Understanding Bilderberg Membership: How Participants Are Selected

There is no formal “membership” in the Bilderberg Club—instead, participants are invited to each annual conference by the Steering Committee. This invitation-only approach ensures that Bilderberg members represent the highest levels of influence in their respective fields while maintaining the intimate atmosphere essential to frank, off-the-record dialogue.

Each year, approximately 130 Bilderberg attendees gather from around 20-25 countries, primarily from Europe and North America. About two-thirds of participants change from year to year, ensuring fresh perspectives while core members of the Steering Committee provide continuity. Invitations are extended based on expertise relevant to the agenda topics, current global events, and the desire to foster diverse viewpoints.

Bilderberg participants attend in their personal capacity, not as official representatives of their governments or organizations. This distinction is crucial—it allows sitting politicians, business executives, and academics to engage freely without the constraints of their official roles. The Chatham House Rule protects all statements made during discussions.

Since approximately 2010, the organization has published official participant lists after each meeting. This transparency measure has allowed the public to see exactly who attends, even though the specific content of discussions remains confidential. Our database below catalogs notable Bilderberg members throughout the organization’s seven-decade history.