Write the real question
Frame a genuinely open problem worth 60–90 minutes of executive attention.
03 / DIALOGUE · DAVOS CORPORATE EVENTS
Executive roundtables in Davos 2027Curate a conversation, not a speaking slot.
Independent executive roundtables with a clear question, a considered invitation strategy and measurable outcomes.
A serious agenda creates more value than an oversized stage.
THE OPERATING PRINCIPLETHE BRIEF
The reason to do it.
You need a focused way to convene an informed group around a business-critical subject.
Well suited to
- A closed-door leadership dialogue
- Sector-specific policy or technology discussion
- A small group that could become a lasting network
DESIGN TO DELIVERY
Built with intent.
Three disciplines that protect quality when the calendar, guest list or venue conditions change.
Curate the room
Map complementary and diverse perspectives, invite through appropriate channels and track confirmations.
Make follow-through tangible
Agree recording rules and publish only consented summaries or post-event follow-up.
WHAT WE COORDINATE
One accountable brief.
- Theme and agenda design
- Moderator brief and facilitation plan
- Target-list and invitation support
- RSVP, seating and registration coordination
- Optional consent-based content recap
REAL-WORLD CONSTRAINTS
Plan for what can change.
- Never guarantee the attendance of a named individual
- Set confidentiality or Chatham House rules upfront
- Photography and audio require consent and clear notice
SUCCESS DEFINED EARLY
Measure what matters.
- 01Attendance relevance
- 02Discussion quality
- 03Next-step requests
- 04Agreed collaborative actions
EXPLORE THE MIX
The format is a means, not an end.
BUYER'S FIELD NOTES
Make the important
decisions early.
Three focused frameworks for the choices that most affect the execution of an independent Davos programme.
01 / COMMERCIAL
Budget the whole programme
Cost structure, exclusions, supplier assumptions and financial decisions.
Budget framework ↗02 / SITEInspect the real venue risk
Permissions, load-in, infrastructure, guest movement and handback.
Venue checklist ↗03 / RELATIONSHIPSEarn the executive invitation
Audience thesis, host introductions, RSVP discipline and follow-up.
Invitation framework ↗THE NEXT BUYER DECISION
Consider an executive breakfast roundtable
A small morning working session can support a clear question when a full-day programme is unnecessary.
Explore the practical guide ↗A PRACTICAL BUYER'S BRIEF
The working brief for a Davos roundtable
A roundtable needs a genuinely discussable question and a group whose perspectives help answer it. An elaborate stage is rarely a substitute for careful facilitation.
What belongs on the agenda?
Use one substantive question, a short opening to establish facts and enough time for participants to challenge assumptions. Decide whether the session is for exploration, policy input or practical partnership; each produces a different invitation and follow-up.
Can the conversation be confidential?
Choose the attribution and recording rules before inviting guests. Explain whether Chatham House Rule, strict non-attribution or an approved summary will apply. Photographing the group or publishing participant names requires an appropriate basis and clear agreement.
What logistics are easily overlooked?
Test acoustics, sightlines, accessibility, simultaneous interpretation if needed, room layout and secure arrival. Keep a short guest-replacement procedure and a moderator contingency; a full programme should still work if one speaker cannot travel.
FOUR DETAILS THAT MOVE A QUOTE FORWARD
- Discussion question and intended decision or outcome
- Target roles or stakeholder categories, with no promised attendance
- Duration, format, confidentiality and recording rules
- Language, accessibility and room requirements