Omaha Zoofari 2025: Non-Profit Fundraising Gala Management and Immersive Experiences to Elevate Impact

Designing a wonder-filled evening under the wild stars to advance conservation

Linder Global Events partnered with the Omaha Zoo Foundation to transform Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium’s Zoofari 2025 into a vibrant, immersive fundraising gala supporting conservation efforts. Guests explored the zoo on foot, moving through themed zones that combined culinary experiences, live entertainment, wildlife encounters, and fundraising touchpoints.

Linder’s Role as a Strategic Event Partner

As the Foundation’s event management partner, Linder led end-to-end planning and production, aligning creative vision, fundraising goals, and operations. The team owned the master planning timeline, coordinated with zoo staff and vendors, and ensured every guest touchpoint—from registration to programming—advanced both experience and impact.

By centralizing communication, contracts, and budget oversight, Linder enabled the Foundation to focus on donors and stakeholders while trusting that logistics and guest flow were expertly managed.

Experience and Delivery

Zoofari invited guests to a “wonder-filled evening under the wild stars,” guiding them along zoo pathways that showcased habitats and aligned with the Foundation’s mission. Along the route, attendees discovered themed zones featuring gourmet food and beverages, live music, wildlife experiences, and a curated silent auction designed to encourage exploration and giving.

Linder oversaw the guest journey from pre-event communication through on-site registration, including staff training, electronic check-in, and real-time troubleshooting for nearly 300 guests. The team also managed and trained up to 20 volunteers to support wayfinding, activations, and donor hospitality.

‘This reimagined event is a call for celebration with a purpose — to conserve, nurture, and sustain all life that roams under our glittering night sky, and to ensure our diverse world remains wild, thriving, and free.’
-Nicole and Derek Leathers, Chairpersons Omaha Zoo Foundation

Creative Moments and Immersive Elements

To bring the conservation theme to life, Linder curated entertainment and décor that reflected the wonder of the natural world. Guests enjoyed up-close wildlife encounters, live performances, and auction experiences that highlighted the impact of their support.

In partnership with Nova Sky Stories, Linder helped deliver a signature drone show that lit up the night sky, creating a memorable visual moment that tied together the setting, story, and fundraising purpose.

‘Zoofari 2025 is a Zoofari like you’ve never experienced before — a wonder-filled event under the wild stars of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium.’
– Rachel and CL Werner, Honorary Chairpersons

Key Conference Growth Achievements