We Can’t Wait to Welcome You to Phoenix
Rooted in the power of Ideas That Travel, ESTO 2025 is thoughtfully curated to spark bold ideas and innovative strategies you can take home to shape the future of your destination.
As we continue to build out the program, we’ll keep this page updated with fresh sessions designed to transform the way you approach destination marketing.
All sessions will be held at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge.
Schedule at a Glance
Saturday, August 16
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | NCSTD Boot Camp*
12:00-5:00 p.m. | NCSTD Lunch and Meeting*
6:00-9:00 p.m. | NCSTD Dinner*
*Invitation only
Sunday, August 17
8:30-10:00 a.m. | ESTO Cares
8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Beyond the Classroom (optional)
12:00 p.m.-12:45 p.m. | Passport to ESTO: First Timer Orientation
1:00-2:45 p.m. | Peer-to-Peer Roundtables and Solutions Hub Sessions
3:00-4:30 p.m. | Opening Session
4:30-6:00 p.m. | ESTO Sonoran Summer Party
Monday, August 18
8:00-9:00 a.m. | Breakfast
8:15-9:00 a.m. | Peer-to-Peer Roundtables
9:15-10:15 a.m. | Main Stage
10:30-11:30 a.m. | Programming
11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. | Connect and Refuel - Networking Lunch
1:00-2:45 p.m. | Programming
2:45-3:30 p.m. | Recharge and Connect: Networking Break
3:30-4:30 p.m. | Featured Sessions
6:30-9:30 p.m. | ESTO 2025 Awards and Celebration
Tuesday, August 19
8:00-9:00 a.m. | Breakfast
8:15-9:00 a.m. | Peer-to-Peer Roundtables
9:15-10:15 a.m. | Featured Sessions
10:15-10:45 a.m. | Recharge and Connect: Networking Break
10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. | Programming
12:45-2:00 p.m. | Lunch and Main Stage Programming
2:30-6:00 p.m. | Beyond the Classroom and Experience Phoenix Tours
When Should You Arrive and Depart?
Arrive: Saturday, August 16
Make the most of your ESTO experience by arriving on Saturday. Don’t miss Sunday’s can’t-miss lineup including:
- ESTO Cares
- Beyond the Classroom Experiences
- Peer-to-Peer Roundtables
- Our Opening Session and Welcome Reception, kicking off ESTO 2025 in style!
Depart: Tuesday, August 19
All good things must come to an end! ESTO 2025 will wrap up with lunch and main stage programming, officially closing at 2:00 p.m.
Bonus: Want more time to explore and learn? Consider staying through Wednesday to enjoy everything Phoenix has to offer—including additional Learning Outside the Classroom Experiences.