Thoughts From Thestreet/Optionmonster Conference

Late this week I was in NYC for a couple of days attending thestreet/optionmonster conference, a wonderful collection of traders, investors, managers and analysts to help guide investors in the markets via option trading and other strategies.  I was accompanied by my good friend and Realmoney Pro Contributor Tim Collins.   The headliners were a who’s who in the investment industry; Jim Cramer, Stephanie Link, ‘Dr J’ Jon Najarian and his brother Pete Najarian, Guy Adami, John Carter, Jill Malandrino, Jeff Macke and many more.  They packed more information and education into these two days that would take years to learn.  The attendance was terrific, the setting was outstanding at the Hilton and entertainment was solid.  Jill Malandrino kicked things off with a brilliant opener about options, exiting, and trading.  She was all over the place just managing the conference with perfection.  She was the key for a successful weekend.

Friday night was great, a cocktail reception where many of the stars were out to mingle with the guests.  Here Jon, Pete, Guy Adami were taking photos with attendees, shaking hands and building relationships.  The crowd was strong and many were able to get lengthy face time with some of the stars and headliners.

I walked around the conference meeting with attendees, contributors, guests, speakers and thestreet.com employees asking questions and getting feedback.  All in all, what I heard was very positive feedback and most were pleased when the session was finished.  There was strong energy and flow which obviously came from the presenters, who on Thursday gave great information about option trading, option trading strategies and how to use them effectively.  Veterans John Carter, Mark Sebastian and Chris McKhann gave slick presentations on the best option trading tactics while Ron Ianieri was engaging and energized as usual with his presentation, injecting some realism and humor that related to everyone.

But the highlight was on Saturday and kicked off with a stunning presentation by Jim Cramer, who hit this one out of the park.  Jim hit upon some of the finer points of the economy, offered some trade ideas but more importantly showed us all what he does best – EDUCATE.  He took some questions from the audience and really had some tremendous material.  What the audience came for and believem me – NOBODY was disappointed! Dan Fitzpatrick was next with a bang up presentation that really got the room going.

Next up was the prize of the weekend, a smashing presentation by Stephanie Link, co-portfolio manager for Actionalertsplus.  Stephanie gave a superb overall view of the economy, global growth story and some strong themes to follow for the remainder of 2013.  She finished with a very strong applause from the audience and perhaps the only disappointment was not having enough time for questions, but she certainly nailed it.  Stephanie is a ROCK STAR, exceeded expectations and well worth the price of admission for the attendees.

Following Stephanie we had engaging presentations from Peter Costa, Jeff Macke and Colin Gillis.  They energized the audience and gave everyone some fantastic learning nuggets to take home.  Finally we heard from Jon Najarian who talked volatility, options and the tools he uses to find the best option trades.  The conference wrapped up with a strong panel of traders with Jill.

I would like to also give a shout out to thestreet’s tremendous CEO Elisabeth Demarse, whom without her guidance and support the event would have never taken place.  Elisabeth is an energetic personality with great ideas and amazing vision who is guiding the company in the right direction with a great collection of resources.   In addition, it was a pleasure to meet with other TST staff like Lindsay Bell (@lindseycbell), Chris Ciaccia (@chris_ciaccia), James Rogers (@jamesrogers), Henry Gunn and many others who took time out to seek a great education at the conference.

Great time for everyone – enjoyed meeting all during this very special weekend.  Hope to do it again!