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Behind the Scenes at the World Economic Forum in Davos

The meticulous planning and execution behind the annual meeting that gathers global leaders to address critical issues.

By Shivani VoraSource: nytimes.com1 min read
Behind the Scenes at the World Economic Forum in Davos
Image via nytimes.com

In brief

The World Economic Forum's annual gathering in Davos, Switzerland, brings together over 3,000 influential figures to tackle pressing global challenges. Severin Podolak, head of event management, oversees the intricate logistics, striving for impactful outcomes.

The World Economic Forum’s annual meeting, widely known as Davos, is set to host more than 3,000 influential figures from the realms of business, politics, and civil society in the picturesque Swiss town. With affair-related discussions spanning topics from climate change to pressing geopolitical issues, the event has become a cornerstone for international dialogue. This year, the event runs from Monday to Friday and traces its origins back to 1971, initiated by German economist Klaus Schwab under the name European Management Symposium.At the heart of the event's intricate planning is Severin Podolak, who has been leading event management and operations for the World Economic Forum since 2021. With a rich background in event coordination from his prior tenure at the Swiss Re Group, Podolak brings over 20 years of expertise to this pivotal role."My responsibility encompasses ensuring a seamless experience for all attendees, handling everything from technology setups to catering,” Podolak shared. His role entails meticulous attention to detail concerning session timings, participant accommodations, and transportation logistics. His motivation, he asserts, stems from a strong commitment to facilitating impactful gatherings that can potentially enact global change.“I’m driven by the Forum’s mission to enhance the state of the world through collaboration among diverse stakeholders,” Podolak concluded, showcasing his dedication to the values that the World Economic Forum embodies.

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