2012 Ira Sohn Conference and Investment Idea Competition

On May 16th, the Ira Sohn Conference Foundation will hold its 17th annual Investment Conference with (as usual) an amazing list of speakers including:

• Bill Ackman - Pershing Square
• Dwight Anderson - Ospraie Management
• Dan Ariely - Author of Predictably Irrational
• David Einhorn - Greenlight Capital
• Jeffrey Gundlach - DoubleLine Capital
• Jonathan Kolatch - Redwood Capital
• Philippe Laffont - Coatue Management
• John Lykouretzos - Hoplite
• Steve Mandel - Lone Pine Capital
• John Paulson - Paulson & Co
• Larry Robbins - Glenview Capital
• Kenneth Rogoff - Harvard Professor
• John Wilder - Bluescape Resources (former TXU CEO)
• Meryl Witmer - Eagle Capital
• And remarks by Michael Price

For those that have not attended an Ira Sohn Investment Conference in the past: It is simply an outstanding event for a wonderful cause. The Foundation, named after Ira Sohn who died of too early of cancer at the age of 29, uses its resources and fundraising to contribute to causes that move forward finding a cure for pediatric cancers as well as helping the lives of children (and their families) afflicted by these diseases.  Recipients of grants and funding include New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, a fellowship in Pediatric Oncology at Cornell Medical School, etc.  To date, the conference has raised $20 million.

I highly recommend the event to all investment professionals that can attend. Not just for the amazing investment idea and pitches you will hear (it is one of the most educational experiences you'll have in your life - hearing the best of the best pitch their investment ideas) but also for a tremendous cause. For more information, please visit their homepage at: The Sohn Research Conference

Like last year, the Foundation will be conducting an Investment Idea Contest. The winner of the conference will present the winning idea in a ten minute presentation at the Sohn Conference. Judges includes Michael Price, Bill Ackman, David Einhorn, Joel Greenblatt, and Seth Klarman. Each of the 4 semi-finalist and finalist will receive two tickets to the conference. 

Investment idea entries are due by next Wednesday, May 9th. I have been working on my idea and hope all readers will apply (all entry fees also go to the Ira Sohn Foundation).  To learn more about the investment idea competition please visit the Ira Sohn Investment Competition and the Official Rules

Hope to see each of you there!