Davos has turned into an Art Basel party scene — and longtime attendees aren’t thrilled: ‘I liked it when there was less visibility’

Longtime attendees are complaining that this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos felt more like Art Basel in Miami and less like an elite conference, with thousands descending on the tiny Swiss mountain town to chase parties rather than conduct diplomacy or business.

The annual event wraps up Friday. While keynotes and fireside chats still made headlines— and still drew big names such as Donald Trump and Elon Musk — attendees complain that it’s been overrun and devolved into a social scene that falls somewhere between St. Barth’s at New Year’s and Snow Polo in St. Moritz.

Big tech companies have been spending lavishly on dinners and receptions at Davos. China News Service via Getty Images

“There is so much security and traffic and I’m starving the whole time,” one attendee, who has gone for more than ten years, told me.

Many of the dinners and events were still quite exclusive — everyone I spoke with was either dying to get an invite or thrilled to be included in events hosted by the likes of Jamie Dimon and Jane Fraser — but the sheer number of events has changed the dynamic.

Much of the shift has been driven by Big Tech’s lavish spending.

Davos still draws big names such as Donald Trump and Elon Musk (pictured) who make headlines at the annual event. AFP via Getty Images

Companies such as Meta, Anthropic and Palantir now host massive invite-only dinners, cocktail hours, and chalet receptions that overshadow the official programming. They outspend traditional corporate participants and turn side events into the main attraction. 

Then there’s the massive security presence the Trump administration has brought.

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For the most part, only World Economic Forum members can attend the conference. An annual membership typically begins at $75,000 with so-called “strategic partners” paying more than $700,000 for the pleasure.

Prominent world leaders and executives can nab an invite without paying dues.

My source lamented, “I liked it when there was less visibility here.”