Thousands of the world’s biggest names in business, economics and politics gathered in the Swiss Alps town of Davos this week. But this isn’t just any old ski trip: They’ve gathered for the World Economic Forum meeting, an invitation-only annual retreat for the world’s most influential people.
It’s unique not only because it’s limited to World Economic Forum members, but also because it’s expensive. While there are various access and membership levels, some companies spend $1 million for major sponsorships. For example, Microsoft and McKinsey Belong to American company Spend no more than $1 million per person Just to sponsor a Davos venue to serve as a base for U.S. government officials ahead of President Donald Trump’s visit.
Other executives and companies pay hefty five- and six-figure fees each year to secure coveted spots in Davos’ most exclusive clubs, betting that a few days’ visit in the Swiss Alps will translate into deals, clout and brand exposure that justify the cost.
How much does it cost to attend Davos?
Although some World Economic Forum members Annual fees as low as $350 For a very basic professional package, this won’t get you anywhere near Davos. The World Economic Forum’s Formal Enterprise Program – Plus invitation letter– This is your ticket to a coveted Alpine resort.
Annual fees typically start around $75,000 for companies and climb to $758,000 for “strategic partners.” Previous World Economic Forum Disclosures and Academic analysis of Davos engagement.
These levels typically buy the right for a company to send a limited number of executives to Davos, but each delegate also has a separate badge fee. According to reports, by 2025, the Elite badge will cost as much as $35,000. These costs just get you started and don’t take into account flights, accommodation, drinks and food (even if it’s just a Hot dogs reportedly cost more than $40 There). For large multinationals sending small executive delegations, attending Davos can easily cost six figures when memberships, badges and logistics are taken into account.
What does money buy
Still, it’s worth spending the money to gain entry to Davos delegates. Attendees can participate in the official Davos program, which includes meetings with heads of state, small room panels discussing topics from artificial intelligence to climate, and access to “communities” such as industry governors’ groups and regional councils.
Higher-paid attendees gain greater visibility and access to senior officials. They can get seats on panels, invitations to closed roundtables, and small, moderated discussions between government officials and Fortune 500 executives. Some companies also pay to use private meeting rooms, branded hotel lounges and concierge services.
On top of that, Davos delegates have to pay for hotels and apartments, of which there are only a limited number in this Swiss town. During peak season (January conference period), a night in a Davos hotel can cost thousands of dollars.
Many big-name executives remain on staff Deluxe Cottagemarketing for High-end corporate retreat Features a wellness center, private gym, Jacuzzi, full attendant and personal chef. Other costs come from personal assistants, event management and airport pick-ups.
Who is attending Davos this year?
Approximately 3,000 delegates attend Davos each January, including political leaders, central bankers, business executives, academics, activists and cultural figures.
One of the biggest names attending Davos this year is President Donald Trump, who will speak on Wednesday. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant are also expected to attend. Trump is expected to discuss housing market reform, Greenland and the “Peace Commission,” a new U.S.-proposed international body chaired by Trump to oversee post-conflict reconstruction, starting with Gaza.
Global CEOs from industries including technology, finance, energy and consumer goods companies will attend, including JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon; NVIDIA Chief Executive Officer Mr. Jensen Huang, Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. According to the World Economic Forum, a record 400 top political leaders, including nearly 65 heads of state and government, nearly 850 of the world’s top CEOs and chairs, and nearly 100 leading unicorns and technology pioneers will also attend.
This story was originally published on wealth network