Dear Friends:

January 26 is coming up fast.

It's the date we open the doors for what I like to call the world's very best economic gathering: our Mauldin Economics Strategic Investment Conference. The 2019 event will take place May 13–16 in the Omni Hotel in downtown Dallas.

I know May 13 seems a long way away. But there are a number of reasons why you should think about guaranteeing your seat on January 26, the day we open for registration.

First, pretty much every one of our Strategic Investment Conferences have sold out early. Some have sold out as early as four months before we raised the curtain. They're exceedingly popular and for good reason too. (More on that in just a moment.)

Second, the doors were barely shut on last year’s SIC when inquiries about the 2019 conference began rolling in. One reader wanted to plan his overseas trips next year around the SIC—that's how strong the demand for seats is.

Third, the chaos we've seen in 2018—particularly the last quarter—is turning out to be quite the “hang on to your hats” roller coaster drama we've been expecting for some time. We’re staring down the gun barrel of a recession and a major debt crisis in the very near future.

That means we'll have much to discuss at the upcoming SIC, including China’s role in your portfolio, the impact of mounting sovereign debt on market returns, the future of the energy market, and where you need to build a position—now.

It’s no exaggeration to say this year's conference is already shaping up to be the most exciting yet. More than 20 of the world’s top analysts, investors, and strategists will be on the ticket and ready to tussle with the key issues affecting you and me.

I’ll be sharing more details on the line-up in the near future. One thing I can promise you is that this year's speakers will not disappoint.

To give you an idea of what I mean, here are a few of our confirmed experts:

• George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States
• Howard Marks, CFA and co-chairman at Oaktree Capital
• Carmen Reinhart, world-renowned economist & best-selling author
• Felix Zulauf, hedge fund manager & 30+ year Barron’s Roundtable member
• Jim Mellon, hedge fund manager & billionaire Investor

Plus, long-time SIC favorites David Rosenberg, Grant Williams, Mark Yusko, and more.

And that’s just the start. With the SIC back in my home town, I’m calling in a few favors and expect our best speaker lineup ever.

(If you're an Alpha Society or VIP member, you can expect advanced notification, as well as the discounts and other benefits that are part of your membership.)

That's why I hope to welcome many friends, old and new, at the Omni Dallas in May. When great people gather together—speakers and attendees alike—the atmosphere sizzles with possibility. It's truly extraordinary and has to be experienced to be believed.

To grab special priority pricing, I advise you to go ahead and mark January 26 on your calendar right now. That's the day the registration doors open.

You really don't want to miss this one. With the stellar line-up that's taking shape for this year's event, I expect seats to sell out the quickest ever.

Your happy to be in the trenches with you analyst,

John Mauldin Chairman, Mauldin Economics