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 (9 am to 5:30 pm) and May 25th (9 am to 6:30 pm)
- 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 | "Success Through Gratitude" by Mayi Suárez
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
Pirate Party -The Treasure of the Dominican Republic
Attire: Get ready with your best pirate outfit and come sail towards theTreasure!
We invite you to experience a magical night where mystery and adventure come together. Dress as a daring corsair, a fearless sailor, or
even as characters from the famous Pirates of the Caribbean saga.
Don’t forget to bring your adventurous spirit and get ready for an epic party in the Dominican Republic!
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 | "Brand Storytelling in Romance Tourism" 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
Rum Sunset Party
Attire: Join us for a spectacular afternoon with a beautiful sunset, exquisite cocktails, and the best company.
The "Rum Sunset Party" will be the perfect place to relax, enjoy some fine local rum, and feel the tropical breeze as the sun sets over the sea.
Dress in casual, comfortable attire for a night full of good vibes and unforgettable moments!
May 28th, Wednesday
9:00 am - 9:50 am | "Build with Intention: Exploring the layers of culture, eco-minded choices, and storytelling behind every purposeful event." by Lea Stafford
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 & Numbers: the business of happily ever after !" 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!!!
Carnival of Culture: Celebrating Dominican Passion
Attire: Let the party begin! The closing of our event will be a burst of color, music, and joy, celebrating the vibrant Dominican culture.
Think bright colors, joy, and celebration! We recommend outfits that include sequins, colorful ribbons, bells, eye-catching accessories, or
even a touch of feathers. Show off your most creative and festive side!
Get ready to dance to the rhythm of merengue and bachata until dawn!
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.
5 routes available to choose one and enjoy:
- Boutique Hotels: Casas XVI
- Colonial City (Downtown)
- Colonial Zone
- Juan Dolio -Club Hemingway Site Visit
- Altos de Chavon - Country house
*Additional fee of $15 USD, Limited spaces* Prior registration required*
🔗Register click here USD 15
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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!
