Skip to main content

2024 Schedule of Events



We're excited to see you in Phoenix for ESTO 2025! As content is built out, we will update this page. In the meantime, please see below for the ESTO 2024 program.

U.S. Travel’s ESTO 2024 program is designed to Ignite your Spark – to grow, learn, and connect. Each session is intentionally curated to elevate your marketing efforts in the DMO space. Explore the program below and learn more about the content paths. Please note all sessions will take place at the Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC).

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.

Monday, August 12
-
11:30am - 12:30pm

All Access

  • A210 - A215
    Greater Columbus Convention Center
    No matter the size or scale of our destination strategies, one thing remains constant: the success hinges on how we activate those approaches. Failure to activate leads to disengaged stakeholders, misaligned resources, a lack of measurable outcomes, restless boards, and a plan gathering dust on a shelf. However, when we reorient to being strategy activators, our destination plans come alive and help our communities flourish. Strategy activators can be any one of us and it all starts with little insights that lead to big impacts. This session will explore actionable strategies, navigate common challenges, and uncover effective approaches that empower destination leaders to bring their strategies to life.
-
3:25pm - 4:25pm

All Access

  • A210 - A215
    Greater Columbus Convention Center
    Influencers can play a critical role in DMO marketing strategy. However, influencers are people and people come with a variety of opinions and viewpoints that may not always be consistent with your brand. In an increasingly polarized world, learning to work with third-party validators without entangling your brand is imperative. In this session, we’ll explore how to avoid landmines when it comes to partnering with influencers, while also sharing best practices in justifying your influencer strategy to stakeholders.
  • A220 - A222
    Greater Columbus Convention Center

    Global travel forecasts reveal a huge opportunity for U.S. destinations to grow international visitation volume and spend. However, the post-pandemic global travel landscape is markedly changed from just five years ago. Changing consumer interests, motivations and buying habits coupled with industry consolidation and new competitors are challenging both experienced and new-to-international destinations to evolve their own international marketing and sales strategies. Join Future Partners and a panel of destination leaders for a discussion on the changing international landscape and how they’re meeting these “chopportunities” through innovative partnership, product development and marketing.