Today is July 8, 2026, and excitement is buzzing in Esto as the ESTO (Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations) approaches. This annual conference is a big deal for professionals in the destination marketing industry, including those from state tourism offices and various destinations, big and small. If you’re one of the lucky registrants, you’re in for a treat! The registration covers all official conference sessions, activities, meals, and sponsored events, including the prestigious ESTO Awards Ceremony and Celebration. That’s right—lots of networking and recognition for all the hard work in tourism!
Now, if you haven’t registered yet, you might want to think about it quickly! Early bird registration ends today, which means you’ve got to act fast if you want to snag those lower fees. Here’s the breakdown:
Registration Fees
For early registrants, fees are as follows:
- Engage Member: $1,250
- Inform Member: $1,350
- Non Member: $1,750
- Agency Representative: $2,500
After today, the standard rates kick in—so if you miss the early bird, the costs go up a bit:
- Engage Member: $1,350
- Inform Member: $1,450
- Non Member: $1,850
- Agency Representative: $2,500
And hey, if you’re part of a team, there’s a little bonus! Registering three or more people in one go gives you a discount of $200 per person—just not applicable for agency representatives. So gather your colleagues and save some cash!
Eligibility and Approval
It’s important to note that ESTO is tailored for professionals in the realm of destination marketing. Registrations are subject to approval, and if you’re an agency representative, you need to meet certain criteria: your agency must be under contract or on retainer for advertising or marketing services, and the attending representative has to be in an account manager position specifically assigned to a state or destination client. If you’re a DMO or state tourism office, remember to apply to register your agency representatives.
As for the event policies, make sure you check out all the details regarding cancellations, substitutions, payments, and photography. You can find all that information on the official ESTO website here.
This year’s ESTO promises to be an incredible opportunity for learning and connection. It’s a chance to dive deep into the latest trends and strategies in tourism marketing, and who knows? You might even leave with some new ideas that could change the game for your destination. So, whether you’re mingling at a meal or celebrating at the awards ceremony, make the most of it!
Remember, the clock is ticking. Don’t let the chance slip away! You won’t want to miss out on all the inspiration and insight that awaits at ESTO 2026. Check everything you need to know and get registered while you still can!