PROGRAM
IADWP ACADEMY DESTINATION WEDDING CONGRESS
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
May 26-29th 2025
May 24th-25th | PRE-CONGRESS
Events & Celebration Travel Workshop
- In-Person Training: May 24th (6 hours) and May 25th (6 hours)
- Language: English (with simultaneous Spanish translation)
*Additional Cost USD 657
May 26th, Monday
7:00 am - 10:00 am | Pick up your Badge
10:30 am - Opening of interactive workshops in collaboration with ABERD "Dominican talent for the world"
10:50 am - 11:40 am | How to manage family businesses by Braulio & Lizandra Segura
11:40 am - 12:40 pm | Hands-on Workshop
12:40 pm - 2:00 pm | Free Lunch - Unleash your taste buds! Take advantage of this free time to try local dishes and discover new flavors. Don’t hesitate to share your recommendations with other attendees! (Meal not included)
*Include your meals for an additional cost. We invite you to explore our packages and customize your experience.
1:30 pm - 3:50 pm | IADWP Chapter Leaders Meeting - invitation-only event (MC Jossy Quezada, National Chapter Leader Peru), sponsored by Pro Colombia
2:10 pm - 3:00 pm | Table Styling by Mary Pily López
3:00 pm - 3:50 pm | "Ephemeral Architecture" by Elixandra Bernabel
3:50 pm - 4:00 pm | Break
4:00 pm - 4:50 pm | "Interactive Aesthetics"
4:50 pm - 5:40 pm | "There is No Second Chance" by Sócrates McKinney
5:40 pm - 7:45 pm | Get ready!
7:45 pm - Transfers to the Welcome Event
8:30 pm | WELCOME EVENT | The perfect place to connect with other professionals, share experiences, create new opportunities, and most importantly: have fun and make new friends!
Location: Kimpton Las Mercedes Santo Domingo
May 27th, Tuesday
9:00 am - 9:30 am | Opening Ceremony
9:30 am - 10:30 am | "The Laws of Life: A Wedding Planner’s Guide to Success" by Arun Bablani
10:30 am - 11:20 am | "The Power of Storytelling" by Antonio Paraiso
11:20 am - 11:30 am | Break
11:30 am - 12:20 pm | "How to Do Business in the Hospitality Industry" by Carlos Frías & Ana Gon
12:30 pm - 4:30 pm: LUNCH & APPOINTMENTS | One on one meeting appointments: join the best romance tourism suppliers, win prizes, and enjoy great surprises.(Lunch not included)
*Add lunch for an additional fee. Explore our packages and personalize your experience.
4:30 pm - 5:20 pm| "Transform your service into a brand: from work to profitable purpose" by Ana Agosto
5:20 pm - 6:10 pm | "Tech & Roll: Technological Innovation for Destination Weddings" by Pervez Taufiq, sponsored by ProColombia
6:10 pm - 6:20 pm | Closing
6:20 pm - 7:30 pm | Get ready
8:00 pm | Transfers to Event for IADWP Members
8:30 pm Exclusive Event for IADWP Members at Casas XVI - Casa de los Vitrales
May 28th, Wednesday
9:00 am - 9:50 am | "Designing with Purpose: Celebrating Culture, Sustainability, and Authenticity in Events" by Fallon Carter
9:50 am - 10:40 am | "How to Position Yourself as a Luxury Expert in Destinations Through Content, Relationships, and Client Referrals" by Chris J. Evans
10:40 am - 10:50 am | Break
10:50 am - 11:40 am | "Strategic Alliances and Keys to Success in Unknown Territories" by Amrit Dhillon-Bains
11:40 am - 12:50 pm | "Love and Numbers: Maximizing Financial Success in the Wedding Business" by Judy Amado
12:50 pm - 1:10 pm | 2025-2026 NEWS | Thank you for being part of the Dominican adventure. Discover the surprises awaiting us in 2025 and get ready to learn about the 2026 host city at the Closing Event.
1:10 pm - 2:30 pm | LUNCH & FREE TIME | Active break! Relax and recharge while discovering the culinary delights of Santo Domingo. (Lunch not included)
*Add lunch for an additional fee. Explore our packages and personalize your experience.
2:30 pm - 6:30 pm | One on one meeting appointments: join the best romance tourism suppliers, win prizes, and enjoy great surprises.
8:00 pm | FAREWELL EVENT | Live the Dominican experience! End the day and the conference by enjoying a celebration night with your new colleagues, full of music, dancing, and flavor—¡ya tu sabe!!!
May 29th, Thursday | NEW
*8:00 am- 2:00 pm | Let’s explore and fall in love with new spaces! | Discover locations that could be the perfect setting for future weddings and visit spectacular places in Santo Domingo with our Hosts during the Venue Hunting.
3 routes:
- Colonial Center
- Boutique Hotels
- Luxury Hotels
*Additional fee of $15 USD, Limited spaces* Prior registration required*
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May 29th-31th,Thursday-Saturday | POST-CONGRESS in Punta Cana
Our post-congress programs are exclusive experiences designed to explore a hotel in depth. In a more intimate setting, you'll enjoy an immersive experience, thoroughly learning about its facilities, services, and value proposition for weddings and events, as well as establishing a direct relationship with the hotel for future business opportunities.
JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar
Majestic Elegance Punta Cana
*Additional fee USD 370
Consult the full program
Relax and enjoy the city, let yourself be surprised by its charm, and return home recharged with inspiration for your upcoming projects!
