Your Ultimate Guide to Getting Tickets for the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting
So, you want to be in the room where it happens? You want to witness the "Woodstock for Capitalists" and hear directly from the Oracle of Omaha, Warren Buffett, and his successor, Greg Abel? Excellent! Attending the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, is a pilgrimage for investors and a truly unique experience. While it may seem like a daunting task, getting your hands on a ticket (or, more accurately, a credential) is a straightforward process, provided you know the steps.
Ready to embark on this journey? Let's dive in.
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| How To Get Tickets For Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting |
Step 1: Secure Your "Ticket" – It All Starts with Being a Shareholder
Before you do anything else, let's get one thing straight: the "ticket" to this event is your status as a Berkshire Hathaway shareholder. You don't need to be a billionaire with Class A shares; owning just one share of the more affordable Class B stock is enough to get you in the door.
Do you already own Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A or BRK.B) stock? If so, you're off to a fantastic start! You can skip ahead to the next step.
If you don't own shares, now is the time to buy. Purchase at least one share of BRK.B through your brokerage account. This is the most crucial step, as proof of ownership is a non-negotiable requirement for obtaining a credential. The meeting is a shareholder-only event.
Pro-Tip: Check with your broker about the process for obtaining shareholder materials. Some brokers handle it automatically, while others may require you to opt-in for physical mailings.
Step 2: The Credential Request Process – Your Golden Ticket Application
Once you are a bona fide shareholder, you have a few options to get your hands on the physical credentials that serve as your entry badge to the meeting. The application process typically begins a few months before the meeting date, so keep an eye out for announcements.
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Option A: The Perforated Card Method (for those who get physical mail)
This is the classic, old-school method.
Receive the Annual Report: If you have opted to receive physical mail from Berkshire Hathaway, you will get a printed copy of the annual report.
Find the Proxy Card: Look for the perforated proxy card in the back of the annual report. This is a tear-out form.
Fill out the Form: Legibly fill out the section on the proxy card to request meeting credentials. You can usually request up to four credentials for yourself and your guests.
Mail it In: Mail the completed form to Berkshire Hathaway in Omaha. Make sure your handwriting is clear and your address is correct, especially if you're an international shareholder. This is how they will mail your credentials to you.
Option B: The Credential Request Form (for digital-savvy shareholders)
If you don't receive a physical annual report, or if you prefer a digital process, you can use the Annual Meeting Credential Request Form.
Find the Form Online: The form is typically released with the proxy documents on the Berkshire Hathaway website and other investment news sites in the months leading up to the meeting.
Print and Fill: Print out the form and fill it out legibly.
Send it by Mail: Just like with the perforated card, you will need to mail the completed form to the specified address in Omaha.
Option C: The eBay Channel (a convenient alternative)
Believe it or not, Berkshire Hathaway has an official eBay account, brka_b, where you can purchase tickets for a small fee. This is a great option for those who want a simple, stress-free process and are willing to pay a nominal fee for convenience.
Find the Official Account: Search for the official brka_b account on eBay.
Purchase Your Tickets: When they become available, you can order your credentials for a fee, usually around $5-$6 per ticket.
Wait for Shipping: The credentials will be shipped to you. Domestic shareholders often receive them quicker than international shareholders, so be sure to factor in shipping time.
Step 3: The Will-Call Option – If You're Running Late or Forget
Did you miss the mailing deadline? Did your credentials get lost in transit? Don't panic! You can still pick up your credentials at the Will-Call area in the lobby of the CHI Health Center in Omaha.
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Gather Your Documents: You will need two things:
Photo Identification: A valid government-issued ID like a passport or driver's license.
Proof of Shareholder Ownership: This is critical. A printed statement from your broker, a screenshot of your account showing your share ownership, or even your broker's app on your phone can serve as proof.
Go to Will-Call: The Will-Call desk is usually open on the Friday and Saturday of the meeting weekend. Check the official shareholder guide for the exact timings.
Be Prepared to Wait: This is a popular option, so expect a line. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on Friday, to avoid the Saturday morning rush.
Step 4: Plan Your Trip and Enjoy the Experience!
Once you have your credentials sorted, it's time to focus on the logistics of your trip to Omaha.
Book Your Accommodation Early: Hotels in Omaha fill up incredibly fast for the meeting weekend. Book your hotel and flights months in advance to get reasonable rates and availability.
Explore the Shareholder Events: The annual meeting is not just the main Q&A session. There are numerous shareholder-only events, including the famous shopping day at the CHI Health Center exhibition hall, the Brooks 5K run, and special discounts at Borsheims and Nebraska Furniture Mart. Check the official shareholder guide for the full schedule of events.
Arrive Early for the Q&A: The doors to the CHI Health Center open early on Saturday morning. People line up for hours to get a good seat. If you want to be in the main arena and see the action up close, plan to arrive well before the doors open.
Embrace the Atmosphere: The meeting is a one-of-a-kind event. Enjoy the camaraderie, the "celebrity" sightings of other investing legends, and the valuable insights from Warren Buffett and the Berkshire team.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to find out the date of the next Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting?
The Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting is typically held on the first Saturday of May each year in Omaha, Nebraska. The exact date is announced in the company's annual report and press releases well in advance.
How to get tickets for the meeting if I don't own shares?
You must be a Berkshire Hathaway shareholder to attend. The easiest way is to purchase at least one share of Class B stock (BRK.B) through a brokerage account.
Tip: Don’t just scroll to the end — the middle counts too.
How to get up to four tickets for the meeting?
As a shareholder, you can request up to four credentials for yourself and your guests using the perforated card from the annual report or the official Credential Request Form.
How to get my credentials if I live outside the United States?
International shareholders can use the perforated card or the Credential Request Form. Be sure to fill out all the information legibly, including your country, and allow for a few weeks of shipping time. The official eBay account is also a convenient option.
How to pick up tickets at Will-Call?
Go to the Will-Call area in the lobby of the CHI Health Center with a valid photo ID and proof of your Berkshire Hathaway share ownership (e.g., a brokerage statement or app).
How to prepare for the long Q&A session with Warren Buffett?
Arrive early to get a good seat, bring snacks and water (the arena has concessions as well), and be prepared to be captivated by hours of wisdom and wit. The session is also broadcast live on CNBC, so you can follow along on a screen if you don't get a prime spot.
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How to ask a question at the meeting?
Shareholders can ask questions from the audience at one of the microphone locations. There's a drawing to select who gets to ask, so it's a bit of a lottery. You can also submit questions in advance via email to CNBC, and Becky Quick will curate a selection to ask during the Q&A.
How to get a discount at Berkshire-owned businesses in Omaha?
Your meeting credential is your "ticket" to discounts and special events at Berkshire-owned businesses in Omaha, such as Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Nebraska Furniture Mart. Be sure to check the official guide for details and discount periods.
How to know when tickets are available on eBay?
The official Berkshire Hathaway eBay account, brka_b, typically makes tickets available a few weeks after the proxy documents and forms are released. Keep an eye on investment news sites and forums for announcements.
How to attend the meeting without going to Omaha?
The main Q&A session is broadcast live on CNBC and webcast on CNBC.com, allowing you to watch it from anywhere in the world.
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