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 & Impact Day 2026

From 16 – 18 June 2026, Szczecin, Poland, will be the stage for the GDS-Forum & Impact Day events, co-hosted by the GDS-Movement, #MEET4IMPACT, and the City of Szczecin.

This is not another conference – it’s a living lab where destination leaders convene to co-create a bold new blueprint for regenerative impact, resilience, and courage. Through collaborative workshops, deep dialogue, and peer-to-peer learning, we will prototype solutions for the pressing challenges of climate disruption and social change.

Join us to harness our collective intelligence and write a new script, together.

Offsetting Approach

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

Szczezin

GDS-Forum & Impact Day 2026 Programme

Tuesday, 16 June – GDS-Forum Day 1

Start End Programme Location
9:00 9:30 Registration and Coffee
9:30 12:30 Launch of the new VisitFlanders Methodology  
12:30 14:00
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 

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 

Wednesday, 17 June – GDS-Forum Day 2

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 

Thursday, 18 June – Impact Day

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

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