Davos 2024 Survival Guide!

On the eve of #wef2024 I thought it might be timely to post my tips and thoughts for Davos newbies or those who might be tempted to come along to the best brain boost for the year ahead?

Where is it? The World Economic Forum aka ‘Davos’ is held across two beautiful alpine villages - Davos-Platz and Davos-Dorf. I had read that part of the reason for the remote snowy alps location was to inspire big brain thinking in the gorgeous clean mountain air. And it does that. The first morning I took the train from where I am staying (Klosters-Platz) had my head buried in my phone and looked up to see this stunning picture postcard scene of snowy peaks and forests. It is a magical place and I will definitely come back to visit when it’s quieter.?

What is the WEF? The annual meeting is held at the congress centre and unless you’re a world leader or very very wealthy it’s all but impossible to enter. Most partner company’s pay circa €100k - €200k+ for WEF membership (which is by invitation only) and attendance is also by invitation only - usually extended to political leaders, significant social activists (think Greta Thunberg), celebrities (Idris Elba spoke on a number of panels in 2023 as did Sabrina Dhowre Elba). Around 1000 representatives of the world’s media also attend so it is open in that sense.?

How does everyone else take part? There is also an Open Forum which is free to attend along with a host of fringe events, conferences, panel sessions. My advice is to pre-register for all those you want to attend because they generally have limited capacity and the popular ones close the list early. I would recommend the Female Quotient at the Equality Lounge which is a two day event with incredible speakers and a great place to meet people (men and women). The World Women Forum Agenda is a one day event and has some incredible panels with global women. The Blockchain Hub, Undavos, Green Accelerator and The House of Balance are also really worth dipping in and out of. I am a member of the Altru Institute and they run a clubhouse which is the perfect place for more intimate talks and some of the most impressive people I met was from hanging out there.?

A word about stamina… there is so much going on that you don’t want to miss that a typical day starts with 7am breakfast sessions and you won’t see your bed much before 1am. The days are so crammed, I literally forgot to eat while racing between events. I also clocked up between 15k - 20k steps most days. So plan your day in advance, build in breaks (my biggest mistake) and take time to just chat to someone interesting on the train, having coffee… I have five incredible women connections that I met in the toilet!?

What to wear? Yes it matters. There were days where it was -16 - almost all the events are on or near the Promenade which is the Main Street. You will be walking through snowy and icy paths and regularly going up or down steep slopes. Davos does not allow salt so sometimes they put sand on the busier parts. Snow boots are a must and shoe spikes if your boots don’t have a strong grip. My advise is to not take a change of shoes.. it’s a complete waste of time and you will grow tired of taking the boots off and the shoes on… but still lots of Davos newbies do it. Layers are essential but don’t take a big bulky coat or you will spend all your time queuing to put it into the cloakroom and then another queue to get it back. Mine was warm but light and I rolled it up and put it in my tote while indoors. One warm hat, neck fleece or scarf and thermal leggings, vests, tights… I was speaking and had to be smart at some sessions so I always wore something in that elusive smart casual range and a warm jumper or cardigan. I was here for five full days so apart from the snow gear which you wear every day - two pairs of trousers, one dress and two shirts/blouses. Same for men… apart for the dress maybe!

Tips & Tricks…?Even if an event is full and you want to attend, head there anyway - lots of people register for too much and don’t make it so chances are you’ll get into some. There are loads of receptions, and special theme nights hosted by different countries and companies. You will learn about them by networking and everyone is happy to share invites. They’re great fun and you will meet lots of interesting people.?The piano bar at Hotel Europe is a must for a great singalong (piano bars are big here). Use a digital card - I have one on Bling - they’re far better than physical ones or worse… swapping numbers and forgetting who they are!?

Where to stay? The most important decision and you absolutely have to book well in advance. I stayed in the next town over in a shared apartment - much better if you organise a share in advance. Everything including accommodation and food is very high during Davos week.?

Getting there? There are regular and usually good priced flights to Zurich. The efficiency of the Swiss train system is unbelievable- if it says the train will leave at 12.02 that is when it will leave. I took three trains from the airport to Davos and it took circa three hours- everything ran like clockwork! Don’t even think of taking a taxi - apart from it being exorbitant, it will be a very long journey with traffic queues from all the ‘important’ congress goers in their chauffeured cars. And if you truly want to embrace or offset your carbon footprint to go to an event dedicated to climate change solutions then the trains and by foot are the best option.?

Lastly… this is the best brain boot camp to kickstart the year, to open your mind to change. If you’re at a crossroad in your career or life plan then Davos is definitely a place that will fill your mind with new possibilities. Don’t listen to too much of the negative noise around the wef it’s a very positive and energising experience. And at least you are entering the room (multiple rooms), turning up and taking part in really important conversations. And if you’re a woman reading this… WEF confirmed female attendance was up from 20% to 27% in 2023 - still woefully low - so it would be great to see more of you at davos24.? We might even go skiing afterwards.?

See you there?#worldeconomicforum #davos2024 #womenempowerment #womenleadership #brainboost