27th - 29th September 2022
Bali, Indonesia
To Infinity and Beyond
Reviving, Restarting & Reigniting
the Love for Weddings
8th Annual DWP Congress
The dawn of the pandemic was nothing less than a rollercoaster for the destination wedding industry. A business that was recession and inflation proof, for a brief period came to a standstill. With challenges, hurdles and unprecedented circumstances standing as roadblocks, the wedding fraternity was tested in every possible way.
But what stood out? The spirit, the love, the resilience, the positivity, the willingness to stand with each other and help one another! Wedding planners and suppliers from across the globe testified once again that this industry thrives on emotions, love and trust, and patrons from across the globe witnessed this impeccable spirit in the past few months because we were all #InItTogether!
With borders opening up at the start of this year, the interest in destination weddings in 2022 -2023 is at an all-time high. There’s a “new sense of urgency” to travel. Couples are seeking for once in a lifetime experiences and are on the lookout to find the perfect destination for their dream wedding celebration. From the world’s most beautiful destinations to the most luxurious hotels, from unique venues that can be magically transformed by professional wedding planners and designers to the most credible photographers and videographers to capture their perfect moments, there is no stone left unturned to celebrate love! There couldn’t be a better time than now, for us to connect the dots and help facilitate connections and collaborations to capitalise on this booming romance tourism market!
Therefore, it was more important than ever before to bring you all together under one roof in 2022 where we take the journey ‘To Infinity and Beyond – Reviving, Restarting & Reigniting the Love for Weddings’. It gives us immense pleasure in bringing to you the 8th edition of the Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) Congress taking place in the blissful and breathtaking Bali, popularly known as the ‘Island of Gods’ along with our Official Host Partner The Ministry of Tourism & Creative Economy of The Republic of Indonesia. After the unpredictability of the time we have been through, it is our responsibility to bring you and your peers to have a gala time, reminiscing the good old times and making new memories, while providing the opportunity to make some serious business connections that will help you make up for the business lost in the past.
From 27th – 29th September 2022 it’s time to leave behind all your worries and concerns and join us for three days where it is going to be all about celebrating YOU – your success, your determination, your stories and
your passion for the ever fascinating and exciting world of destination weddings!
We cannot wait to see all your lovely faces and say “Om Swastiastu” amidst the beautiful Balinese backdrop!
DWP Congress 2022 | 27th -29th September 2022 | Bali Indonesia
2022 SPEAKERS READY TO ROCK THE STAGE
David Beahm
Founder/CEO,
David Beahm Experiences, USA
David Beahm Experiences, USA
Lelian Chew
Founder,
The Floral Atelier and The Wedding Atelier, Singapore
The Floral Atelier and The Wedding Atelier, Singapore
Dianne Khoury
Founder,
Diane Khoury Weddings and Events, Australia
Diane Khoury Weddings and Events, Australia
Innayat Khubchandani
Founder,
Innaz Communique, Indonesia
Innaz Communique, Indonesia
Fabrice Orlando
Founder,
Cocoon Events, Marrakech
Cocoon Events, Marrakech
Mohomed Morani
Founder,
Cineyug Group of Companies, India
Cineyug Group of Companies, India
Mauricio Rivera Kirschner
Founder,
House of Kirschner, Mexico
House of Kirschner, Mexico
Kevin Lee
Founder,
Kevin Lee Weddings, USA
Kevin Lee Weddings, USA
Gideon Hermosa
Founder,
House of Hermosa, Philippines
House of Hermosa, Philippines
Koby Bar Yehuda
Founder,
KBY Designs, Israel
KBY Designs, Israel
Mahesh Shirodkar
Founder,
Tamarind Global, India
Tamarind Global, India
Sonal J Shah
Founder,
SJS EVENTS, USA
SJS EVENTS, USA
Jo Ann Gregoli
Founder,
Elegant Occasions, USA
Elegant Occasions, USA
Barbara Diez
Founder,
Barabara Diez Events, Argentina
Barabara Diez Events, Argentina
Here’s a stellar line-up of Advisory Board Members over the years
Advisory Board Members
Kevin Lee
Founder,
Kevin Lee Productions, USA
Christina Holt
Founder,
Wedding Concepts, South Africa
Fabrice Orlando
Founder & CEO,
Cocoon Events, Morocco
Aseel Al Ansari
Founder,
Wedding & Event Company, Bahrain
Mahesh Shirodkar
Managing Director,
Tamarind Global, India
Muriel Saldalamacchia
International Wedding Planner,
France/Italy
Matthew Oliver
Founder,
Matthew Oliver Weddings, UK
Roberto Cohen
Founder,
Cohen Cerimonial, Brazil
Working Agenda
27th – 29th September 2022 | Bali, Indonesia
Day One – 27th September 2022
Arrivals All Day, Meet & Greet!
15:00 - 17:30
Amazing race hosted by Bali Wedding Association
17:30 - 21:30
Opening Cocktail Party
The Golden Hour Sundowner: Hosted by Bali Beach Glamping
As the candy skies unfolds, we welcome the wedding industry to this beautiful Island!
Bali is famous for its kaleidoscopic sunsets – what better way to start your Bali journey then by watching the sun sink into the sea with a sundowner in hand and some of the best in the destination wedding industry in company. Brace yourselves for the enticing teaser to the three-day reunion of the world’s most celebrated destination wedding professionals at the welcome cocktail reception of the DWP Congress!
Day Two – 28th September 2022
(Conference + DWP Gala)
08:00 - 08:45
Registration, Refreshments & Networking
08:45 - 08:50
Opening Remarks by QnA International
08:50 - 09:00
Welcome Remarks from the Ministry of Tourism & Creative Economy, Republic of Indonesia
SESSION ONE: REDEFINING LUXURY
09:00 - 09:20
Setting the Stage on the Motivational Octave Opening Inspirational Keynote
“Redefining Luxury in a new era of experiences ”
- The changing definition of luxury experiences
- Understanding the changing mindset of luxury clientele
- What can we learn from brands
SPEAKER
Pauline Brown
Former Chairman, Louis Vuitton NA, Board Member, Neiman Marcus Group
Bestselling Author,
Aesthetic Intelligence, USA
SESSION TWO: LET’S TALK ABOUT THE 3CS
09:25 - 10:00
Reboot your Business: Let’s Talk About the 3Cs – Around the World Panel
“Get Set Go: Resetting & Rebuilding the Blocks of your Wedding Business Post the waves of Uncertainty”
- Costs & Commissions: Pricing structure for clients post pandemic and whether or not to charge vendor commissions in such times? Let's figure it out
- Collaboration over Competition: Your success is mine - Flourishing together is need of the hour!
- Cancellation and Contracts: Must have clauses in VUCA times
Speakers
Dianne Khoury
Founder,
Diane Khoury Weddings and Events, Australia
Funke Bucknor-Obruthe
CEO,
Zapphire Events, Africa
Kevin Lee
Founder,
Kevin Lee Weddings, USA
Mahesh Shirodkar
Founder,
Tamarind Global, India
Moderator
Rob Schenck
Founder,
Wedding Industry Lawyer
SESSION THREE: YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE IN 2022 & BEYOND
10:05 - 10:25
#yougotthis: Stepping up your Digital Presence Keynote
“Using social media to grow your business – reaching out to Gen X, Y, Z and more”
- How to use TikTok and Reels to build your brand: The business perspective
- Top 5 social media marketing tips for wedding venues and suppliers
- What not to do on social media and increase your bookings
SPEAKER
Wendy El-Khoury
Founder and Creative Director,
Wedded Wonderland, Australia
10:30 - 10:50
More Bookings, More Business – Sales Keynote
“Social Selling in the DMs”
- How to get more dreamy ideal couples talking to you in the DMs today
- Know exactly what to say to have them excited to work with you (including those high end budgets)
- Uncover the secrets of exactly why this method works so powerfully in today’s market
SPEAKER
Kelly Mortimer
#1 expert in Wedding Sales, UK
SESSION FOUR: REJUVENATE
10:55 - 11:10
The Island of Gods Sets the Stage for your Next Destination Wedding – Host Destination Presentation
“Pristine beaches, abundant natural sites, rich culture & heritage, exceptional hospitality: Choosing the perfect destination for your magical wedding”
- Bali checking all the boxes for your next wedding venue
- Incentivizing weddings: A great boost for tourism
- Top 3 checkpoints a destination needs to keep in mind to attract couples and wedding professionals amidst a pandemic
SESSION FIVE: YOUR NETWORK IS YOUR NET WORTH
11:10 - 11:30
Networking Coffee Break
11:30 - 14:00
Pre-scheduled One-to-One Business Meetings & Visit to Boutique Exhibition Lounge
14:00 - 15:00
Networking Luncheon
SESSION SIX: REPRESENT YOUR DESTINATION: THE BIG LEAP
15:00 - 15:45
DWP Regional Boardroom
Key Points Of Discussion:
- Supply Chain challenges
- Improving cross cultural communication
- Life hacks for dealing with local vendors in the destination
- Pricing and commissions
Speakers
Annie Lee
Principal Planner,
Daughter of Design, USA
Barbara Diez
Founder,
Barabara Diez Events, Argentina
Elisa Mocci
CEO - Wedding Designer,
Elisa Mocci Events, Italy
Michele Fox Gott
Founder,
Center of Attention Events, USA
Şebnem Mardini
Founder,
Şebnem Event Design. Turkey
Sumant Jayakrishnan
Founder,
Sumant Jayakrishnan Designs Pvt. Ltd, India
15:45 - 16:00
Boardroom result announcement on Mainstage
16:00 - 16:15
Raffle Draws on mainstage and Close for Day One
Immerse in the most picturesque hideaway of Florence
Surrounded by acres of terraced gardens and nestled in the hills of Fiesole, this 15th-century palazzo captures the most commanding views of Florence. Tuscany for Weddings is pleased to offer one lucky winner a two-night stay for 2 people with breakfast served on the terrace overlooking Firenze, shuttle transfers to Florence and one 50-Minute Massage at the on-site Wellness Center.
Experience the best of Greek hospitality
The Mitsis Alila Resort and Spa is offering an all-inclusive 5 day stay at this beautiful property for 2 people. Our gracious host of the 2021 DWP Congress, this swanky property is what dreams are made of. Located on the popular Greek island of Rhodes, the Mitsis Alila Resort and Spa lets you enjoy all the luxury it has to offer, including panoramic Mediterranean vistas.
Discover a world away from your everyday in Dubai
Atlantis Dubai is pleased to offer a stay for a family of 2 adults and 2 kids plus Breakfast and access to the water park & Lost Chamber for 2 days. Our amazing hotel partner for 2019, Atlantis Dubai, A destination unto itself, the hotel comprises of two world-class resorts, Atlantis Aquaventure, Dolphin Bay, The Lost Chambers Aquarium and an unrivalled culinary collection. Atlantis Dubai is where unique memories are made.
16:15 - 16:30
Shuttle transfers to the Mulia
16:30 - 19:00
Relax in the Bali vibe with your tribe
Switch Off and relax with mindful activities to ensure pure Bali Bliss
19:30 - 23:00
DWP GALA: A Blissful Balinese Bash Awaits at the Bali International Convention Centre hosted by Innaz Communique
Industry concepts learnt, connections established, business pipelines built – what’s next? Well it’s obvious, isn’t it?!
Get ready for a taste of traditional Balinese culture at the DWP Gala! It’s time to get those gorgeous gowns and dapper suits out, look your fashionable best, savour delectable delicacies and dance the night away with your friends!
A lot is in store for you, so let’s leave it here for you to daydream about the mega night!
Day Three – 29th September 2022
(Conference Day Two + Closing Cocktail Reception)
08:30 - 08:55
Registrations for Conference Day Two, Refreshment & Networking
08:55 - 09:00
All in a Nutshell: Day One Round Up
09:00 - 09:05
Early riser raffles to brighten your day
Experience the epitome of luxury in Istanbul
Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus is pleased to offer 2 nights in their Mandarin Bosphorus Room for 2 guests, including breakfast and taxes. Positioned along the glimmering shoreline where East and West collide, Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul captures the magic of the world’s pan-continental city. Let your client’s wedding dreams come true at their glamorous ballrooms or elegant poolside, with a touch of Bosphorus magic.
Celebrate sunshine and seclusion in an unspoiled rainforest setting in Vietnam
Set on a private bay, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort is one of Vietnam’s most celebrated 5-star beach resorts. This beautiful property is offering 2 night’s stay at Resort Classic Room Panoramic Ocean Views including breakfast for 2 people. Recharge your imagination in their private, perfect world.
Get ready to experience one of the most exclusive resorts on the unspoiled island of Koh Kood, Thailand
Where unparalleled luxury meets eco-friendly design, Soneva Kiri is nestled within a lush tropical rainforest on the unspoiled island of Koh Kood. One lucky winner stands a chance to win a three nights stay at the Sunset Ocean Pool Villa Suite for two guests on half board basis with roundtrip transfers.
Live your Tuscan Dream
Tenuta di Artimino, a member of Melia Collection, is offering two nights’ stay with breakfast and one dinner at their Biagio Pignatta cucina e vino restaurant. Looking over the hills and vineyards of Montalbano, Tenuta Artimino, belonging to the Olmo family since the eighties, is a place of rare beauty in the heart of Tuscany.
09:05 - 09:25
Keynote: The World of Luxury Client Decoded
“Understanding the Psyche of Luxury Clients and How to Transition Your Business to Service Them”
- Identifying luxury clients
- What makes luxury clients tick
- How has the world of luxury progressed and where is it headed
- How to transform your business and your skill sets to service this segment
- Developing a strategy to close luxury client deals
SPEAKER
Lelian Chew
Founder,
The Floral Atelier and The Wedding Atelier, Singapore
09:30 - 09:45
Fireside Chat
“Grow your business globally: Collaboration X Growth"
- What it means to have your Boots on the grounds globally?
- Setting expectations and making it work
- Growing your brand through international collabs
Speakers
Fabrice Orlando
Founder,
Cocoon Events, Morocco
Jo Ann Gregoli
Founder,
Elegant Occasions, USA
SESSION SEVEN: THE SHOW STOPPERS
09:50 - 10:25
Crazy Rich Asians or Has that Changed? – Asian Wedding Panel
“Stepping forth into the remodelled world of One of the Biggest and Most Exorbitant Wedding Markets – ASIA”
- Forecasting & analyzing spending pattern of Asian clients post the crisis: Has anything changed?
- Luxury and Asian clients two sides of the same coin – Do we foresee a compromise on luxe factor?
- Larger groups, multiple ceremonies, grand destination weddings – What’s going to happen next?
- How to tap into and capitalize on the Asian market: Asia opening its doors for global vendor networks & collaborations
Speakers
Ariel Chen
Founder,
Le Reve International, China
Ghada Blanco
Founder,
Ghada Blanco Weddings & Events, Lebanon
Gideon Hermosa
Founder,
House of Hermosa, Philippines
Innayat Khubchandani
Founder,
Innaz Communique, Indonesia
Mohomed Morani
Founder,
Cineyug Group of Companies, India
Moderator
Arati Singh
CEO,
GoodTimes
SESSION EIGHT: FROM ME TO WE
10:30 - 10:50
Deep Dive Session
“How to stay relevant in the wedding industry in a hybrid world post pandemic? ”
- Your People matter: What's your skill set?
- Let's make our conversations real: transparency with the client
- How is outsourcing not a bad word?
- The world is my oyster: it can be yours too
Speaker
Vandana Mohan
Founder,
The Wedding Design Company, India
10:55 - 11:15
Closing Keynote How to get a team that works with you and not for you
“Teamwork that makes dreamwork”
- Delegating and Streamlining your business to drive profits
- Trust and transparency in the new world of work
- How to find the right hand for your business and retain to grow
Speaker
David Beahm
Founder/CEO,
David Beahm Experiences, USA
11:15 - 11:30
Networking Coffee Break
11:30 - 14:00
Pre-scheduled One-to-One Business Meetings & Visit to Boutique Exhibition Lounge
14:00 - 15:00
Networking Luncheon
15:00 - 16:00
DWP Masterclasses
TOPIC 1: LOVE CONTINUES TO BLOOM – BUSINESS CONTINUITY IN THE LONG RUN
- Adapting to the New Normal, Building Resilience for Wedding Business Longevity
- Looking ahead of the Black Swan Crisis: Top 3 tips to survive and sustain
- New Normal: How far are you willing to go to accommodate changes?
- Communication: The key to look beyond the crisis of the pandemic
Speaker
Evelyn Mills
Founder,
Marriage Maestros, Hong Kong
TOPIC 2: YOUR WEDDING CONTRACTS QUESTIONS ANSWERED
- Common challenges and misconceptions uncovered
- 5 must-haves in your contract: from creative partners, venues to planners
- Open Q&A - get your concerns addressed in real time!
Speaker
Rob Schenk
Founder,
Wedding Industry Law, USA
TOPIC 3: DEVELOPING NEW AESTHETICS STRATEGIES FOR LUXURY WEDDINGS
- Understanding the new (and emerging) landscape of UHNW customers
- Identifying aesthetic experiences that they covet, and lifestyles to which they aspire
- Brainstorming innovative ideas for a new generation of highly aesthetic (and discriminating) brides and grooms
Speaker
Pauline Brown
Former Chairman,
Louis Vuitton NA, Board Member, Neiman Marcus Group, Bestselling Author,
Aesthetic Intelligence, USA
TOPIC 4: WHERE TO DRAW THE LINE WITH CLIENTS
- Setting boundaries and managing client expectations
- Industry practices that we need to change together
- Is it work/life or Life/work balance? Why does your mental wellbeing matter?
Speaker
Sonal J Shah
Founder,
SJS EVENTS, USA
TOPIC 5: INTERIOR DESIGN VERSUS EVENT DESIGN
- Innovative concepts changing the design ballgame
- Whats the difference and why you need to know
- Ideas that are making a difference
Speaker
Koby Bar Yehuda
Founder,
KBY Designs, Israel
TOPIC 6: FEAR IS THE PATH TO DARKSIDE – OVERCOMING THE INITIAL FEARS OF UNEXPLORED DESTINATIONS
- Overcome their fears of working on new destinations
- Share experiences
- Strategy to approach new destinations with confidence.
Speaker
Nadia Duran
Founder,
Nadia Duran, Australia
TOPIC 7: HOW TO INSPIRE YOUR CUSTOMERS WITH NEW TRENDS
- How our world is changing
- Trends leading the way
- Some tips and tricks of the trade
Speaker
Meltem Tepeler
CEO / Founder,
KM Group
16:00
Raffle Draws in Main Ballroom
Live the lavish lifestyle of the Maharajas in India
Samode Hotels is offering a two night’s stay, including breakfast at their beautiful property, which is the perfect blend of antiquity and modernity. Over 300 years ago, the palace was home to the ruling family of Samode, in the heart of Rajasthan, just outside Jaipur.
Enter a world full of elegance, design, art and tradition in the heart of Switzerland
Lording over Zurich with showstopping views of the Alps, The Dolder Grand is a fairytale vision that seamlessly blends the old and the new. Dolder Grand is pleased to offer a voucher for 2 guests for 2 nights at the Junior Suite including breakfast.
Your Luxurious Getaway in Bentota, Sri Lanka
Nestled where the river meets the sea, tucked between golden sands, mangroves and coconut groves you’ll find Cinnamon Bentota Beach. The lucky winner gets a two-night stay on double occupancy, Bed & Breakfast at Cinnamon Bentota Beach hotel
20:00 - 01:00
DWP Closing Party Hosted by Saba Estate Villa
It’s the Finale! Let’s put our dancing shoes on as we let our hair down and party like never before! It’s the DWP Bali farewell party – Great food, enthralling entertainment and a dazzling after-party is how we bid farewell to the Bali edition of the DWP Congress. Until we meet next year on March 14th – 16th in a fabulous destination with a new vibe and tribe!
What’s New in 2022
At the 8th Annual DWP Congress, we’d like to introduce you to “DWP Beyond Infinity” which outlines the 8 facets of the DWP Congress 2022 and what our focus in the next edition is going to revolve around!
RESPLENDENT BALI RENDEZVOUS
REBOOT WEDDINGS 2.0
REVIVE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
REINSTATE CONNECTIONS & COLLABORATIONS
REFRESH MARKET RESEARCH
RECOGNITION & REWARD
REJOICING FIESTAS
REJUVENATE & RELAX
About Bali
OM SWASTIASTU
When we have 500 luxury destination wedding experts come together after months of uncertainty and restricted travel, the sole aim and objective must be to bring you all to a destination that checks all the boxes of catering to not only business needs, but also your personal and aesthetic needs. Strolling amidst lush greenery, sipping your favourite drink and partying by the beach, soaking in some much-needed Vitamin Sea, exploring art, music & literature – if any of this floats your boat then be prepared for three days of wholesome business connections, celebrations and fun as we open the doors for Bali for you in 2022!
Famous for its pristine beaches, abundant natural sites, rich culture & heritage, lively and colourful ceremonies, and exceptional hospitality, Bali sets the perfect scene for a magical and dreamy destination wedding. With an amazing tropical climate throughout the year, nightlife that is buzzing with excitement, and delicacies to tantalize your taste buds, at the 8th Annual DWP Congress along with our Official Host Partner The Ministry of Tourism & Creative Economy of The Republic of Indonesia, we will ensure you have an unforgettable 360-degree Balinese experience, and if you have already visited the destination before, then your DWP experience in September 2022 will be like nothing else before!
We are thrilled to be welcoming you with open arms and experience the beauty, serenity and hospitality of Bali coupled with the fun, fiesta and warmth of the DWP Congress!