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 Resort & Spa.
Conference Credentials: All delegates are issued a non-transferable name badge at registration, which is required for admission to all official ESTO functions. If you lose your name badge, please visit registration.
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
- Learning Outside 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 a half day of programming and networking, officially closing at 2:30 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.
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
Day 1: Sunday, August 17
8:00-10:00 a.m. | ESTO Cares
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Learning Outside 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 Welcome Reception
Day 2: 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. | Networking Lunch: Connect and Refuel
1:00-2:45 p.m. | Programming
2:45-3:30 p.m. | Networking Break: Recharge and Connect
3:30-4:30 p.m. | Featured Sessions
6:30-10:00 p.m. | ESTO 2025 Awards and Celebration
Day 3: 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. | Networking Break: Recharge and Connect + Last Look Engagement Zones
10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. | Programming
12:45-2:00 p.m. | Lunch and Closing Session
2:30-6:00 p.m. | Learning Outside the Classroom and Experience Phoenix Tours