In June 2026, Szczecin will become the first city in Poland to welcome global leaders of change in the field of regenerative tourism. From 16 to 18 June 2026, the capital of the West Pomeranian region will host the GDS-Forum & Impact Day, co-organised by the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement), #MEET4IMPACT and the City of Szczecin. The event has been secured for Szczecin with the support of the Polish Tourism Organisation.
Szczecin Strengthens Its Position as a Leading MICE Destination
The announcement was made during the annual GDS-Index Results Celebration, which presents the ranking of the most sustainable cities and destinations, along with those that have made the greatest year-on-year progress. Among the key highlights was the news that Szczecin has been selected as host of the GDS-Forum & Impact Day in 2026.
This is a remarkable achievement for the city and Szczecin Convention Bureau, which applied for GDS certification for the very first time this year. From 16 to 18 June 2026, Szczecin will become the stage for global dialogue on sustainability, regeneration and impact-driven leadership.
“I am delighted that Szczecin has been chosen as the host city for the GDS-Forum & Impact Day 2026,” said Piotr Krzystek, Mayor of Szczecin. “We can see that our growing engagement in the MICE sector is starting to bear fruit. We are a modern metropolis that prioritises sustainable and ecological approaches, and our unique location is a huge asset. I believe the Forum will provide fresh momentum for the growth of the MICE industry in both the city and the region, while helping us attract further major events aligned with the principles of sustainability.”
“Thanks to the work of the Szczecin Convention Bureau, our city is no longer seen as peripheral, and the MICE industry is increasingly recognising our potential. We are reshaping Szczecin’s image from a ‘city at the end of the world’ into a modern, sustainable meetings destination. In line with our development strategy, we are focused on accessibility, sustainability and reducing environmental impact. The revitalisation of port areas such as Cielętnik and Stara Rzeźnia demonstrates how we combine tradition, innovation and responsibility for the future. Our unique location and growing visibility are reflected in the fact that next year we will already be hosting the GDS-Forum & Impact Day,” added Ireneusz Nowak, CEO of ŻSTW.
GDS-Forum: A Living Laboratory for Regenerative Tourism
The GDS-Forum & Impact Day in Szczecin will offer three days of meetings, discussions and inspiration. Unlike traditional conferences, the GDS-Forum acts as a “living laboratory” – an experimental, co-creative space where participants actively shape the programme.
Through workshops, in-depth dialogues and peer learning, the Forum unlocks the collective intelligence of its community. Together, participants test ideas, share challenges and co-create solutions in real time, building regenerative leadership capacity and preparing destinations for an uncertain future.
“Our mission is to support professionals in creating more regenerative and resilient destinations,” said Guy Bigwood, CEO of GDS-Movement. “Szczecin is the perfect host; its DNA of renewal reflects the courage and creativity we need in times of uncertainty.”
“The fact that Szczecin will host the GDS-Forum & Impact Day 2026 is a huge honour not only for the city but also for Poland as a whole,” emphasised Aneta Książek, Head of the Poland Convention Bureau at the Polish Tourism Organisation. “By supporting the bidding process, we knew this event could mark a breakthrough in promoting Poland as a responsible and innovative business events destination. Hosting the GDS-Forum & Impact Day places our country at the heart of the global debate on sustainable development and regenerative business tourism. It is also a signal that Poland is increasingly making its mark on the map of the world’s most significant industry events. Szczecin, with its unique location, modern infrastructure and consistent approach to sustainability, fits this narrative perfectly and will be a worthy host.”
Impact Day: Scaling Positive Social Value in Tourism and Business Events
Impact Day, co-created by GDS-Movement, #MEET4IMPACT and the International Alliance for Impact (IAI), is designed to guide participants from inspiration to action. The programme aims to help destinations and global organisations more effectively design, measure and scale the positive social value of tourism and events.
“The greater the uncertainty, the greater the opportunity for joint action,” noted Geneviève Leclerc, Co-Founder of #MEET4IMPACT. “Impact Day is about harnessing collective intelligence – connecting sectors, communities and innovators to accelerate the systemic changes we cannot achieve alone.”
About the Organisers – Driving the Future of Sustainable Meetings
Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement)
The GDS-Movement is a pioneering, data-driven international organisation driving transformation and accelerating socio-economic and environmental change in cities and regions worldwide. Its mission is to empower tourism and events professionals with the attitudes, skills and tools to co-create regenerative and resilient destinations worth visiting, meeting in and living in. Learn more at www.gds.earth
Global Destination Sustainability Forum (GDS-Forum)
The GDS-Forum is a gathering of destination leaders, sustainability advocates and tourism experts. Its evolving “un-conference” format fosters collaboration, harnessing participants’ collective intelligence to address shared challenges and accelerate regenerative tourism and event strategies. Discover more here www.gds.earth/forum
Impact Day
Impact Day, co-created with #MEET4IMPACT, is fully dedicated to embedding and scaling positive social impact in tourism and events. Through collaborative sessions, participants learn to design, measure and amplify social impact, moving from ideas to systemic change.
#MEET4IMPACT
#MEET4IMPACT is a global non-profit organisation that works with destinations, associations and event organisers to embed measurable social impact into the very core of meetings and business events. Learn more at www.meet4impact.global.
Raad also:
- Szczecin Join GDS-Index
- The Szczecin Convention Bureau’s inaugural workshop launched at Fabryka Wody in Szczecin
- Szczecin joins ICCA – the International Congress and Convention Association
