Registration is now open for the 2026 edition of GDS-Forum and Impact Day, taking place from 16–18 June 2026 in the city of Szczecin, Poland, renowned for its forward-thinking Floating Gardenurban regeneration strategy.
Unlike conventional gatherings, the GDS-Forum is structured as a strategic intervention, a curated space for cross-sectoral collaboration, shared purpose, and practical transformation.
Co-created by GDS-Movement, #MEET4IMPACT, and a robust local partnership including the City of Szczecin, Szczecin Convention Bureau, Polish Tourism Organisation, and Poland Convention Bureau, the 2026 theme is a timely call to action: “Better Together.”
“‘Better Together’ reflects the reality that today’s challenges cannot be solved by individual organisations, sectors, or generations acting independently,” say the organisers.
The theme shows a framework prioritising stakeholder alignment and four operational impact pathways: Capacity building, Youth leadership, Destination branding, and Leveraging tourism for urban regeneration.
These are closely aligned with EU priorities on sustainable tourism and climate transition, positioning the event as a contribution to public value creation through events.
A key highlight of the programme will be the GDS-Awards Ceremony on Wednesday evening, where winners of the Impact Award, Innovation Award, and the inaugural Changemaker Award will be announced. Award applications are expected to open shortly.
Professionals or organisations interested in contributing or speaking can reach out via forum@gds.earth.