ORLANDO, Fla. (Sept. 24, 2026) — Nassal, a leading specialty design-build contractor for themed environments, zoos, aquariums, museums, and entertainment destinations, announced that Greg Marks, senior project manager at Nassal, will present at the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) 2026 Annual Conference, taking place September 26 through October 1, 2026, in Portland, Oregon.
Marks will present "Carving Experience: Designing and Building Thematic Rockwork for Zoos" as part of the educational session, "Building the Unconventional: The Specialized Features That Bring Zoos and Aquariums to Life." The session will bring together experts from across the industry to explore the specialized systems, materials, and construction techniques that help create modern animal habitats and immersive guest experiences.
Drawing on extensive experience in themed construction and habitat development, Marks' presentation will examine how creative concepts are transformed into realistic, durable, and animal-safe rockwork environments. Attendees will gain insight into the planning, design, and construction processes behind thematic rockwork, including strategies for recreating natural habitats while supporting animal welfare, operational needs, and guest engagement.
While Marks' presentation focuses on thematic rockwork, it is part of a broader discussion on the specialized systems that bring zoo and aquarium environments to life. The session will also explore natural timber structures, acrylic viewing panels, and animal containment systems, highlighting the coordination required to successfully deliver complex habitat environments.
As a specialty design-build partner for zoological, aquarium, and themed environments, Nassal supports projects that incorporate the specialized features being discussed throughout the session. From habitat structures and specialty viewing elements to immersive themed environments and animal habitats, the company helps integrate complex components into cohesive experiences that support animal welfare, operational needs, and guest engagement.
"Rockwork plays a critical role in creating immersive habitat environments that balance aesthetics, functionality, and animal wellbeing," said Marks. "I'm looking forward to sharing real-world examples of how thematic rockwork is planned, designed, and constructed, and discussing the collaboration required to create authentic environments that support both animals and the guest experience."
As a trusted partner for zoos, aquariums, and themed destinations, Nassal remains focused on helping clients address the evolving demands of habitat development. The company's participation in AZA 2026 reflects its ongoing engagement in industry discussions around design innovation, constructability, and project delivery.
Successful habitat environments depend on the integration of many specialized systems. Nassal regularly supports projects involving a wide range of habitat features, helping clients bring together the expertise, coordination, and craftsmanship required to create successful animal environments.
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About Nassal
Since 1984, Nassal has been one of the largest leading specialty theming fabricators and program managers, focusing on award-winning rockwork and fabrication for theme parks, cultural experiences, hospitality, zoos, aquariums, and other culturally relevant immersive environments. With locations in Orlando and Los Angeles, our bi-coastal personnel, craftsmen and artisans work together cooperatively and cohesively to deliver award-winning destinations around the globe www.nassal.com.
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