10 things you might not know about Davos

Freelance journalist Jillian Godsil popped her Davos cherry this year and learnt ten surprising things you might not know about Davos

Now in its 50th year, the World Economic Forum (WEF) summit was first launched by German economist Klaus Schwab. The conference is aimed at working with both private and public bodies with the objective of impacting the global agenda on finances, economics and more recently climate change. It is held at the end of January in Davos, a mountain resort in the eastern Alps in Switzerland. The meeting is by invitation only and brings together some 3000 business leaders, international political leader, economists, celebrities and journalists for 5 days.

However, there are also many fringe events happening in and around this tiny town which attracts a further 40,000 plus people keen to meet, talk about key issues and do business.

I attended the Davos Summit on the fringe. It was an eye opener but not in the way people might imagine. I attended as a freelance journalist.

1. The main promenade of Davos is converted into an exhibition space. The promenade itself is relatively short but every shop face gets a makeover so instead of retail outlets the main companies appear to have their headquarters on the main street. False facades and often total re-dos inside would make you…