Has the recent financial news perked your interest in gold? Wondering how you might get started investing in this field? The best place to begin would be attending the upcoming New Orleans Investment Conference slated for Oct. 24-27. Sarah Palin and James Carville will headline the political side of event with Marc Faber, Doug Casey, Rick Rule and a host of other experts contributing their financial acumen.
The politics
The New Orleans Investment Conference [NOIC] has always drawn big names to debate the political side of finance. Through the years, attendees have been graced with the likes of Margaret Thatcher, Aynn Rand, Milton Friedman, Steve Forbes, Senator Fred Thompson, Howard Dean and on. This year will be even more interesting with Sarah Palin, James Carville and Rick Santelli.The political debates usually come on Saturday after two and one-half days of financial presentations. Doug Casey, the well-known author, investor and frequent conference speaker, usually heads up a spirited panel that debates the connection between politics and the economy.
The presentations are hard-hitting but mostly cordial. Speakers regularly stop to take questions from attendees in the conference hall when done. I find this kind of one-on-one to be unique and informative. There are large screens all over the conference, in case you find yourself outside the main hall during a presentation.
The finance
While the political side makes headlines most attendees are there to find a way to profit from this sector. The Exhibit Hall is lined with some of the best junior resource companies involved in the exploration of Gold, Silver, Cooper, Uranium, Oil, Natural Gas and other resources. The best newsletter writers in the business – such as Brent Cook and his Exploration Insights – set up shop here. Brent goes into the detail needed to make the correct investment decisions at several workshops during the event. He also conducts investor tours where he takes attendees around the booths of companies he likes, and also ones he does not like, to give them an insight on his selection process.Rick Rule is considered the sharpest mind in the Natural Resource sector, and recently he has joined forces with legendary Canadian investor Eric Sprott. Both will be in New Orleans and Rule will be readily accessible. He gives numerous workshops, general presentations and is frequently available for one on one chat at the Sprott Inc booth. Marc Faber will once again be presenting to a standing-room-only crowd. Dr. Doom, as some commentators call him, has been frequently right is his predictions, which do not always please TV viewers. He is the editor of the Gloom, Boom, Doom newsletter which is widely read by professional investors worldwide. Visit https://jeffersoncompanies.com/new-orleans-investment-conference/home for complete details on this year’s conference.
The setting
The host hotel for the event is the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. I would strongly urge staying at the host property or nearby when attending events like this, as you will no doubt want to take a break now and then with easy access. Harrah’s Hotel is just two blocks away and surprisingly upscale. Just one block further is the newly remodeled Windsor Court Hotel.The restaurant scene in New Orleans is as good as anywhere in the U.S. The competition is so fierce that you are bound to get a great meal. The Besh Restaurant Group has perhaps the best collection, ranging from upscale to casual. August is the premier location and it is just 3 blocks from the conference. Luke is a bit more casual with an authentic Raw Bar. Besh Steakhouse is also very good and close-by.
Of course a little time on Bourbon Street is a must when in town. They go all night, every night, and you will not forget the experience. Cat’s Meow is an unusual lively spot where the audience gets up to dance at the behest of the aggressive DJs.
Getting there
United Airlines probably has the best connections to New Orleans with several non-stops a day from LAX. Flying early on the 24th would get you in time for the starting reception at 6 p.m. If you want to take in the entire conference, fly home Sunday morning.Once on the ground, I would strongly suggest a taxi as there is really no need for a car on this visit. In New Orleans, take a taxi most of the time, as the layout can be confusing for a first-time visitor.