
Michele BarnesSimpleview
Michele
Simpleview
Take a look at this year's program of events.
View a PDF of the on-site program.
Time & Location | Session |
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8:00am to 12:00pm Other |
Advance registration required. Click here to sign up now!
Give back to the local Austin community by attending the annual ESTO Cares event. Join the Central Texas Foodbank... |
11:00am to 4:00pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star East Foyer Networking |
Sponsored by Longwoods International
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11:00am to 5:00pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star East Foyer Other |
Sponsored by Longwoods International
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11:00am to 5:00pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star Foyer Other |
Sponsored by Conversant
Where do you call home? Head over to the Destination Map, where Conversant representatives will be on hand to help take an instant-film photo of you and your crew. Then, you’ll pin that photo to your DMO’s location on the larger-than-life display.
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11:00am to 5:00pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star East Foyer Other |
Presented by Visit Austin
Strangebird Provisions, presented by Visit Austin, is a unique pop-up shop experience featuring goods from some of the city’s popular local businesses and artisan makers. YETI, Yellowbird Sauces and Humble Goods are just a few of the companies that call Austin home, and ESTO attendees will have...
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11:00am to 6:00pm JW Marriott Austin JW Grand Foyer Networking |
Sponsored by Tempest
Stop by the Destiny and Mercury Awards Lounge to view our digital awards gallery that showcases submissions from the top three finalists in each category. Award winners will be announced on Tuesday, August 20, at ESTO's Awards Dinner and Presentation.
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1:00pm to 5:30pm JW Marriott Austin Brazos Closed Meeting |
Sponsored by Sojern
This meeting for the National Council of State Tourism Directors is a time for members to review programs and services, discuss strategy and connect on critical policy issues.
NCSTD members only. |
2:00pm to 3:30pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star F-H General Session |
Presented and sponsored by Simpleview
Our conference attendees have asked that sponsors not attend the Saturday Learning Lab sessions as it may inhibit open conversation between attendees.
Studies show consumers spend 8.7 billion minutes viewing digital travel content every year. The most successful DMOs optimize their content... |
2:00pm to 3:30pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star E General Session |
Presented and sponsored by Miles Partnership.
Our conference attendees have asked that sponsors not attend the Saturday Learning Lab sessions as it may inhibit open conversation between attendees. Join us for this 90-... |
2:00pm to 3:30pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star D General Session |
Presented and sponsored by Expedia Group Media Solutions
Our conference attendees have asked that sponsors not attend the Saturday Learning Lab sessions as it may inhibit open conversation between attendees.
We are excited to welcome back Expedia Group Media Solutions for the sixth year as one of our Learning Lab presenters. At the session,... |
2:00pm to 3:30pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star A-C General Session |
Presented and sponsored by CrowdRiff
Our conference attendees have asked that sponsors not attend the Saturday Learning Lab sessions as it may inhibit open conversation between attendees.
Visuals are still the most impactful type of content that DMOs can share to inspire travelers to visit a destination. Across the tourism... |
2:00pm to 5:00pm JW Marriott Austin Room 203-204 Closed Meeting |
Sponsored by Sojern
The Destinations Council Board of Advisors' meeting is a time for members to review programs and services, discuss strategy and connect on critical policy issues.
Destinations Council board members only. |
3:30pm to 3:45pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star Foyer Networking |
Sponsored by Ruf Strategic Solutions
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3:45pm to 5:15pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star F-H General Session |
Presented and sponsored by Simpleview
Our conference attendees have asked that sponsors not attend the Saturday Learning Lab sessions as it may inhibit open conversation between attendees.
Studies show consumers spend 8.7 billion minutes viewing digital travel content every year. The most successful DMOs optimize their content... |
3:45pm to 5:15pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star E General Session |
Presented and sponsored by Miles Partnership.
Our conference attendees have asked that sponsors not attend the Saturday Learning Lab sessions as it may inhibit open conversation between attendees. Join us for this 90-... |
3:45pm to 5:15pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star D General Session |
Presented and sponsored by Expedia Group Media Solutions
Our conference attendees have asked that sponsors not attend the Saturday Learning Lab sessions as it may inhibit open conversation between attendees.
We are excited to welcome back Expedia Group Media Solutions for the sixth year as one of our Learning Lab presenters. At the session,... |
3:45pm to 5:15pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star A-C General Session |
Presented and sponsored by CrowdRiff
Our conference attendees have asked that sponsors not attend the Saturday Learning Lab sessions as it may inhibit open conversation between attendees.
Visuals are still the most impactful type of content that DMOs can share to inspire travelers to visit a destination. Across the tourism... |
Time & Location | Session |
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8:00am to 5:00pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star East Foyer Networking |
Sponsored by Longwoods International
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8:00am to 6:00pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star Foyer Other |
Sponsored by Conversant
Where do you call home? Head over to the Destination Map, where Conversant representatives will be on hand to help take an instant-film photo of you and your crew. Then, you’ll pin that photo to your DMO’s location on the larger-than-life display.
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8:00am to 6:00pm JW Marriott Austin JW Grand Foyer Networking |
Sponsored by Tempest
Stop by the Destiny and Mercury Awards Lounge to view our digital awards gallery that showcases submissions from the top three finalists in each category. Award winners will be announced on Tuesday, August 20, at ESTO's Awards Dinner and Presentation.
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8:00am to 6:00pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star East Foyer Other |
Sponsored by Longwoods International
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8:00am to 6:00pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star East Foyer Other |
Strangebird Provisions, presented by Visit Austin, is a unique pop-up shop experience featuring goods from some of the city’s popular local businesses and artisan makers. YETI, Yellowbird Sauces and Humble Goods are just a few of the companies that call Austin home, and ESTO attendees will have...
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8:30am to 9:30am JW Marriott Austin JW Grand Ballroom General Session |
Coffee and breakfast pastries will be served.
Learn about the key trends driving inbound tourism, as well as other key topics including: ... |
9:00am to 11:00am JW Marriott Austin Brazos Closed Meeting |
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9:45am to 11:45am JW Marriott Austin JW Grand Ballroom General Session |
Sponsored by Nativo
Join the Destinations Council for their annual Ideas and Inspiration session! Learn about the council’s recent engagement programs and newly-released advocacy tools. Then, engage in a discussion with U.S. Travel staff about U.S. Travel’s latest key policy issues. Finally, participate in a moderated...
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12:00pm to 1:30pm JW Marriott Austin Griffin Hall Concurrent Session |
Sponsored by Madden
The Marvel Cinematic Universe created 20+ films that have not only shaped a generation, but have become part of our culture. Many of these series were only known to the misfits, the outcasts, the nerds. Today, there is an entire ecosystem driving ticket sales, experiences, retail,...
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12:00pm to 1:30pm JW Marriott Austin Griffin Hall Concurrent Session |
Sponsored by Pandora Media, Inc.
We live in a world where voice is the new touch thanks to advancements in technology such as smartphones, smart speakers, smart TVs, and connected cars. 79% of audio consumption now takes place where visuals cannot reach consumers.
Pandora Media will discuss:
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12:00pm to 1:30pm JW Marriott Austin Griffin Hall Concurrent Session |
Sponsored by Tourism Economics
Don’t get stuck with a data dirge. Join this interactive session for a first look at Tourism Economics’ new data analytics and visualization services that help destinations make their data sing. These new tools are designed to take DMO sales strategy, market tracking, and performance analysis to...
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12:00pm to 1:30pm JW Marriott Austin Griffin Hall Concurrent Session |
Sponsored by Matador Network
Attendees can expect an interactive and candid discussion with Ross Borden about any challenges they are facing or opportunities they are trying to identify in fiscal year 2020 and beyond. While building one of the biggest media companies in travel, Ross and his team have made a ton of mistakes...
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12:30pm to 3:30pm JW Marriott Austin Room 308 Closed Meeting |
By invitation only.
The STAN meeting at ESTO is the only forum for state Travel Industry Association's to network and learn from colleagues who encounter similar challenges in dealing with state legislatures and congressional delegations. It is a valuable opportunity to pick up new methods... |
2:00pm to 4:30pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star B-C Professional Development Network Session |
Our conference attendees have asked that sponsors not attend the Sunday Professional Development Network sessions as it may inhibit open conversation between attendees.
This year’s session is being crafted based on registrant input and it will be more interactive than ever before... |
2:00pm to 4:30pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star F-G Professional Development Network Session |
Our conference attendees have asked that sponsors not attend the Sunday Professional Development Network sessions as it may inhibit open conversation between attendees.
If you would like to ensure that your organization is headed in the right direction, ESTO's travel... |
2:00pm to 4:30pm JW Marriott Austin Room 205 Professional Development Network Session |
Our conference attendees have asked that sponsors not attend the Sunday Professional Development Network sessions as it may inhibit open conversation between attendees.
This will be an informative discussion on current and near-term economic conditions, industry headwinds and... |
2:00pm to 4:30pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star D Professional Development Network Session |
Our conference attendees have asked that sponsors not attend the Sunday Professional Development Network sessions as it may inhibit open conversation between attendees.
Join us for the newly reformatted Marketing & Advertising PDN in Austin, Texas. The new format includes... |
2:00pm to 4:30pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star E Professional Development Network Session |
Our conference attendees have asked that sponsors not attend the Sunday Professional Development Network sessions as it may inhibit open conversation between attendees.
Get ready—we are going to roll up our sleeves and have an open discussion on the latest state tourism advertising trends... |
2:00pm to 4:30pm JW Marriott Austin Room 203-204 Professional Development Network Session |
Our conference attendees have asked that sponsors not attend the Sunday Professional Development Network sessions as it may inhibit open conversation between attendees.
Learn why the public relation teams at DMO’s never sleep. In this session led by Leroy Bridges... |
2:00pm to 4:30pm JW Marriott Austin Brazos Professional Development Network Session |
Our conference attendees have asked that sponsors not attend the Sunday Professional Development Network sessions as it may inhibit open conversation between attendees.
This session is designed to facilitate open discussion between state tourism professionals in communications... |
2:00pm to 4:30pm JW Marriott Austin Room 303-304 Professional Development Network Session |
Our conference attendees have asked that sponsors not attend the Sunday Professional Development Network sessions as it may inhibit open conversation between attendees.
Many effective partnerships start as a public/private collaboration, bridging the gap to create a strong... |
2:00pm to 4:30pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star A Professional Development Network Session |
Our conference attendees have asked that sponsors not attend the Sunday Professional Development Network sessions as it may inhibit open conversation between attendees.
This session is for all visitor services professionals, from front-line workers to decision-making directors.... |
4:30pm to 5:00pm JW Marriott Austin JW Grand Foyer Networking |
Sponsored by Smithsonian Media
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5:00pm to 6:00pm JW Marriott Austin JW Grand Ballroom General Session |
Sponsored by Destination Analysts
This presentation supplies a detailed discussion regarding global, national and regional economic performance using the most current data available. Special attention is devoted to certain aspects of economic life, including the performance of financial, labor, real estate ...
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6:30pm to 8:00pm Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater Networking |
Sponsored by Brand USA
Join us at Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater (ACL Live), the premier destination in Austin for live performances! Just a five-minute walk from the JW Marriott Austin, ESTO attendees will get to experience a one-of-a-kind evening with special musical guest, Dr JOE. Drinks and light...
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Time & Location | Session |
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7:00am to 4:00pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star Foyer Other |
Sponsored by Conversant
Where do you call home? Head over to the Destination Map, where Conversant representatives will be on hand to help take an instant-film photo of you and your crew. Then, you’ll pin that photo to your DMO’s location on the larger-than-life display.
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7:00am to 4:00pm Lone Star East Foyer Other |
Sponsored by Longwoods International
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7:00am to 6:00pm JW Marriott Austin JW Grand Foyer Networking |
Sponsored by Tempest
Stop by the Destiny and Mercury Awards Lounge to view our digital awards gallery that showcases submissions from the top three finalists in each category. Award winners will be announced on Tuesday, August 20, at ESTO's Awards Dinner and Presentation.
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7:45am to 8:30am JW Marriott Austin JW Grand Ballroom and Foyer Networking |
Sponsored by Food Network Magazine
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8:45am to 9:30am JW Marriott Austin JW Grand Ballroom General Session |
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9:30am to 10:30am JW Marriott Austin JW Grand Ballroom Keynote |
Sponsored by TravMedia
In today’s world of hyper-connectivity, people are feeling more disconnected from themselves and their core purpose—both in life, in their work and even in their country—than maybe ever before. In the real world, and social media world too, there seems to be a designed plan to foster a world...
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10:30am to 10:50am JW Marriott Austin Lone Star Foyer Networking |
Sponsored by Carvertise
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11:00am to 12:00pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star H Concurrent Session |
Sponsored by TimeZoneOne
This session is limited to 35 attendees, but will repeat Monday afternoon, Tuesday morning and Tuesday afternoon.
Destination marketing organizations and economic development organizations (EDOs) are increasingly being called on to work together by both public and private sector leaders.... |
11:00am to 12:00pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star A Concurrent Session |
Sponsored by TimeZoneOne
Global sales and marketing professionals often view domestic consumer campaigns as not being market-specific enough or simply not the right fit for the international consumer. During this session, you’ll have the opportunity to hear from an esteemed panel of global marketing professionals that have...
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11:00am to 12:00pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star B-C Concurrent Session |
Sponsored by TimeZoneOne
Matador Network Founder and CEO Ross Borden speaks to an exciting panel of brand experts with specific expertise in cross-platform content marketing. This discussion explores the benefits and challenges of innovative campaigns whereby brands partner with DMOs in order to create more dynamic...
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11:00am to 12:00pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star F-G Concurrent Session |
Sponsored by TimeZoneOne
Learn how new media opportunities like HTML banners, fly-by ads and hand-painted murals are capturing the attention of consumers, and why you should consider including them in your advertising strategy. ...
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11:00am to 12:00pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star E Concurrent Session |
Sponsored by TimeZoneOne
Take a deep dive into mastering your social content, presence and strategy through best practices, an editing workshop and interactive learning. ...
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11:00am to 12:00pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star D Concurrent Session |
Sponsored by TimeZoneOne
This session will explore the state of the U.S. economy and, specifically, its anticipated impact on the travel industry in the year ahead. Is there a downturn on the horizon and, if so, when will it hit? What lessons have we learned from the past, and how might they help us plan for an uncertain...
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12:15pm to 2:00pm JW Marriott Austin JW Grand Ballroom Networking |
Sponsored by TripAdvisor
Be sure to attend this luncheon to hear the latest from Brand USA. Also, don't miss the presentation of the State Tourism Director of the Year!
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2:15pm to 3:15pm JW Marriott Austin JW Grand Ballroom General Session |
In this energetic, interactive presentation, Shabnam Mogharabi, co-founder and general manager of SoulPancake, an entertainment studio that creates content about human connection and hope, will discuss the transformative power of joy in helping to live a life of purpose. Attendees will be offered...
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3:15pm to 3:45pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star Foyer Networking |
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4:00pm to 5:00pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star H Concurrent Session |
Sponsored by Expedia Group Media Solutions
This session is limited to 35 attendees, but will repeat Tuesday morning and Tuesday afternoon.
Destination marketing organizations and economic development organizations (EDOs) are increasingly being called on to work together by both public and private sector leaders. An integrated... |
4:00pm to 5:00pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star E Concurrent Session |
Sponsored by Expedia Group Media Solutions
Is your destination welcoming to all visitors without discrimination? In this session you will hear inspirational stories of how organizations are implementing diversity, equity and inclusion best practices internally, which has led to expanded outreach to marginalized and minority communities...
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4:00pm to 5:00pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star B-C Concurrent Session |
Sponsored by Expedia Group Media Solutions
Matador Network Founder and CEO Ross Borden speaks to an exciting panel of brand experts with specific expertise in cross-platform content marketing. This discussion explores the benefits and challenges of innovative campaigns whereby brands partner with DMOs in order to create more dynamic...
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4:00pm to 5:00pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star D Concurrent Session |
Sponsored by Expedia Group Media Solutions
In marketing, as in Scrabble, some words are worth more than others. They're the words with the power to convince and convert—the ones that drive marketers' success in headlines, subject lines, advertising copy and other marketing communications.
And with mobile readership increasingly shrinking... |
4:00pm to 5:00pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star F-G Concurrent Session |
Sponsored by Expedia Group Media Solutions
Numbers and stories are the perfect match in today’s data-driven tourism marketing and management world. Hear from industry experts about how you can indulge in beautiful stories and smart metrics to unleash the power within your business. We promise there won’t be any ugly graphs in this session!...
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4:00pm to 5:00pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star A Concurrent Session |
Sponsored by Expedia Group Media Solutions
Make this session your own!
Come prepared to commiserate with industry peers about pain points, road blocks and headwinds you are experiencing at your organization. You’ll likely find a kindred spirit dealing with the same issues, and may even have a solution to your problem! |
5:00pm to 6:30pm JW Marriott Austin JW Grand Ballroom Networking |
Sponsored by MMGY Global
The Great ESTO Debates are coming to the main stage! Not only that, but we've combined the Debates session with our reception. Join us to learn, laugh and enjoy some tasty libations and light hors d'oeuvres, while cheering on this year's debaters.
DEBATE TOPICS:... |
Time & Location | Session |
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7:30am to 2:00pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star Foyer Other |
Sponsored by Conversant
Where do you call home? Head over to the Destination Map, where Conversant representatives will be on hand to help take an instant-film photo of you and your crew. Then, you’ll pin that photo to your DMO’s location on the larger-than-life display.
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7:30am to 2:00pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star East Foyer Other |
Sponsored by Longwoods International
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7:30am to 7:00pm JW Marriott Austin JW Grand Foyer Networking |
Sponsored by Tempest
Stop by the Destiny and Mercury Awards Lounge to view our digital awards gallery that showcases submissions from the top three finalists in each category. Award winners will be announced on Tuesday, August 20, at ESTO's Awards Dinner and Presentation.
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8:15am to 9:00am JW Marriott Austin JW Grand Ballroom and Foyer Networking |
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9:15am to 10:15am JW Marriott Austin JW Grand Ballroom General Session |
Sponsored by NCC Media
Does great work lead to happiness? Or… does happiness lead to great work? Neil Pasricha shares counterintuitive research-based answers in this fun, fast-paced, research-grounded tour of the emerging neuroscience and positive psychology landscape. He will challenge ESTO delegates by asking: “Would...
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10:15am to 10:35am JW Marriott Austin Lone Star Foyer Networking |
Sponsored by Key Data Dashboard
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10:45am to 11:45am JW Marriott Austin Lone Star H Concurrent Session |
This session is limited to 35 attendees, but will repeat again on Tuesday afternoon.
Destination marketing organizations and economic development organizations (EDOs) are increasingly being called on to work together by both public and private sector leaders. An integrated approach to... |
10:45am to 11:45am JW Marriott Austin Lone Star F-G Concurrent Session |
The arrival of big data in destination marketing changed how strategies are formed and ultimately measured. But what's next? Join industry thought leaders as they discuss how they're using research and analytics tools to inform marketing strategies, advocate, influence policy change...
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10:45am to 11:45am JW Marriott Austin Lone Star E Concurrent Session |
Do your residents have negative views of tourism and have resentment toward your visitors? Does your local community appreciate the economic value tourism brings to the region? Asking these questions to gauge resident sentiment may seem scary, but the results can be extremely valuable and eye...
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10:45am to 11:45am JW Marriott Austin Lone Star B-C Concurrent Session |
While creativity and intuition still have its place in marketing effectiveness, in today’s digital world, measurement is key to define success and create actionable insights. Beyond the traditional advertising metrics, can scientific innovation play a role in creating tourism campaign success? In...
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10:45am to 11:45am JW Marriott Austin Lone Star A Concurrent Session |
Are you seeking a leadership role, but aren't quite sure where to start? If so, then this session is for you! You will discover important motivating factors to exceptional leadership, and tips for becoming a great leader. ...
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10:45am to 11:45am JW Marriott Austin Lone Star D Concurrent Session |
In marketing, as in Scrabble, some words are worth more than others. They're the words with the power to convince and convert—the ones that drive marketers' success in headlines, subject lines, advertising copy and other marketing communications.
And with mobile readership increasingly shrinking... |
12:00pm to 1:30pm JW Marriott Austin JW Grand Ballroom Networking |
Sponsored by Arrivalist
Enjoy lunch with your colleagues and hear about plans for ESTO 2020 from the future host city and state. The winner of the Meredith Travel Marketing Scholarship will also be announced.
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1:45pm to 2:45pm JW Marriott Austin JW Grand Ballroom General Session |
We don’t have a choice on whether we help digitally transform our organizations, the choice is how well we do it. Knowing that technology changes every second, but human nature never does how do we ensure that we stay a year ahead of our competition while never getting ahead of our market. #1...
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2:45pm to 3:15pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star Foyer Networking |
Sponsored by AJR Media Group
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3:30pm to 4:30pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star H Concurrent Session |
Sponsored by AJR Media Group
Destination marketing organizations and economic development organizations (EDOs) are increasingly being called on to work together by both public and private sector leaders. An integrated approach to telling a community’s story is an ideal solution to attracting visitors, investment and talent....
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3:30pm to 4:30pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star E Concurrent Session |
Sponsored by AJR Media Group
In today’s digital world, it is easy to be swept away by the newest technologies and feel the need to add all of them to your website. But when you strip away the flair, how functional is your website, really? In this moderated panel discussion, we will drill down to the essence of the...
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3:30pm to 4:30pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star F-G Concurrent Session |
Sponsored by AJR Media Group
Michigan’s David Lorenz challenged his industry to find creative accessibility initiatives at last year’s annual industry conference. The result: 19 viable initiatives. Dutchess County, NY developed “Think Differently!”— one-page pledge ultimately signed by 60 communities to uncover and...
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3:30pm to 4:30pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star D Concurrent Session |
Sponsored by AJR Media Group
From its power as a cultural expression to encouraging a tourist to stay an extra night, music is often an underutilized tool in the destination marketing arsenal.
Often music marketing is based on experiential activations: events, festivals and concerts. While this is one element of music tourism... |
3:30pm to 4:30pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star A Concurrent Session |
Destination marketers are increasingly being asked to quantify their economic impact and return on marketing investment. While destination marketing has traditionally focused on activities in order to drive awareness and build the destination brand, not much focus has been given to activities...
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3:30pm to 4:30pm JW Marriott Austin Lone Star B-C Concurrent Session |
Sponsored by AJR Media Group
Have you been promoted or looking for that next step? Focused on tourism marketing but no time for management training? This session will give rising professionals and those already in leadership, practical advice to prepare for career advancement. ...
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6:30pm to 7:15pm JW Marriott Austin JW Grand Foyer Networking |
Sponsored by Visit Austin and JW Marriott Austin
Every night, fans are gathering, guitars are tuning, crowds are cheering and music is filling up this city until it’s standing-room only. Get ready for your last night at ESTO in Austin—you’re with the band, so dress accordingly.
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7:15pm to 9:00pm JW Marriott Austin JW Grand Ballroom Networking |
Sponsored by Miles Partnership and Travel Texas
When it comes to music in Texas, you’re in for way more than steel guitars and country stars. Here, you’ll find every music genre you can think of: from Rock and Roll to Tejano, to Texas Blues, Hip Hop, and the iconic Country and Western. Music is a rite of passage in Texas and a way to experience...
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