Discover “Szczecin Stories” – narratives of a city that is constantly evolving, facing challenges and transforming through the people who live and work there. For some, it is a Polish city located at the heart of Europe; for others, a forgotten metropolis that always seems far away. But what is Szczecin like through the eyes of residents who have chosen it as their place to live and work? How is it changing, and what challenges does it face? These are the questions explored by the protagonists of the “Szczecin Stories” campaign.
“Szczecin Stories” presents the experiences of Szczecin’s residents – both those born in the city and those who have made it their home. It is here that they build relationships, develop their ideas and co-create the city’s future. The campaign showcases authentic stories of people and places – entrepreneurs, artists, academics, and representatives of the maritime sector – illustrating how Szczecin is developing through collaboration, commitment, and the everyday efforts of diverse communities.
As part of the campaign, seven short video spots have been produced, in which the protagonists invite audiences into their worlds. Each story portrays a city in transition – learning, experimenting and seeking new solutions: from environmental initiatives, through culture, to innovation and education. “Szczecin Stories” also highlights the role of events and tourism as platforms for meetings, knowledge exchange, and relationship-building that have a tangible impact on the city’s future – demonstrating that its development is grounded in collaboration and shared responsibility.
Three of the videos are already available at https://www.linkedin.com/company/szczecin-convention-bureau , with further episodes to be released in the coming weeks.
The campaign serves as a prelude to the international GDS Forum & Impact Day, which will take place in Szczecin on 16–18 June. It is also an invitation to co-create the city’s story – both for residents and Forum participants – demonstrating that its development is an ongoing process in which everyone can play a part.
About GDS Forum & Impact Day 2026
GDS Forum & Impact Day 2026 is a three-day, non-conventional gathering for professionals from the tourism and events sectors, designed as a “living laboratory” of transformation. The event presents the visitor economy as a strategic driver supporting the long-term development of cities – socially, environmentally and economically.
The event is organised by the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement) in cooperation with #MEET4IMPACT, the City of Szczecin, Szczecin Convention Bureau, the Polish Tourism Organisation, and Poland Convention Bureau.
The Forum invites destinations and organisations to meet face-to-face and jointly develop new approaches to building resilience, courage in action, and regenerative impact.
Through collaborative workshops, in-depth dialogue, and the exchange of experiences, participants will test solutions addressing the most pressing challenges related to climate change and social transformation.
This year’s theme, “Better Together”, will bring to Szczecin destination leaders, sustainability experts, young innovators, and community builders. In an atmosphere of intensive collaboration, hands-on workshops, and initiatives focused on younger generations, participants will co-create practical solutions to strengthen the global visitor economy. This is more than just an event – it is an invitation to drive real change based on collaboration and creativity.
GDS Forum
GDS Forum is an “unconventional conference” organised by the Global Destination Sustainability Movement, offering participants a real opportunity to shape the positive impact of the visitor economy worldwide. Attendees co-create the programme, learn from one another and leverage the collective knowledge of an industry undergoing transformation. Through action-based workshops, systems dialogue, open and collaborative exchange of experiences, and the immediate application of knowledge, the Forum moves away from passive participation towards active engagement and shared responsibility.
Impact Day
Impact Day is an action-oriented event designed to accelerate change in sustainability and social impact within the global meetings industry. Co-created by GDS-Movement and #MEET4IMPACT, with the support of the International Alliance for Impact, it brings together destination leaders, association representatives, decision-makers, young innovators and social organisations. Its objective is to demonstrate how business events can become catalysts for positive change in cities and sectors they engage with.
Impact Day tagline:
Where the future grows
#MEET4IMPACT
#MEET4IMPACT is a global non-profit organisation that supports the events industry in integrating positive social impact into the design and delivery of events. Through dedicated tools, methodologies and advisory support, it helps destinations and organisers align events with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), generate measurable long-term outcomes and build strong engagement with local communities.
GDS-Movement
Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement) is an international organisation driving change, with the mission to initiate socio-economic and environmental transformation in cities and regions worldwide. It aims to empower people by developing the skills, mindsets and tools needed to create regenerative destinations for visiting, meeting and living.
Szczecin
Szczecin is a post-industrial city undergoing intensive transformation. Shaped by water, industry and decades of change, it is now redefining its heritage towards a regenerative future, aligned with the Floating Garden concept – a city-garden on water that integrates the natural environment with urban space.
By hosting GDS Forum & Impact Day 2026, Szczecin positions itself as a living laboratory, demonstrating how cities can combine tourism, events, ecology, culture and social life to support long-term transformation.
More information:
- https://www.gds.earth/forum-impact-day-2026/#About
- https://www.gds.earth/forum-impact-day-2026/#Overview_
- https://www.gds.earth/forum-impact-day-2026/#FAQs_
- https://www.gds.earth/forum-impact-day-2026/#Programme_
Source: press release
