As more than 3,000 leaders gather in Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum, event management chief Severin Podolak ensures everything runs smoothly, aiming for impactful outcomes through collaboration.
Inside the Operations of the World Economic Forum in Davos
Inside the Operations of the World Economic Forum in Davos
An overview of the logistical challenges and efforts behind the scenes at this year’s major global gathering.
The annual World Economic Forum, known as Davos, is set to receive over 3,000 global leaders spanning business, politics, and civil society, uniting in the Swiss Alps every January to confront pressing challenges such as climate change and geopolitical tensions. The origins of this prominent summit trace back to 1971 when German economist Klaus Schwab founded it as the European Management Symposium.
In charge of the multifaceted logistics is Severin Podolak, the World Economic Forum’s head of event management and operations, who has held this role since 2021. With a background managing high-profile events at the Swiss Re Group in Zurich, Podolak’s extensive experience—ever exceeding 20 years—equips him to oversee everything from technology setups and room temperatures to catering services.
“My role involves taking care of the finer details essential for a successful meeting. It’s my responsibility to ensure that the technology operates flawlessly and that the attendees feel comfortable and well taken care of,” Podolak explained. Additionally, he is accountable for the scheduling of sessions, arranging accommodations, and coordinating transportation logistics for participants.
Podolak's motivation for stepping into this pivotal role stems from his aspiration to facilitate events that can drive transformative global change. “The ethos of the Forum, aiming to enhance the state of the world through vibrant collaboration among diverse stakeholders, aligns well with my professional values,” he remarked, indicating his commitment to the forum’s mission.
