What The WEF Davos Taught Me & How to Prepare for it

What to Wear at The World Economic Forum, Davos? Power Dressing Meets Survival !
Davos in January is no joke. Temperatures are well below freezing point, and you will be walking & talking a lot.
What worked for me:
Elegant but super warm jackets (wool or down-lined for the outer layer)
Thermal inner layers, top to toe (invisible but lifesaving)
Snow boots with grip (style + safety + comfort)
Medium sized handbags or sleek backpacks (you’ll carry invites, badges and chargers)
Neutral power outfits you can layer (warm skirts, blazers, knit dresses, smart trousers)
Smart caps, gloves, mufflers and some snacks for vegetarians

Think: global boardroom meets snowstorm. You’re dressing for high-level conversations in a sub-zero weather. Staying warm is more important that anything else. There are options for vegetarians but they are limited. The supply of coffee is ample. Also, you won’t find coat hangers or places to store your snow shoes. You have to carry your belongings with you everywhere. I suggest that you take the outer layer of jacket that you are fine to wear anywhere. Wear your snow shoes with pride to meetings. Everyone understands the snow reality. And people are more interested in your conversations and the future you are building.

Do read: What WEF Davos Is Really Like (From a Girl Who Visited for the First Time)

Davos rewards preparation. Here’s what I did and recommend:
1️⃣ Be clear on your narrative
Most often people will ask, “What brings you to Davos?”
You must have a sharp and confident answer about:
Who you are
What you’re building
What kind of partnerships or conversations you’re looking for
As the founder of Variaabl Education, my focus was clear: global education partnerships, leadership learning, and meaningful cross-border collaboration.

2️⃣ Schedule in advance
Many high-value meetings are fixed months and weeks before Davos. Reach out early to potential partners. Calendars fill fast.

3️⃣ Research attendees & hosts
Know which organisations, corporates, universities, investors, ministers and leaders align with your mission. Intentional networking is best done here. Do note that you will have ample opportunities for random mingling. A lot of surprises will come your way in meeting new people and investors.

4️⃣ Prepare your material
Digital is best:
LinkedIn polished and updated
A short intro deck on your phone
A one-line description of your work ready at all times

Davos is a small alpine town temporarily transformed into the world’s most powerful networking hub.
You move between:
Hotel lounges turned into inspiring discussion rooms
Country houses hosting umpteen meetings
Side events organised by corporates, universities, investors, think tanks, and foundations
Hot coffee conversations that turn into meaningful connections
Security is tight, hustle is at every corner, schedules change quickly, people are mesmerised and the real magic often happens outside the official agenda.

-Lead with curiosity, not pitching (My mantra)
The best conversations start with genuine interest. Ask what others are working on before speaking about yourself.
-Think collaboration, not transactions
Davos is about long-term alignment, not quick deals. Plant seeds.
-Protect your energy
It’s intense. Cold weather, buzzing town, constant movement, back-to-back discussions. Build in quiet moments. Even a solo tea helps you reset.
-Follow up fast
The real work begins after Davos. Send follow-ups fast while the conversation is still fresh.

Davos reminds you that the world’s biggest challenges — education, health, policies, leadership, equity, innovation: all are deeply interconnected.
It reinforced my belief that education is one of the most powerful catalyst for global progress. The leaders in those rooms weren’t just discussing growth, they were discussing accountability and responsibility.
And that’s exactly why the work we do at Variaabl Education matters: helping leaders access the right learning so they can step into larger roles, make better decisions, and contribute at a higher level.
Davos may be covered in snow, but the ideas shared there have the power to shape the future.