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The World Economic Forum is making significant changes to its annual meeting in Davos, including a tenfold increase in the price of admission for some guests. The organization is expanding the number of passes available and redefining the access they provide. These changes, set to take effect in 2025, were discussed with sponsors at a recent meeting in Geneva.
Access passes for second-tier attendees will now cost SFr1000, up from SFr100 in previous years. These passes grant entry to certain parts of the event but not the main conference center where world leaders and CEOs congregate. Elite badges, priced at SFr27,000 per person, provide access to all areas.
The revised badge system aims to attract a broader range of participants, including smaller sponsors, and create new networking opportunities for mid-tier executives. Some sponsors have expressed concerns about the changes, describing them as a “cash grab” that may overcrowd the event.
To accommodate the influx of attendees, the WEF is constructing a new building near the conference center and offering meeting space for rent. The organization is also introducing a program that allows corporate sponsors to host their own events under the Davos umbrella for a fee.
The 2025 annual meeting, scheduled for January 20-24, will focus on addressing geopolitical challenges, stimulating growth, and promoting an inclusive energy transition. However, preparations are overshadowed by ongoing scrutiny of the WEF’s workplace culture following allegations of discrimination and harassment.