ESTO Cares

Since 2015, ESTO Cares has brought attendees together in a spirit of compassion and connection to give back to the local community. In honor of its 10th year, we’re teaming up with Valley of the Sun United Way to support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central & Northern Arizona by assembling travel-themed care packages that bring comfort and encouragement to families in need. Join us Sunday morning from 8:30–10:00 a.m. for a hands-on volunteer event that sets the tone for a purposeful ESTO. Registration opens at 7:45 a.m. If you can’t attend in person, you can still make an impact by donating through the “Friends of ESTO” ticket option. Advance RSVP required.

Beyond the Classroom: Destination Immersions

If you haven’t heard, greater Phoenix created an array of out-of-classroom experiences designed to help you to explore our host city while learning from industry leaders. Thanks to Visit Phoenix, Experience Scottsdale and Visit Mesa--our Destination Immersion Series hosts-- you can choose from four unique city tours! Whether you are savoring the flavors of Phoenix, exploring Old Town Scottsdale or rafting on the Salt River, there is something for everyone. Advance RSVP required through ESTO 2025 registration.

AI Playground

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Playground at U.S. Travel’s ESTO 2025 will equip destination marketers with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to embrace AI as a transformative force in travel marketing and destination promotion. This interactive activation space will blend education, hands-on exploration, and real-world applications to help DMOs understand how AI works—and more importantly, how they can leverage it to elevate their strategies and drive impact for their destinations.  

First Timers Onboarding

Start your ESTO 2025 experience with confidence and connection 
New to ESTO or attending solo? Or maybe it’s been a while, and you’d like a quick refresher? Join us for a dynamic pre-conference welcome session designed to set you up for success. 

Connect with fellow first-time attendees, gain valuable tips from seasoned ESTO veterans, and start building your ESTO community from the very beginning. We can’t wait to welcome you! Advance RSVP required through your personalized schedule.

ESTO Sonoran Summer Party

Join us for the Sonoran Summer Party, a pre-dinner reception designed to welcome you in true Southwest style—with great people, stunning views, and unforgettable energy.

Hosted at Desert Ridge’s stylish Twenty6 lounge and terrace, this casually elevated gathering features panoramic Sonoran Desert views, crave-worthy regional bites, craft cocktails (and zero-proof sips!), and plenty of opportunities to mix, mingle, and make meaningful connections.

Sponsored by: Brand USA, Arizona Office of Tourism and Visit Phoenix 

Beyond the Classroom: Wellness Workshops

Step outside the traditional session format and into rejuvenating experiences designed to recharge the mind and body. Advance RSVP required through ESTO 2025 registration.

Destination Day

Destination Day returns with more energy, more creativity, and more competition. Sponsored by Atlas Obscura, this ESTO tradition is your chance to show off your team’s unique brand that goes the distance and builds momentum for the future. Suit up in your signature swag, bring the spirit, and show how your destination’s identity brand —and its ideas—travel, inspire and make lasting impressions across the industry. Compete to win bragging rights, a special gift and two complimentary registrations to ESTO 2026—plus the admiration (and envy) of your peers.

Sponsored by: Atlas Obscura

ESTO Red Carpet, Awards Ceremony, Dinner and Celebration

Step into the spotlight at the 2025 ESTO Awards, where we honor the most visionary minds in destination marketing. Prepare for an unforgettable night where creativity and innovation shines and the powerful ideas that travel connect people to places. Don your most dazzling bronze, amber metallics and Southwest-inspired attire!

Sponsored by: Miles Partnership

Headshot Lounge

Make a lasting impression, both online and in person. Stop by the headshot lounge at the top of the escalators during ESTO to receive a complimentary professional headshot, courtesy of Travelzoo. Whether you are updating your LinkedIn profile, refreshing your company bio, or simply looking for a high-quality, professional photo, our onsite photographer will help you look your best while capturing your authenticity.

Sponsored by: Travelzoo