The challenge of showing up at WEF is unparalleled. It’s about cutting through logistical complexity with a message and purpose. Here’s what makes Davos uniquely demanding:
- High-Stakes Stakeholder Juggling: Simultaneously engaging policymakers, CEOs, activists, and disruptors in a hyper-competitive environment.
- Logistical Precision: Managing remote venues, tight security, and fragmented schedules in a town stretched to its limits.
- The Battle for Attention: Standing out amid a cacophony of brands, announcements, and global media.
- Agile Messaging: Aligning with themes that shift as quickly as the geopolitical landscape.
- Unpredictability: Weather disruptions, last-minute cancellations, or surprise regulatory debates.
Understanding the Davos Stage
Davos presents a fascinating paradox—a serene Swiss mountain town that annually transforms into the epicentre of global discourse. The complexity of this setting matches its charm. Construction faces challenges from frozen terrain, while stringent regulations demand unwavering compliance. The Forum’s evolving ethos requires brands to carefully balance visibility with purpose, especially in light of recent changes, such as the introduction of theme-aligned activations.
Guiding and collaborating with our clients to create meaningful experiences for their guests stems from treating Davos as both an art and a science. Through deep-rooted relationships with local authorities and global stakeholders, we ensure smooth navigation of permits and site acquisitions while preparing for pivots.
Success Stories: Vision Meets Reality
TikTok’s Experience Centre
TikTok’s multi-year partnership with Smyle at the World Economic Forum saw this year again centring on establishing their platform as a trusted global entertainment leader.Â
Our execution strategy evolved from an initial branded hotel lounge with meeting spaces in 2024, to an expanded presence in 2025 featuring an innovative exhibition space showcasing TikTok’s privacy and security features, interactive platform demonstrations, and global impact statistics.Â
The approach continued to prioritise diverse creator representation, with high-impact events including an exclusive dinner with fireside chats, and adding interactive Creator showcases in the exhibition space.Â
Meta’s Innovation Experience
For the Meta House project this year, Smyle handled everything from concept and design through to construction. We designed the space with two key goals: providing private meeting areas for leaders and showcasing Meta’s latest technology.Â
Visitors got hands-on experience with Meta AI, Ray-Ban smart glasses, and Quest headsets throughout the custom-built environment. We also added a practical touch with a hot chocolate stand where guests could place orders using WhatsApp technology.Â
Our approach demonstrated how Meta’s innovations can enhance real-world experiences while facilitating meaningful connections.
Celonis: Sustainability in Action
Our work with Celonis at WEF 2025 showcased how AI drives sustainability outcomes. Visitors experienced an immersive journey featuring live data dashboards that visualised real-time efficiency improvements and carbon reductions. The centrepiece, a dynamic model of an AI-optimised supply chain, demonstrated sustainability in motion, while expert panels contextualised how these technologies translate to measurable environmental impact. This approach transformed abstract concepts into tangible demonstrations that resonated with business leaders.
Mastering the Davos Timeline
Success at Davos requires a year-round commitment. Planning begins 12 months in advance, allowing us to align client objectives with the Forum’s evolving priorities. This foresight proves crucial for site selection, regulatory compliance, and thematic integration. When the Forum introduced stricter sustainability requirements, our proactive approach ensured clients’ activations were compliant and exemplary.
The logistical challenges are equally demanding. From constructing custom stages in alpine conditions to coordinating global shipments in a location with limited access, our experienced team transforms potential obstacles into opportunities.
The Smyle Advantage
Our decade of Davos expertise is built on trust and understanding of this unique ecosystem. We excel in creating spaces and crafting experiences that resonate with both Davos’ intellectual gravity and its alpine setting. Our approach blends global vision with local expertise, whether collaborating with Swiss artisans or incorporating regional elements into client designs.
Agility defines our service delivery. When faced with last-minute changes—from regulatory shifts to weather disruptions—our team adapts while maintaining the core vision. This flexibility was particularly evident when we transformed a cancelled keynote into an engaging roundtable discussion, incorporating pre-recorded insights from industry leaders into a dynamic live format.
Looking Ahead: Davos 2026
As we reflect on Davos 2025, we look forward to future opportunities. While the Forum’s themes will evolve, the need for meaningful brand experiences grows stronger. We invite you to join us on the journey to Davos 2026, where strategy, creativity, and resilience converge to create lasting impact.
Contact us today to explore how we can elevate your brand’s presence at the world’s most influential gathering.
For more information about our Davos experience and capabilities, contact our Client Development Lead Amanda Alexander at amanda.a@smyle.co.uk.