2025 Schedule of Events

The Destiny and Mercury Awards Lounge makes its annual return for you to take a look at each finalist's submissions, media files, and judges' comments. Stop by the lounge to view the top three finalists from each category in the digital gallery. Award winners will be announced on Tuesday, August 13 at ESTO's Awards Dinner and Presentation. The ESTO Awards enable states and destinations to showcase their creative accomplishments and foster the continued development of imaginative marketing and profitable promotional programs and campaigns in destination marketing. The Destiny Awards recognize marketing and promotion at the city, local and regional level. The Mercury Awards recognize state and territory destination marketing and promotion.

Engagement Zones are opportunities for attendees to engage in experiences created by our sponsors. Learn more about what our sponsors have planned for you at each Engagement Zone:

AdTheorent

Please stop by to learn how AdTheorent uses machine learning and privacy-forward programmatic advertising solutions to drive business outcomes like visitation, in-market sales and bookings for travel and destination marketers.

CrowdRiff

Come say hello to some of the friendliest faces in the room at CrowdRiff's Engagement Zone. Caitlyn, Evan, and Vinita will be on hand all week to discuss working with local Creators, sourcing high-quality UGC, and their fav summer ice creams.

Set yourself a reminder to swing by at lunch on Monday when Columbus' fav Jeni's Ice Cream will be passing out local treats.

Longwoods International

Be sure to schedule a time or meet with our Longwoods International team members in our upstairs Engagement Zone at the Greater Columbus Convention Center!  Have your questions about market research answered, find out what’s new, or just ask for an overview of our current offerings for destinations!  Our team is here to help answer the questions that are on your mind!  Our team and best in class methodologies are at your service!

Smithsonian Media

Baseball. Hot Dogs. Apple Pie. Smithsonian. And Cornhole?  Beanbags will be flying at Smithsonian Media’s spot in the Engagement Zone. Join us for a quick game and learn more about Smithsonian Media while you enjoy one of summer’s favorite pastimes. Show off your skills and enter to win a free dedicated email blast to 100,000 Smithsonian Media subscribers.  Smithsonian is America’s storyteller.

Tourism Economics

Knowledge is power. Come power up with the award-winning Tourism Economics team and benefit from the same strategic insights we offer to hundreds of destinations, travel businesses and associations worldwide. Bring your questions and be the first to know about game-changing new services, partnerships and tools—such as attribution and benchmarking—on the horizon.

The Future Partners' Wellness Lounge is a place to relax, enjoy a quiet conversation, recharge (yourself and your devices!), or reflect on the importance of travel and key insights from the conference.

Be sure to stop by for a massage during all open hours or get energized with a juice shot. There are many ways to show self-care and we invite you to take care of yourself while in Columbus.

The Future Partners' Wellness Lounge is a place to relax, enjoy a quiet conversation, recharge (yourself and your devices!), or reflect on the importance of travel and key insights from the conference.

Be sure to stop by for a massage during all open hours or get energized with a juice shot. There are many ways to show self-care and we invite you to take care of yourself while in Columbus.