Perspectives: Episode 128 – Dispatches from the US

In this episode of Perspectives, Escala Chief Investment Officer, Tracey McNaughton, takes us inside the Milken Institute Global Conference 2026, from space-based AI breakthroughs to the massive infrastructure buildout powering the next wave of innovation.

(1:09) Alright, you've been roaming the halls at Milken earlier this week. Before we get into that, tell us about how it feels on the ground in the US right now.

(3:27) You mentioned before you left that there were over 300 sessions across two hotels – the Beverly Wilshire and the Beverly Hilton.

(5:03 How did he arrive at creating this conference, which has been running annually for almost 30 years.

(5:45) What's the underlying theme this year – if you had to distil it?

(6:52) What would you say was the most eye-popping session you went to?

(7:51) Okay, let's talk specifics: what actually happened that got your attention?

(8:37) So, a supercomputer that was able to learn in space was the breakthrough. What did it learn?

(9:21) Sounds like he could be another Sam Altman. What does this do for the space industry?

(10:40) Where does this hit us day-to-day?

(12:13) Judging by the photos you sent back to us, I'm guessing the most exciting session for you was the one where Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, was being interviewed.

(13:58) Did the issue of job destruction come up?

(15:14) So, again, it comes back to that distinction between automating tasks and eliminating entire roles?

(15:50) What about the next constraint in the system?

(16:28) And just finally, stepping back from all of that, what's the main idea he leaves you with?