A Decade of Policy Advocacy Meets a Historic Gathering
Jp Cortez, executive director of the Sound Money Defense League, is set to address the 52nd annual New Orleans Investment Conference, marking a convergence of long-standing policy advocacy and a premier forum for precious metals investors. The event is scheduled for October 28-31, 2026, at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, bringing together a diverse group of attendees including investors, geopolitical analysts, and sound money policy experts.
Cortez’s participation highlights the growing intersection between legislative strategy and market sentiment. His talk is titled "What Has Government Done to Our Money? (And What We Can Do About It)," a presentation where he will trace the undermining of the U.S. dollar and review legislative gains for gold and silver over the last 13 years. This focus on recent legislative history underscores the Sound Money Defense League's sustained efforts in this arena.
The organization itself is described as the nation's leading group working to remonetize gold and silver through nationwide legislative efforts since 2014. Cortez’s role within this framework is extensive; he is a Club for Growth Foundation Fellow, an Auburn University graduate, and a multiple-time Mises University alumnus. Additionally, he serves as the lead author of the Sound Money Index and editor-in-chief of the Sound Money Review, credentials that inform his upcoming address.
Historical Roots of the Conference
The New Orleans Investment Conference holds a significant place in the history of free-market thought. Founded in 1974 by James U. Blanchard III, the event is now in its 52nd year. Over the decades, it has attracted notable figures who have shaped economic discourse. Past speakers at the conference have included Margaret Thatcher, Milton Friedman, F.A. Hayek, Ayn Rand, and Ron Paul.
Current expectations for the 2026 gathering include discussions on precious metals, geopolitics, and the future of money. The lineup features a roster of prominent voices in the field. Cortez joins other speakers including Doug Casey, Grant Williams, Danielle DiMartino Booth, Brent Johnson, Frank Giustra, George Gammon, Mark Skousen, and host Brien Lundin.
Industry Perspectives on Sound Money
Brien Lundin, president and CEO of Jefferson Financial and the host of the conference, emphasized the relevance of Cortez’s work. Lundin noted that Cortez has been involved in the fight to restore sound money through policy efforts for more than a decade. This perspective aligns with the broader theme of the conference, which continues to serve as a key gathering for those interested in the structural aspects of currency and government influence.
Cortez expressed his own view on the significance of the event, stating that the conference has been a key gathering for precious metals investors for more than five decades. He further noted that he feels honored to participate in a frank discussion on government's impact on money, reflecting the serious tone often associated with these policy debates.
The upcoming sessions will likely delve into the practical implications of these historical and legislative trends. With attendees ranging from seasoned investors to analysts tracking geopolitical shifts, the conference provides a platform for examining how monetary policy affects global markets. Cortez’s presentation on the U.S. dollar’s trajectory offers a specific lens through which to view these broader economic forces.
As the 2026 conference approaches, the focus remains on the interplay between government action and market response. The Sound Money Defense League’s legislative work, detailed in Cortez’s upcoming talk, provides a contemporary case study of this dynamic. By reviewing gains made over the last 13 years, the presentation aims to inform attendees about the current state of gold and silver policy.
The presence of such a diverse speaker list suggests a multifaceted approach to the topics at hand. From the historical context provided by founders like Blanchard to the modern policy analysis offered by Cortez, the conference continues to evolve while maintaining its core focus on sound money principles. The event’s location in New Orleans, a city with its own complex financial history, adds another layer to the discussions planned for October.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts who have spent decades studying these issues. Lundin’s characterization of Cortez as a long-term fighter for sound money policy reflects the sustained nature of this work. It is not merely a short-term market trend but a prolonged effort involving legislative, educational, and advocacy components.
The Sound Money Index, authored by Cortez, serves as one tool in this broader effort to track and influence monetary policy. Its inclusion in his professional background highlights the data-driven aspect of the league’s approach. This analytical rigor is expected to be a feature of his address at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside.
As the conference nears, anticipation builds around how these various threads—historical precedent, current legislative status, and future market predictions—will weave together. The 52nd annual iteration promises to continue the tradition of rigorous debate established by its predecessors, with Cortez’s contribution adding a specific focus on recent policy victories and challenges.
The gathering will also serve as a meeting point for those who have followed the conference since its early days. With past speakers like Thatcher and Friedman having shaped the event’s reputation, the current lineup aims to uphold that standard while addressing modern monetary complexities. The discussion on the future of money is particularly timely given global economic uncertainties.
Cortez’s background as an Auburn graduate and Mises University alumnus connects him to a specific intellectual tradition within the sound money movement. This educational lineage informs his analysis of government intervention in currency markets. His role as editor-in-chief of the Sound Money Review further positions him as a communicator of these ideas to a wider audience.
The conference’s emphasis on frank discussion suggests that attendees will not shy away from controversial or complex topics. The impact of government on money is a subject that has drawn significant attention in recent years, making Cortez’s 13-year legislative review particularly relevant. This period covers significant shifts in policy and market regulation.
As the event unfolds, it will likely reinforce the New Orleans Investment Conference’s status as a vital forum for those concerned with the integrity of currency systems. The combination of historical context, current policy analysis, and forward-looking speculation provides a comprehensive view of the challenges facing sound money advocates today.