Course Description

In this dynamic and fun Masterclass you will be inspired and energised by the power of story and how it can impact change in the most rewarding way. We will explore traditional communications strategies and how sustainability can enhance their purpose. You will be introduced to remarkable examples of destination best practise by professionals who are forging a path to a regenerative future. We will introduce you to biomimicry and its principals, living systems thinking and  behaviour change methodologies..

This dynamic exploration of communications in a world recovering from tremendous shocks will help you to lead the development and implementation of more engaging and purposeful story and communication action plans, that will catalyse the environmental, economic and social regeneration of your destination.   

  • Outcome #1

    Increased knowledge of sustainability brand marketing, best practices and behaviour change.

  • Outcome #2

    Ability to use a new toolbox of approaches and templates to persuade, influence and inspire.

  • Outcome #3

    Enhanced brand story and improved communications strategy techniques.

Schedule and Time Commitment

Live sessions are 2 hours. Allow 1 hour for pre-reading and another 1-2 hours for homework, reading and review after each module. Homework case after Module 3 will require 8 hours of preparations for Module 4. 

You will have access to the course content on the learning management system for 2 months after finishing the course.

Start date: 2022 - exact dates TBC 

Pricing options

*GDS-Movement, ICCA and ECM members have 100 euros discount. Contact us HERE to get your discount code. 

**We invite you to help us support students from low-income countries by donating and gifting 50 euros towards their education. Financially challenged right now, but want to learn? We offer a limited number of scholarships, please contact us HERE, explaining why you would love to learn with us and how you will benefit from our a scholarship.

Head of Communications

Melissa Baird

Melissa is a communications specialist whose career has spanned publishing, advertising, brand, and marketing development. She has worked with global NGO’s, local government, major brands and was head of strategy at specialised advertising agency Ogilvy Earth. She has worked with the GDS-Index since 2015 and now is head of communications for the GDS-Movement. She is also an experienced event creator and content curator specialised in conceptualising and presenting at transformation events about sustainability and regeneration.

Chief Changemaker

Guy Bigwood

For the last 15 years, Guy has been delivering award-winning consulting services focused on helping cities, governments, corporations and associations step up, scale up and speed up their sustainability programmes and regenerative practices. Guy’s pioneering work has been recognised with 22 sustainability awards including the Events Industry Council Pacesetter Award, and recognition as a Fellow of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment.

Resident Futurist

Ed Gillespie

Ed Gillespie is a keynote speaker, writer, communications specialist, serial entrepreneur and futurist. As well as the Resident Futurist at the GDS-Movement, Ed is a facilitator with the Forward Institute for responsible leadership, a Director of Greenpeace UK, a Trustee of Energy Revolution, and a founder investor and former Chair of pioneering online rail ticketing business ‘Loco2’ now rebranded as Rail Europe. Ed co-hosts Itunes chart-topping podcast ‘Jon Richardson and the Futurenauts’ and ‘The Great Humbling’.