Psychedelics, Finance And Philanthropy: Inside The Prestigious Milken Global Conference, 'America's Davos'

The Milken Global Conference, often considered the American counterpart to Davos, is a prestigious gathering of prominent figures from finance, philanthropy, technology, media, and various other aspects of culture. With a three-day ticket priced at over $20,000, the event consistently sells out despite attempts to reduce attendance by increasing the cost each year. More than two thousand attendees convene at this annual event.

Held at the Beverly Hills Hilton, the conference is abuzz with excitement, as top media outlets broadcast live from the venue's lobby. Attendees eagerly anticipate hearing Mike Milken's insights on a wide range of topics, including the economy. Milken is joined by Nobel laureates, government officials, celebrities, athletes, and members of the media, making for a truly diverse and engaging experience.

As a 15-year veteran of the event, I am always amazed by the conference's ability to surpass expectations year after year.

2023 Highlights From The Milken Global Conference

One of this year's highlights was a panel discussion on psychedelic medicine, featuring Rick Doblin, Founder of MAPS, Doug Drysdale, CEO of Cybin, and veteran advocate Marcus Capone. The panel generated immense interest and curiosity, leading several attendees to inquire about my Psychedelic Concierge service.

Psychedelics made their conference debut last year when Christian Angermeyer, CEO of Atai Life Sciences, participated in a fireside chat with actress Uma Thurman, discussing the benefits of psychedelic medicine.

One of my personal highlights was the opportunity to express my gratitude to Michael Milken for his guidance when I entered the psychedelic industry. He had advised me to find intellectual property that could benefit the entire field. I was thrilled to inform him of my discovery, a unique delivery system called NeuroDirect. This innovative technology owned by Psycheceutical Bioscience, removes the psychedelic effect, making it accessible to children and the elderly—a revelation that visibly excited Milken.

Always a supporter of cutting-edge science, Milken allowed me to moderate the first-ever cannabis panel at the 2015 Milken Global Conference. Each year, he also hosts a memorable dinner for Drexel employees, where attendees reminisce about past deals and clients, as well as share some of Drexel's memorable commercials featuring artists such as Madonna and Ike Turner.

The closing musical act is a highly anticipated affair, with Diana Ross performing her hits for the 200 attendees this year, following last year's performance by the Beach Boys.

Although the three-day ticket is expensive, the knowledge and connections gained at the Milken Global Conference can prove invaluable, setting the stage for a successful year and even a lifetime of opportunities.

I look forward to seeing you there next year!

Peace. Zappy