Experience Columbus has curated a variety of out-of-classroom experiences designed for you to explore our host city while learning from industry leaders. Choose one of four unique city tours, from learning about the city's unique neighborhoods and how they're used to tell their destination's story to enjoying a private shopping experience while learning how your destination can bridge economic development, education, and creative industries to spark innovation from one of the top fashion cities in the U.S. 

Bike Columbus Immersion Tour

Explore Columbus’ newest neighborhood, The Peninsula, on one of CoGo’s new e-bikes while discussing how the city’s development plans are making it a bike-friendly destination. Hear from a local official about the intersectionality of active transport with local economies, safety, new development, and community livability. You’ll also visit Franklinton, the city’s emerging arts district, and enjoy a stop at Land-Grant, a popular local craft brewery and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Street Treats to cap off the ride. You'll leave inspired with ideas to bring back to your community and how to highlight your own bike-friendly experiences and routes. 

Riders will board a bus back to the Greater Columbus Convention Center. This ride is for all ages and abilities and will not be strenuous or involve physical challenges. 

Fashion in Columbus Immersion Tour

As one of the top fashion cities in the U.S., home to fashion designers, major retail headquarters, and several thriving fashion districts, this immersion reveals why Columbus is a fashion powerhouse and how fashion fuels the city’s image and the industry’s future. Learn how your destination can bridge economic development, education, and creative industries to spark innovation in your own destination. You’ll also enjoy a private shopping experience and hear from designers at Common Thread, an incubator for design talent. 

Five on High Immersion Tour

Immerse yourself in Columbus’ unique districts and neighborhoods that line the city’s main thoroughfare, High St. Nicknamed the “Five on High,” you’ll get an overview of Ohio’s capital city as you explore the University District, Short North Arts District, Arena District, Downtown and historic German Village. Learn how to leverage your city’s unique neighborhoods to tell your destination’s story and create authentic experiences while connecting visitors with your destination’s personality.  

Taste of Columbus Trails Immersion Tour

Explore Columbus’ unique food and drink scene on this immersion! Learn how Experience Columbus curates and creates free experiential trails to engage visitors—and be inspired for trails you can start in your own destination. Taste your way through the city as you visit local businesses that are part of the Columbus-Style Pizza Trail, Columbus Distillery Trail and Columbus Coffee Trail and learn how these trails boost the local economy and improve the visitor experience. 

Plus, you’ll receive a trail redemption gift at the end of the tour! 

Register today to sign up for these immersions.

Already registered?

Log into registration here and follow the steps below to register for your Experience Columbus Destination Immersion.

• Click on "Already Registered?" in the footer and enter in your registration details.
• Click on "Modify Registration".
• Click "Next" until you arrive on the Sessions page.
• Select the Destination Immersion session you would like to attend.
• Continue through the remaining portion of registration until you arrive on the Payment page. 
• Click "Submit" to lock in your session!

FAQ

• Do I have to pay for the Destination Immersion sessions? 
  No, sessions are complimentary for registered ESTO attendees. Your ESTO badge will serve as your pass to the sessions.
   
• How many Destination Immersion sessions will be offered? 
  We are offering one session for each of the four Destination Immersion topics. They will take place on Sunday, August 11 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
   
• Is there a maximum capacity for each session? 
  Yes, we will be capping the tours at 25-30 people depending on the session topic to ensure that the attendees have the best experience.
   
• Is it possible to change my Destination Immersion session after registration? 
  We will do our best to accommodate changes and allow those waitlisted based on a first-come, first-served basis. Please email us at [email protected].
   
• I am on the waitlist. When can I expect to hear if I can attend the session? 
  As cancellations come in, the ESTO team will admit those on the waitlist on a first-come, first-serve basis. You will receive an email to confirm if you’d like to attend the session you’ve chosen before we finalize your spot for the session.
   
• I am no longer able to attend. What should I do? 
  If you must cancel, please do so within 72 hours before the sessions so we can accommodate those on the waitlist. Cancel by Thursday, August 8th by emailing [email protected].
   
• Where do I join the Destination Immersion sessions? 
  All sessions will depart from the East Connector at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Please arrive five minutes early to check in to leave time for suiting up for the bike ride.
   
• What should I wear? 
  Please wear athletic clothing and tennis shoes, something casual, cool, and comfortable. Average temperatures in August are a high of 83 F and low of 65 F. Make sure you bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a water bottle. In case of inclement weather, attendees will be notified of any changes to the scheduled immersion tour.
   
• Is food/drink provided? 
  This depends on the immersion you select. Bike Columbus Immersion Tour: there will be extra water bottles available at the start of the bike ride and a beverage and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Sweet Treat at the conclusion of the bike ride. Taste of Columbus Trails Immersion Tour: attendees will enjoy locally roasted coffee and pastries, three tastings of local spirits with light bites, and finishing with Columbus Style-Pizza with Simple Times Mixers refreshments.