aligned organizations interested in supporting summit programming and attendee experiences.

    Fill out Partner Interest Form below for this opportunity or if you are ready to sponsor now, follow this link

  • Bring people together beyond the meeting room.

    Interested in creating an additional opportunity for ACP members and partners to connect?

    Organizations are invited to explore hosting or sponsoring an after-hours gathering during the summit. These events provide an informal setting for relationship-building, networking, and conversations that can lead to future collaboration.

    Opportunities may include:

    • Hosting a networking reception or social gathering.

    • Sponsoring an evening event or experience.

    • Providing a venue, refreshments, or other event-related support.

    • Creating an informal opportunity for members and partners to connect around shared interests.

    ACP will coordinate with interested hosts to explore timing, logistics, and alignment with the summit schedule.

    Fill out Partner Interest Form below for this opportunity

Partner Interest Form