Sharp, highly connected, and instinctively attuned to the needs of the ultra-wealthy: Irene Vantaraki.

She first built her reputation through Greek House, one of the best-known independent platforms surrounding the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. The concept was founded by Vantaraki with the aim of positioning Greece more prominently as an international hub for investment, business, and dialogue during the WEF.

At the center of the platform are exclusive networking events, roundtables, private dinners, and high-level discussions bringing together leaders from politics, finance, business, diplomacy, and technology.

The format has since evolved into one of the key side-event hubs during WEF week and played a major role in helping Vantaraki expand her international networking platform under the Davos Lodge brand.

Her latest move: expanding the concept to Zurich with the «Global Economic Roundtable» in early June. The headline guest: Donald Trump Jr.  Demand is extremely strong. Admission, however, is strictly by invitation only.

Ms. Vantaraki, Davos Lodge has established itself outside the official WEF ecosystem as an exclusive meeting place, particularly for investors. Was that accidental — or part of a deliberate strategy from the beginning?

Davos Lodge did not begin as a grand concept. It started with the conviction that the most important conversations in Davos are not taking place on stage. They happen in smaller rooms, among people who trust each other enough to speak candidly.

That insight shaped the entire format. We deliberately avoided spectacle, overproduced programming, and excessive branding. What we offer is privacy, precision, and direct access to genuine decision-makers.

The result is an environment where real estate investors, sovereign wealth representatives, private equity executives, and senior political figures can openly discuss capital flows, geopolitical risks, and global strategy — without cameras and without public performance.

«People speak differently when they know they are on neutral ground.»

That restraint created trust. And trust, in turn, built our reputation.

On June 4, you are bringing this format to Zurich with the «Global Economic Roundtable – Who Shapes the Global Economy,» including Donald Trump Jr. Why Zurich?

The «Global Economic Roundtable» is the natural evolution of what we have built. Zurich was a very deliberate strategic choice. Switzerland’s neutrality is far more than a political tradition — it is a deeply embedded culture of trust.

People speak differently when they know they are on neutral ground. At the same time, Switzerland offers extraordinary financial infrastructure, a stable business environment, and strong international credibility. That makes Zurich the ideal venue for a dialogue of this nature.

It is also important to us that Switzerland is not merely hosting the event. We want Swiss voices, Swiss institutions, and Swiss perspectives to play an active role in the discussion.

Despite strong demand, attendance is strictly by invitation only. Why?

Our participants come from across the world — from finance, central banking, geopolitics, and international economic institutions. The selection process is fundamental to everything we do. We are not building an audience; we are intentionally assembling a room.

Every invitation is personal, carefully vetted, and purposeful. We are not interested in visibility or titles. What matters is relevance.

«When everyone in the room is a principal decision-maker, the quality of the conversation changes fundamentally.»

We want to bring together people who are actively shaping the global economy — not simply commenting on it.

That is precisely why the format works. When everyone in the room is a principal decision-maker, the quality of the conversation changes fundamentally.

Why does the world need another format like the «Global Economic Roundtable» alongside the many established summits and economic forums?

Most forums are built around programming — panels, keynote speeches, and side events. Our format is built around conversation.

That is a fundamental distinction. We do not put people on stage to perform for one another. We bring them to the table to think together.

Our experience shows that these types of roundtable formats create relationships and outcomes that endure long after the event itself.

In a world that is becoming louder, more fragmented, and increasingly saturated with conferences, the most valuable thing we can offer is ultimately what we have always offered: a space where serious people can have serious conversations — without distraction and without theater.