Aqaba, Jordan – The 11th Annual DWP Congress officially opened on 7th October, with a resplendent welcome cocktail reception at Wadi Rum, marking the start of the next three transformative days for the global destination wedding industry.
The opening ceremony was met with energy, excitement, and anticipation, setting the tone for an event that continues to define creativity, collaboration, and innovation in luxury weddings. From the moment delegates arrived, Aqaba came alive with a vibrant sense of welcome. Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla provided a stunning backdrop of glistening lagoons and the Red Sea horizon and welcomed guests with true Jordanian hospitality. The attendees were treated to a mesmerizing desert experience in Wadi Rum, blending cultural immersion with breathtaking landscapes.
Guests were transported in style by Kawar Group to a uniquely immersive experience: a Heritage Train Journey, curated by the Jordan Heritage Revival Company. This unforgettable ride through the desert sets the tone for a deep cultural connection. The day concluded with the highly anticipated DWP Soirée under the stars, where planners, designers, and suppliers connected in an atmosphere of elegance, inspiration, and camaraderie.
“Looking over 500 international professionals from the world’s leading destination wedding planners, esteemed local partners, and key stakeholders fills me with pride. Your presence is not just a gathering—it is living proof that a vision nurtured over decades has blossomed into reality,” said His Excellency Shadi Ramzi Majali, the Chief Commissioner of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), in his welcome speech on the 8th October, on the first day of the conference.
He added, “Over the past two decades, every initiative, investment, and project has reflected our unwavering commitment to making Aqaba a destination of excellence. Today, your presence is a testament to what vision, dedication, and collaboration can achieve.”
Reflecting on the importance of hosting this exclusive gathering in Aqaba, Dr. Abed Al Razzaq Arabiyat, Managing Director of JTB, expressed, “Hosting the DWP Congress in Aqaba elevates Jordan’s position on the global wedding map, showcasing our country’s appeal and reaffirming our commitment to making Jordan a premier destination for weddings and celebrations”.
The day continued the momentum with a full day of thought leadership, interactive sessions, and curated networking opportunities. Keynote speakers, including celebrity wedding planners like Kevin Lee, Julian Posner, Terrica Skaggs, Majeda & Sewar, Vandana Mohan, Beth Helmstetter, and digital influence luxury travel experts like Dr Daniel Langer, Coral Santoro, captivated audiences with insights into business strategy, creative design, sustainability, and emerging trends in luxury destination weddings. Delegates immersed themselves in panels exploring the future of cross-cultural celebrations, innovative business models, and the transformative role of technology and data in wedding planning.
The excitement carried into the evening with the “Jewels of Jordan” gala dinner at Ayla Oasis Golf Course, elegantly curated by MY Event Design, and Show De Vida, coming all the way from Norway, added an extra element of magic to the evening. Guests experienced a fusion of culinary excellence, immersive décor, and live entertainment, followed by the “Disco Bedouin” afterparty, where the desert sky became a stage for celebration, creativity, and connection.
The Congress continued on October 9 with an equally rich program. Delegates engaged in masterclasses, lightning talks, and wrap-up sessions designed to consolidate learning and inspire new partnerships. The day culminated in a sunset Closing Cocktail and farewell gathering at Mama Gaia, offering a final chance to celebrate achievements, reflect on the event, and plan for future collaborations.
Expressing his sentiments on the overwhelming response, Sidh NC, Director of QNA International, said, “The 11th Annual DWP Congress in Aqaba, Jordan, has been a spectacular convergence of visionaries, innovators, and leaders from the global wedding industry. Over three unforgettable days, we witnessed the power of collaboration and creativity in a destination that truly inspires. Aqaba, with its serene Red Sea shores and majestic desert landscapes, offered the perfect blend of luxury and authenticity—setting the stage for meaningful connections and transformative conversations.”
From the moment the 11th Annual DWP Congress opened its doors in Aqaba, Jordan, the air was electric with anticipation. The world’s leading destination wedding professionals converged in a celebration of creativity, innovation, and connection, setting the stage for an event that promises to redefine the future of luxury weddings. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Red Sea and the desert’s golden expanse, the Congress welcomed delegates into an extraordinary journey of knowledge, networking, and inspiration, an experience that begins the moment you arrive and lingers long after the final farewell.
