10:00am - 12:00pmInvitation Only
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By invitation only.
12:00pm - 5:00pmInvitation Only
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Sponsored bySojern
By invitation only.
6:00pm - 9:00pmInvitation Only
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Sponsored bySojern
By invitation only.
7:30am - 5:00pmNetworking
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Destination Services
Stop by for some giveaways, courtesy of Visit Phoenix and Visit Arizona.
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Sponsored byCvent
7:45am - 10:00amExperience
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Pre-registration required
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.
Coffee and donuts will be available at 7:30 a.m., and registration opens at 7:45 a.m.
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.
8:30am - 12:00pmBeyond the Classroom
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Hosted byVisit Mesa
Pre-Registration Required
About the Immersion: Immerse yourself into the breathtaking landscapes of the Lower Salt River for an experience that blends adventure with impact. This one-of-a-kind journey through the stunning Sonoran Desert waterways combines outdoor recreation with hands-on environmental stewardship.
Start your morning with a guided paddle along the Salt River, gliding past towering, saguaro-studded cliffs — you may even spot the famous wild horses that roam the area! While taking in the natural beauty, attendees will also take part in a cleanup effort alongside local sustainability advocates.
By integrating environmental, social, and economic sustainability into your tourism strategy, you’ll gain insight into how your destination can grow their visitor economy while leading the way in preserving its unique ecosystems and promoting sustainable travel.
Check-in: 8:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. at the JW Desert Ridge lower level Convention Center
Buses will load at 8:15 a.m. and depart at 8:30 a.m.
Limited to 100 participants. Hosted by Visit Mesa
Questions? Please contact [email protected].
Advance RSVP required through your personalized schedule.
8:30am - 6:00pmExperience
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Sponsored byCadent
Put your skills to the test at the Cadent Claw Machine—where machine precision meets human finesse—for a chance to win an Amazon gift card. Prefer to leave it to luck? Enter our raffle to win a pair of Meta glasses.
While you're there, connect with the Cadent team to learn how we're redefining standards in travel & tourism advertising. We look forward to seeing you!
9:00am - 2:00pmExperience
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Visit our Genius Bar to chat with featured AI experts, our featured "geniuses", ready to answer your questions, share tips, and guide you through all things AI.
Table 1
Greg Oates
Director of AI Advocacy
Matador Network
9:00am - 3:00pmExperience
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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.
9:00am - 5:00pmExperience
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Step into the Phoenix Pop-Up Shop Experience and discover the vibrant spirit of the city through its local makers and artisans. Browse a curated selection of products from talented Phoenix vendors—featuring everything from handcrafted goods to locally inspired treats. It’s the perfect chance to take home a unique piece of Phoenix while supporting the businesses that make our community thrive.
Chilttepica Products
Family-owned Chilttepica brings the bold, smoky heat of the legendary chiltepin—the ‘mother of all chiles’—to every season.
Visit Phoenix Pop-Up Shop
Snag desert-inspired apparel, gifts, and goodies to zhuzh up your style and show off your Sonoran Desert adventure.
9:30am - 11:00amBeyond the Classroom
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Hosted byVisit Phoenix
Pre-Registration Required
About the Immersion: The internationally acclaimed Heard Museum in central Phoenix is one of the best places to experience the myriad cultures and art of the Indigenous peoples of the Southwest. Join us for an unforgettable journey through this world – renowned museum, home to a collection of nearly 2,000 treasures and masterpieces. This guided experience will showcase how the Heard Museum weaves history and contemporary Indigenous expressions to educate visitors on the 22 Native tribes of Arizona.
Through this immersive tour, you’ll gain insights into how destinations can blend past and present storytelling to foster deeper connections and drive visitor engagement. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage, learn, and be inspired!
Check-in: 9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. at the JW Desert Ridge lower level Convention Center
Buses will load at 9:15 a.m. and depart at 9:30 a.m.
Limited to 50 participants. Hosted by Visit Phoenix
Questions? Please contact [email protected].
Advance RSVP required through your personalized schedule.