Davos 2020 starts tomorrow and once again the ‘great and good’ will gather for the 50th World Economic Forum. Leading business people, politicians and journalists convene each year to discuss current global issues, placing a particular focus on aspects relating to economic, trade and social policy.
The 2020 agenda headline will be sustainability and climate change, but the glamour brigade will also very much in evidence, and stars from the entertainment world make an appearance seeking ever more publicity.
The Steigenberger Grandhotel Belvédère is the traditional prestigious and luxury venue for this veritable parade of who’s who. Over the course of the years, it has played host to an array of state presidents, CEO’s and celebrities from all over the world. Bill Clinton, Prince William, Bill Gates, Matt Damon and Angelina Jolie have all been overnight guests.
The hotel stages more than 300 events during the days of the summit. Months of meticulous preparation are required to make this venture a success. Tents and pavilions are erected all around the site in order to achieve a temporary expansion of capacities and create additional facilities for the numerous functions.
Even the health and beauty spa area is converted into a conference room, and the swimming pool is drained to provide extra space. The kitchen will be working flat out to produce almost 50,000 pralines and to make sure they are properly cooled. Around 16,800 bottles of water, 8,000 bottles of fruit juice, 5,000 bottles of wine and over 1,000 bottles of champagne will be served.
Throughout Davos circa 300 staff will be on duty looking after guests. General Manager Tina Heide will be in charge and told us: “During the Economic Forum, up to 8,000 people a day will be going in and out of our hotel. The normal daily figure is approximately 250.”
Temporary employees are recruited in order to meet the huge requirements. These include teams from other Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts and external staff. Most help out every year, meaning that Heide can rely on having a well-versed workforce in place. Heide is looking forward to the event saying: “The World Economic Forum is a particular highlight every year, but it also creates an exceptional circumstance which requires everyone to pull out all the stops. I consider it a great privilege to be part of such a great team effort.”