SANTO DOMINGO.- The 2024 edition of the “Social Media Talk”, which will take place on August 8th of this year at Hard Rock Café, Punta Cana, at 7:00 PM, comes this time loaded with topics that currently represent the global trends in the booming construction industry.
This useful content will come from specialists in their respective fields, who will share their knowledge and keep attendees informed about the latest developments in their fields.
We share the first part of the exhibitors who will take the stage at the 24th edition of the event, which this year will be focused for the first time on the construction sector, one of the main pillars of the Dominican economy.
Ally Dantes
A woman, a civil engineer, graduated from the Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE) with Summa Cum Laude honors. She holds a Master's degree in Project Management from the Polytechnic University of Madrid and a diploma in Banking and Finance from the Institute of Stock Market Studies in Madrid.
Her professional profile highlights that in 2014, she represented the country at a Territorial Planning and Development Congress in South Korea.
“One of her first work experiences was at the Duarte Corridor Consortium on the Ortega y Gasset Avenue projects, participating in works such as the overpass, grade separation, pedestrian bridge, drainage works, among others. Then she went to Madrid and upon her return worked as a project manager at the Ministry of Public Works and Communications, developing a plan for the rehabilitation of rural roads throughout the country, the first using the ministry's own equipment and resources,” the professional explains.
Currently, he works for Aybar construction company as a Project Manager, working on a mixed-use project consisting of two residential lots, a shopping center, a corporate building, parks, and a condo hotel, as well as developing a hotel project in the city of Santo Domingo.
Carlos Janaryz
Born in Pamplona, Navarra, Spain, the cradle of renewable energy in the world, where 120% of the energy consumed comes from renewable sources. He has resided in the Dominican Republic since 1994.
His professional background information highlights that he has been the president of CJ Consulting since 2002. He was the representative for Central America and the Caribbean of the Spanish National Renewable Energy Centre, CENER, from 2004-2009, and a managing partner at Renewable Energy SA, RENSA.
He claims to be the Second Vice President of the Spanish Official Chamber of Commerce and President of the Energy and Infrastructure Commission. From 2019 to 2021, he was a partner in INSTALSOLAR, a photovoltaic installation company.
“Creator and promoter of Law 57-07 on Incentives for Renewable Energies and their Special Regimes in the Dominican Republic. Year 2004-2008. Advisor to the Dominican Electricity Transmission Company, ETED. Year 2006-2008. Study of energy evacuation from wind power in the Dominican grid,” the document states.
His extensive resume highlights that he has received awards and is a promoter of renewable energies in national and international banks, such as BHD, Santa Cruz, Banco Popular, Ademi, Lafise, Scotiabank, EIB (European Investment Bank), IFC (World Bank), BCIE (Central American Bank for Economic Integration).
Cristina Espinal
She is a civil engineer and a leader in the production of ready-mix and precast concrete, a graduate of INTEC, with postgraduate degrees in quality and productivity, and construction management, with a 30-year career in the construction industry
Her description indicates that she currently serves as Director of Production and Operations at the company Samuel S. Conde & Associates.
“He is certified by the American Concrete Institute (ACI) and the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI), which supports his outstanding career and his deep passion for ready-mix concrete. His vast experience encompasses the production of ready-mix concrete and precast structural elements, having participated in a broad portfolio of projects throughout the country,” explains his professional profile.
Among the outstanding projects in which he has participated in the East Zone, Espinal cites Coco Bongo, the La Romana tourist port, the Central Romana sugar port, Down Town plaza, the Induban Distribution Center, preclearance, Punta Punta Airport and the Punta Cana Logistics Center.
"Known in the industry as a leader in ready-mix concrete, she is an example of leadership and excellence in civil engineering. She brings not only her deep technical knowledge but also an unwavering passion for developing high-quality projects throughout the country. Her dedication and commitment have made her an inspirational figure in the sector, recognized for her ability to lead teams and successfully execute projects.".
José Xavier Álvarez Blancas
He is a civil engineer with 27 years of experience in the design and construction of swimming pools and related projects, committed to the pool industry and education. He is passionate about his career, particularly hydraulic and structural design.
His profile highlights that he has a master's degree in Construction Management with several certifications, among which the following stand out: Aquatic Works Operator and Instructor (CPO and Instructor) by PHTA and Certified Builder Professional, by PHTA, USA.
Álvarez Blancas' experience includes designing and building various aquatic works, both residential and commercial, and developing structural engineering for various applications, including residential, commercial and aquatic works.
Some of their completed projects include Maravilla Los Cabos, high-end residential and commercial infinity pools; Cabo del Sol, residential pools; Cove Bungalow, Club Villas and Beach Villas, residential pools; Deason, Palmilla, design and construction, among others.
Osman Gonzalez
Graduated from the architecture program, professional with experience in management positions, specialist in the area of strategic risk management, engineering projects in all their phases, infrastructure maintenance, internal audits, quality management system, safety, industrial hygiene (SHIO), management control and monitoring, budget, emergency and contingency plans, among other activities.
The current commercial director of the company Civilmek highlights that he has participated in exploration and production, refining, gas, trade and supply projects, administrative buildings and housing; feasibility studies, scope, preparation for construction, procurement, acceptance testing and commissioning, internal auditor, lead auditor of the quality management system at Petróleos de Venezuela SA.
He was also a professor at the architecture faculty of the Central University of Venezuela for 12 years, an instructor of instructors and a certified facilitator at Petróleos de Venezuela SA, a personal and business coach facilitator, and the current director of the Association of Real Estate Agents and Companies (AEI), East Zone.
Angheisa Bustamante
She is the Finance Director of Noriega Group, holding a degree in Public Accounting with a specialization in Finance from the University of Los Andes, Venezuela. She has over 16 years of experience in administration and finance, with a particular expertise in managing organizational change.
Her professional profile describes her as proactive, organized, and detail-oriented. She possesses strong resilience and leadership skills in time management, customer service, negotiation, and teamwork.
A bit of history
Manuel Ventura, CEO of Social Media Talk Global, said that this is the first version of the "Social Media Talk construction sector", but it is the 24th Social Media Talk.
He explained that it is a platform that highlights people who are doing great things, born from an experience lived in Mexico in 2015, where he participated as a digital leader in the first "Social Media Talk Round Table by TelmexHub" and imported the idea adapted to the Dominican Republic.
He reported that in 2021 he moved the experience to Punta Cana as the destination for his events, becoming a more corporate meeting, testing different business and event models and managing to strengthen the concept where meetings are always held with two topics of interest for the people who live and do business in Bávaro, Punta Cana and Cap Cana.
He added that initially, the events were small, with a capacity for 95 people and a monthly format in Punta Cana, and that in November 2023, he celebrated the 5th anniversary at Blue Mall Punta Cana, giving way to massive gatherings every two months.
"In addition, we launched our podcast to continue broader conversations, as requested, and the Social Media Talk Magazine.".
This year's activity will be sponsored by El Inmobiliario, Noriega Group, CivilMek, Corazón Mermelada, GCPI Gestores Consultores de Procesos Institucionales, APYCA Developers, El Nuevo Diario, Punta Cana Solutions, and Manfisa.
