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Behind the Scenes at Davos: The Engines of the World Economic Forum

Discover how Severin Podolak orchestrates the complex logistics of the annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

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

In brief

The World Economic Forum's annual gathering in Davos, Switzerland, sees over 3,000 global leaders addressing critical issues. Head of event management, Severin Podolak, ensures the event runs smoothly, integrating technology and logistics to fulfill the forum's mission of fostering global change.

The World Economic Forum, widely known as Davos, is set to host over 3,000 global luminaries from various sectors in the picturesque Swiss town of Davos, where pressing global concerns such as climate change, economic instability, and geopolitical tensions will take center stage. The meeting takes place annually in January, founded in 1971 by Klaus Schwab as the European Management Symposium.As the head of event management and operations since 2021, Severin Podolak plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless execution of this high-profile event. With a robust background in event logistics from his previous position at Swiss Re Group, Podolak brings more than two decades of experience to the table. Podolak describes his responsibilities as a detailed effort to ensure comfort and efficiency: "I’m in charge of the nitty-gritty details of the meeting and the person who makes sure that the technology is working, that the rooms are warm enough and everyone is well fed." His role encompasses managing the timing of discussions, arranging accommodations, and coordinating transportation for participants arriving in Davos.His commitment to the cause is clear, citing a passion for orchestrating events that foster meaningful global dialogue and drive transformative change. Podolak’s alignment with the Forum's objective—enhancing the state of the world through collaborative stakeholder engagement—reflects his professional ethos and dedication to impactful events.

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