I am incredibly fortunate to be heading back to Davos this year for the week of the World Economic Forum. It is the most unique convergence of ideas, industries, and individuals I have seen compared to any conference I have been to, now 600+.
This year, my schedule is shaping up to be a dynamic mix of speaking engagements, recording a few podcasts, and plenty of random meetings. While the agenda is packed, I am truly looking forward to the energy that takes over the snowy town during WEF week.
However, I remember my first trip vividly. It was equal parts exhilarating and overwhelming. The logistics of Davos can be tricky if you aren’t prepared for the unique combination of high-security protocols and alpine weather. If you are heading there for the first time (or just need a refresher), here are ten tips to help you navigate the week smoothly. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
12 Tips for the Davos First-Timer or Reminders for Vets
- Side Events: They are tricky. Sign-up early but continue to look for more. Typically, there are several spreadsheets around which outline what’s going on. They can be full-on applications and event staff look for pedigree in deciding who may join them. It can be very selective. Be sure your LinkedIn is up to date and you have a vested interest in each specific event. Here are three event sign-ups for 2026:
- Location: If you are staying out of Davos (most do), prepare for a long commute. If the GPS says 7 miles, that could take 45 minutes (slippery mountain roads – they are beautiful), plus you will have to go through a security checkpoint where they pull your car/van over and ask for passports. Always have your passport on hand the entire week. Train in if you can. Prices for a room in town can start at $35,000 for a single room with a bathroom. Most share houses in the surrounding area. The CEOs of major corporations can spend upwards of $50-100K or more. Try to find housing months before, if you can.
- Open the door and go in!: Along the Promenade (main street), there are several hundred global companies, organizations, and governments which have essentially rented out every one of the storefronts. Think of it as “Main Street USA” and every store has been converted into a company complete with branding and fully built out insides. Those stores are converted to company meeting rooms and their own coffee shops along with event spaces. Don’t be shy. Some of these are meant to be drop-in rooms with coffee and people to chat with. Others require prior authorization. Just ask at the reception desk what the deal is at that specific place. Point being – open the door and go in!
- Respect the Ice (and Your Feet): Leave the dress shoes in your bag until you are indoors. The streets of Davos are covered in snow, slush, and ice. Women often have two pairs of footwear, inside and outside shoes. You will see CEOs and heads of state wearing heavy-duty snow boots with their suits. Do the same. If you are walking the Promenade, consider adding crampons to your boots. I just have a “nice” pair of warm black boots which does the trick.
- Master the Art of Layering: Davos is a land of temperature extremes. It is freezing outside, as I write this Davos is going to be -2 F tonight, but the Congress Centre and hotel suites are often overheated. Wear layers that are easy to shed. A heavy coat is essential, but make sure you look presentable underneath (generally suits for men) when you inevitably have to carry it or hopefully be able to check it at each event.
- Budget Time for Security: Perimeters are tight, and lines can be long. Getting from a hotel on one side of the Promenade to a meeting inside the secure zone can take significantly longer than you think. If your GPS says it’s a 10-minute walk, give yourself 20 to account for checkpoints and crowds and the time to check your coat.
- Badges There are a number of different types of badges during WEF. They are the special passes that grant you access to enter different parts of the event or side events. If you are going to WEF proper, you will have all access and costs upwards of $50,000, including membership. The Hotel Badge is anywhere from $150 USD to $1,500 USD depending on with whom you go through. All of these badges require a whole host of information about you to be submitted in advance to the Swiss police, so they can run a background check. The nice thing about the Hotel Badge is that you can get into a higher level of event only available inside a few of the larger hotels in town. Without a badge you can still attend some of the side events along the main street.
- The Promenade Shuffle The main street, the Promenade, is where everything happens. It is also often gridlocked with traffic. Walking is faster than taking a car shuttle but know that the sidewalks will be crowded. In addition, Ubers can be minimum $70 US to go a half mile. I have met attendees who have paid $300-500 for a ride home which was around 7 miles.
- Bring Backup Power Cold weather drains phone batteries incredibly fast. Between navigating, checking schedules, and digital networking, your phone is your lifeline. Carry a high-capacity portable charger (power bank) in your pocket. You do not want to be stranded with a dead phone at 6:00 PM.
- The “Davos Cough” is Real With thousands of people shaking hands in close quarters during winter, germs spread fast. Bring hand sanitizer and use it religiously. I also recommend packing some Vitamin C or zinc to keep your immune system fighting.
- Food is Fuel (and scarce) There really aren’t many restaurants because they have been taken over by companies. Rely on the buffets at events, or keep protein bars in your pocket. A great alternative are the grocery stores at either end of the Promenade.
- Business Cards vs. QR Codes While the world has gone digital, Davos is still a place where physical business cards change hands frequently. Have a stack ready, but also have your LinkedIn QR code saved to your lock screen for quick scanning when you’re in a rush.
Let’s Connect
Despite the cold and the chaos, the best part of Davos is the people. I am going to be there all week and I am eager to catch up with old friends and make new ones.
I have some slots open in my calendar and I would be happy to connect. If you are going to be in town, please reach out, and let’s try to grab a coffee (or a hot chocolate).
See you on the mountain!
For more information, please visit the following:
Website: https://www.josephraczynski.com/
Blog: https://JTConsultingMedia.com/
Podcast: https://techsnippetstoday.buzzsprout.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joerazz/
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