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Microsoft and McKinsey are among US companies paying up to $1 million each to sponsor a venue in Davos that will serve as a base for US government officials during President Donald Trump’s trip to the World Economic Forum later this month.
Paying to restore the venue, located in a small church in a Swiss ski resort, will give large companies the opportunity to “support the US delegation in Davos” and get their brand in front of “global decision makers”, according to a website set up for the so-called USA House.
Microsoft, McKinsey and cryptocurrency firm Ripple are among the companies that have signed up as sponsors, first of Trump’s first in-person appearance in Davos in six years. JPMorgan Chase was also approached to act as a sponsor.
The forum, which took place in Davos since 1971, has long operated an informal “house” system where countries and corporations hire local shops and hotels to transform places where they can host events and network.
Switzerland, Saudi Arabia and Belgium are among the countries that have operated these hubs in recent years.
The USA House effort is led by Richard Stromback, a former ice hockey player turned investor who is a well-known figure in Davos for more than a decade.
Stromback is known for organizing event parties and was once told the New Yorker magazine he wanted to create a “Burning Man for billionaires”, referring to the famous week-long festival in the Nevada desert.
USA House events are usually held in a small church built in the 1880s located off the famous promenade – and outside the forum’s security perimeter. The English Church will be packed with memorabilia celebrating the 250th anniversary of the 1776 Declaration of Independence from Great Britain.
With two weeks to go until global leaders and senior executives gather in the Swiss alps, there are few details on the USA House website about the programming except for a list of themes that include “peace through stability”, “digital assets & economic resilience” and “faith-based initiatives”.
Those wishing to attend were told there would be strict security protocols due to the presence of senior US administration officials. But the website also says that USA House is “privately organized” and “does not represent the US government”.
Trump is preparing his return to the global forum, where this year’s theme is “a spirit of dialogue”, with his intervention in Venezuela and the impact of oil likely to be a key talking point for attendees. His last appearance was a virtual speech days after his inauguration in January, in which the president blasted the Paris climate accord and promised to “unlock the liquid gold” of fossil fuels.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Microsoft, McKinsey, Ripple and JPMorgan declined to comment.
Additional reporting by Ellesheva Kissin