Frequently Asked Questions

What are the ESTO awards categories this year?

The ESTO Awards include two main categories, each with multiple awards:

• Destination Awards for local and regional DMOs.
• State Awards for state and territory tourism offices.

Within each category, the individual awards recognize excellence in areas such as digital campaigns, print marketing, public relations, community impact, inclusivity, innovation and immersive experiences. Review all awards.

What is the accessibility policy for ESTO?

The ESTO team is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all attendees. We encourage attendees and presenters to consider accessibility and the diverse needs of participants when planning presentations, communications, and interactions.

What do I do if I require mobility support?

If you require mobility support during the ESTO conference, please contact us at [email protected] in advance so we can discuss available accommodations and how best to support your needs. Attendees are encouraged to bring any personal mobility equipment they may require.

I am hard of hearing. What does ESTO do to support my needs?

If you are hard of hearing and require accommodations, please contact us at [email protected] in advance so we can discuss available support options.

I have low vision. How will ESTO support my needs?

The ESTO team encourages presenters to follow accessibility best practices when developing materials. If you require presentation materials in advance or in an accessible format, please contact us at [email protected], and we will work with presenters to accommodate requests where feasible.

What is a Destination Immersion?

Destination Immersions are out-of-classroom experiences where you’ll explore our host city and learn how industry leaders develop products that attract and engage visitors.

When will Destination Immersion information be available?

Destination Immersion details will be available once registration opens.

Do I have to register for Destination Immersions?

There is limited availability for each session. Those who register in advance will receive priority in attending the Destination Immersions.

How many Destination Immersion sessions will be offered?

Four Destination Immersion sessions are taking place on Sunday, August 23rd.

How long is each Destination Immersion session?

Sessions range from 1.5 hours – 2.5 hours long.

Is there a maximum capacity for each Destination Immersion session experience?

Yes, each session is limited to 50 people to ensure the best possible experience for everyone. Attendees may register for one session only, and spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

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-serve 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 do I do?

If you must cancel, please do so within 72 hours before the sessions so we can accommodate those on the waitlist. If possible, please cancel by Monday, August 3 at 12:00 pm ET or by emailing [email protected].

Where do I join the Destination Immersion Tours?

All tours will depart from the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown lobby.

Check- In at the Immersion Tour registration desk 30 minutes before buses depart. The buses for the America’s Most Historic Square Mile and Art Along the Parkway tours will leave promptly at 1:00 p.m.

What should I wear?

Casual, cool, and comfortable. Average temperatures in August are high 87 F / low 70 F. For tours that include outdoor components, be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and we recommend a hat. In case of inclement weather, attendees should bring rain ponchos and/or umbrellas.

• The Taste of the Market tour is entirely indoors, except for a 2-minute walk from the hotel to the venue.
• The Mural Arts tour is entirely outdoors.
• America’s Most Historic Square Mile and Art Along the Parkway will have both indoor and outdoor components as we move between venues.

Is food/drink provided?

All tours will have water and light snacks available. The Taste of the Market tour will include more substantial food as you sample your way through the Reading Terminal Market.

Who will be guiding the Wellness Activity Tours?

City Fit Tours team of guides will lead the tours. City Fit running guides will be wearing white baseball caps and bright orange t-shirts that say “Run the City” in big bold letters. Wellness walk guides will be wearing the same white caps and will have blue tank tops with “City Fit Tours” across the front.

Do I have to pay for the Wellness Activities?

They are complimentary for registered ESTO attendees. Advance RSVP required.

How do registered ESTO attendees RSVP for the Wellness Activities?

Add the Wellness activity you are interested in by going into the schedule. If the Wellness activity is full, join the waitlist. We will accept waitlisted attendees onsite if there is availability.

How many Wellness Activities will be offered?

Two Wellness Activities are taking place on Tuesday, August 25th.

How long is each Wellness Activity?

They are approximately 60 minutes.

Where do I join the Wellness Activity Tours?

All tours will depart from the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown lobby. Check-in time is 6:30 am and tours depart promptly at 6:45 am. Participants will be required to sign a waiver prior to Fit City Tour Wellness Activities. Signing the waiver in advance will streamline the check-in process. During check-in, Fit City Tour guides will confirm that participants have signed waivers, verify their selected tour and direct them accordingly.

Is it possible to change my Wellness Activity after registration?

We will do our best to accommodate changes and allow those waitlisted based on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please email us at [email protected].

I am on the waitlist. When can I expect to hear if I can attend?

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 Wellness Activity you’ve chosen before we finalize your spot.

I am no longer able to attend. What do I do? 

If you must cancel, please do so within 72 hours before the activity so we can accommodate those on the waitlist. If possible, please cancel by Monday, August 3 at 12:00 pm ET or by emailing [email protected].

When will Executive Edge sessions be available for registration?

More information will be available in early June.

Who is eligible to attend Executive Edge sessions?

Participation is limited to:

• Heads of organizations
• Chief Marketing Officers

Note: If the primary invitee is unable to attend, the invitation may be transferred to a senior-level executive, pending approval.

How do I know my member status with U.S. Travel Association?

Please contact [email protected].

I am a company that works with destinations. How should I register?

You are required to submit an Agency Rep application through our registration platform. No other form of submission is accepted. Applications go through an approval process and you and your sponsoring DMO will be notified of your registration status.

Do I receive a group discount if I don't register my group all at once?

To ensure your team discount is applied, please register everyone from your organization in one transaction. If your group registers separately, the team discount will not be applied automatically. For assistance, email us at [email protected]

What is the registration cancellation policy?

Please refer to our Event Policies page.

When will the 2026 schedule be available?

You can view the schedule at a glance or the full program.

Will sessions be recorded?

No, the sessions at ESTO will not be recorded.