Why Is The Fed Meeting Always Held In Jackson Hole, WY?

The Federal Reserve’s annual economic symposium, hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, has been held in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, since 1982.

The choice of location has an interesting origin: It was selected in part to entice then-Fed Chair Paul Volcker, an avid fly fisherman, to attend. Jackson Hole, near Grand Teton National Park, offered excellent fishing opportunities, and Volcker reportedly showed up to the opening dinner in his fishing gear.

Since then, the venue, specifically the Jackson Lake Lodge, has become a tradition for this high-profile gathering of central bankers, economists, and policymakers. The remote, scenic setting also provides a relaxed atmosphere conducive to open discussion, away from the bustle of urban financial centers.

2026 Jackson Hole Fed Meeting Details

As for the 2026 meeting details, the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium will take place Aug. 27-29. The topic is “Financial Innovation: Implications for Payments and Policy.”

The Fed Chair, Kevin Warsh, will deliver a keynote address on Friday morning, which is closely watched for signals on monetary policy.

Historically, the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium occurs in late August, typically spanning three days from Thursday to Saturday.

The Kansas City Fed usually confirms the exact dates and theme closer to the event, often in the spring or early summer. The theme varies annually. 2025’s was “Labor Markets in Transition: Demographics, Productivity, and Macroeconomic Policy”, and is tailored to pressing economic issues.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, keep an eye on the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City’s official website (kansascityfed.org) as the year progresses.