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 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
Co-created by GDS-Movement and #MEET4IMPACT, 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.
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.
Pricing for GDS-Forum and Impact Day 2026 in Szczecin, Poland
Registrations will open in early 2026. More information on the registration process is coming soon.
Find below the prices per person for the GDS-Forum and Impact Day 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.
| Ticket Categories | GDS-Forum Early Bird |
GDS-Forum Standard Rate |
Impact Day Early Bird |
Impact Day Standard Rate |
Combined Package Early Bird |
Combined Package Standard Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GDS-Movement Destinations and #MEET4IMPACT clients | €550 | €650 | €250 | €300 | €640 | €760 |
| Non-Index destinations or clients | €750 | €850 | €300 | €350 | €840 | €960 |
| NGOs & Associations | – | – | €130 | €170 | – | – |
We offer optional sessions/events on 17 June. Mandatory registration applies to all of them, and selection will be available in the registration process.
| Optional Events | GDS-Forum | Impact Day Early Bird |
Impact Day Standard Rate |
Combined Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GDS-Index Session meeting* | Registration Mandatory | – | – | Registration Mandatory |
| Polish Cities Workshop** | Registration Mandatory | Registration Mandatory | Registration Mandatory | Registration Mandatory |
| GDS-Awards Ceremonyadd on to the Impact Day*** | Included | €50 | €60 | €Included |
*GDS-Index Session Meeting is for all benchmarking destinations. Free of charge. It will be held on Wednesday afternoon.
** The Polish Cities Workshop will be held on Wednesday Afternoon. More information soon.
*** The GDS-Awards evening 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 celebrate 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 do I get to Szczecin, Poland?
There are two main airports you can fly to in order to reach Szczecin:
1. 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.
2. 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.
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:
- Impact Day focuses on designing and scaling social and environmental impact through events.
- GDS-Forum deepens collaboration and learning across the destination community.
- GDS-Awards Ceremony celebrate those 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.
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 & 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.
Catalyst Partners
Media Partners
