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Schedule



ESTO delivers bold content, dynamic learning formats and opportunities to connect and equip destination marketing leaders with insights they can immediately put into action.

Explore the full schedule to start planning your experience at ESTO.

Download the mobile app by searching for ESTO 2026 in the app store, or use the web version to personalize your schedule.

Wednesday, August 26
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9:45am - 10:45am

Concurrent Session: Presentation and Discussion

  • Franklin 1-2
    Philadelphia Marriott Downtown

    Destinations are under increasing pressure to generate non-tax revenue without compromising community trust, yet many still rely on outdated sponsorship and naming-rights models. This session reframes sponsorship as a strategic value exchange, not just logo placement. Attendees will learn how to identify and monetize both physical and non-physical assets, avoid common pitfalls, and build long-term partnerships that align revenue goals with stewardship and brand integrity.

     

    Takeaways: 

    By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

    • Identify monetizable assets beyond traditional naming rights, including experiential, operational, and partnership-based opportunities.
    • Evaluate sponsor fit to ensure alignment with destination values and community expectations.
    • Structure sponsorship deals that prioritize long-term value over one-time transactions.
    • Understand common pitfalls related to brand safety, public perception, and contract structure.
    • Apply a repeatable framework for sponsorship strategy that destinations of all sizes can scale.