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Introducing the ESTO Blog!

Stay up-to-date on marketing content and all-things ESTO throughout the year.


September 20, 2023

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ESTO 2023 Props
#esto23 Recap: Authentically Curated for You

What a week! The Visit Savannah and Explore Georgia teams set the bar for a record-breaking ESTO, surpassing the number of attendees we had the last time we were in Savannah in 2010 by more than three times.

From a positive buzz and a shared passion felt throughout the sellout event to world-class speakers, special moments of recognition and more, there’s much to look back on and celebrate. Below are some of the special moments and events that happened at #esto23.

 

 


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ESTO 2023 Props


August 15, 2023

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Jeremy Gutsche Monday Keynote
Let's Gear Up for #esto23

ESTO has developed into the preeminent forum for DMO marketers providing opportunities for engagement, thought leadership and provocative content.  

 


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Jeremy Gutsche Monday Keynote


August 03, 2023

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Chippewa Square, Savannah
The Countdown to ESTO in Savannah is On!

Savannah, Georgia is a classic Southern city with a twist. One that’s elegant but approachable. Classy but quirky. Historic but hip. In short, it’s a destination unlike anything else – one that will constantly surprise you with its incredible architecture, lush green squares, unique restaurants, artsy vibe, and fun, welcoming personality. It’s a walkable “bucket list” city that rewards every visit with unforgettable experiences. In short, it’s anything but ordinary.

 


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Chippewa Square, Savannah


July 21, 2023

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Destination Day Group Shot
BIG News - Destination Day 2023 Get ready for a spirit competition to win complimentary registration for ESTO 2024!

Unite the team and express what makes your destination unique. Get those matching outfits ready – yes, we’re talking cowboy hats, vests, sunglasses, or whatever floats your boat! 

Our all-new Destination Day competition, sponsored by Tinybeans, will shine a spotlight on the teams behind their destination’s marketing prowess, awarding one DMO and one state complimentary ESTO 2024 registration for two (2) attendees, plus all-important bragging rights for the year to come. 

 


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Destination Day Group Shot


June 26, 2023

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Nan speaking at Grand Rapids
A Note from the General Manager of ESTO

Last year Grand Rapids rolled out the red carpet for ESTO and over 1,000 destination marketers. This year we are headed to the hostess city of the south - Savannah, Georgia for four inspiring days of peer-to-peer learning and thought-provoking mainstage speakers.  

We take pride in evolving our conference annually based on your feedback, from panelist diversity to the Destiny and Mercury Awards categories. You write, and we listen. Our content is developed by your Industry peers, so we have something for you whether this is your fifth or first ESTO.  

 


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Nan speaking at Grand Rapids


May 09, 2023

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Brad Dean receiving an award
Destiny and Mercury Award-Winning Tips and Best Practices

Missed the webinar? Catch up on the blog to learn tips and tricks from some of our ESTO 2022 Destiny and Mercury Awards winners, Nebraska Tourism Commission (Winner of the Mercury Award for Integrated Marketing and Messaging Campaign: State Marketing Budget Less than $10 Million) and Visit Sonoma (Winner of the Destiny Award for Digital Campaign).

 


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Brad Dean receiving an award


April 11, 2023

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Award trophies
What’s New in 2023: Destiny and Mercury Awards Award Season is Here!

The 2023 ESTO Awards Platform is officially open for entries!

Hard to believe it’s time to submit awards again, but a lot can change in a year.  Here is what’s new for 2023 and what you can look forward to:

 


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Award trophies


March 31, 2023

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Planning committee
On the Road to #esto23 Meet the 2023 Planning Committee

Flashback to late January, when a group of 20+ industry pros touched down in misty, magical Savannah to set the tone and vision for ESTO 2023. Together, this group transformed an exciting jumble of topics and ideas into part of what makes ESTO so unique—the collaborative, organic and peer-planned way the content comes to fruition. Through rapid-fire brainstorming, breakouts and small table discussions, this accomplished crew of marketers, researchers and communicators from across the U.S. mapped out a robust and inspiring suite of content for ESTO 2023.

 


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Planning committee


August 23, 2022

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#esto22 Recap: Dream and Go!

Wow - what a time we had together! Experience Grand Rapids gave our ESTO attendees the royal treatment, and we are so appreciative of all their hard work and years in the making. From the inaugural Destination Immersions to the popular beer garden, we truly felt the essence of Grand Rapids.

 


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See You in 2024

Columbus, Ohio