From June 16 to 18, 2026, Szczecin became the heart of the global debate on the future of the meetings industry. This year’s edition of the GDS Forum 2026 brought together international experts, opinion leaders, and innovators, creating a unique space for exchanging knowledge and best practices in regenerative tourism and responsible destination development. The Mazovia Convention Bureau was a vital part of this prestigious circle. As an organization representing a key economic region of Poland, we actively participate in the discourse that is redefining the standards of modern event management. We are among the best, closely observing changes and proudly co-creating the trends that drive the MICE market.
The event, organized by GDS-Movement and #MEET4IMPACT in partnership with the Poland Convention Bureau POT, featured a unique setting. The meeting’s format intentionally rejected the rigid framework of traditional conferences in favor of a “living lab” concept. Three days of intensive workshops and co-creation sessions resulted in the development of ready-to-use tools and strategies, proving that the responsible transformation of the sector relies on real, measurable actions rather than just theoretical slogans. This dynamic approach by the organizers allowed for the formulation of concrete strategies in areas key to modern event managers:
- Carbon Footprint Reduction and Circular Economy: Event planning must be based on measurable environmental indicators. For venues and agencies in the Mazovia region, this is a clear signal that eco-certification and resource optimization are becoming essential tendering requirements.
- Reinterpretation of Post-Industrial Spaces: The success of venues in Szczecin, such as Cielętnik or Stara Rzeźnia, confirms that the MICE market seeks authentic, locally rooted locations. Mazovia possesses a massive, yet-to-be-fully-discovered potential of post-industrial and historical venues that can serve as stages for unique, engaging business narratives.
- Inclusivity and Neurodiversity: During “The Future is Now” session block, co-created by Polish regional convention bureaux, the topic of neuroinclusivity and designing spaces friendly to neurodivergent individuals (such as the presented Low Sensory Show Room) resonated strongly. Implementing architectural and communication accessibility standards is shifting from being an option to becoming the foundation of a modern event. The success of Gdańsk, which received the prestigious Innovation Award for its accessibility audit project, proves that Polish cities are actively shaping the global inclusivity agenda.
A key substantive element of the Forum, where the Polish voice was strongly heard, was “The Future is Now” session. Prepared in cooperation with local convention bureaux, the panel focused on neuroinclusivity, designing events friendly to neurodivergent people, and full architectural and communication accessibility. These solutions perfectly align with the objectives of the MICE Sub-strategy for 2026–2030, which places the participant at the absolute center of attention.
The traditional grand finale of the gathering was the GDS-Awards 2026 gala, held in the spectacular interiors of the Mieczysław Karłowicz Philharmonic. A massive success for our country was the presentation of the Innovation Award to the Gdańsk Convention Bureau for a project dedicated to inclusivity, as well as the recognition of the hosts—Szczecin Convention Bureau—with the Partner of the Year 2026 title. These achievements are the best proof that Polish cities are no longer just passive recipients of global trends, but are becoming full-fledged creators of global sustainability policy in business tourism. For the Mazovia Convention Bureau, attending the GDS Forum provides the momentum to implement these innovative practices in the domestic market and build a strong, responsible Mazovia brand in the MICE world.
Photos: Organizers’ materials
