Dear Friend, In a recent Thoughts from the Frontline missive, I mentioned how experiencing something in person is exponentially more powerful than simply reading about it. Reading is, of course, very enlightening. Otherwise the thousands of hours I’ve spent writing to you would have been well wasted over the years. But there’s no substitute for actually “being there.” My recent move to Puerto Rico is a living, breathing example. Do you think I could have found a new home that fits me so well if I simply read a guidebook? There’s no replacement for experiencing sun, beaches, golf, convenient shopping, and a great gym in person. And how do you find and grow an amazing local community without being there? One where almost everywhere I go, somebody comes up and asks, “Are you John?” (It turns out, I have a number of friends here already. Just ones I hadn’t met yet.) My friends and business partners have noted, with no prompting on my part, a new tone in my voice and passion in my writing—all for the better. So even though Shane and I will keep an apartment in Dallas, we’ve truly found a new home. Now I’m not trying to get you to visit me in Puerto Rico. That’s a pleasant bonus if you do. What I really want to impress upon you is the importance of learning and seeing things in person for a truly life-changing experience. The “exponential power of being there” operates on a more visceral level than reading. And that brings me to this year’s SIC in my hometown of Dallas. The “exponential power of being there” works with full force and effect at the SIC. When you see and hear speakers like George W. Bush, Howard Marks, Louis Gave, Grant Williams, and many more live on stage, you absorb their words much more deeply. You really are more attuned to learn and think when everything happens in person. By “being there” you get much, much more than simply reading can do for you. The actual presentations are just the beginning. That’s because the SIC is intimate enough that you can start building a community while you’re there. We organize the conference to ensure you have a chance to meet as many speakers as practically possible. We also strongly encourage networking with your fellow attendees. In fact, one of the very biggest benefits of the SIC is sharing ideas and concepts in the hallways between presentations and while relaxing over a good dinner later that evening. Just like me and Shane in Puerto Rico, the SIC is all about discovering you have a number of friends at the conference already. You just haven’t met them yet. The SIC is vital for genuinely improving your life with deeper fundamental insight into what’s coming next in this big wonderful world of ours. You’ll find it to be one of the most personally energizing experiences you’ll enjoy all year. I certainly do. And I know for a fact I’m not alone in that belief. Here are what a few of your fellow attendees have said about the SIC: “I will echo what many others say… that [the SIC] is the best conference that I attend each year.”—Michael P. “Intellectual fireworks of a rare quality.” —William A. “Since first attending the SIC in La Jolla, it has been the highlight of my year to listen to the incredibly diverse viewpoints from so many rock stars under one roof.” —Kent H. “I have been to many conferences over the years, and this one was truly the best by a mile. The depth of insights and the kindness of everyone was truly inspiring. Thank you again and see you next year.” —Tadhg M. Let me share two last comments that demonstrate what the SIC is truly about: “I am still reviewing and replaying the lectures… and am astounded at the depth, breadth, and wisdom of the material presented. Every single presentation contained a headful of useful insights, and I will be digesting this information for at least the next few months. Thanks for a job well done!” —Paul W. “Continue to bring together world-class speakers, individual investors, hedge fund managers, portfolio managers, and international attendees. I learned so much… not the same Wall Street drabble that I am fed every day.” —Hanna M. How’s that for summing up what this truly special, once-a-year event is all about? You can register for the SIC 2019 right here at this link. Don’t procrastinate. As the clock strikes midnight on February 18, priority pricing ends and with it your chance to save $1,000 over the walk-up SIC price. That means you have just 24 hours to get the priority discount. Register now. Your can’t wait for the SIC in my hometown analyst, John Mauldin Chairman, Mauldin Economics P.S. The net result of my move to Puerto Rico is that I’m more charged up and excited about life than I have been in a very long time. I can’t wait to begin the day. That’s how I want you to feel when you participate in the SIC. It’s three and a half days of extraordinary insight amongst like-minded people as interested in the world as you are. Can you join us today? |