Ready to embark on a pilgrimage to the "Woodstock for Capitalists"? The Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, is an experience unlike any other in the financial world. It's a chance to witness the wisdom of Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger (and now Greg Abel) firsthand, explore a massive exhibition hall filled with Berkshire's businesses, and network with tens of thousands of fellow investors.
If you're ready to join the flock, here is your comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to attend this legendary event.
Step 1: Get Your Ticket - The All-Important Shareholder Credential
So, you want to attend the meeting? The first thing you need to know is that you don't need to be a billionaire with a Class A share to get in. Owning just one Class B share is enough. If you're not a shareholder yet, don't worry. It's easier than you might think to buy a single share and join the club.
You will need a "shareholder credential" or badge to enter the meeting and all shareholder-only events. This is your golden ticket.
For Shareholders: If you're already a shareholder, you'll receive a proxy statement and an "Annual Meeting Credential Request Form" with your annual report. Fill out this form to request your badges. Each shareholder can request up to four credentials for themselves and their guests.
For Non-Shareholders: While the meeting is primarily for shareholders, you can still attend! The meeting passes are often sold on secondary markets like eBay in the weeks leading up to the event. The price is typically quite low, ranging from $10 to $25 each. This is a great option if you're not a shareholder but still want to be a part of the experience.
The "Will Call" Option: If you can't get your credentials in advance, don't panic! You can pick them up in Omaha at the "Will Call" area in the lobby of the CHI Health Center. Be prepared to show photo identification (like a passport or driver's license) and proof of share ownership, such as a brokerage account statement or even a screenshot from your brokerage app. Berkshire Hathaway operates on a trust basis and wants people to attend, so this is a very reliable option.
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| How To Attend Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting |
Step 2: Plan Your Trip and Book Your Accommodations
Once you have your entry secured, it's time to plan the logistics. This is a massive event that draws over 40,000 people to a city that isn't known for its extensive tourism infrastructure. Planning well in advance is absolutely crucial.
Sub-heading: Securing Your Flights and Transport
Omaha's airport (OMA) connects to major hubs like Chicago, Denver, and Houston. Flights will be expensive and will sell out quickly, so book at least six months in advance. Some attendees prefer to fly into a larger city and then take a scenic train or drive to Omaha. The Amtrak train from Chicago is a popular and affordable option, offering a chance to see the American Midwest.
QuickTip: Focus more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’.
Sub-heading: Finding a Place to Stay
Hotel rooms in Omaha during the AGM weekend are in extremely high demand and their prices skyrocket. Expect to pay five times the standard rate or more. Many regulars book their hotel for the following year before they even leave Omaha.
Downtown Omaha: This is the most convenient area, as you'll be close to the CHI Health Center and many of the shareholder events. Hotels like the Hilton Omaha and the Marriott Downtown are connected to or are a short walk from the convention center.
Other Areas: Consider hotels in the west of Omaha, though you'll need to factor in transportation to the downtown area.
Alternative Accommodations: Airbnb and other vacation rentals are options, but be aware of the risk of hosts canceling at the last minute to re-list at a higher price.
Step 3: Dive into the Schedule of Events
The annual meeting is much more than just a single Q&A session. It's a weekend-long festival of capitalism. Here's a typical schedule for the weekend, with events at the CHI Health Center and other locations around Omaha.
Sub-heading: Friday - The Warm-Up
Will Call & Credential Pick-up (11 AM - 5 PM, CHI Health Center): This is your chance to get your badge if you didn't receive it by mail. Be prepared to wait in line, but it moves efficiently.
Shareholder Shopping Day (Noon - 5 PM, CHI Health Center): Once you have your badge, you can enter the massive exhibition hall. This is a must-see. You'll find booths from over 100 Berkshire subsidiaries, including Dairy Queen, See's Candies, Fruit of the Loom, NetJets, and many more. Many items are sold at a discount, so be prepared to shop!
Borsheims Shareholder-only Shopping Night: Borsheims, a Berkshire-owned jeweler, hosts a special shopping night for shareholders. It's a fantastic event with a lively atmosphere and plenty of sparkling items to see.
Sub-heading: Saturday - The Main Event
Doors Open & Exhibit Hall (7 AM, CHI Health Center): Get here early. Thousands of people line up hours before the doors open to get the best seats in the arena. Bring a folding chair, a blanket, and a thermos.
Q&A Session (8 AM - 1 PM): The main event. Warren Buffett, Greg Abel, and Ajit Jain take the stage and answer questions from shareholders and journalists for hours. This is your chance to hear their insights on the economy, the market, and life. The session is broken up by a short break.
Annual Shareholders Meeting (2 PM): This is the formal business portion of the meeting, where directors are elected and shareholder proposals are voted on. It's usually a short and efficient process.
Exhibit Hall Reopens: The exhibition hall remains open during and after the meeting, giving you more time to explore and shop.
NFM Berkshire Picnic: Nebraska Furniture Mart, another Berkshire company, hosts a picnic in the afternoon. It's a popular event with food and entertainment.
Tip: Focus on sections most relevant to you.
Sub-heading: Sunday - The Wind-Down
Brooks Invest in Yourself 5K: A popular fun run on Sunday morning.
Markel Omaha Brunch: A well-attended investor conference and brunch.
Explore Omaha: Take this day to explore the city. Visit the Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, the Old Market, or the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, where you can stand in two states at once!
Step 4: Pack Smart and Be Prepared
Dress Comfortably: The dress code is casual. You'll be doing a lot of walking and waiting in lines. Comfortable shoes are a must.
Bring a Power Bank: Your phone will be working overtime for photos, videos, and communication. A portable charger is essential.
Stay Hydrated: With long hours of lining up and sitting in a crowded arena, it's important to drink plenty of water.
Don't Save Seats: The meeting has a strict "no excessive seat saving" policy. While you can hold a few seats for your group, blocking off entire rows is not allowed and will be enforced by security.
10 Related FAQs
How to buy Berkshire Hathaway Class B stock?
You can buy Berkshire Hathaway Class B stock (ticker symbol BRK.B) through a brokerage account. You cannot buy it directly from Berkshire Hathaway.
How to get a meeting credential if you're not a shareholder?
Non-shareholders can often purchase a meeting pass from a shareholder on secondary markets like eBay in the weeks leading up to the meeting.
Tip: Read slowly to catch the finer details.
How to get to Omaha for the meeting?
You can fly directly into Omaha's airport (OMA) or fly into a nearby major city like Chicago and take a train or drive to Omaha.
How to book a hotel for the Berkshire Hathaway meeting?
Book your hotel rooms as far in advance as possible, preferably six to twelve months out, as prices and availability are extremely limited.
How to ask a question at the annual meeting?
Shareholders can submit questions to CNBC's Becky Quick in advance, or they can try their luck with the question lottery at one of the microphone locations during the meeting itself.
How to participate in the shareholder events?
QuickTip: Focus on what feels most relevant.
Your shareholder credential is your ticket to all shareholder-only events, including the exhibit hall and shopping nights at Borsheims and Nebraska Furniture Mart.
How to navigate Omaha during the meeting weekend?
The city has a shuttle system and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. Public transport is also available. Many events are within walking distance of downtown hotels.
How to find out the dates for the next annual meeting?
The Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting is traditionally held on the first Saturday of May.
How to watch the meeting if you can't attend in person?
The meeting is live-streamed on CNBC and CNBC.com, allowing you to watch the entire Q&A session from anywhere in the world.
How to save money on the trip?
Book your flights and accommodation well in advance, consider taking the train instead of flying, and use apps like TooGoodToGo to save on food expenses.
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