( CNN ) -- The great Davos talking shop is now up and running , with delegates of all levels of importance , shapes and nationalities zeroing in on this quaint , alpine town to put the world to rights . For many ordinary people the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum ( WEF ) is yet another `` important '' summit in the calendar where the elite of business and politics will schmooze for a few days in a rarefied environment they have little or no experience of . Whether or not you believe events such as Davos justify their lofty ambitions , they are certainly a unique experience . So how do you become a Davos delegate ? Official invite . The World Economic Forum is strictly by invitation only , with 2,500 participants representing over 100 countries . The roll call includes CEOs and representatives from the world 's biggest corporations ; politicians and heads of state from the G20 and other key countries ; technology innovators ; social entrepreneurs ; philanthropists and media companies . Adding to the exclusivity is the hefty price tag to attend . While the white badges are free for invited representatives of certain groups -- heads of state , faith leaders , academics , social entrepreneurs , members of international organizations and news anchors -- for businesses , the cost of a ticket is approximately $ 20,000 . Huge travel budget . Getting to this small ski resort , nestled in a picturesque valley high up in the Swiss Alps 150 km south-west of Zurich , is not for the budget traveler . For a delegate arriving from New York this week flying business class , the price comes in at between $ 4,800 and $ 7,200 . A visitor from Tokyo can expect to pay between $ 4,500 and $ 8,300 , while a delegate flying in from Johannesburg , South Africa will pay around $ 4,900 . And once in Zurich there 's the small matter of the transfer to Davos . A regular shuttle bus and train service is available , but a two-hour trip by public transport may not suit the business client . The alternative would be a limousine which would cost around $ 700 for a one-way trip . However corporate CEOs may choose to come by helicopter , which last year cost around $ 9,500 for a return flight . Place to stay . Finding accommodation in Davos during the week of the World Economic Forum is not easy , with a limited number of large hotels . Predictably tariffs reflect the resulting demand/supply imbalance , with a room in a modest three-star hotel coming in at around $ 600 per night . Those with a considerably bigger budget often choose to rent out whole apartments or chalets . A chalet sleeping up to ten people for the week can command as much as $ 60,000 - though catering might just be included . The right outfit . It 's cold in Davos , very cold . At 5,052 ft ( 1,540m ) above see level , temperatures average -6 degrees Celsius ( 21.1 degrees Fahrenheit ) in January . Thermal underwear , winter jackets and snow boots are a must , particularly when the temperature plummets in the evenings as you make your way to the various cocktail parties , meals and social events hosted by partner companies . It is not uncommon to see $ 2,000 bespoke suits finished off with bulky snow boots around the Congress Center . Spot the VIPs . For an outsider , the gathering in Davos might look like a big party for anyone who matters in the world . In reality , the meeting in Davos is ruled by a strict hierarchy . Access to some places is strictly for a a few dozens of heads of state , royalty , the CEOs of global corporate giants and the heads of a veritable alphabet soup of international organizations . How do you spot the very , very important people among the 2,500 delegates ? Look for the badges . Anyone wearing a white badge is an official delegate , who got invited to the conference . Spouses of delegates and `` strategic partners , '' who sponsor the WEF , have similar badges . The most exclusive badge , the kind that gets you access to the behind the scenes secret society ( officially known as the Informal Gathering of World Economic Leaders ) , is the one with a holographic sticker . Knowing where to go . With all the above boxes ticked , it is essential to have a plan once you have run the gauntlet of airport-style security -- there are 4,000 Swiss troops in Davos this week -- and made it inside the newly-extended Congress Center with the correct color of identity pass . Some delegates do nothing but network with other delegates , oblivious to the feverish discussions going all around them about the post-crisis new reality . So delegates can spend four days roaming this cavernous indoor amphitheater attending conferences and workshops about everything from how the environment agenda will change in light of current trends and norms , to how music can transform communities and unite people . $ 40,000-per head well spent . READ MORE : . Davos 2014 : Complete coverage . Follow CNN reporters in Davos .
the Congress Center is strictly by invitation only , with ten participants . Average cost to a business to send each delegate is a whopping $ 20,000 . Getting to Davos and then finding accomodation also hits the pocket hard . Davos delegates can take a helicopter from Zurich to Zurich for 20,000 .