WEF 2013: Strict entries and cordial support, it's all there at Davos

From heads of governments of countries like the UK, Germany and Italy to high-flying business executives and lesser known persons, the World Economic Forum (WEF) meet in this Swiss ski town is hosting every one this week.

One moment you can find access to certain parts of the town very difficult while the very next minute you may also run into a security personnel or a police officer who will escort you to your destination even if you just ask for the way.

The drivers of electric cars for moving within the Congress Centre, the venue of WEF meet, offer you a blanket to guard against the freezing chill in the air even for a two-minute ride. Those offering fruit smoothies across the venue have got knitted caps on them and are called 'Innocent'.

At the same time, if you don't belong to the elite league, who can identified here from their white badges, you can't even think of entering areas marked for the rich and powerful. In effect, the non-white badge holders have been left with less than half of the entire venue.

It's the same case for numerous evening and late night parties held across this small town. Those not invited cannot under any circumstances manage an entry, although there are no bouncers and it is mostly a polite 'no' to tell you that you are not invited.

However, there are plenty of these parties and everyone is bound to get invited to one or the other every evening and the majority of them end up attending two or more parties every day. To start the day, there are breakfast meetings also, while a few lunch meetings have also commenced in various hotels and restaurants here, in addition to the WEF's official lunch meets.

Indian companies are not far behind in hosting these parties. Mahindra & Mahindra, TCS, Bajaj and Videocon have already hosted their own parties, while many others will follow during the week.

Besides, there is a permanent 'India Adda' during the event in the town, which has been set up by India Brand Equity Foundation and offers Indian delicacies to visitors. Even foreigners can be seen savouring  spicy Indian treat and beverages.

However, getting into the so-called IGWELs (informal gathering of world economic leaders) is the most daunting task for the 'non-elites'. Although these are supposed to be informal, most deals are actually stuck, or at least initiated, in these meetings.

These take place between bankers, industrialists, policymakers and other important and influential people of the world visiting this ski resort in the last week of January every year.

The parties also play host to the spouses and partners of the WEF elites.