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Interview: Stepping into a New Decade - Key Themes and Vision for DWP 2025 in Aqaba

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Interview: Stepping into a New Decade - Key Themes and Vision for DWP 2025 in Aqaba

The 11th Annual Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) Congress is preparing for a landmark edition, setting its sights on the stunning shores of the Red Sea in Aqaba, Jordan.

This event promises to be a spectacular fusion of ancient history, modern luxury, and groundbreaking industry insights.

To find out what delegates can expect from this highly anticipated event - from exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Petra and Wadi Rum to the key themes driving the content sessions - we interviewed Sidh NC, Director of QnA International, to discuss why Aqaba is the perfect host and how DWP 2025 will define the next decade of destination weddings.

Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla - Ariel View

Given that DWP 2025 will be held in Aqaba, what are the key features of the host venue that make it ideal for destination weddings? Will there be opportunities for delegates to explore unique wedding locations in the surrounding areas, like Wadi Rum or Petra?

The 11th Annual DWP Congress in Aqaba promises to be a spectacular convergence of luxury, culture, and innovation in the world of destination weddings. Aqaba, nestled on the shores of the Red Sea, offers a breathtaking backdrop that’s both serene and vibrant—making it an ideal canvas for unforgettable celebrations.

Key Features of the Host Venue – Ayla & Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Resorts The Congress will be hosted at Ayla, a visionary waterfront development, and the Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Resort. These venues are purpose-built for elegance and exclusivity:

  • Stunning coastal views and architectural brilliance that blend modern luxury with Jordanian heritage.

  • World-class hospitality and amenities tailored for high-end events.

  • Versatile event spaces that cater to intimate ceremonies and grand galas alike.

  • Seamless integration of nature and design, offering couples a unique sensory experience.

Exploration Beyond Aqaba – Wadi Rum & Petra Absolutely—Jordan’s iconic landscapes are part of the magic. Delegates will have curated opportunities to explore:

  • Wadi Rum, the majestic desert valley known for its cinematic beauty and starlit skies—perfect for boho-chic and adventure-themed weddings.

  • Petra, the ancient rose-red city carved into rock, offering a dramatic and historic setting for couples seeking timeless grandeur.

Aqaba is the gateway to a country rich in romance, heritage, and storytelling, and we’re thrilled to spotlight its full potential at DWP 2025

Petra Photoshoot

How will the event incorporate the local culture and heritage of Jordan into the overall experience, particularly during the social functions and gala dinners?

At the heart of this year’s DWP Congress is a deep celebration of authentic Jordanian culture, regional craftsmanship, and meaningful storytelling, seamlessly woven into every guest touchpoint — from arrival to farewell. 
 
From the very moment guests land, they’ll feel the warmth of Jordanian hospitality, our host partner ASEZA is preparing to welcome DWP guests with a beautiful Jordanian traditional experience at the airport while our DMC Partner, Amin Kawar & Sons will ensure seamless transfers in true Arabian luxury hospitality. 
 
Our host hotel partner, Hyatt Regency Ayla, together with our venue partner Ayla Oasis, sets the stage for an elevated welcome experience - blending modern luxury with local traditions.  Close your eyes for just a moment… Now picture this:
 
The first light of dawn shimmering across Ayla’s tranquil lagoons. The Red Sea glistening on the horizon. The Edom Mountains rising like a majestic frame to your morning coffee ritual, sipped from the terrace of your room. Every Space at the Hyatt and Ayla Tells a Story. Each room will offer a meaningful surprise, a beautifully curated welcome box by Nahhal Printing from Lebanon, along with hand-stitched pouches by SEP, an inspiring social enterprise that supports Palestinian women artisans. Hyatt Regency is also adding a personal touch of Jordanian generosity.
 
The Welcome Reception kicks off with a vibrant "Paradiso"-themed evening. Guests will be adorned with SEP sashes, and then 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.
 
This will lead into a magical evening at Sinam Resort, our venue partner, where we take you on an authentic cultural experience and captures the essence of a Bedouin gathering under the vast, starry sky, a classic Arabian desert experience. 
 
Day two with the official opening of the conference, we draw inspiration from the five elemental forces that define Aqaba: the Earth of its majestic landscapes, the Fire of the desert sun, the Water of the Red Sea, the Air that fills its sails, and the Spirit of its vibrant people. Our agenda is designed to channel this energy, moving from focused collaboration to celebratory opulence.
 
Our Gala Dinner is themed "Jewels of Jordan", planned and executed by the visionary team at My Event Design. Held at the breathtaking Ayla Golf Course, this evening is a tribute to Jordan’s rich heritage, natural beauty, and artisanal legacy. Guests will enjoy exquisite cuisine curated by Ayla, and a spectacular entertainment showcase by Show de Vida, perfectly blending the local with the international. Guests are invited to Embrace the Jordanian theme by choosing a color Inspired by the Jewels of Jordan. Let the colors of Petra's stone, the Red Sea's coral, and the desert's gold inspire your opulent attire.
 
We close with a final day of connection and reflection at the exhibition area, followed by a sunset Closing Cocktail and after party at the stunning Mama Gaia at Ayla Oasis, designed to perfection once again by Majeda and Sewar of My Event Design. 
 
The theme for this night - Disco Bedouin- represents the story of the destination. A story of heritage and modernity, of warm hearts and welcoming hands, and of a people proud to share their land and spirit with the world.
 
Jordan has always stood as a bridge between past and future, where timeless tradition meets visionary innovation.
Every detail - from the venues to the vendors - has been chosen with heart and purpose. It's Jordan through its stories, its people, and its passion.
 
Indian Wedding in Aqaba

Could you share more about the key themes for the key note sessions, panel discussions and masterclasses this year? Who are the most prominent speakers addressing these sessions.

The 11th Annual DWP Congress in Aqaba is set to be a landmark edition, not just for its stunning location but for the depth and diversity of its content. This year’s programming is built around the theme: "Stepping Into A New Decade Of Destination Weddings", reflecting the evolution of the industry and the bold future ahead. 

The Congress will explore a dynamic mix of topics designed to inspire, challenge, and elevate the global wedding community with the most trending topics like business insights, new-age unions, destination and pricing, timelessness over trends, understanding couture weddings, masterclass on the latest in the industry; whether it is generating loyal customer with continuous revenue stream, or managing the nuances of privacy and NDA, factoring emotional journey of planners to create incredible experiences and more. 

Prominent speakers addressing the audience includes the creme-de la-creme of the global destination wedding industry such as:

Sharon Sacks, Julian Posner, Vandana Mohan, Terrica, Ziad Raphael Nassar, Mauricio Kirschner, Sumant Jayakrishnan, and the AI expert of Wedding planners, Sasha Mekhedova whose session is on AI and data to create weddings that elevate your brand and the market.

Petra Photoshoot

Beyond the main panel discussions and B2B meetings, are there any specialized networking sessions that will help delegates to connect with planners or suppliers who specialize in destination weddings?

Absolutely. One of the most exciting aspects of the 11th Annual DWP Congress is how it goes beyond traditional formats to foster meaningful, targeted connections - especially for those focused on destination weddings.

Apart from the meetings, there would be over 30+ hours of networking across the 3 days for planners and suppliers to connect and collaborate. These are in the form of the evening functions (welcome cocktail reception, gala dinner, closing cocktail night), coffee breaks, networking luncheons and others. 

The event and the agenda has been designed in a manner to inculcate maximum opportunities for meaningful networking. 

La Plage Beach Club at Hyatt Regency Ayla

After the event concludes, what resources will be available for DWP delegates to help them maintain the connections and partnerships we've made?

The DWP Congress is a movement across the industry, and we are committed to providing the resources to sustain that momentum.  

Attendees have the opportunity to take back business cards, brochures, information & media packs of sponsors they feel they would want to perhaps collaborate in the future.

Attendees can also request for speaker presentations to stay abreast with upcoming trends within the industry. And moreover, the DWP Congress team is always available to foster connections and help connect planners or sponsors with each other even after the event is over. 

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