6:00pm - 9:30pmExperience
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Dinner Sponsored byMiles Partnership
Doors open at 6:00 PM.
Program starts at 6:30 PM.
Step into the spotlight at the 2025 ESTO Awards, an inspiring evening hosted by Emcee Yetta Gibson, where we honor the most visionary minds in destination marketing. Prepare for an unforgettable night where creativity and innovation shines and the powerful ideas that travel connect people to places. Don your most dazzling bronze, amber metallics and Southwest-inspired attire.
Dinner Sponsored by Miles Partnership.
Plated Dinner Menu
Charcuterie Board
-Mole Salami, Spanish Chorizo, Manchego Cheese, Hatch Chili Cheddar, Fresno Pepper Jam, Spanish Olives, Marcona Almonds, Rustic Crackers
Braised Beef Short Rib (GF)
-Boursin Whipped Potato, Broccolini, Roasted Mushroom Cabernet Demi
Stuffed Acorn Squash (V, GF) - upon request
-Quinoa, Roasted Corn, Mushrooms, Onion, Roasted Baby Carrots, Broccolini, Pomegranate Gastrique
Dessert
Orange Blossom Water Macarons
Blackberry Basil Panna Cotta
Lemon Verbena Pol de Creme
Angel Food Cake, Fresh Strawberries
Beverages
Coffee and Tea Service
GF = Gluten Free; DF = Dairy Free; CN = Contains Nuts; Veg = Vegetarian; V = Vegan
7:00am - 7:45amBeyond the Classroom
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Pre-Registration Required
Join us for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience on August 19th where you’ll flow through a gentle yoga session that emphasizes connecting with the body, breath, and mind, encouraging physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Each participant will be provided with water, a towel, and a yoga mat. Comfortable attire recommended.
Advance RSVP required through your personalized schedule.
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Pre-Registration Required
Immerse yourself in the soothing vibrations of our sound healing led by our local sound healer. This experience combines ancient healing techniques with the harmonious sounds of crystal bowls and other therapeutic instruments. End your session with a guided meditation, taking you to a grounded and relaxed mental state allowing you to conquer your week with a heightened sense of clarity and peace. Each participant will be provided with water, a towel, and a yoga mat. Comfortable attire recommended.
Advance RSVP required through your personalized schedule.
7:30am - 12:30pmExperience
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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!
7:30am - 1:00pmExperience
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Step into the ESTO Cares Activation Lounge to continue giving back! Build more kits, connect with fellow attendees, and make an impact in our local community. Whether you’re assembling essentials, sharing a smile, or learning how to extend your volunteer efforts beyond the conference, this is your space to make a difference—one kit at a time.
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Destination Services
Stop by for some giveaways, courtesy of Visit Phoenix and Visit Arizona.
Sip & Say Hi with U.S. Travel
10:15 - 10:45 AM
During the break, swing by to mix, mingle, and sip with the U.S. Travel team! Grab a beverage, say hello, and connect with friends old and new.
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Sponsored byCvent
8:00am - 9:00amNetworking
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Sponsored byTourism Economics
Continental Breakfast Menu
Season's Best Fruits & Berries (V, GF)
Assortment of Fruit & Greek Yogurts (Veg, GF)
-Granola (Veg, GF, DF, CN)
Breakfast Bakeries & Gluten Friendly Muffin Tops (Veg)
-Accompanied by Sweet Butter, Assorted Fruit Jams
Scrambled Eggs, Canadian Bacon, White Cheddar, Pepper Jam, English Muffin
-Meatless option available on request
Beverages
Coffee and Tea Service
GF = Gluten Free; DF = Dairy Free; CN = Contains Nuts; Veg = Vegetarian; V = Vegan
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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
Table 2
Dan Flores
Head of Tourism
Satisfi Labs
8:00am - 12:00pmExperience
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Sponsored byTravelzoo
Look Sharp. Be You. Refresh Your Headshot!
Make a lasting impression, both online and in person. Stop by the headshot lounge at the top of the escalators during ESTO to receive a complimentary professional headshot, courtesy of Travelzoo.
Whether you are updating your LinkedIn profile, refreshing your company bio, or simply looking for a high-quality, professional photo, our onsite photographer will help you look your best while capturing your authenticity.
It’s quick, seamless, and a great reason to learn more about how Travelzoo supports professionals like you.
8:00am - 1:00pmExperience
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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.
8:15am - 9:00amConcurrent Session: Peer-to-Peer Roundtable
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Pre-Registration Required
From visitor engagement to behind-the-scenes optimization, AI is reshaping how destinations show up. In this interactive discussion, connect with industry peers to explore real-world applications of AI—from chatbots and smart recommendations to campaign automation and data insights. Bring your questions, your wins and your work-in-progress strategies.
To foster more focused, meaningful conversation, registration is capped at 60 participants.
Advance RSVP required through your personalized schedule.