Program

Check out the official program of the Social Media Conference Suriname 2025 below!

  • 9:30 - 10:15
  • Jean-luc van Charante
  • Royal Ballroom

How the Creative Industry helps to develop a Sustainable future

Discover how creativity can shape a greener tomorrow. This session explores how design, media, and storytelling drive awareness, innovation, and sustainable change, proving that the creative industry is not just about ideas but about impact.

  • 10:30 - 11:30
  • Furgell Pinas, Andrew Baasaron & Priyanka Kumari
  • Royal Ballroom

Bridging the Digital Gap in Suriname (Panel Discussion)

How do we close the gap between digital potential and digital reality? Learn from experts who are driving Suriname’s digital transformation and uncover strategies to make technology more accessible, inclusive, and effective for everyone.

  • 10:30 - 11:30
  • Danielle Bommel
  • Banquet Hall

Lead with Purpose, Impact by Design: Tools and Strategies to Drive Growth and Results (Workshop)

Purpose isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a growth strategy. This session gives leaders the frameworks and tools to build teams, brands, and campaigns that drive measurable impact while staying aligned with meaningful purpose.

  • 10.30 - 11.30
  • Consuela Prade, Danique van Varsseveld & Maya Matawlie
  • SMCS Studio

2025 in Review: A Consumers Take on Social Media Marketing in Suriname (Panel Discussion)

Get the inside scoop on what Surinamese consumers really think about your posts, ads, and trends. A candid review of what worked, what flopped, and what’s next for social media marketing through the eyes of the audience that matters most.

  • 11:45 - 12:45
  • Diego Ameerali
  • Banquet Hall

From Chaos to Clarity: Automating Social Media with Notion + AI (Workshop)

Managing social media doesn’t have to feel like juggling a thousand tabs and endless spreadsheets. Whether you’re a solo creator, agency professional, or part of a marketing team, this session will show you how to turn your workflow from chaotic to crystal clear with smart, time-saving systems.

  • 11:45 - 12:45
  • Danielle Phang, Monique Ceuppens - Bledoeg & Jaanam Bhojwani
  • Royal Ballroom

Understanding Commerce and International Branding (Panel Discussion)

Go beyond borders. This session breaks down what it takes to compete globally—covering e-commerce trends, cross-cultural branding, and how Surinamese businesses can build brands that resonate on the world stage.

  • 11:45 - 12:45
  • Roger van Bochove, Riano Gunther, Ian Inzaghi
  • SMCS Studio

Creating Content for Brands (Panel Discussion)

Content isn’t just about posting—it’s about purpose. In this session, you’ll learn how to create scroll-stopping, story-driven content that reflects your brand voice and actually moves your audience to act.

  • 12:45 - 14:45

Lunch

  • 13:00 - 14:00
  • Brian Imambaks
  • Banquet Hall

Demystify AI Agents for Social Media (Workshop)

AI isn’t the future—it’s now. Learn how AI agents are revolutionizing social media management, content creation, and audience engagement, and walk away with the confidence to integrate them into your digital strategy.

  • 14:45
  • John Austin
  • Banquet Hall

Stop Talking at Them: Documentary Techniques That Cut Through All That Marketing Nonsense (Workshop)

Today’s audiences crave authenticity. Learn how documentary storytelling can help your brand connect on a human level—no fluff, no jargon, just real stories that resonate and convert.

  • 14:45 - 15:45
  • Meroeva Konter Harry, Janine den Hartog-Parisius & Reina Kolf
  • Royal Ballroom

GenWise: Understanding different generations on the workfloor (Panel Discussion)

Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z—different generations, one workplace. This session reveals how to bridge generational gaps, communicate effectively, and create a culture where everyone thrives.

  • 14:45 - 15:45
  • Gloria Bottse, Jerrel Harderwijk & Samuel Blankendal
  • SMCS Studio

The Media in Social Media (Panel Discussion)

Media has evolved—but have we kept up? This session dives into the relationship between traditional and social media, exploring how storytelling, journalism, and digital platforms collide in shaping public opinion and influence.

  • 16:15 - 17:15
  • Michael King
  • Royal Ballroom

Unstuck and Unstoppable

Feeling stuck in your career, creativity, or business? This energizing session helps you identify what’s holding you back—and gives you the mindset and tools to break through barriers and move forward with confidence.

  • 19:30 - 23:00
  • SAB Rumhuis

Networking Party

  • 9:15 - 10:15
  • Rudolf Elias
  • Royal Ballroom

What can oil do for our economy

In this session, Rudolf Elias examines the role of oil in driving economic growth and development. Participants will gain insights into how the oil sector impacts key industries, employment, and national revenue, as well as the opportunities and challenges it presents for sustainable economic planning. Drawing on his expertise, Rudolf provides a clear and practical analysis of how oil can shape the country’s economic future.

  • 10:30 - 11:30
  • Leslie Lee Fook
  • Royal Ballroom

AI and the Future of Video (Individual session)

From automated editing to hyper-personalized storytelling, AI is transforming how we create and consume video. Discover the tools and trends that are redefining the future of visual content creation.

  • 10:30 - 11:30
  • Madhavie Fontijn-Radjpalsing & Masha Bunt
  • Banquet Hall

HR & Social Media by FonHR (Workshop)

Join Madhavie Fontijn-Radjpalsing and Marsha Bunt for an engaging, hands-on workshop that explores how HR and social media can work together to transform the way organizations attract, engage, and retain talent. Through interactive exercises and real-world examples, you’ll learn how to strengthen your employer brand, build authentic online engagement, and use social platforms strategically to boost your HR initiatives. Walk away with actionable strategies and fresh ideas to make your HR approach not just people-focused, but truly social-savvy.

  • 11:45 - 12:45
  • Kieran Chong, Anwar Jap A Joe & Ritesh Sardjoe
  • Royal Ballroom

Closing the Gap: Digital and Mobile Payments (Panel Discussion)

Kieran Chong, Anwar Jap A Joe, and Ritesh Sardjoe will lead a dynamic discussion on the future of digital and mobile payments. The panel will explore how innovation is reshaping the financial landscape, addressing both the opportunities and challenges of making payments more accessible, secure, and inclusive. Participants will gain insights into strategies for bridging the gap between traditional banking and digital solutions, and learn how mobile technologies are driving financial transformation across industries and communities.

  • 11:45 - 12:45
  • Quinten Lambregste
  • Banquet Hall

From Story to Strategy: The Powerful Impact of Storytelling on Brand and Business Growth (Individual session)

In this session, Quinten Lambregtse shares how storytelling can evolve from a simple narrative tool into a key driver of brand and business growth. He explains how authentic stories strengthen brand identity, build trust, and create meaningful connections with audiences. Participants will learn how to turn their brand’s story into a clear and effective strategy for lasting impact.

  • 11:45 - 12:45
  • Nisha Soekha, Diego Ameerali & Aleksandrs Barkans
  • SMCS Studio

Hack-Proof Your Online Life (Panel Discussion)

Cyber threats are everywhere, but protecting your digital identity starts with awareness. In this session, Nisha Soekha, Diego Ameerali, and Aleksandrs Barkans share practical insights on keeping your online life secure. From recognizing risks to protecting personal data, attendees will learn simple, effective ways to stay safe in the digital world.

  • 12:45 - 14:45

Lunch

  • 14:45 - 15:45
  • Nilesh Bishesar, Kurt van Essen & Sanson Ogenio
  • Royal Ballroom

Future-proof your Business(Panel Discussion)

In a world defined by constant change, businesses face ongoing disruption from emerging technologies and evolving customer expectations. This session explores practical strategies and tools to help organizations build resilience, adaptability, and long-term success

  • 14:45 - 15:45
  • Taku Mizusawa
  • Banquet Hall

Advocacy Community As New Sales Driver And Marketing (Individual Session)

Taku Mizusawa will lead an insightful session on the power of advocacy communities as a new force in sales and marketing. He will share how engaged communities can amplify brand visibility, build trust, and drive customer loyalty in ways traditional approaches cannot. Participants will learn practical strategies to create, nurture, and leverage advocacy communities to fuel growth and enhance marketing impact.

  • 14:45 - 15:45
  • Kevin Danoe
  • SMCS Studio

From Conference to Confidence (Individual session)

In this session, Kevin Danoe helps participants transform the insights and experiences gained at conferences into practical skills and self-assurance. Attendees will learn strategies to apply new knowledge, communicate effectively, and take confident action in their professional and personal lives. Kevin’s guidance empowers individuals to turn learning opportunities into tangible growth and lasting confidence.

  • 16:15 - 17:15
  • Phil Mershon
  • Royal Ballroom

Unforgettable: the Art and Science of Creating Memorable Experiences

Phil Mershon will deliver an inspiring keynote that reveals what it truly takes to create experiences people never forget. Blending insights from psychology, creativity, and strategy, he will uncover the art and science behind making events, interactions, and brand moments stick in the minds of audiences. With engaging stories and practical takeaways, Phil will show how to craft experiences that touch emotions, build lasting connections, and drive meaningful impact. This session is aimed at anyone who wants to turn ordinary moments into extraordinary ones that leave a lasting impression.