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.
Unlocking Collective Intelligence for Regenerative Destinations
The GDS-Forum is a flagship gathering of global sustainability leaders, destination innovators, and business tourism professionals. Curated by the GDS-Movement, it serves as a dynamic space to accelerate the regenerative transformation of cities and places.
This isn’t your typical conference. The GDS-Forum is intentionally designed as a living laboratory – an “unconference” rooted in collaboration, courage, and co-creation. It brings together pioneering changemakers to exchange bold ideas, strengthen cross-sector partnerships, and co-create actionable strategies.
Each edition of the GDS-Forum is tailored to the host destination’s unique context and opportunities. Through immersive workshops, systems thinking, peer-to-peer learning, and facilitated dialogue, it empowers participants to lead systemic change in their own communities and sectors. Every participant is both a learner and a contributor. Every conversation is rooted in purpose. Every session is a platform for discovery, not just delivery.
The GDS-Triology: Forum, Impact Day, and Awards
The GDS-Forum is one part of a powerful trilogy:
- Impact Day
- GDS-Forum
- GDS-Awards Ceremony
Together, they form a journey of action, celebration, and transformation in tourism, place-making, and urban development.
Impact Day
Co-created by GDS-Movement, #MEET4IMPACT, and the International Alliance for Impact (IAI), Impact Day is a high-energy, action-focused event that accelerates social and environmental impact within the events industry. It bridges the global sustainability agenda with local impact ecosystems by bringing together global changemakers, local leaders, and community stakeholders for a day of:
- Understanding & Designing Impact (keynotes, case studies, frameworks)
- Implementing & Scaling Impact (roadmaps, models, co-creation)
Destinations that host Impact Day collaborate closely with all partners to design a locally relevant programme that engages government, NGOs, academia, and communities.
GDS-Awards Ceremony
A highlight of the GDS-Forum is the GDS-Awards Ceremony, which recognises cities and destinations leading the way in innovation, impact, and measurable progress towards regeneration.
Celebrating the annual results of the GDS-Index, the Awards shine a light on those boldly redefining what success looks like in tourism and events.
What Others Say…
“With over 250 professionals from more than 30 countries, these events offered valuable insights into the trends shaping the tourism and business events industry. Topics ranged from sustainable destination management and the role of AI in enhancing visitor experiences, to data-driven decision-making and the growing focus on inclusive travel. The discussions were both forward-thinking and practical.”
— Visit Brussels
Our Sustainability Approach
The GDS-Forum is committed to embedding sustainability at the core of its design and delivery. In collaboration with host destinations and strategic partners, each edition sets ambitious sustainability objectives and KPIs aligned with local infrastructure, policies, and goals.
Sustainability is prioritised across all aspects of the event, with a focus on four key pillars: Climate Action, Circular Economy, Social Responsibility, and Legacy & Impact. Emissions are measured using carbon measurement tools, and where unavoidable, are addressed through certified high-quality carbon offsetting projects. We used the TRACE platform to assess and track our CO2 emissions.
