The World Economic Forum’s annual meeting, commonly referred to as Davos, brings together over 3,000 global leaders from business, politics, and civil society in the Swiss city of Davos. The event, which takes place every January, is planned and managed by Severin Podolak, head of event management and operations for the World Economic Forum.
Podolak’s team works tirelessly to design the event, manage it, and ensure its overall success. They are responsible for developing the overall event concept, coordinating with internal and external contractors, negotiating contracts with suppliers, and managing relationships with stakeholders. The team also handles infrastructure, logistics, participant and staff logistics, session management, technological aspects, and even food and beverage.
When asked about their criteria for changing the event’s organization each year, Podolak emphasized the importance of attendee experience. He explained that staff gather feedback from attendees on the spot and make changes accordingly. This year, the team added lounges with tables and couches to facilitate informal gatherings between sessions.
Security is a top priority at Davos, with around 5,000 security personnel on site, including Swiss military, police, and private security companies. The agenda is carefully designed to provide balance and diversity across various topics, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Sessions are typically filled to capacity or near it, and the team ensures that events start and end on schedule.
Attendees stay at one of over 45 contracted hotels in Davos, with shuttle services connecting hotels to venues. The team also provides free public transportation to and from events. In case of medical issues, an infirmary is available at the Congress Centre.
Sustainability is a core aspect of the organization, with initiatives such as local wood pellets for heating, LED lighting, electric vehicles, and AI-powered food waste reduction. The team donates uneaten food to a local charity during Davos.
Despite the complexity of the event, Podolak is confident in his team’s ability to manage it. He acknowledges that unpredictable situations can arise but prioritizes keeping his team healthy and balanced throughout the event.
As one attendee noted, the timing of Davos, which coincides with the US presidential inauguration, means there may be a smaller political footprint from the US. However, a strong contingent of US business leaders and media is still attending this year.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/17/business/world-economic-forum-davos.html