Welcome

Thank you for making plans to join the Concordia Horizon Summit: Dominican Republic. This ‘How to Summit’ Guide provides information on how to pick up your Summit credentials, venue information, details about excursions, best practices for maximizing your time, suggested activities, programming themes, and more. We look forward to seeing you! 

Quick References 

 

View our Programming Agenda 

View our Speakers 

Dress code: Feel free to lean into the location when packing! 

  • The dress code for daytime programming and activities is business professional.
  • For receptions, the dress code is cocktail attire. 
  • For excursions, the dress code is business casual, however please make sure to wear closed-toe shoes and to bring a light, waterproof jacket.

Are you registered? 

  • If you have not registered to attend the Summit, please do so here.  
  • Registration is required by COB February 16.
  • Registration after that time is based on capacity.
  • You must be registered to attend receptions, excursions, and roundtables beforehand. If you are not yet registered or aware of your registration status, please reach out to rsvp@concordia.net as soon as possible. Capacity is limited. 

Photo ID: Make sure to bring a government-issued photo ID with you for registration check-in. 

Summit pass: Your Summit Pass must be visible at all times, including for evening reception entry.  

WiFi information, with thanks to Seguros Crecer and AFP Crecer, our WiFi Sponsors: 

  • Network: WHotelGuest 
  • Password: PUJWH2025 
  • WiFi information will also be listed on the back of your Summit pass. 

Questions?

Spa discount: Guests of the W Hotel, Punta Cana will receive a 15% discount off spa services, exclusive of tips, service fees, and merchandise. View the spa menu here

 

Venue & Registration

The Concordia Horizon Summit: Dominican Republic will take place at the W Hotel, Punta Cana (Carretera Uvero Alto, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic). 

Transportation from airport:

  • Guests who are staying at the W Hotel, Punta Cana can take advantage of complimentary ground transportation to and from the PUJ Airport. All flight details must be emailed to rsvp@concordia.net no later than February 16th to take advantage of this opportunity.   
  • For guests staying at the W Hotel, you will clear security and pick up your luggage. Once you exit the secure area, protocol staff holding signs marked "Concordia" will be there to greet you. If you do not see the protocol staff, please contact them at +1 (829) 679-5716 to facilitate.

Registration and Plenary locations:

  • Registration will take place across the foyer from the hotel lobby on Floor 1. 
  • The main Plenary will be located in the Great Room on Floor 2.
  • Signage will be present throughout the hotel to guide you to the event.  

Registration will be open during the following times: 

  • Wednesday, February 18: 3:00pm-8:00pm 
  • Thursday, February 19: 7:30am-5:00pm  

All guests must be pre-registered and show a government-issued ID upon check-in.  

Please note, due to strict W Hotel security guidelines, Concordia may not be able to assist unregistered guests with access. 

Summit Programming Hours & On-site Activities

Wednesday, February 18: Roundtables and Welcome Reception 

  • 3:00pm: Invitation-only Roundtables begin on Floor 2 of the main W Hotel building
  • 6:00-7:00pm: Welcome Reception at the Garden Theater at the W Hotel
  • 7:00-9:00pm: Dinner 

Thursday, February 19: Plenary Programming and Lunch Discussions  

  • 9:25am-12:00pm: Plenary Sessions in the Great Room on Floor 2  
  • 12:00pm-2:00pm: Lunch and Lunch Discussions at Trade Market at the W Hotel 
  • 2:00pm-4:45pm: Plenary Sessions in the Great Room on Floor 2  

Friday, February 20: Excursions, see below for details

Excursions 

Excursions are planned for Friday, February 20, the last day of the Summit. Please make sure to review the dress code suggestions in the Quick References section above.

Concordia and ProDominicana have curated unique excursions exclusively for participants of the Concordia Horizon Summit: Dominican Republic designed to showcase the dynamic investment and operating environment and vibrant culture of the island. A must-see for those visiting and eager to experience the country more fully!  

These excursions are limited to 50 people, on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration closes strictly at 3pm on February 16th to support planning. Please contact us at rsvp@concordia.net to register or confirm. 

Transportation

Please meet in the hotel lobby at 8:45am

Buses will depart at 9:00am with an expected return at 2:00pm.

1st Destination

CEPM | Punta Cana–Macao Energy Consortium

The excursion to CEPM, the Punta Cana–Macao Energy Consortium, provides a rare opportunity to explore how reliable, innovative, and sustainable energy systems underpin economic growth in one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic regions. As the primary energy provider for the country’s leading tourism and development corridors, CEPM has been a regional pioneer in renewable energy, smart grids, and energy efficiency. Participants will gain insight into how forward-looking energy infrastructure--spanning solar, wind, storage, and digital networks--supports resilience, competitiveness, and long-term development, while serving as a model for energy transition across Latin America and the Caribbean.

2nd Destination

Dominicanía Cultural Center

Participants will visit Dominicanía for a guided cultural experience focused on two of the Dominican Republic’s most iconic products: cacao and rum. This curated visit provides an authentic and educational introduction to Dominican heritage through flavor, craftsmanship, and storytelling, all within a single immersive setting. 

During the chocolate experience, participants will learn about the Dominican Republic’s leadership in high-quality cacao production, following the journey from cacao bean to finished chocolate. The session concludes with a guided tasting of artisanal chocolates, highlighting different cacao percentages and flavor profiles.  

The rum experience offers insight into the country’s renowned rum-making tradition, from sugarcane to distillation and aging. Participants will take part in a guided tasting of premium Dominican rums led by experts, learning how to identify aromas, notes, and production techniques.  

Security, Credentials & Programming Access 

Your Summit Pass must be visible at all times; entry will not be granted without it. See the Venue & Registration section above for more information on registration. 

Bags such as luggage, backpacks, or oversize bags of any kind will not be permitted into the event space and must be checked at the Bag & Coat check. Permitted bags such as small purses, laptop bags, and messenger bags may be subject to security search upon entry.  

Seating in the plenary is first-come, first-served, so please plan accordingly. 

Overview of the Concordia Horizon Summit: Dominican Republic

Mainstage programming 

Concordia’s Horizon Summits provide our membership community with the opportunity to gather in strategically selected cities across the globe. These events focus on one mainstage where attendees will hear from global leaders, experts, and industry innovators in Chatham House Rule conversations. 

Concordia Connect  

Concordia Connect is your tool during the Summit to schedule bilateral meetings with other attendees. If you’re a Partner, Sponsor, or Member, make sure to register for the Summit, so you can take advantage of this networking platform during the event.  

For any Partners, Sponsors, or Members who are interested in utilizing Concordia Connect on-site, please reach out to connect@concordia.net to access the necessary resources to begin requesting meetings. As a reminder, once a request is submitted, a member of our Community Engagement team will process the request. You will be connected directly with the selected individual upon confirmation that they are interested in taking the meeting. The Concordia team will remain in the chain in case any additional support is needed. For any meetings that are unable to take place on-site, we will still process and broker the connection, so you are able to pivot to a virtual meeting. 

If you are not a current Concordia Community Member and are interested in learning more about our engagement offerings, please contact membership@concordia.net 

Concordia Connect How To: 

Step 1: Register for the Summit 

Step 2: Review the platform and request meetings 

Step 3: Email your Member POC to share your meeting priorities—they can help ensure everything is received as well as make recommendations based on community knowledge (optional) 

Step 4: Work directly to set up a time that works across all parties  

Step 5: The Concordia team will provide a variety of indoor and outdoor options for the meeting to take place. However, we also encourage you to find a spot throughout the resort that feels most appropriate for the conversation. 

Step 6: Enjoy your conversation! 

Roundtables  

For those interested in roundtable discussions, make sure to check your inbox for invitations and register for the Summit to ensure hosts know you’re attending. Specific locations and briefing materials will be provided in advance of discussions. For questions about roundtables that you are participating in, please contact roundtables@concordia.net. Please note that participation in roundtables is by invitation only. 

Best Practices from the Concordia Community 

 

Bring a device charger or battery pack. 

Don’t forget business cards (printed or digital). 

This event takes place in a tropical climate. For comfort across networking moments, Concordia recommends layered attire and sunblock

Book meetings in advance but leave space in your agenda for unexpected reconnections or opportunities. 

Want to connect with a speaker? Kindly respect that the green rooms are closed-door only and congregating outside presents logistical challenges for others attending the Summit. It is best to use the Concordia Connect portal to pre-arrange a “hola” or bilateral meeting.  

Excited for the Summit? We are, too! Share your enthusiasm on social media and tag us so that we can repost and amplify. We're @ConcordiaSummit on all social media channels and are using #Concordia26. 

 

Programming Agenda 

Concordia’s programming agenda is constantly being updated. For the latest updates, check out our digital agenda online. Make sure to plan to attend the sessions you’re most interested in. 

Global Economy & Trade 

Global trade and economic dynamics are undergoing profound transformations, driven by shifts in manufacturing, supply chains, and international trade disputes. These changes reshape how goods are produced and exchanged, impacting emerging and established economies. To ensure long-term prosperity, it is vital to strengthen supply chain resilience, promote standardization, and foster sustainable growth through innovation in trade and manufacturing. Government and private sector leaders must work together to address shifting opinions on tariffs and how countries trade with each other.  

Democracy, Security & Geopolitical Risk 

Focusing on redefining foreign policy, cooperation between countries, and a sense of domestic peace and security will be high on governmental agendas. How can political parties in divided countries come together to combat the rampant mis- and disinformation across all societal discourse levels? How can initiatives designed to situate underrepresented voices as key actors in preventing conflict, promoting peace, and countering violent extremism affect a change? What role does technology like artificial intelligence play in navigating geopolitical risk and policy making? And how can sectors and multilateral organizations work together to strengthen democracy and national security in a time fraught with threat and conflict? 

Press & Media 

The Summit will follow the Chatham House Rule to encourage open and candid conversation. Participants may use the information shared during sessions; however, the identities and affiliations of speakers or participants may not be disclosed without their explicit permission. This approach is intended to foster open, solution-focused dialogue in a trusted environment. 

A dedicated interview space will be available on-site for scheduled media engagements. Unless otherwise agreed by both parties, all interviews are considered on the record. 

For questions, interview coordination, or media-related support, please contact: 

Mateo Carvajal González, Media Relations Manager 

Thank you for your partnership in respecting these guidelines and helping ensure a thoughtful and impactful Summit experience for all participants. 

With thanks to our Programming Partner

With thanks to our Programming Sponsors

With thanks to our WiFi Sponsors

With thanks to our Media Partner

With thanks to our Founding Sponsor

With thanks to our Membership Community

AB InBev Foundation

Abbott

Amazon Web Services

ADESO

APCO Worldwide

Arizona State University Foundation

AstraZeneca

Baghdadi Capital

B&K Agency

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

Calamos Investments

Caputo Family Foundation

Caterpillar Inc.

Center for BrainHealth

Cercarbono

Children International

ChildFund International

Coca-Cola Latin America

Counterpart International

Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF)

CrossBoundary Group

Daabon

Digitalis

Doha Forum

DP World

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)

Elevate Africa

Ernst and Young

Explr Media

ExxonMobil

Food for the Hungry

Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEİK)

Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos

Fundación Azteca

G42

Gallup

Galapagos Conservancy

GE Healthcare

General Motors 

Glencore

Global Humane Society

GS1 US

Global System for Mobile

Communications Association (GSMA)

Greater London Authority (GLA)

Hamm Institute for American Energy

iDE Global

InterAction

Innovation for Development Foundation

International Medical Corps

The International Yacht Company

Jobs For the Future

John Templeton Foundation

Juan Valdez

Libra Group

Malaria No More

Mars

McKinsey & Company

Merck

Meta

Microsoft

Mount Sinai AIGH

Movement Health Foundation

National Medal of Honor Griffin Institute

National MS Society

Nano Nuclear Energy Inc.

New York City Department of Transportation

Nokia

Novartis Foundation

One Region

Partners of the Americas

Policy Wisdom

Paystand

Pro Mujer

Public-Private Strategies

QatarDebate Center

Salesforce

ServiceNow

Sesame Workshop

Siemens Healthineers

SIVOTEC BioInformatics

Stop TB Partnership

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York (TECO-NY)

Teal

TC Energy

The Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND)

The Armenian Project (TAP)

The Grand North America

The Rockefeller Foundation

TikTok

U.S. Department of State, Office of Global Partnerships

Uber

US-Syria Business Council

The University of Virginia Darden School of Business Institute for 
Business in Society

USA for UNHCR

Vantive

Volunteers of America (VOA)

WHO Foundation

World Heart Federation

World Vision

YoHealth