SPEAKERS
"The Art of Grandeur:
Creating Spaces for Eternity"
Ali Behnam Bakhtiar a pioneering figure in art and design, has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape by seamlessly blending traditional values with modern innovation. Born in Tehran and exiled to Paris during the Iranian revolution, his journey from architecture and fashion to interior design and event creation is nothing short of extraordinary. Collaborating with fashion icons like John Galliano and Karl Lagerfeld, Behnam Bakhtiar launched his haute couture brands and, in 1997, founded Ali Bakhtiar Designs, a prestigious design house renowned for luxury weddings, interiors, and events across the globe.
​
His company, with offices in Monaco, Dubai, and beyond, is recognized for its meticulous attention to detail and bespoke services, ranging from architecture to floral design, creating spaces and events that exemplify elegance and opulence. Ali Bakhtiar Designs has crafted royal weddings and high-profile events, earning worldwide acclaim for their artistic expression and timeless grandeur.
​
Ali Behnam-Bakhtiar’s visionary approach and commitment to excellence have made him a sought-after name in luxury design, setting new standards in creativity and sophistication. His work continues to inspire and shape the world of art, design, and events.
​
Director of Ali Bakhtiar Designs
More than 20 years in the industry
Based on France
​​
Director of Alberto Fonseca - Decoração
More than 10 years in the industry
Based on Brasil
​
"Design unforgettable events
using virtual reality"
Alberto Fonseca, originally from Campo Grande, Brazil, has emerged as one of the most prominent talents in the Brazilian event industry at just 27 years old.
His disruptive approach and ability to challenge traditional event design have allowed him to set a new trend in how events are conceptualized. Alberto doesn’t just organize experiences, he transforms them into immersive works of art that leave an indelible impression on al the attendees.
​
One of his key innovations is the use of virtual reality in his sales proposal. Through this technology, his clients can virtually tour the event before it takes place, exploring every detail and experiencing it as if they were already there. This not only allows them to visualize their vision but also engages them emotionally, ensuring the event will be truly unforgettable.
​
For Alberto, the sky is the limit. His ability to transform spaces and create sensory experiences has positioned him as a leading figure in the industry, delivering unique events that deeply connect with his clients.
"Journey into floral design and event styling"
With Teddy Manuel, you should never expect things to be plain and simple. A blank and boring space is transformed into a wonderland of a specific theme, thanks to his overflowing juice of creativity and relentless pursuit to give his clients only the best.
​
Today, Teddy is one of the most in-demand event stylists in the country. Counted international and local celebrities among those who have tapped Teddy to weave his creative magic into their celebrations: big-ticket weddings such as those of Ogie and Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Drew and Iya Villania-Arellano, Mark and Jolina Magdangal-Escueta, among many others.
​
His floral arrangements have also become attractive focal points in many private homes, hotels, restaurants, and corporate offices.
Teddy has consistently been featured in various magazines and TV shows and lauded for his jaw-dropping designs and arrangements. He was also included in a publication that listed the top seven wedding suppliers in the Philippines.
​
Director of Teddy Manuel Flowers & Events.
More than 10 years in the industry
Based on Phillipines
​
Creative Director of Akarshana Events
More than 15 years in the industry
Based on India
​
"A Cinematic Journey:
Building Dream Weddings from Ground to Grandeur"
Madiraju Shravan, one of India’s foremost architects of monumental weddings, whose expertise and vision have created events that transcend the ordinary. Specializing in weddings with over 3,000 guests,​ Shravan is renowned for his ability to transform spaces into dreamlike palaces where modernity, luxury, and elegance merge seamlessly with the grandeur of Bollywood-style productions.
​
​With some events requiring more than 60 days of production, Shravan leads projects from the ground up, building locations and staging that seem straight out of an epic movie. In his presentation, he will share his creative process, revealing the secrets behind each step of planning—from conceptual design to the moment the lights turn on and the weddings become immersive experiences that leave an unforgettable impression.
​
Get ready for a visually inspiring journey where you’ll learn how to take large-scale weddings to cinematic heights, referencing the wonders of Bollywood in every detail.
"Mobile Photography
elevate your content & brand"
Get ready for an interactive experience with Pipe Gaber, the renowned wedding photographer and tourism ambassador of Yucatán, with a community of over 37,000 followers on social media.
Known for his unique style, Pipe has captured the essence of some of the region’s most iconic events and created an exclusive platform where clients can access information on the stunning haciendas and venues he has worked with.
​
In this workshop, you’ll learn to take and edit top-quality photos directly from your phone.
Pipe will share practical techniques and tips to significantly improve the visual content you post on social media.
This isn’t just a photography course; it’s an opportunity to elevate your brand and project a professional, captivating image.
​
Ready to transform your visual content and stand out on social media?
Join us and benefit from Pipe’s expertise in this interactive workshop that will boost your skills to the next level.
Creative Director of Harir Silks & Pyaar Events Co
More than 15 years in the industry
Based on New York City
​
"Art and Sustainability:
Transforming Events with Silk Flowers"
Discover how to turn your events into more sustainable and visually stunning experiences with high-quality artificial flowers. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn:
​
-
The different types and qualities of artificial flowers.
​
-
Professional methods to incorporate them into your events.
​
-
How to calculate the exact number of flowers needed to create spectacular arrangements.
You’ll also have the chance to create an Instagram-worthy spot that will help you unlock the full potential of silk flowers in your designs.
​
Originally from Bangladesh and now based in New York City, Hasina Ahmed is a renowned designer with over 15 years of experience in the event industry.
Through her companies Harir Silks and Pyaar Events Co, she manufactures and distributes artificial flowers to countries such as the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Guyana.
​
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a visionary leader transforming the way we design sustainable events!
"Color & Confidence
styling for your ideal client"
Manu Castillo, with over 1.2 million followers and 42 million likes on TikTok, is a passionate fashion stylist and educator. After eight years as a university professor, Manu decided to take a new direction, using digital platforms to share his knowledge in a fresh and accessible way.
​
During the pandemic, when his in-person classes stopped, he saw an opportunity on TikTok to reach new audiences. His first video on the platform gained 100,000 views in less than 24 hours, and his influence has only grown since.
Manu blends his background as a graphic designer and stylist with an educational and cultural approach, breaking the stereotypical, superficial view of fashion and offering his followers valuable content on art and general culture.
​
His dedication shines through in the quality of his work: carefully scripted and well-researched content, posting five videos a week. Although TikTok isn’t his direct source of income, it has opened doors for him to collaborate with brands, companies, and schools seeking his expertise in fashion and education. Manu Castillo is a prime example of how a passion for teaching can transcend the classroom and reach millions worldwide.
"Light, Design & Emotion:
The magic of event lighting"
Discover how to transform any space into an unforgettable experience with the magic of lighting.
​
This exclusive workshop will be led by Andrés Gómez, audiovisual producer at Effusion, Colombia, with over 19 years of experience in event production.
His remarkable career includes working with international artists such as Karol G, Bad Bunny, Morat, and Afterlife, bringing his creative and detail-oriented approach to every stage he illuminates.
​
With years of expertise crafting shows that blend technique, art, and emotion, Andrés will share his insights on how lighting can enhance designs, create unique atmospheres, and serve as a key decorative element for unforgettable events.
​
This practical and inspiring workshop will provide you with the tools to excel in the industry, combining creativity and technical skill to bring your vision to life.
Take your events and your brand to the next level with the guidance of an expert who has illuminated some of the world’s most iconic stages!
COMING SOON
Keep checking in here and in our social media, while we post the rest of our speakers.
