Better In-Person – A Hands-On Event and Impact Development Workshop for GDS-Forum and Impact Day 2026, in Szczecin
A real-world example of how co-organising events can have a real impact on the quality of our lives and work.
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First published on www.conventionszczecin.eu
Brainstorming, working together and one vision of the future of events. This is what co-building the Event and Impact workshop for 2026 GDS-Forum and Impact Day* looked like, which took place 28 January, in Szczecin. It was intense, inspiring and very focused.
Nearly 50 people representing various backgrounds participated in the day-long workshop: academia, non-governmental and international organisations, event organisers, and city guides. We met to collaborate on ideas for events in 2026, including the GDS-Forum and Impact Day 2026 taking place there, 16 – 18 June, and to discuss how events can support urban development and improve residents’ quality of life.
When diverse perspectives converge around a common goal
The workshops were divided into several blocks. Participants worked with examples from around the world, learned about best practices, and familiarised themselves with the vision and structure of the GDS-Forum and Impact Day. The presenters, drawing on the experiences of other cities, demonstrated the opportunities Szczecin offers in hosting large, international events. Considerable attention was also paid to local engagement and collaboration, not only internationally, but also across departments and sectors.
“Today’s workshop demonstrated the true power of collective intelligence. When diverse voices come together around a common goal, we don’t just generate ideas; we build real momentum for regenerative action. This is precisely the co-creation process that underpins GDS-Forum and Impact Day 2026: using events as catalysts to strengthen communities, transform cities, and turn shared ambitions into concrete, impactful results,” said Guy Bigwood, CEO of GDS-Movement and founder of GDS-Forum.
There was plenty of group work, brainstorming, and open discussions. This is where concrete ideas and best practices emerged, which can be applied both to future events and to the daily work of the tourism, meetings, and events industries. It brought together people working not only to develop tourism in Szczecin but also to genuinely improve the quality of life for its residents.
“This workshop brought together approximately 50 people – representatives from the city hall, tourism office, convention bureau, academia, NGOs, as well as the industry and culture sectors. The sheer fact that all these people gathered in one place to co-create a vision demonstrates the immense power of collective intelligence. This is precisely what allows us to develop shared ideas on how to develop tourism and events in a city in a way that meets regenerative goals – important for residents, decision-makers, and the industry alike. We look forward to continuing our collaboration to bring this vision to life,” says Geneviève Leclerc, co-founder of #MEET4IMPACT .
On the way to GDS Forum and Impact Day 2026
During GDS-Forum and Impact Day 2026, which will take place from June 16–18, 2026, Szczecin will become a hub for international meetings, conversations, and inspiration. GDS-Forum is more than a traditional conference, it’s a “living laboratory” where participants actively co-create the programme, test ideas, and collaboratively search for solutions. Through dialogue, workshops, and the exchange of experiences, the forum unlocks the potential of its community and helps build resilient, future-proof destinations.
“In exactly six months, this is the exact place where the international industry will gather: destination representatives and leaders from the meetings industry in Europe, Poland, and around the world. During the event, we will discuss sustainable destinations and how to improve our lives, make meetings more valuable, and travel more responsible. We want to care for what matters most and pass this goodness on to future generations. This is the GDS Forum and Impact Day – an international event hosted by the city of Szczecin thanks to the cooperation of the Szczecin Convention Bureau, the Poland Convention Bureau, and the Polish Tourist Organization. We invite you to join us in Szczecin in June,” says Aneta Książek, Head of the Poland Convention Bureau of the Polish Tourist Organisation.
* GDS-Forum and Impact Day 2026 is a three‑day, non-typical meeting for destination and events professionals designed as a living lab for transformation.
It positions the visitor economy as a strategic driver of long-term urban, social, and environmental benefit. It is hosted by the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement) in collaboration with #MEET4IMPACT, the City of Szczecin, the Szczecin Convention Bureau, the Polish Tourism Organisation, and the Poland Convention Bureau,
It invites destination professionals and associations to meet in person to co-create a bold new blueprint for regenerative impact, resilience, and courage. Through collaborative workshops, deep dialogue, and peer-to-peer learning, we prototype solutions for the pressing challenges of climate disruption and social change.
This year’s theme, Better Together, brings destination leaders, sustainability experts, youth innovators, and community builders to Szczecin, a city leading with green ambition and regenerative vision. Through radical collaboration, hands‑on labs, and youth‑centred impact, attendees will co‑create practical solutions that strengthen the global visitor economy. This is more than an event; it’s your ticket to positive change through community and creativity.
Find out more here.
