GDS-Forum

The GDS-Forum convenes destination leaders and sustainability champions from around the world. This is a dynamic, fun and unconventional gathering to discuss sustainability and impact strategies and best practices, learn from GDS-Index journeys, and co-create new approaches and initiatives for greater regenerative destination management. 

GDS-Forum & CityDNA Autumn Conference

The second edition of the GDS-Forum took place on 15 – 16 October 2024, along with the GDS-Awards, and the CityDNA Autumn Conference in Bruges, Flanders, Belgium.

The combined theme of the events, “Let Pigs Fly”, disrupts the conventional approach to urban tourism and the visitor economy, showcasing stories of achieving the impossible and driving change. It’s a gathering of bold individuals challenging the status quo, and pushing the boundaries of destination innovation and transformation. At this annual “un-conference”, you can collaborate with peers and leaders in destination strategy and sustainability to translate innovative ideas into regenerative action, fostering socio-economic and environmental prosperity in cities and regions.

Wondering What We Do During the GDS-Forum?

Over the past months, we’ve brainstormed, refined and gathered resources around the goals you shared with us in Bruges – now we need you! In the GDS-Forum Report we have gathered:

  • Read the 10 refined Moonshot Goals
  • Vote for your top 4 Moonshot Goals – the ones you believe should lead the way
  • Share relevant case studies and best practices
Click or tap to open 2024 GDS-Forum | Report by GDS Movement

GDS-Forum/CityDNA Conference Aftermovie:

Bruges

Our Sustainability Report

The 2024 GDS-Forum & CityDNA Autumn Conference brought together 270 in-person attendees from the 15 to 18 of October 2024 in the beautiful city of Bruges.

In collaboration with Visit Bruges Convention Bureau, GDS-Movement, and CityDNA, the event set ambitious sustainability objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned with Bruges’ local infrastructure, policies, and goals. Sustainability was at the heart of every decision, from planning to execution, with a focus on four key pillars:
Climate Action, Circular Economy, Social Responsibility, and Legacy & Impact.

Thank you to our partners for contributing to these key achievements:

  • Over 90% of food was sourced locally (within 160 km), with a strong focus on variety and vegetarian options.
  • A dedicated Train Challenge encouraged sustainable travel, with 64% of attendees taking the regional train to and from Bruges.
  • 90% of suppliers were locally based, reinforcing and supporting the regional economy.

We used the TRACE platform to assess and track our CO2 emissions.

Offsetting Approach

A portion of each ticket price was allocated to offset 100% of all unavoidable event-related emissions. Through South Pole, we supported three certified “Gold Standard” carbon offsetting projects, ensuring the highest level of credibility and impact.

Read more about the 2024 GDS-Forum & CityDNA Autumn Conference Sustainability Event Report by clicking the button below.

Impact Day & GDS-Forum Practical Programme

Monday, 14 October – Impact Day

Start End Programme Location
9:00 9:30 Registration and Coffee Saint Magdalene Church 
9:30 12:30 Launch of the new VisitFlanders Methodology   Saint Magdalene Church 
12:30 14:00 Lunch Saint Magdalene Church 
14:00 15:30 Programme Saint Magdalene Church 
15:30 15:45 Coffee Break Saint Magdalene Church 
15:45 17:15 Programme Saint Magdalene Church 
17:15 17:30 Close Saint Magdalene Church 

Tuesday, 15 October – GDS-Forum Day 1

Start End Programme Location
8:00 8:15 Transfer to Zwin Nature Park (3 Buses leave every 5 minutes)  Meet in front of Crowne Plaza  
8:45 09:15  Guest Arrival and Registration Entrance Hall – Zwin Nature Park 
9.15 10:35 Programme Panoramic Room (Upstairs) 
10:35 10:55 Transition and Coffee Entrance Hall 
10:55 12:30 Programme Shelter (Downstairs)
12:30 13:30 Lunch Museum
13:30 13:55 Welcome Back Outside
13:55 15:45 Programme Shelter (Downstairs)
15:45 16:05 Coffee Entrance Hall 
16:05 17:30 Programme Shelter (Downstairs)
17:30 18:30 Guided Walk Outside
18:30 20:30 Drinks and Dinner Shelter (Downstairs)
20:45 20:45 Transfer back to Crowne Plaza (3 busses leave at the same time, duration 45 minutes) Zwin Nature Park: Parking 

Wednesday, 16 October  – GDS-Forum Day 2

Start End Programme Location
8:15 9:00 Registration and Welcome Crowne Plaza: Burgh Meeting Room 
9:00 12:30 Programme Crowne Plaza: Burgh Meeting Room 
12:30 13:30 Lunch Crowne Plaza: Sint-Donaas Foyer
(
Lunch needs to be booked in advance with CityDNA)
 
13:30 15:00 Index MeetUp Sint-Donaas Room
15:30 16:30 CityDNA Sustainability Knowledge Group Expert Session Burgh Room

Wednesday, 16 October  – GDS-Awards Ceremony & CityDNA Gala Dinner

Start End Programme Location
18:30 18:45 Meet in front of three event hotels to walk to
Bruges Royal Municipal Theatre (Vlamingstraat 29)
 
Meeting Points:
Hotel Crowne Plaza Bruges (Burg 10)
Grand Hotel Casselbergh (Hoogstraat 6)
Hotel Aragon
(Naaldenstraat 22)
 
18:30 18:55 Doors Open and Seating Bruges Royal Municipal Theatre 
18:55 19:00 Doors Close Bruges Royal Municipal Theatre 
19:00 20:30 Awards Ceremony Bruges Royal Municipal Theatre
Dress Code: Black with a touch of red
20:30 01:00 Dinner and Party Bruges Royal Municipal Theatre 
00:30 01:00 Carriages Bruges Royal Municipal Theatre 

See the 2024 Programme Content below:

GDS-Movement Impact Day

Monday, 14 October 2024

2024 GDS-Movement Impact Day is a pivotal one-day inaugural conference aimed at redefining the role of the Business Events sector in driving societal and environmental transformation and regeneration.

Organised by VisitFlanders, the GDS-Movement, and #Meet4Impact, the Impact Day will take place in Bruges, Flanders, Belgium, immediately prior to the GDS-Forum and CityDNA Autumn Conference.

Find out more information here.

GDS-Forum: Let Pigs Fly – Shifting Mindsets

Tuesday morning, 15 October 2024

Delve into the crucial topic of shifting mindsets for radical and accelerated change. Today´s agenda includes empowering teams and leaders, bridging the gap from ‘What If’ to ‘How’, and identifying strategies to accelerate change. Learn how to encourage leadership, clients, and suppliers of the critical nature of change, while keeping communities alive and thriving.

Venue: Zwin Visitor Centre

Group transfer from Hotel Crowne Plaza to Zwin Visitor Centre.

GDS-Forum: Let Pigs Fly – Showcase Innovation

Tuesday afternoon, 15 October 2024

Discover the latest in innovation and receive updates on the “Building Block”s from our 2023 GDS-Forum. Explore what’s next for these foundational elements and unlock insights into their future trajectory

Venue: Zwin Visitor Centre

GDS-Forum: Let Pigs Fly – Fostering Collaboration

Wednesday morning, 16 October 2024

Discover strategies to speed up change and drive progress. Explore methods for sustaining a vibrant and thriving community. Engage with actionable outcomes to propel initiatives forward.

Let’s develop actionable outcomes to drive impactful transformation.

Venue: Hotel Crowne Plaza

GDS-Awards

Wednesday evening, 16 October 2024

Recognise and celebrate the efforts of GDS-Index destinations and changemakers

– Leadership Award
– Most Improved Award
– Innovation Award
– The GDS-Movement and #MEET4IMPACT Impact Award

Venue: Bruges Royal Municipal Theatre 

Join Forces: ​Partner with us for a Regenerative Future​

Be part of shared success, collective learning, and positive change within the industry​

Co-create Legacy

Your support is a powerful catalyst to co-creating a meaningful legacy for GDS-Forum and the events industry. Develop innovation with lasting impact on communities while regenerating the natural environment with us.

GDS-Forum Partners

Catalyst Partners

Strategic Partners

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Media Partners