Political and business leaders met at the sidelines of the World Economic Forum to discuss future issues: Israel’s Foreign Minister Zipi Livni, EU Commissioner Viviane Reding, Crown Prince Philipp of Belgium and party whip Volker Kauder of Germany’s conservative party; Audi boss Rupert Stadler, Deutsche Post World chairman Klaus Zumwinkel, Blackstone chairman Stephen Schwarzman, Bosch chairman Franz Fehrenbach, BASF chairman Juergen Hambrecht, Dell founder Michael Dell, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, Google boss Eric Schmidt, WPP chairman Sir Martin Sorrell and internet entrepreneur Oliver Samwer.

Among the guests were several media decision-makers and celebrities: Swiss publisher Michael Ringier, publisher Stefan von Holzbrick, German daily “Bild” publisher Kai Diekmann, German weekly “Die Zeit” co-publisher Josef Joffe as well as German actress Maria Furtwaengler, Oscar winner Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, author Paulo Coelho, top model Naomi Campbell and music producer Leslie Mandoki.

Under the aegis of Klaus Schwab, founder of the WEF, the conference has become a mecca for businesspeople and politicians. General economic and political issues are at the centre of the annual forum that attracts the powerful from all over the world.

Further guests at this year’s “Burda Focus Nightcap” were Audi chairman Ralph Weyler, advertising agency Jung von Matt board member Karen Heumann, Erich and Regine Sixt of Sixt Rental Cars and the Russian chief rabbi Berel Lazar.