Each year, ESTO delivers bold content, dynamic learning formats and opportunities to connect and equip destination leaders with insights they can immediately put into action.
In Phoenix, the ESTO 2025 program set a new standard for how destination leaders learn and connect. Attendees experienced:
These highlights exemplify ESTO’s ongoing commitment to building programs that push boundaries and inspire action.
Event Policies
For full details including information around cancellations, substitutions, payments and photography, explore U.S. Travel’s general event policies and ESTO-specific guidelines.
Pre-Registration Required
Join us for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience on August 19th where you’ll flow through a gentle yoga session that emphasizes connecting with the body, breath, and mind, encouraging physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Each participant will be provided with water, a towel, and a yoga mat. Comfortable attire recommended.
Advance RSVP required through your personalized schedule.
Pre-Registration Required
Immerse yourself in the soothing vibrations of our sound healing led by our local sound healer. This experience combines ancient healing techniques with the harmonious sounds of crystal bowls and other therapeutic instruments. End your session with a guided meditation, taking you to a grounded and relaxed mental state allowing you to conquer your week with a heightened sense of clarity and peace. Each participant will be provided with water, a towel, and a yoga mat. Comfortable attire recommended.
Advance RSVP required through your personalized schedule.
Pre-Registration Required
From visitor engagement to behind-the-scenes optimization, AI is reshaping how destinations show up. In this interactive discussion, connect with industry peers to explore real-world applications of AI—from chatbots and smart recommendations to campaign automation and data insights. Bring your questions, your wins and your work-in-progress strategies.
To foster more focused, meaningful conversation, registration is capped at 60 participants.
Advance RSVP required through your personalized schedule.
Pre-Registration Required
As destinations grow, so does the impact on communities, travelers and the people who help shape them. This interactive roundtable explores how to approach destination development with care—balancing tourism demands with local needs, enhancing experiences and building strong partnerships. Join peers to exchange real-world insights and rethink what it means to grow sustainably and equitably.
During this session, follow along using this link: https://www.scenicsedona.com/hike/
To foster more focused, meaningful conversation, registration is capped at 60 participants.
Advance RSVP required through your personalized schedule.
Pre-Registration Required
You don’t need a big budget to tell a powerful story. In this hands-on working session, the Smithsonian shares practical tips and digital strategies to help destinations craft compelling content that resonates. Get inspired by what’s ahead for the nation’s 250th anniversary—and walk away with tools to bring your destination’s story to life in meaningful, lasting ways.
To foster more focused, meaningful conversation, registration is capped at 60 participants.
Advance RSVP required through your personalized schedule.
Pre-Registration Required
Not all trends matter equally—so which ones are worth your attention? In this collaborative session, you’ll join fellow destination marketers to explore key developments in digital marketing, share real-world insights and discuss what’s moving the needle at the local level. Walk away with peer-tested perspectives you can apply immediately.
To foster more focused, meaningful conversation, registration is capped at 60 participants.
Advance RSVP required through your personalized schedule.
Pre-Registration Required
In today’s climate, political issues can quickly shape how travelers and stakeholders view your destination. This conversation will focus on how DMOs can respond with confidence—using thoughtful messaging, proactive planning and coordinated communication to maintain trust and clarity. Connect with fellow leaders to exchange best practices and hear how others are navigating shifting perceptions in real time.
To foster more focused, meaningful conversation, registration is capped at 60 participants.
Advance RSVP required through your personalized schedule.
Pre-Registration Required
Driving long-term impact starts with rethinking how we lead and manage our destinations. This roundtable conversation dives into the evolution from traditional marketing to destination management and how culture, leadership and systems must evolve to keep up. Come ready to share, learn and collaborate with others navigating similar challenges, and leave with insights to inspire meaningful transformation at home.
To foster more focused, meaningful conversation, registration is capped at 60 participants.
Advance RSVP required through your personalized schedule.
Pre-Registration Required
Promoting U.S. destinations abroad takes creativity, coordination and constant learning. This peer-to-peer roundtable is a chance to exchange ideas, share best practices and explore how destinations are engaging international audiences. Come ready for an open, energetic discussion—complete with real-world wins, hard lessons and new ideas to take home.
To foster more focused, meaningful conversation, registration is capped at 60 participants.
Advance RSVP required through your personalized schedule.
The world of meetings and group travel marketing is constantly in flux. With data-driven insights and bold strategies, you can turn market shifts into next-level growth opportunities. Dive into real-world examples where sustainable strategies are winning traveler loyalty. Learn how to adapt your marketing efforts and leverage partnerships with tour operators and event planners to remain competitive in this ever-evolving landscape. In the session attendees will hear about:
To foster more focused, meaningful conversation, registration is capped at 60 participants.
Advance RSVP required through your personalized schedule.
Pre-Registration Required
About the Immersion: Arizona is home to 22 Native American Tribes, each with its own distinct traditions, yet proudly united by a rich heritage, that has shaped both the past and present of the region. This immersive experience offers a deep dive into Native dance, tribal customs, and the craftsmanship of more than 200 Native artisans at the Native Art Market in Old Town Scottsdale.
Be inspired as you create your own authentic memento, such as a dream catcher or beaded bracelet, alongside skilled artisans. Then, step next door to The Frybread Lounge, the first and only Indigenous – owned restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale, where you’ll savor traditional Native American Food and Drink.
This experience showcases, Experience Scottsdale’s dedication to celebrating and preserving Native American culture, fostering strong partnership with local tribes to ensure authentic, one-of-a-kind experiences that connect travelers to the regions’ Indigenous heritage.
Check-in: 2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. at the JW Desert Ridge lower level Convention Center
Buses will load at 2:45 p.m. and depart at 3:00 p.m.
Limited to 30 participants. Hosted by Experience Scottsdale
Questions? Please contact [email protected].
Advance RSVP required through your personalized schedule.
Pre-Registration Required
About the Immersion: At first glance, downtown Phoenix may seem like your typical city center, but beneath the surface lies an explosion of regional flavors and cultural identity – just waiting to be explored (and tasted)!
With more than 85% of the businesses in Phoenix’s downtown core locally owned, the city’s food scene is deeply rooted in its surroundings. Many establishments incorporate ingredients sourced directly from the Sonoran Desert, bringing a truly authentic taste of Phoenix to every dish.
On this experience you will visit some of downtown Phoenix’s most revered restaurants and bars, sampling bites and sips of Sonoran-style cuisine. And while tacos and margaritas may be a highlight, Sonoran ingredients are infused into every facet of the city’s diverse culinary scene.
As Phoenix continues to innovate and expand upon its dynamic food scene, you'll discover how destinations can leverage their culinary identity to drive tourism, create recognition and educate visitors on the culture, history and people behind the food.
Check-in: 2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. at the JW Desert Ridge lower level Convention Center
Buses will load at 2:45 p.m. and depart at 3:00 p.m.
Limited to 50 participants. Hosted by Visit Phoenix
Questions? Please contact [email protected].
Advance RSVP required through your personalized schedule.