From Shipyards to Sustainability – The city of Szczecin is the Chosen Host of the GDS-Forum & Impact Day 2026
DMO and events professionals unite to drive co-creation and collective action
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From left to right: Michał Przepiera, Deputy Mayor of City of Szczecin, Geneviève Leclerc, CEO & Co-Founder of #MEET4IMPACT, Guy Bigwood, CEO of the GDS-Movement, Ireneusz Nowak, CEO of Żegluga Szczecińska Turystyka Wydarzenia
A city that has regenerated from past challenges, navigating shifting borders to achieve a vibrant rebirth, is now set to host global changemakers in regenerative tourism and events. From 16 – 18 June 2026, Szczecin, Poland, will be the stage for the GDS-Forum & Impact Day events, co-hosted by the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement), #MEET4IMPACT, and the City of Szczecin.
In an era of uncertainty fuelled by climate disruption, destabilised economies, and profound social change, the gathering will convene leaders to co-create a new narrative for destination impact, resilience, and regeneration.
Szczecin: A city in Transformation
Situated near the Baltic Sea, and just two hours from Berlin, Szczecin emerged from the devastation of World War II to reinvent itself. Szczecin has since thrived by daring to invent its own future. From shipbuilding powerhouse to a modern renewable energy and logistics hub pursuing the ambitious Floating Garden 2050 vision, it embodies reinvention, transformation, and courage.
Piotr Krzystek, President of Szczecin:
“I’m delighted that Szczecin has been chosen to host the GDS-Forum & Impact Day 2026. Our growing involvement in the global tourism and MICE industry is beginning to deliver results. It is a demanding journey, but we are determined to showcase Szczecin from a fresh perspective. We are a modern metropolis that doesn’t overwhelm, turning our unique location into a strong advantage. International companies are already recognising this and investing in our city, and we look forward to welcoming international tourism and MICE professionals with equal enthusiasm.”
Ireneusz Nowak, CEO of Żegluga Szczecińska Turystyka Wydarzenia, initiator of Szczecin Convention Bureau:
“Thanks to the Szczecin Convention Bureau, our city is no longer seen as marginal, and the MICE industry is increasingly embracing its potential. We are reshaping Szczecin’s image from a ‘city at the end of the world’ into a modern, sustainable meeting hub. In line with our development strategy, we focus on accessibility, innovation, and sustainability. Revitalising port areas such as Cielętnik and Stara Rzeźnia shows how we combine tradition, modernity, and responsibility for the future. Our unique location and growing recognition are confirmed by hosting the GDS-Forum & Impact Day next year.”
The GDS-Forum: A Living Lab for Reinventing Leadership
Unlike traditional conferences, the GDS-Forum functions as a living lab – an experimental, co-creative space where participants actively shape the agenda. Through collaborative workshops, deep dialogue, and peer-to-peer learning, the forum unlocks the shared potential of its community. Together, participants test ideas, share challenges, and prototype solutions in real time, building the capacity for regenerative leadership and equipping destinations to navigate an uncertain future with creativity and courage.
“Our mission is to empower professionals to co-create more regenerative and resilient destinations,” says Guy Bigwood, CEO of the GDS-Movement. “Szczecin is the perfect host; its DNA of regeneration mirrors the courage and creativity we need in uncertain times.”
Impact Day: From ideas to measurable changes through business events
Impact Day, co-designed and co-delivered by the GDS-Movement and #MEET4IMPACT, will nudge participants from inspiration to action. The programme is designed to align destinations and global organisations to more effectively create, measure, and scale the positive social value of tourism and events.
“As uncertainty builds, so does the opportunity to act collectively,” adds Geneviève Leclerc, CEO & Co-Founder of #MEET4IMPACT. “Impact Day is about harnessing collective intelligence – uniting sectors, communities, and innovators to accelerate the systemic change we cannot achieve individually.”
In June 2026, Szczecin, a city at the heart of Europe’s pressing issues and incredible opportunities, becomes the centre of global dialogue on sustainability, regeneration, and impact leadership. Here, we will test new ideas, spark connections, and show that change is not just possible – it’s happening.
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