GDS-Forum and Impact Day 2026
From 16 – 18 June 2026, Szczecin, Poland, will be the stage for the GDS-Forum and 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 together- registrations will open early 2026! For now, Register Your Interest!
GDS-Forum
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.
Impact Day
Impact Day is an action-focused gathering designed to accelerate sustainability and social impact in the global business events sector. Co-created by the GDS-Movement and #MEET4IMPACT, and enriched through collaboration with the International Alliance for Impact, the event brings together destination leaders, association executives, policymakers, youth innovators, and community organisations. The purpose is simple: to explore how business events can become catalysts for positive change in the cities and sectors they touch.
Each edition of Impact Day is built with the host destination to reflect its unique context and development goals. This includes engaging partners across government, academia, civil society, social enterprises, and the local innovation ecosystem. The 2026 programme in Szczecin will highlight youth-led innovation, civic participation, and the role of events in supporting urban regeneration. Participants will explore practical tools, real case studies, and collaborative opportunities that show how events can leave meaningful legacies for both cities and sectors.
Impact Day is aimed at people and organisations committed to strengthening sustainability and social impact in the business events sector, and for those who believe business events can play a stronger role in building thriving, resilient communities. It is especially relevant for Convention Bureaux, event organisers, policymakers, social enterprises, NGOs, academics, and local partners who want to play a role in how events contribute to their communities.
Find out more about the previous edition here.
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.
Join us to harness our collective intelligence together- registrations will open early 2026! For now, Register Your Interest!
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 and Impact Day 2026 are committed to embedding sustainability at the core of their 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.
GDS-Forum & Impact Day 2026 Programme
16 – 18 June 2026
More information to come.
Tuesday, 16 June
| Time | Programme |
|---|---|
| Morning and Afternoon | GDS-Forum |
| Evening | Reception and Networking Event |
Wednesday, 17 June
| Time | Programme |
|---|---|
| Morning | GDS-Forum |
| Afternoon | Optional Events – Registration Required: – GDS-Index Session – Polish Cities Workshop |
| Evening | GDS-Awards Ceremony |
Thursday, 18 June
| Time | Programme |
|---|---|
| Morning and Afternoon | Impact Day |
| Evening | Informal Dinner |
Pricing for
GDS-Forum and Impact Day 2026
in Szczecin, Poland
Registrations will open in early 2026.
Early bird prices end on 10 April 2026.
Please note: if you do not belong to any of the categories listed
below but wish to participate, contact us at forum@gds.earth.
Event Dates: 16 – 18 June 2026. See Programme for more details.
Optional events: See list below for what is included in your ticket and what requires registration.
| Ticket Categories | GDS-Forum | Impact Day | Combined Packages |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDS-Movement Destinations & #MEET4IMPACT clients | €650 €550 | €300 €250 | €760 €640 |
| Non-clients | €850 €750 | €350 €300 | €960 €840 |
| NGOs & Associations | €170 €130 |
We offer optional sessions and events on Wednesday, 17 June. Registration is required for all, and you can make your selections during the sign-up process.
More information to come.
| Optional Events | GDS-Forum Ticket | Impact Day Ticket | Combined Package Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDS-Index Session Meeting* | Registration Required | N/A | Registration Required |
| Polish Cities Workshop** | Registration Required | Registration Required | Registration Required |
| GDS-Awards Ceremony for Impact Day participants*** | Included | €50 €60 | Included |
*GDS-Index Session Meeting is for all benchmarking destinations. Free of charge. It will be held on the afternoon of Wednesday, 17 June.
** The Polish Cities Workshop will be held on the afternoon of Wednesday, 17 June. More information soon.
*** The GDS-Awards Ceremony is not included for attendees who are only attending Impact Day.
If you wish to bring a guest to the GDS-Awards, please contact the GDS-Movement team for more information at forum@gds.earth.
What is the GDS-Forum?
The GDS-Forum is a global gathering of sustainability leaders, destination professionals, and changemakers who are shaping the future of regenerative tourism and events. It’s designed as an “unconference” – participatory, action-oriented, and deeply collaborative.
What is the Impact Day?
Impact Day is an action-focused day that accelerates sustainability and social impact in the business events sector by bringing together global changemakers and the local impact ecosystem to align with the global sustainability agenda.
What is the GDS-Awards Ceremony?
The GDS-Awards Ceremony celebrates destinations that are leading in sustainability, innovation, and measurable progress. The ceremony takes place during the GDS-Forum and is a highlight of the event. Read more here: www.gds.earth/awards
Who should attend the GDS-Forum?
The GDS-Forum is ideal for anyone working at the intersection of tourism, events, sustainability, and place-making. This includes destination marketing organisations (DMOs), convention bureaux, policymakers, event organisers, impact strategists, and community leaders.
Who should attend the Impact Day?
Impact Day is aimed at people and organisations committed to strengthening sustainability and social impact in the business events sector. It is especially relevant for Convention Bureaux, event organisers, policymakers, social enterprises, NGOs, academics, and local partners who want to play a role in how events contribute to their communities.
How is the GDS-Forum different from a traditional conference?
This is not about sitting and listening to presentations. The GDS-Forum is built around immersive workshops, dialogue circles, co-creation sessions, and peer-to-peer learning. Every participant contributes, learns, and takes away practical tools for action.
What is the connection between the GDS-Forum, Impact Day, and the GDS-Awards Ceremony?
Together, these three elements form a powerful arc:
- GDS-Forum deepens collaboration and learning across the destination community.
- Impact Day focuses on designing and scaling social and environmental impact through events.
- The GDS-Awards Ceremony celebrates the destinations leading the way in regenerative transformation.
What topics are covered during the GDS-Forum?
Themes vary each year, but typically include regenerative tourism, systems thinking, sustainable urban development, legacy design, stakeholder engagement, measurement frameworks, and more.
How are the sessions structured?
Each edition is tailored to the local context. Sessions may include keynote dialogues, roundtables, design sprints, and collaborative labs. The aim is always to build shared understanding and co-create solutions.
Where can I find information about previous editions?
You can explore past editions, including reports, videos, and highlights, at these links: GDS-Forum 2024, Impact Day 2024, GDS-Forum 2023.
Where is Szczecin?
Click to go to Google Maps.
How do I get to Szczecin, Poland?
Train
Szczecin has strong rail links, including fast connections from Berlin. Check routes and times on Rail Europe.
There are two main airports you can fly to in order to reach Szczecin:
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
Direct connections from major European hubs such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Zurich, Vienna, Madrid, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Helsinki, and Stockholm.
From Berlin Airport, there are direct buses to Szczecin that run several times a day.
Szczecin-Goleniów Airport (SZZ)
Direct connections from London (Stansted), Dublin, Oslo, Warsaw, and Kraków (plus a few seasonal routes).
From SZZ Airport, you can reach the city centre via a direct bus in about an hour.
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 for co-creating a meaningful legacy for GDS-Forum and Impact Day and the events industry. Develop innovation with lasting impact on communities while regenerating the natural environment with us.
If you are interested in taking part, please email forum@gds.earth.
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