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.

Print
Wednesday, August 26
-
9:00am - 9:30am

Concurrent Session: Take Off Talk

  • The Agile DMO: Transitioning from Traditional Agency to High-Velocity Tech Culture
    Franklin 9-10
    Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
    More Details

    Stop acting like a rigid DMO and start operating like an elite tech company. This "Take-Off Talk" explores how to restructure for speed using a "Move Fast and Break Things" mindset. We’ll share how we audited every task, eliminated legacy operations like traditional event services, and adopted an "Agile Tech Stack"—from Google Gemini AI to Scrum principles. Learn to remove blockers, automate the mundane, and lead a high-output team that prioritizes progress over perfection.

     

    Takeaways

    • The "Stop-Doing" Audit: How to identify and courageously eliminate legacy operations that no longer serve your mission (and how to rebuild them for modern impact).
    • Implementing an AI-First Workflow: Practical ways to use tools like Google Gemini to build "Gems" (repeatable prompts) for internal HR, sales prospecting, and automated reporting.
    • The Agile Meeting Rhythm: A blueprint for running daily Scrums, quarterly retrospectives, and blocker-removal sessions that replace "status updates" with actual momentum.