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.

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Tuesday, August 13
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7:30am - 2:00pm

Experience

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7:30am - 4:00pm

Experience

  • Destiny and Mercury Awards Lounge
    Sponsored by
    Love Communications
    Union Station Concourse
    Greater Columbus Convention Center
    Details

    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
    Sponsored by
    AdTheorent, CrowdRiff, Longwoods International, Smithsonian Media, Tourism Economics
    Union Station Concourse
    Greater Columbus Convention Center
    Details

    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.

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8:30am - 4:30pm

Experience

  • U.S. Travel Hub
    Across from Registration
    Greater Columbus Convention Center
    Details

    Visit the U.S. Travel Hub to engage with knowledgeable staff and connect with fellow travel professionals. The Hub will have specialty coffee service Monday & Tuesday from 11 to 2 pm, as well as plenty of space for meaningful conversations and strategic networking. The U.S. Travel Hub is where connections are made, ideas are born, and the future of travel is shaped.

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10:00am - 3:00pm

Experience

  • Columbus Pop-Up Shop Experience
    A Pod Concourse
    Greater Columbus Convention Center
    Details

    Don’t leave Columbus without strolling through the pop-up shop experience, perfect for those searching for locally made artisan objects, retail and fashion items, goodies, and souvenirs. With a rotating slate of vendors each day, shoppers will get a peek at Columbus’ diverse and unique local businesses, including those from the Experience Columbus Minority Business Program.

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10:30am - 1:30pm

Experience

  • Wellness Lounge
    Sponsored by
    Future Partners
    A Pod Concourse
    Greater Columbus Convention Center
    Details

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

    Relax with a massage 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 Colombus.

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2:30pm - 4:30pm

Experience

  • Wellness Lounge
    Sponsored by
    Future Partners
    A Pod Concourse
    Greater Columbus Convention Center
    Details

    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.

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6:10pm - 8:30pm

Experience

  • Destiny and Mercury Awards Dinner and Presentation
    Sponsored by
    Miles Partnership
    Battelle Grand
    Greater Columbus Convention Center
    Details

    Illuminate the Night: A Glitzy and Glamorous White Party

    Join U.S. Travel for a dazzling evening to celebrate this year’s best and brightest marketing visionaries at the 2024 Destiny and Mercury Awards. Come dressed in your bright whites and glitziest metallics and prepare to be captivated by the most creative destination marketing campaigns.