PROGRAM
IADWP ACADEMY DESTINATION WEDDING CONGRESS
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
MAIN PROGRAM
May 26TH
Location
Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino (Sol de Oro Ballroom)
Dress Code:
Business Casual
Language:
Spanish (with simultaneous English translation)
8:00 - 16:00 hrs
Pick up your Badge
Please remember that it is essential to wear your badge at all times to access the activities.
Location: Foyer Ballroom Sol de Oro
10:40 hrs
"Dominican talent for the world"
Opening of interactive workshops in collaboration with ABERD
Simultaneous Tracks:
How to manage Family Business
10:50 - 12:40 hrs
by Braulio & Lizandra Segura
Sol de Oro Ballroom
Hands-On Flower-Up Workshop
10:50 - 12:40 hrs
By María Sepúlveda
Maguana Room
Limited capacity workshop (First come, first served)
Duration: 2 hours
This same workshop will be repeated in the afternoon with the same content.
12:40 - 14:00 hrs
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)
13:00 - 15:00 hrs
IADWP Chapter Leaders Meeting
Invitation-only event
MC Jossy Quezada, National Chapter Leader Peru
Higuey Ballroom
Simultaneous Tracks:
Ephemeral Architecture
14:10 - 15:00 hrs
by Elixandra Bernabel
Sol de Oro Ballroom
Success through gratitude
15:00 - 15:50 hrs
by Mayi Suárez
Sol de Oro Ballroom
Hands-On Flower-Up Workshop
14:10 - 15:50 hrs
By María Sepúlveda
Maguana Room
Limited capacity workshop (First come, first served)
Duration: 2 hours
15:50 - 16:00 hrs
Break
16:00 - 16:50 hrs
"How to Do Business in the Hospitality Industry"
by Carlos Frías & Ana Gon (Sol de Oro Ballroom)
16:50 - 17:00 hrs
Closing
17:00 - 19:00 hrs
Get ready!
19:00 hrs
Boarding for Pirate Party
Meeting Point: Host Hotel - Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino to Kimpton las Mercedes
19:15 hrs
Departure for Pirate Party
Transfers to the Welcome Event
20:00 hrs
Pirate Party | 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!
22:30 hrs
Return Transfer
(Last transfer 11:30 pm)
May 27TH
Location
Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino (Teatro La Fiesta Ballroom)
Dress Code:
Business Casual
Language:
English (with simultaneous Spanish translation)
9:00 - 9:30 hrs
Opening Ceremony
9:30 - 10:30 hrs
"The Laws of Life: A Wedding Planner’s Guide to Success"
by Arun Bablani sponsored by MITUR
10:30 - 11:20 hrs
"Brand Storytelling in Romance Tourism"
by Antonio Paraiso sponsored by Kimpton Las Mercedes Santo Domingo
11:20 - 11:30 hrs
Break
11:30 - 12:20 hrs
"No Dozing on the Closing"
by Terrica Skaggs
12:30 - 16:30 hrs
Networking Appointments
Connect with the most outstanding vendors in the wedding and tourism industry and take your business to the next level. Experience a unique event filled with prizes, surprises, and opportunities to expand your professional network.
Location: Anacaona Ballroom
Enjoy a networking refreshment on the trade floor, where you can schedule appointments and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of innovation and energy. From coffee to breathtaking experiences, every moment is a new opportunity to connect and grow. Make every meeting count!
Lunch:
Lunch Presentation Puerto Plata Bridal
13:00 - 14:00 hrs
in Sol de Oro Ballroom
Invitation-only event
IADWP Lunch
13:00 - 14:00 hrs
in Maguana Ballroom
16:30 - 17:20 hrs
"Transform your service into a brand: from work to profitable purpose"
by Ana Agosto sponsored by Casas del XVI
17:20 - 18:10 hrs
"Tech & Roll: Technological Innovation for Destination Weddings"
by Pervez Taufiq Sponsored by ProColombia
18:10 - 18:20 hrs
Closing
18:20 - 19:40 hrs
Get ready!
19:40 hrs
Boarding for Rum Sunset Party
Meeting Point: Host Hotel - Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino to Casa de los Vitrales
19:50 hrs
Departure for Rum Sunset Party
From Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino to Casa de los Vitrales
20:00 hrs
Rum Sunset Party | 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!
22:30 hrs
Return Transfer
May 28TH
Location
Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino (Teatro La Fiesta Ballroom)
Dress Code:
Business Casual
Language:
English (with simultaneous Spanish translation)
9:00 - 9:50 hrs
"Build with Intention: Exploring the layers of culture, eco-minded choices, and storytelling behind every purposeful event."
by Lea Stafford sponsored by Nolita Craft
9:50 - 10:40 hrs
"How to Position Yourself as a Luxury Expert in Destinations Through Content, Relationships, and Client Referrals"
by Chris J. Evans
10:40 - 10:50 hrs
Break
10:50 - 11:40 hrs
"Strategic Alliances and Keys to Success in Unknown Territories"
by Amrit Dhillon-Bains
11:40 - 12:50 hrs
"Love & Numbers: the business of happily ever after!"
by Judy Amado Sponsored by Fiesta Americana Funeeq Punta Cana
12:50 - 13:10 hrs
2025-2026 NEWS
Thank you for being part of the Dominican adventure. Discover the surprises awaiting us in 2025 and get to know new destinations with IADWP in 2026.
13:10 - 18:30 hrs
Networking Appoinments
Connect with the top vendors in the wedding and tourism industry and take your business to the next level. Enjoy a unique experience filled with prizes, surprises, and valuable opportunities to expand your professional network.
Location: Anacaona Ballroom
Enjoy a networking refreshment on the trade floor, where you can schedule appointments and immerse yourself in an atmosphere full of innovation and energy. From a coffee to breathtaking experiences, every moment is a new opportunity to connect and grow. Make every meeting count!
Lunch:
Lunch Presentation – Colombia Chapter
13:10 - 14:30 hrs
in Sol de Oro Ballroom
Invitation-only event
IADWP Lunch
13:10 - 14:30 hrs
in Maguana Ballroom
20:00 hrs
Carnival of Culture | 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!!!
Location: Host Hotel - Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino - Salon Teatro La Fiesta.
🎉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
**8:00 - 14:00 hrs
Venue Hunting | 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.
*Additional fee of $15 USD, Limited spaces* Prior registration required*
8:30 hrs
Boarding for Venue Hunting and Post Congress
Meeting point Transfer to Venue Hunting from Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino.
Don´t forget to tag your luggage with the team!
9:00 hrs
Departure for Venue Hunting and Post Congress
Transfer to Venue Hunting | Meeting Point: Host Hotel - Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino.
4 routes available to choose one and enjoy:
Track 1
Boutique Hotels
Visit to Quinta Dominica
Visit to the Chapel of the Third Order Dominican (Convent of the Dominicans)
Visit to Casa Vitrales
Visit to Casa XVI
Visit to Casa del Árbol
Visit to Casa del Pozo
Visit to Casa de los Mapas
Visit to Casa Antillana
Regina Angelorium Church
Casa Mia Events (from Billini Hotel)
Snacks at Hotel Billini – Historic Luxury
Track 2
Colonial City
Visit to Quinta Dominica
Visit to the Chapel of the Third Order Dominican (Convent of the Dominicans)
Visit to Portazul
Visit to the Primatial Cathedral of America
Visit to La Altagracia Church
San Nicolás de Bari Hospital
Inspection Visit and snacks at Hotel Kimpton Las Mercedes
Track 3
Colonial Zone
Visit to Logia Cuna de América
Our Lady of Mercy Church
Tour of Las Damas Street
Visit to the Ozama Fortress
Casa de Bastidas (Trampolín Museum)
Drinks and snacks at Hodelpa Nicolás de Ovando
Museum of the Royal Houses
Ending at Plaza España
Track 4
Juan Dolio – Club Hemingway
Visit to Club Hemingway (approx. 40-minute drive)
Lunch at Club Hemingway
Return to Santo Domingo
*Venue Hunting tours are subject to change.
**The Venue Hunting activity and the departure for the Post-Congress tour in Punta Cana happen at the same time, so it's only possible to choose one of these two activities, subject to availability.
REGISTER HEREPOST-CONGRESS
in Punta Cana
May 29TH - 31ST
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
SOLD OUT
Majestic Elegance Punta Cana
SOLD OUT
9:00 hrs
Boarding Transfer to Punta Cana for Post Congress FAM
Meeting Point: Host Hotel - Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino (Don´t forget tag your luggage with our team)
9:30 hrs
Departure Transfer to Punta Cana for Post Congress FAM
Meeting Point: Host Hotel - Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino.
The departure for the Post-Congress tour in Punta Cana and the Venue Hunting activity happen at the same time, so it's only possible to choose one of these two activities, subject to availability.
Relax and enjoy the city, let yourself be surprised by its charm, and return home recharged with inspiration for your upcoming projects!
*Program subject to change and under construction
