Sohn Conference Unveils 2026 Global Slate, Deepening Philanthropic Impact

NEW YORK, NY – December 29, 2025 – The Sohn Conference Foundation, a titan in the convergence of high finance and high-impact philanthropy, has announced its ambitious global events calendar for 2026. The announcement signals a continued commitment to uniting the world’s most influential investors to share market-moving ideas while raising critical funds for pediatric cancer research and other childhood diseases.

The flagship New York Sohn Investment Conference, a cornerstone event for the global financial community, is set for May 12, 2026, at the prestigious Jazz at Lincoln Center. This year's event will direct its formidable fundraising power to support MSK Kids, the pediatric program at the renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. For over three decades, the conference has been a must-attend event, drawing legendary figures like Stanley Druckenmiller, Steve Cohen, and Bill Ackman to its stage.

“As we look ahead to 2026, we are deeply proud of the growth of the Sohn platform and community that continues to rally behind our mission,” said Evan Sohn, Vice President and Co-Founder of the Sohn Conference Foundation. “Each year, our events bring together leading investors, innovators, and partners who share a commitment to advancing bold ideas and meaningful impact.”

A Legacy of Blending Profit and Purpose

Founded in 1995, the Sohn Conference Foundation was born from a tragedy that galvanized a community. It honors the memory of Ira Sohn, a gifted Wall Street professional who passed away from cancer at 29. His friends and family channeled their grief into creating a platform that has since become a global force for good, raising over $150 million to date. This remarkable financial achievement is matched by a reputation for operational excellence, earning the foundation a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, with perfect scores in accountability and finance.

The foundation’s philanthropic strategy mirrors the meticulous approach of its investor participants. It employs a “selective investor’s approach” to grant-making, targeting cutting-edge research and innovative initiatives with the potential for transformative breakthroughs. This has led to the funding of crucial programs like the Damon Runyon-Sohn Pediatric Cancer Fellowship Award, which supports brilliant early-career scientists, and collaborative research projects that unite top minds from institutions like Columbia University, Rockefeller University, and Memorial Sloan Kettering.

The impact is tangible, extending from funding a high-performance supercomputer to accelerate genetic data processing for cancer treatment to supporting creative arts programs in dozens of New York area hospitals, bringing comfort and healing to children undergoing difficult treatments.

Evolving with the Market: AI, Real Estate, and Beyond

While its mission remains constant, the Sohn Conference has proven adept at evolving to reflect the dynamic investment landscape. The 2026 agenda highlights this forward-thinking approach, integrating new technologies and specialized asset classes into its programming. A key addition to the New York conference will be a special breakfast session focused on real estate, designed for private equity and institutional investors.

Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), a global leader in real estate services, will serve as the anchor sponsor for this new session. “Sohn has always been intentional about pairing rigorous thinking with meaningful impact,” said Peter Riguardi, Chairman & President of JLL's New York Region. “We’re pleased to support this new real estate-focused session at a moment when New York is at a true inflection point. This discussion will offer a grounded, data-driven look at how risk is being reassessed, where opportunities are emerging, and how long-term investors are approaching New York real estate today.”

The conference is also embracing the technological frontier, evidenced by its partnership with sponsors like AlphaSense, an AI-powered market intelligence platform, and Anthropic, a prominent AI safety and research company. This alignment underscores the growing importance of artificial intelligence in investment analysis and decision-making.

“The Sohn Conference has long been a cornerstone event for the global investment community,” noted Heather Zynczak, Chief Marketing Officer at AlphaSense. “Our sponsorship reflects a shared commitment to high-quality research, open exchange of ideas, and long-term thinking — values that sit at the core of both Sohn and AlphaSense.”

A Global Stage for Investment and Impact

The foundation's influence extends far beyond New York. The 2026 global calendar underscores its worldwide reach, with conferences scheduled in key financial hubs across the globe:

• New York: May 12, 2026
• Hong Kong: May 20, 2026
• Montreal: June 4, 2026
• Monaco: June 2026
• San Francisco: October 13, 2026
• Australia: November 6, 2026
• London: November 18, 2026

This international expansion has cultivated a powerful global network of investors united by a common philanthropic goal. Each conference partners with local charities to maximize its impact. For instance, Sohn Hong Kong supports the Karen Leung Foundation in its fight against gynecological and pediatric cancers, while Sohn Montreal directs its proceeds to the city’s major children's hospitals. This model allows the foundation to address critical health needs at both a global and community level.

The prestige of these events consistently attracts top-tier speakers. While the 2026 New York lineup is pending, the Montreal conference has already confirmed speakers such as Karen Karniol-Tambour, Co-CIO of Bridgewater Associates, and Seth Fischer, Founder of Oasis Management, signaling another year of high-caliber insights across the global circuit.

As the financial world prepares for 2026, the Sohn Conference series stands out not only as a premier venue for market intelligence but as a powerful testament to the industry's capacity for collective action. With CNBC returning as the exclusive media partner to broadcast these vital discussions, the ideas and the mission will reach a worldwide audience. Tickets for the 31st Annual New York Sohn Investment Conference will go on sale in January 2026, when the first wave of speaker announcements is also expected. The continued support from leading sponsors like Marex, JLL, and AlphaSense ensures the foundation is well-positioned to continue its invaluable work for years to come.