Sohn Hearts & Minds is thrilled to announce Queenstown, New Zealand, as the destination for the 2026 Investment Leaders Conference, to be held on Friday 6 November.
The Sohn Hearts & Minds Investment Leaders Conference is Australia’s premier finance and philanthropy event, gathering international and local investment, scientific and philanthropic leaders to a single destination to support fundraising for medical research.
The Queenstown event marks the next chapter in the conference’s evolution — a world-class setting that reflects the energy, ambition, and collaborative spirit of the Hearts & Minds community.
The 2026 conference will be hosted with the support of Tourism New Zealand, showcasing the nation’s stunning scenery, outdoor adventures, fine dining, and renowned vineyards. This marks Sohn Hearts & Minds’ first tour outside Australia, following conferences in Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart and its home city, Sydney.
Investment specialists Gary Weiss AM, Guy Fowler OAM, and Matthew Grounds AM co-founded the conference in 2016, drawing inspiration from the highly esteemed Sohn Conference Foundation in New York. The conference is the exclusive Australian affiliate.
Together with Hearts & Minds Investments Limited (HM1), Sohn Hearts & Minds has donated more than $83 million for medical research in Australia since its inception. It is one of the most successful philanthropic platforms of its kind, with HM1 recognised as a Top 30 Corporate Philanthropist.
Sohn Hearts & Minds Co-Founder Guy Fowler said:
“We’re beyond excited to bring the Sohn Hearts & Minds Investment Leaders Conference to Queenstown next November!
“This milestone takes our mission to advance medical research onto the global stage, made possible by the unwavering support and generosity of our Hearts & Minds community.
“Queenstown offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, adventure and inspiration. We look forward to welcoming the brightest minds to join us for an unforgettable experience.”
Tourism New Zealand Global Manager Business Events Penelope Ryan said:
“We’re delighted to welcome the 2026 Investment Leaders Conference and the Hearts & Minds’ community to Queenstown. This is a significant platform to bring investment leaders and opportunities to New Zealand, with the added benefit of supporting funding for medical research.
“We invite every guest who attends the conference to make the most of their visit and experience everything New Zealand has to offer. There’s something for everyone: adventure-seeking thrills, finding total rejuvenation in nature, or enjoying our world-class culinary scene.”
HM1 is the listed investment company that invests directly in the stock pitches from the conference, donating its management fee to advancing Australian medical breakthroughs. HM1 donates to nominated beneficiaries, some of which include the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, WEHI, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, and many other crucial organisations that contribute towards vital health discoveries.
