Rama Krishna Sangem
Are you planning next year a trip to the World Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos? Then, be serious and ready to shell down not less than Rs 2 crore in Indian currency for a week-long tour to Davos for WEF, often praised as the Mecca of Capitalism. Of course, you don’t have to worry, if you are an MP of ruling party or a minister or a top official, as the money is spent by your government.
Yes, presidents, prime ministers, chief ministers and ministers of governments and chairmen, MDs and CEOs across the world dream of going there to prove that they are in the top bracket of global policy makers. Some of the regular attendees even boast of having high profile friends at Davos. They are the elitist of the elite.
Bur, attending the WEF in Davos is not easy for everyone. It’s too expensive, with attendee badges costing up to $35,000 for the 2026 event, on top of annual membership fees ranging from $75,000 to over $750,000 for companies. Total costs for a small delegation can easily exceed six figures in US dollars, covering exclusive access, accommodation, and transport.
As of now, elite badges for the main conference center can cost up to $ 30,000. Companies usually pay between $75,000 and $758,000 annually to participate, which grants them the right to send delegates. Hotel rooms often exceed $500–$3,000+ per night, and private chalets can cost $140,000 per week.
However, the Open Forum at Davos is free for the public, but requires registration and is first-come, first-served. But, free participants will not be eligible for invitation only events. Attendance is typically by invitation only for industry leaders, politicians, and celebrities. These are the most prized events that the participants can boast off, after they go home.
Still there’s demand for participation
Still, shelling out that money could be worth it for the access granted to Davos delegates. Attendees gain access to the official Davos program, which includes sessions with heads of state, small-room panels on topics ranging from AI to climate, and access to “communities” such as industry governor groups and regional councils, says Fortune. More Indians are seen at Davos over the last few years. People are ready to shell ell
Higher-paying attendees get more visibility and access to top-ranking officials. They can snag spots on panels, invitations to closed-door roundtables, and access to small, moderated discussions between government officials and Fortune 500 executives. Some companies also pay for access to private meeting rooms, branded hotel lounges, and concierge services.
On top of that, Davos delegates have to pay for hotels and apartments, which are limited in the small Swiss town. During peak season (which happens in January during the conference), one night at a hotel in Davos can cost thousands of dollars, says Fortune.
Countries and state governments pay huge sums of money well in advance so that their heads will get an opportunity to mingle with the VVIPs. Interestingly, most companies sign MoUs or investment deals with PMs, and CMs at Davos, though both the parties are from the same town or city. If they sign the deals locally, a lot of money can be saved, but doing it in Davos is stylish and authentic. That’s the power of WEF at Davos!