Your Ultimate Guide to Attending the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting 2025: A Deep Dive into the "Woodstock for Capitalists"
Have you ever dreamt of sitting in a massive arena, surrounded by tens of thousands of fellow investors, all hanging on every word from the legendary Warren Buffett? The Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting, famously dubbed the "Woodstock for Capitalists," is an experience unlike any other. It's a pilgrimage for value investors and a chance to witness living history. But how do you, from all the way in Walwadi, Maharashtra, make that dream a reality? Don't worry, this guide has you covered. Let's break down everything you need to know, from getting your tickets to navigating the whirlwind weekend in Omaha.
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| How To Attend Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting 2025 |
Step 1: Secure Your "Ticket" to the Show! (Are you a shareholder?)
Before you start booking flights, the most crucial step is securing your credential to enter the CHI Health Center. This is where your journey begins, and it all revolves around whether you own a piece of Berkshire Hathaway.
For the Shareholder: Do you own at least one share of BRK.A or BRK.B? If so, congratulations! You are a Berkshire Hathaway shareholder. The company will send you a proxy statement with a form to request your meeting credentials. You can request up to four passes. If you don't receive the form or need to pick up your credentials last minute, you can do so at the CHI Health Center Omaha by showing proof of stock ownership (like a brokerage statement) and a photo ID. This is the most reliable and recommended method to get in.
For the Non-Shareholder (The Aspiring Oracle): Don't own any shares yet? Don't fret! While the meeting is primarily for shareholders, you can still attend. You'll need to get a pass from a shareholder who has extras. Secondary markets like eBay are known to have these credentials available a few weeks before the event, often for a nominal fee. These are essentially your "ticket" to the whole weekend of events. Just remember to be careful and only purchase from reputable sellers.
Step 2: Plan Your Pilgrimage to Omaha, Nebraska
The meeting takes place in Omaha, Nebraska, and with tens of thousands of people descending upon the city, logistics are key. The 2025 meeting was held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, so keep that date in mind for future years. You should plan your trip months in advance to avoid exorbitant prices and ensure availability.
Sub-heading: Booking Your Travel
Flights: Book your flights to Omaha's Eppley Airfield (OMA) as early as possible. As the date approaches, prices will skyrocket. Since you're traveling from Walwadi, Maharashtra, you'll have a long journey with layovers, so plan accordingly.
Accommodation: Hotels in Omaha fill up incredibly fast for "Berkshire Weekend." Many attendees book their rooms a year in advance. The official Shareholders Guide often lists partner hotels with shuttle services to the CHI Health Center. Look for hotels in downtown Omaha, as they are close to the venue and other shareholder weekend activities. Booking well in advance is not just a suggestion, it's a necessity.
Ground Transportation: Once you're in Omaha, consider your transport options. Many hotels offer shuttle services. Taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transportation are also available. Be prepared for crowds and potential traffic congestion, especially on Saturday morning.
Step 3: Embrace the "Berkshire Weekend" Experience
QuickTip: Pay attention to first and last sentences.
The annual meeting isn't just a one-day event; it's a weekend-long celebration of capitalism, learning, and networking.
Sub-heading: The Main Event: Saturday, May 3, 2025
The Q&A Session: This is the main attraction. The doors to the CHI Health Center open very early, typically at 7:00 a.m. Central Time. People start queuing up hours before that to get a good seat. The arena fills up quickly, and latecomers may be directed to overflow rooms. The Q&A session with Warren Buffett, Greg Abel, and Ajit Jain begins at 8:00 a.m. and is a masterclass in business, life, and investment philosophy.
The Business Meeting: Following the Q&A session, the formal business meeting takes place in the afternoon. While it's a necessary part of the event, it's a short and typically dry affair.
Sub-heading: Explore the Exhibit Hall
Throughout the weekend, the CHI Health Center's exhibit hall transforms into a massive marketplace featuring products and services from Berkshire Hathaway's diverse subsidiaries. This is your chance to:
Sip on a Dairy Queen Blizzard.
Try on a pair of Justin Boots.
Indulge in See's Candies.
Get a discount on a new furniture set from Nebraska Furniture Mart.
This is a fantastic opportunity to see the breadth of the Berkshire empire up close and personal.
Sub-heading: Beyond the Arena: The Shareholder Weekend Events
The entire city of Omaha gets in on the action. There are numerous shareholder-only events, including:
Borsheims Shareholder-only Shopping Night: Borsheims, a Berkshire-owned jewelry store, hosts an exclusive shopping event with special discounts for shareholders.
Brooks 5K: A fun run organized by Brooks Running, another Berkshire subsidiary.
Nebraska Furniture Mart Picnic: A massive picnic hosted by Nebraska Furniture Mart, offering a chance to mingle and enjoy local food.
Be sure to check the official Shareholders Guide for the full schedule and timings of these events.
QuickTip: Skim fast, then return for detail.
Step 4: The Art of Asking a Question
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Have a burning question for Warren Buffett? It's a long shot, but you can try to ask one.
In-Person Questions: Shareholders are selected randomly at designated microphone locations in the arena to ask their questions. You have to be early to even get in the lottery.
Submitted Questions: You can also submit questions in advance via email to a CNBC host, who curates and asks questions on behalf of non-attending shareholders.
Step 5: Post-Meeting Reflection
After the meeting, take some time to reflect on the experience. You've just witnessed one of the most significant financial events of the year. Consider what you've learned from Buffett's wisdom, the market insights, and the overall atmosphere of the event.
10 Related FAQs:
How to get a credential for the Berkshire Hathaway meeting if I am not a shareholder?
You can often purchase a credential from a shareholder who has an extra pass. These are typically sold on secondary markets like eBay in the weeks leading up to the meeting.
How to book a hotel in Omaha for the Berkshire Hathaway meeting?
Tip: Highlight what feels important.
Book your hotel as early as possible, ideally a year in advance. Many hotels near the CHI Health Center and in downtown Omaha are the most convenient. The official Shareholders Guide provides a list of recommended hotels.
How to watch the Berkshire Hathaway meeting if I can't attend in person?
CNBC broadcasts the main Q&A session and also livestreams it on their website. You can watch it from the comfort of your home.
How to get a good seat at the Berkshire Hathaway meeting?
To get a good seat, you need to arrive very early on Saturday morning, often before dawn, and join the queue. The doors open at 7:00 a.m., but the best seats go to the earliest arrivals.
How to find the schedule of events for the Berkshire Hathaway weekend?
The official Shareholders Guide, released by Berkshire Hathaway, provides a detailed schedule of all events, including the main meeting, exhibit hall hours, and other shareholder-only activities. You can find it on the Berkshire Hathaway website.
How to ask a question to Warren Buffett at the meeting?
Tip: Reread if it feels confusing.
You can try to ask a question in person by going to one of the microphone locations and hoping to be randomly selected. Alternatively, you can submit your question to CNBC in advance.
How to get a discount at the Berkshire Hathaway subsidiaries during the weekend?
Many of the Berkshire-owned companies, like See's Candies and Borsheims, offer special discounts and deals exclusively for shareholders with a meeting credential. Just present your credential at the point of purchase.
How to get to the CHI Health Center from my hotel?
Many downtown hotels have shuttle services that run to the CHI Health Center. Taxis, ride-sharing apps, and public transport are also viable options.
How to prove I am a Berkshire Hathaway shareholder?
You can prove your shareholder status by showing a recent brokerage account statement that shows your ownership of BRK.A or BRK.B shares, along with a photo ID.
How to prepare for the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting?
Read Warren Buffett's annual letters to shareholders, familiarize yourself with Berkshire's businesses, and be prepared for a long day of listening and learning. Dress comfortably, bring snacks and water, and wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking and standing.
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