A busy 'wocial' life

Publisher Hubert Burda, right, talks to Roland Berger, left, and Josef Ackermann, CEO of Deutsche Bank AG, during the Burda DLD Nightcap 2010 party at the Bellvedere Hotel on Jan. 27, 2010 in Davos. (Photo: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Saving the world is really hard work — just ask a punch-drunk Master of the Universe after a long day of handshaking and speechifying in Davos. So when the seminars are done for the day, many attendees head to bars or cafes for a little R&R.

Davos is famous for its party scene. A lucky few will be invited to parties in chateaus on the outskirts of town. Others will go to some of the more popular bars and restaurants such as the Cabanna Club or Bar Bistro.

There was some concern that a moribund economy and various global crises would put a dent in the social scene. Some of the usual heavy hitters, including Rupert Murdoch, have stayed away this year (as if he, of all people, would really liven up a soiree). But people always need to eat, drink, and flirt. Thus while the mood is more subdued than in previous years, the tradition continues.

As we write, the much-hyped Google party is in full swing. Although an invitation to the gathering is highly coveted, not everyone’s impressed. “It’s probably just a bunch of dorks standing around looking for free liquor,” said one bitter media type who did not receive an invitation.

One of the most prominent players in the Davos party circuit is Barry Colson, a Canadian performer who treks to the Alps each year to entertain the WEF masses at a piano bar in the Hotel Europe. Marketplace’s Christopher Werth caught up with Colson earlier this week. And today he had this story on the Marketplace show:

Kate Weinberg of London’s Telegraph describes Davos nightlife, where a distinct hybrid of work and socializing gets its own name:

“Davos is, after all, the highest form of “wocial”. For those who don’t know - or don’t have to go - the wocial is an event that is part work, part social. It is the brunch of the business world. People are casual, but nobody is entirely relaxed. There is drink, but it’s unwise to get drunk. Conversations may be informal, but they are supposed to be important.

“The hierarchy of wocials in Davos is tangible. Every evening a certain buzz travels through the frosty air, similar to that in a music festival, about which is the best gig in town. Private rooms in restaurants are taken over by companies and campaigners who, intent on luring investors and good press, throw red wine and rosti at the problem.”

“Wocial,” at least to this observer, sounds a lot like “Mwork.” As in just “more work.”

• Jan 29, 2010 2:00 PM — Dirk Mathison
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• tags: Davos, WEF