The Bilderberg Club: Inside the World’s Most Influential Private Meeting
Since 1954, the Bilderberg Group has brought together the most powerful leaders in politics, finance, technology, and media. Explore the complete story of the world’s most exclusive annual conference—from its Cold War origins to today’s discussions on artificial intelligence and global security.
1954
Year Founded
Oosterbeek, Netherlands
130+
Annual Attendees
From 20+ countries
Understanding the Bilderberg Club: The Annual Gathering That Shapes Global Dialogue
The Bilderberg Club, officially known as the Bilderberg Meeting or Bilderberg Group, is an annual private conference that has convened every year since 1954. What began as a Cold War initiative to strengthen transatlantic relations has evolved into the world’s most exclusive forum for informal discussions among political leaders, industry executives, financial experts, and influential academics from Europe and North America.
Each conference brings together approximately 130 carefully selected participants for four days of intensive dialogue on the most pressing issues facing the Western world. Unlike other international forums such as the World Economic Forum in Davos or the G7 summits, the Bilderberg Club operates under strict privacy rules—no formal agenda is distributed beforehand, no resolutions are voted upon, no official communiqués are issued, and no press access is permitted.
The conference takes its name from the Hotel de Bilderberg in Oosterbeek, Netherlands, where the first meeting was organized on May 29, 1954. Polish political advisor Józef Retinger, concerned about rising anti-American sentiment in post-war Europe, conceived the idea and secured the support of Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands and prominent American figures including David Rockefeller. The original goal was to reduce tensions between Europe and the United States and foster cooperation between the two continents during the height of the Cold War.
Today, the Bilderberg Group continues to provide a unique space where world leaders can speak freely, exchange ideas without the constraints of official positions, and build relationships that transcend national boundaries. The conference has been credited with facilitating important informal dialogues on European integration, transatlantic security cooperation, and emerging global challenges. Browse our complete list of members or explore topics discussed at recent conferences.
While critics have questioned the secrecy surrounding the meetings, supporters argue that the confidential format is essential to enable frank, off-the-record conversations among participants who face intense public scrutiny in their official roles. The Steering Committee that governs the organization has gradually increased transparency in recent decades, now publishing participant lists and general agenda topics on the official website.
Learn More About Bilderberg →Core Principles of the Bilderberg Club
🔒 Chatham House Rule
Participants may use information but cannot attribute it to any speaker or reveal identities.
📋 No Formal Agenda
No votes are taken, no resolutions passed, and no official policy statements are issued.
👤 Personal Capacity
Attendees participate as individuals, not as official representatives of their organizations.
🚫 No Media Access
Journalists are not admitted; no recordings, transcripts, or photographs are permitted.
Recent Bilderberg Meetings
The Bilderberg Club meets annually in different locations across Europe and North America, rotating between host countries. Each conference addresses the most pressing global issues of the moment, bringing together thought leaders who can offer unique perspectives on complex challenges. Explore our complete meeting archive spanning seven decades, or read the latest news and updates from the organization.
Bilderberg 2025
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Dates: June 12-15, 2025
Participants: ~130 from 22 countries
Organized by billionaire Marcus Wallenberg to celebrate Sweden’s NATO accession. Key topics included AI governance, European security architecture, and the evolving geopolitical landscape.
Full details →Bilderberg 2024
Location: Madrid, Spain
Dates: May 30 – June 2, 2024
Participants: 131 from 25 countries
The 70th anniversary meeting marked a historic milestone for the Bilderberg Club. Discussions focused on artificial intelligence, the future of warfare, and transatlantic economic challenges.
Full details →Explore All Meetings
Browse our complete archive of Bilderberg conferences from 1954 to present, including attendee lists and discussion topics.
View Full Archive →Who Attends the Bilderberg Club?
Each year, the Steering Committee carefully selects and invites approximately 130 leaders from politics, finance, industry, technology, academia, and media. Participants represent Europe and North America almost equally and attend strictly in their personal capacity—not as official representatives of their governments or organizations. This unique format allows for candid exchanges that would be impossible in formal diplomatic settings. View our complete member database to explore who has attended Bilderberg conferences over the decades.
Political Leaders
Heads of state, prime ministers, cabinet members, EU commissioners, NATO officials, and senior government advisors from across Europe and North America.
Business Executives
CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, multinational corporation leaders, banking executives, investment fund directors, and entrepreneurs shaping global industries.
Tech & Finance
Leaders from Google, Microsoft, AI pioneers, central bank governors, and executives from global financial institutions including the IMF and World Bank.
Academia & Think Tanks
University presidents from Harvard, Oxford, and Stanford, leading researchers, policy experts, and directors of influential think tanks shaping global discourse.
Media Leaders
Editors and executives from The Economist, Financial Times, Bloomberg, Washington Post, and other major newspapers and digital media platforms.
International Organizations
NATO Secretary Generals, European Commission officials, IMF directors, World Bank executives, and leaders from other major global institutions.
Bilderberg Club vs. Other Global Forums
The Bilderberg Club is often compared to other elite gatherings such as the World Economic Forum at Davos, the Trilateral Commission, and G7/G20 summits. While these forums share some participants, each has a distinct purpose, format, and level of transparency. Understanding these differences helps clarify the unique role that Bilderberg plays in global discourse.
Bilderberg Club
Founded: 1954
Participants: ~130
Focus: Europe-North America
Media: No access
World Economic Forum
Founded: 1971
Participants: ~3,000
Focus: Global
Media: Full coverage
Trilateral Commission
Founded: 1973
Participants: ~400
Focus: US-Europe-Asia
Media: Limited
G7 / G20 Summits
Founded: 1975 / 1999
Participants: Heads of State
Focus: Official diplomacy
Media: Full coverage
Unlike the World Economic Forum in Davos, which has evolved into a major public event with extensive media coverage and corporate sponsorship, the Bilderberg Club has deliberately maintained its intimate, private format. This allows the approximately 130 participants to have frank, off-the-record conversations without concern that their comments will be reported or taken out of context. Many influential figures have attended both Bilderberg and Davos, but the nature of their participation differs significantly between the two forums.
What Topics Are Discussed at the Bilderberg Club?
While specific discussions remain confidential under the Chatham House Rule, the Bilderberg Club publishes the general agenda topics for each meeting on its official website. These topics typically reflect the most pressing global challenges of the moment—issues where transatlantic cooperation is essential and where informal dialogue among key decision-makers can make a meaningful difference.
In recent years, the Bilderberg Group has focused extensively on artificial intelligence and its implications for society, cybersecurity threats to critical infrastructure, climate policy and the energy transition, the future of NATO and European security architecture, and the evolving relationship between major world powers including the United States, China, and Russia.
Economic stability, technological disruption, and democratic governance are recurring themes that have appeared on the agenda for decades. The informal nature of the conference allows participants to speak freely, explore unconventional ideas, and challenge conventional wisdom without fear of public criticism. While no formal decisions are made at Bilderberg meetings, the relationships and insights developed during these four-day gatherings often influence participants’ thinking long after they return to their official roles.
Explore All Discussion Topics →Recent Bilderberg Agenda Topics:
The History of the Bilderberg Club
From a Cold War initiative designed to heal rifts between Europe and America to the world’s most influential private forum—the Bilderberg Club has spent seven decades shaping transatlantic relations while adapting to a rapidly changing global landscape. Explore the complete history of Bilderberg from 1954 to the present day.
The First Bilderberg Meeting
Polish political advisor Józef Retinger, concerned about growing anti-American sentiment in post-war Europe, organizes the inaugural conference at Hotel de Bilderberg in Oosterbeek, Netherlands. With funding from David Rockefeller and organizational support from Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, 80 delegates from 11 countries gather for three days of discussions aimed at strengthening transatlantic ties during the early Cold War period.
Cold War Expansion and Institutionalization
The conference becomes an established annual tradition, with meetings rotating between European countries and the United States. Discussions focus on strengthening Western unity against Soviet influence and building the economic and security architecture that would define the transatlantic relationship for decades. Ernst van der Beugel succeeds Retinger as Secretary General in 1960 following the founder’s death.
The Lockheed Scandal and Only Cancellation
The planned meeting in Hot Springs, Virginia is cancelled when Prince Bernhard becomes implicated in the Lockheed bribery scandal. This represents the only cancellation in the organization’s history until the COVID-19 pandemic decades later. The scandal forces Prince Bernhard to step back from his chairmanship role, marking a significant transition in the Bilderberg Club’s leadership.
Increased Transparency and Digital Age
Responding to increased public interest and criticism, the Bilderberg Club launches its official website and begins publishing participant lists and general agenda topics after each meeting. While maintaining confidentiality about specific discussions, this marks a significant shift toward greater transparency. Henri de Castries becomes Chairman in 2012.
Pandemic Pause
The COVID-19 pandemic forces the cancellation of two consecutive meetings—only the second and third cancellations in the organization’s seven-decade history. Unlike some forums that shifted to virtual formats, Bilderberg chose to wait until in-person gatherings could safely resume, reflecting the importance of face-to-face interaction to the conference’s purpose.
70th Anniversary in Madrid
The Bilderberg Club celebrates its 70th meeting in Madrid, Spain. With 131 participants from 25 countries, discussions focus heavily on artificial intelligence—with executives from Google DeepMind, Microsoft AI, and Anthropic in attendance—as well as the future of warfare, European economic challenges, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Stockholm Conference and NATO Expansion
The 71st Bilderberg Meeting takes place in Stockholm, Sweden, organized by billionaire Marcus Wallenberg to mark Sweden’s historic accession to NATO. Discussions focus on AI governance, European security architecture in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions, and the future of transatlantic cooperation in an increasingly multipolar world.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Bilderberg Club
Find answers to the most common questions about the Bilderberg Group, its meetings, members, and operations. For more comprehensive information, visit our complete FAQ page or explore specific topics using the navigation above.
What is the Bilderberg Club?
The Bilderberg Club, officially known as the Bilderberg Meeting, is an annual private conference of approximately 130 influential leaders from politics, business, finance, academia, and media. Founded in 1954, it brings together participants from Europe and North America to discuss pressing global issues in an informal setting under the Chatham House Rule. Learn more on our What is Bilderberg page.
Who attends Bilderberg meetings?
Attendees include heads of state, government ministers, central bank governors, CEOs of major corporations, technology leaders, prominent academics, and senior journalists. The Steering Committee invites participants each year based on their expertise and influence. You can browse our members database for complete attendee lists from past conferences.
What is the Chatham House Rule?
The Chatham House Rule allows participants to use information from the meeting but prohibits them from identifying who said what. This encourages open, frank discussion because speakers can express views without public attribution or concern that their words will be taken out of context. All Bilderberg Club discussions operate under this principle.
What topics are discussed at Bilderberg?
Discussion topics vary each year but typically include geopolitics, economics, technology, security, and major global challenges. Recent meetings have focused extensively on artificial intelligence, climate change, European security, US-China relations, and the implications of the conflict in Ukraine. See our agenda page for topics from each conference.
Are decisions made at Bilderberg meetings?
No. The Bilderberg Club explicitly states that no votes are taken, no resolutions are passed, and no policy statements are issued. It is purely a forum for informal discussion and the exchange of ideas among influential individuals attending in their personal capacity, not as official representatives of their governments or organizations.
Where and when do Bilderberg meetings take place?
Meetings are held annually, typically in late May or early June, lasting four days. Locations rotate between European countries and North America, with the conference held in the United States approximately once every four years. The 2025 meeting was held in Stockholm, and the 2024 meeting was in Madrid. Browse all meeting locations in our archive.
Who runs the Bilderberg Club?
The organization is governed by a Steering Committee of approximately 30 members from Europe and North America. The current Chairman is Henri de Castries, former CEO of AXA, who has led the organization since 2012. The committee organizes annual meetings, selects discussion topics, and invites participants. There is no permanent headquarters or large bureaucracy.
Why is Bilderberg so secretive?
The privacy is designed to encourage candid discussion. Participants—many of whom hold prominent public positions—can speak freely without concern that their words will be reported, quoted out of context, or used against them politically. This allows genuine exploration of ideas that might be controversial or sensitive. However, the Bilderberg Club does publish participant lists and general agenda topics after each meeting.
How is Bilderberg different from Davos?
While both are elite gatherings, they differ significantly. The World Economic Forum in Davos attracts over 3,000 participants, has extensive media coverage, and includes corporate sponsorship. The Bilderberg Club is much smaller (~130 attendees), completely private, and focused exclusively on transatlantic dialogue. Davos is global in scope; Bilderberg specifically connects Europe and North America. Many influential figures attend both forums.
Can anyone attend a Bilderberg meeting?
No. Attendance is strictly by invitation only. The Steering Committee selects and invites participants based on their expertise, influence, and relevance to the topics being discussed. There is no application process, membership fee, or way to request an invitation. About two-thirds of attendees change from year to year, while core members provide continuity.
Who founded the Bilderberg Club?
The Bilderberg Group was founded in 1954 by Polish political advisor Józef Retinger, who was concerned about growing anti-American sentiment in post-war Europe. He secured the support of Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands (who hosted the first meeting) and prominent American figures including David Rockefeller. The conference takes its name from the Hotel de Bilderberg in Oosterbeek, Netherlands. Read more about the origins and history of the organization.
Has Bilderberg ever been cancelled?
In 71 years, the Bilderberg Club has been cancelled only three times. The first cancellation occurred in 1976 when Prince Bernhard was implicated in the Lockheed bribery scandal. The second and third cancellations were in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike other forums that moved to virtual formats, Bilderberg chose to wait until in-person gatherings could safely resume.
Notable Bilderberg Attendees Through History
Over seven decades, the Bilderberg Club has hosted an extraordinary array of influential figures who have shaped global politics, economics, and technology. Many future heads of state attended Bilderberg before assuming office, while business titans and innovators have participated at pivotal moments in their careers. Explore our complete members database for full attendee lists.
Future Presidents & PMs
Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, Angela Merkel, and Emmanuel Macron all attended Bilderberg before becoming heads of state.
Business Titans
David Rockefeller was a founding member. CEOs of Shell, BP, Goldman Sachs, and major banks have regularly attended.
Tech Pioneers
Eric Schmidt, Peter Thiel, Reid Hoffman, and leaders from Google, Microsoft, and AI companies have shaped tech discussions.
Royalty & Aristocracy
Prince Bernhard founded the meetings. Queen Beatrix, King Juan Carlos, and Princess Beatrix have all participated.
Latest News & Analysis
View All Articles →Stay informed about the Bilderberg Club with our latest articles, analysis, and comprehensive coverage of annual meetings. Our blog provides in-depth reporting on participants, discussion topics, and the broader impact of Bilderberg discussions on global policy. We cover everything from historical analysis to breaking news about upcoming conferences. For real-time updates and breaking stories, visit our news section.
Popular Topics We Cover:
Meeting Coverage: In-depth analysis of each annual Bilderberg Meeting, including attendee profiles and agenda breakdowns. Historical Deep Dives: Exploring the history of Bilderberg from its 1954 founding to present day. Member Profiles: Who attends and why—examining the influential figures who shape these discussions. Topic Analysis: Breaking down the agenda items and their implications for global policy.
Your Complete Guide to the Bilderberg Club
From the 1954 founding at Hotel de Bilderberg to the latest 2025 Stockholm conference, we provide the most comprehensive coverage of the world’s most influential private meeting. Explore our archives, browse attendee lists, understand the topics being discussed, and stay informed about the Bilderberg Group’s impact on global affairs.