ESTOxperiences

Take a break at The Layover, hosted by the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, in the Gallery just off the main lobby. Enjoy complimentary refreshments, reconnect with friends and shop a curated marketplace featuring local vendors. Be sure to check out the custom hat experience and personalize a baseball cap with Philadelphia-themed patches for a memorable take-home gift

The Lounge will be open during the following times:
Sunday, August 23: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Monday, August 24: 8:00am-5:30pm
Tuesday, August 25: 8:00am-5:30pm
Wednesday, August 26: 8:00am-1:00pm

The Philadelphia CVB created a variety of out-of-classroom experiences designed to help you explore our host city while learning from industry leaders. You can choose from four unique city tours—whether you are savoring the flavors of Philly at Reading Terminal Market or exploring America’s most Historic Square Mile, there is something for everyone. Advance RSVP required through ESTO 2026 registration.

Start ESTO 2026 with confidence and connection

Whether this is your first ESTO or you’d like a refresher, this high-level briefing provides a strategic roadmap to maximize your time and investment. ESTO is most effective when we learn from one another. This session connects you with experienced peer resources and colleagues to ensure you have a dedicated network throughout the week. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Join us for an evening of intrigue, connection, and discovery in the heart of Center City Philadelphia. Engage with peers – both longtime colleagues and ESTO first-timers as you kick-off ESTO at this architectural icon, a National Historic Landmark known for its ornate design and rich symbolism.

At our pre-dinner reception, you’ll enjoy creative culinary offerings inspired by Philadelphia’s vibrant food scene, craft cocktails (and zero-proof sips).

This volunteer-led initiative is organized and hosted by the National Council of State Tourism Directors (NCSTD) Alumni and is one of the most rewarding ways to kick off your ESTO experience.

Attendees will come together to support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Philadelphia. The Ronald McDonald House of Philadelphia opened in 1974 and has the distinction of being the very first Ronald McDonald House.

Center City Wellness Walk: Recharge before the conference with a guided Wellness Walk through the vibrant streets surrounding Philadelphia's historic City Hall. This relaxed, accessible experience blends local storytelling with moments of mindful movement, including gentle stretching, breathing exercises, and opportunities to pause and reset. It's the perfect way to experience Center City, make new connections, and begin your day feeling refreshed, focused, and energized. Advance RSVP required through ESTO 2026 registration.

Rocky Steps 5K Fun Run: Start your day with an energizing 5K run through the heart of Philadelphia. Led by the City Fit Tours team of guides, this casual-paced, non-competitive running experience showcases some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including LOVE Park, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and the legendary Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Along the way, you'll hear stories that bring the city to life while enjoying a memorable way to connect with fellow attendees. Advance RSVP required through ESTO 2026 registration.

This run is designed for participants of all abilities who can comfortably complete a 5K distance.

Destination Day returns with more energy, more creativity and more competition. This ESTO tradition is your chance to show off your team’s unique brand that goes the distance and builds momentum for the future. Bring the spirit and show how your destination’s identity—and its ideas—travel, inspire and make lasting impressions across the industry. Compete to win bragging rights, two complimentary registrations to ESTO 2027 and a special surprise from Destination Day sponsor Tempest.