About the Symposium
The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City’s Economic Policy Symposium began in 1978 and moved permanently in 1982 to Jackson Hole, Wyo., which is in the Tenth Federal Reserve District. The event takes place at the Jackson Lake Lodge—a National Park Service facility that does not have any resort-like amenities such as a spa, exercise room or salon. As such, the Bank receives no special consideration from the Lodge, which remains open to the public throughout the two days of the symposium. The Kansas City Fed is proud to host this event at one of America’s national parks with attendees representing central banks from nearly 40 countries.
The Kansas City Fed recovers the costs associated with the symposium, and all attendees pay a fee to attend. Because of the importance of recovering costs, even members of the news media who attend the conference pay this fee—a practice that is distinctly different than most other conferences in the public or private sector where reporters are regularly admitted without charge. In addition to the event fee, attendees are responsible for paying their own airfare, lodging and all expenses related to recreational activities they might undertake on their own time.
The Bank takes pride in the symposium’s 48-year history. The event is known as one of the longest-standing central banking conferences, bringing together economists, financial market participants, academics, U.S. government representatives and news media to discuss key long term policy issues of mutual concern. For example, in 1990 the symposium focused on emerging market economies, with central banks from Eastern Europe and the U.S.S.R. taking part in the discussion for the first time as they joined the international community. The Bank’s website includes proceedings publications from each of the past symposia, as well as research papers, a transcript of discussions and attendee lists. In addition, a short book published by the Bank, In Late August, provides a detailed history of the event.
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More information
While the Bank receives numerous requests to attend from media outlets worldwide, press attendance at the event is limited in order to provide transparency while not overwhelming or unduly influencing the proceedings. Media participation is by invitation and has historically included news organizations that have a broad reach and have dedicated full-time resources to covering the Federal Reserve and central banking. All symposium participants, including members of the press, pay a fee to attend in order to recover event expenses.
Learn more about the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium External Linkhere.
View a External Linkhistorical timeline of the event. A short book published by the Bank, External LinkIn Late August, provides a detailed history of the event.
For additional questions, please contact:
Bill Medley
Assistant Vice President and Public Information Officer, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
(816)-881-2556 or Bill.Medley@kc.frb.org