- Wealthy individuals and corporate executives are coming to Idaho for the yearly Allen & Co. Sun Valley Conference.
- Hundreds of private aircraft arrived at the local airport early Tuesday.
- The conference is seen as an exclusive gathering for wealthy individuals due to the negotiations happening inside the lodge.
Private aircraft are now flying over the ranches and potato fields of Sun Valley, Idaho, as the yearly Allen & Co. Sun Valley Conference commences.
For over forty years, the Tuesday following Independence Day has signified the start of the yearly conference, which is now recognized as
billionaire summer camp
Initially a media-oriented event with just a handful of attendees, it has now grown to attract hundreds from various sectors across the business landscape.
From 160 to 190 planes—over twice as many as on a typical Tuesday
—
usually reach the Sun Valley Friedman Memorial Airport, transporting executives and wealthy individuals from locations such as Aspen, Colorado, and Bozeman, Montana.
“On that day—and indeed, the whole week due to holiday travel, peak tourist season, and the conference—it’s considered the most hectic time of the year in the Wood River Valley,” said Tim Burke, the airport director, via email to Business Insider.
This morning, following the arrival of many private aircraft, the FAA reported that the airport was facing delays. Among the planes were those belonging to the investment company Invemed Securities, possibly transporting its founder, billionaire Ken Langone, who frequently attends the event.
Many other top names might be following suit
Apple CEO Tim Cook’s
books and choosing a chartered flight to bypass jet-tracking sites. In the last 24 hours, numerous aircraft associated with private aviation companies such as NetJets and Flexjet have landed at the Sun Valley airport.
Additional attendees anticipated are Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Google executive Sundar Pichai, and senior leadership from Disney including Bob Iger.
Variety
reported. Several consistent participants, such as Oprah Winfrey and
Warren Buffett
, who revealed his intention to retire in May, is said to not be planning to come this year.
The gathering, which remains confidential and features a casual environment, has gained recognition for the
dealmaking
which occurs during business luncheons behind closed doors and games of golf. This environment laid the foundation for Disney’s purchase of ABC, and played a key role in Comcast’s acquisition of NBC Universal.
This year,
AI talent wars,
The condition of the energy and defense sectors, along with Disney’s leadership transition strategy, is expected to generate significant discussion.
The present-day political environment, along with trade restrictions and the Big Beautiful Bill, may spark numerous conversations, particularly among those involved in politics. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, ex-Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, and Maryland Governor Wes Moore are said to be invited guests.
The gathering is hosted by the exclusive investment company Allen & Company. Attendees reside at the Sun Valley Lodge, with accommodations costing more than $500 per night throughout the busy summer season.
Although multiple sessions take place, there are numerous informal periods where the top executives can exchange their business attire for athletic clothes and engage in activities like playing tennis, walking in the forest, or just relaxing at
local coffee shops
.
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