Camp Kotok
History of Camp Kotok
David Kotok is the founder and organizer of an annual fishing retreat, affectionately known as “Camp Kotok”. This is an annual gathering of authors, economists, financial luminaries, heads of research, political figures, pundits, traders, wealth managers, and others who engage in candid discussions and exchange ideas in an informal setting. At Leen’s Lodge (https://leenslodge.com/), a frequent setting for the annual event, participants enjoy fishing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and more on the legendary waters near Grand Lake Stream, Maine, in the St. Croix River region. They may explore the surrounding wilderness or simply unwind and connect with fellow attendees in a tranquil natural setting.
Camp Kotok’s Origins
The origins of the annual event can be traced back to pre-9/11 when Kotok invited a few colleagues to join him for a weekend of fishing and economic discussions, a gathering of Kotok and 2 or 3 other people. In 2002, the year after the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, Kotok’s gathering expanded in size. A few years later, Kotok was being interviewed from the deck of the lodge by CNBC’s Becky Quick and CNBC’s Steve Liesman, who was a guest that year. During the interview, CNBC’s viewers saw the caption “Camp Kotok”. Kotok and Liesman had no monitor and were looking at the camera during the interview, unaware of the caption. Becky then asked, “How’s Camp Kotok”? The nickname was born, Kotok and Liesman being the last to know.
Camp Kotok Today
Over the years, the event has grown in size, attracting participants from around the world who gather to share insights, debate ideas, and build connections in a relaxed atmosphere. In recent years, it has been organized in collaboration with the Global Interdependence Center. Discussions cover a wide range of topics, from market valuations and economics to Federal Reserve policy, virtual currencies, healthcare, and more.
Photo Gallery
A special thanks to Cumberland Advisors, Inc., Philippa Dunne, Jill Fornito/Global Interdependence Center, Eric Hale, and Sharon Prizant for amazing photos from Camp Kotok gatherings in the past. Here is just a sample.
Here are some links to more about Camp Kotok retreats:
“Camp Kotok: In The Canoe Is Where We Learn”, Dave Nadig, ETF Trends: https://www.etftrends.com/exchange-an-etf-experience/camp-kotok-in-the-canoe-is-where-we-learn/
“Dispatches From Camp Kotok”, Crystal Kim, Barron’s: https://www.barrons.com/articles/dispatches-from-camp-kotok-1502122677
“Talking Rates In The Maine Woods With Economists Over Good Wine”, Barry Ritholtz, Bloomberg: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-08-27/talking-rates-in-the-maine-woods-with-economists-over-good-wine
“Beat The Market By Investing In Freedom-And Shunning Places Like Russia And China”, Hank Tucker, Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/hanktucker/2022/05/24/beat-the-market-by-investing-in-freedom–and-shunning-places-like-russia-and-china/?sh=76212a0ca39a
“Camp Kotok Forecasts: The One That Got Away”, Spencer Jakab, Wall Street Journal: https://www.wsj.com/articles/camp-kotok-forecasts-the-one-that-got-away-1470944719
“Camp Kotok”, Cumberland Advisors: https://www.cumber.com/about/camp-kotok Letter from Camp Kotok – “An Insider Glimpse At The Annual ‘Camp Kotok’ Financial Summit” by Tony D’Souza, Sarasota Magazine: https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/news-and-profiles/2014/03/insider-glimpse-annual-camp-kotok-financial-summit
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