Are you curious about what it's like to be at the heart of the "Woodstock for Capitalists"? The Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholder Meeting is not your average corporate gathering; it's a financial pilgrimage that draws in a massive crowd of investors, enthusiasts, and curious onlookers from around the globe. The sheer number of people who attend is a testament to the enduring appeal of Warren Buffett and the investment philosophy he champions.
So, you want to know how many people attend the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting? Well, the numbers are impressive and have been growing over the years. Attendance generally totals over 40,000 people, filling the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska, to capacity and beyond. In 2025, a record-breaking 19,700 people attended the afternoon session, a significant jump from the 16,200 recorded the year before. This massive turnout is what gives the event its famous nickname.
Step 1: Understanding the Phenomenon - Why Do So Many People Come?
Before we dive into the logistics, let's understand the gravity of this event. Have you ever been part of a crowd that is completely aligned in its passion? That's the atmosphere you'll find in Omaha. It's not just about the business of Berkshire Hathaway; it's about a masterclass in value investing, a celebration of a unique corporate culture, and a chance to hear directly from one of the greatest investors of all time, Warren Buffett. The meeting is a spectacle, blending serious financial discourse with a festive, almost carnival-like atmosphere. The exhibit hall, featuring many of Berkshire's subsidiaries, is a bustling marketplace where attendees can buy everything from See's Candies to Brooks running shoes.
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| How Many People Attend The Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting |
Step 2: Securing Your Spot at the "Woodstock for Capitalists"
Thinking of joining the crowd? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you secure your spot and experience this unique event for yourself.
Sub-heading: The Golden Ticket: Do You Need to Own Shares?
This is the most common question. The answer is yes, and no.
Yes, if you want it officially: The primary way to get a meeting credential is to be a Berkshire Hathaway shareholder. You don't need to be a billionaire with a Class A share (BRK.A), which trades at a mind-boggling price. Owning even a single, more affordable Class B share (BRK.B) is enough to be considered a shareholder and request a credential.
No, technically not: While the passes are issued to shareholders, each shareholder can request up to four passes. This has created a secondary market where people who aren't shareholders can sometimes purchase a pass from a shareholder for a nominal fee. You might find them on platforms like eBay in the weeks leading up to the event.
Sub-heading: How to Get Your Credential
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For Shareholders: If you're a shareholder, you'll receive a proxy form with your annual report. You can use this form to mail in a request for up to four meeting credentials. Make sure to do this well in advance, as international mail can take a long time.
For the Last-Minute Planner: If you can't get your passes in time, you can still try your luck. You can go to the "Will Call/Credential Pick-up" desk at the CHI Health Center the day before the meeting. You'll need to show a photo ID and proof of share ownership, such as a brokerage account statement or a screenshot from your investment app.
Step 3: Planning Your Trip to Omaha
Once you have your credentials sorted, it's time to plan your pilgrimage to Omaha. Remember to book everything well in advance.
Sub-heading: Accommodation and Travel
Omaha's hotels fill up fast and prices can skyrocket during the meeting weekend. It's highly recommended to book your hotel at least six months in advance. Many regulars even book their room for the following year right after the current meeting ends! Be prepared to pay five times the normal rate for a hotel room. Some attendees use hotel loyalty points or even consider AirBnB, though the latter can have a higher risk of cancellation. The best hotels are located near the CHI Health Center, which is the main venue for the meeting and other events.
Sub-heading: The Schedule of Events
The Berkshire weekend is not just a one-day affair. It's a multi-day festival of investing.
Friday: This is the day for credential pick-up and the famous shareholder shopping day at the Exhibit Hall. Here, you can check out and buy products from Berkshire-owned companies. Think of it as a giant, high-stakes trade show. There are also various investor conferences and meetups hosted by different investment groups.
Saturday: The Main Event: The main annual meeting starts early, with people lining up as early as 2 a.m. to get good seats in the main arena. The doors open at 7 a.m., and the Q&A with Warren Buffett and his key lieutenants, like Greg Abel, starts later in the morning and can last for several hours.
Sunday: The weekend often includes a "Invest in Yourself" 5K run and a shareholder-only shopping day at Borsheims, a Berkshire-owned jewelry store.
Step 4: The Experience Inside the Hall
Once inside, you'll be part of a massive, energized crowd. The main arena has a capacity of about 19,000 people, but there are also overflow rooms that are filled with screens broadcasting the event.
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Sub-heading: A Marathon Q&A
The highlight of the day is the unscripted, marathon Q&A session with Warren Buffett and his team. For hours, they answer questions from shareholders and journalists on everything from Berkshire's business performance to the global economy and life lessons. The atmosphere is a blend of intense focus and humor, with Buffett's famous wit and wisdom on full display.
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Sub-heading: The Exhibit Hall and Other Events
During breaks and before/after the main Q&A, the Exhibit Hall is a beehive of activity. You can see exhibits from companies like GEICO, Fruit of the Loom, and NetJets. It's a great opportunity to see the vast empire that Berkshire Hathaway has built.
10 Related FAQs
How to attend the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting if you are not a shareholder?
You can try to obtain a meeting credential from a shareholder who has extras, sometimes available on secondary markets like eBay. You can also try to get one at the "Will Call" desk the day before the meeting by showing proof of stock ownership.
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How to get a good seat at the meeting?
To get a good seat in the main arena, you'll need to arrive very early. Some people line up as early as 2 a.m. to secure a prime spot.
How to find a place to stay in Omaha during the meeting?
Book your accommodation months in advance! Hotels in Omaha are extremely expensive and scarce during the weekend of the meeting. You can also consider AirBnB or staying in a nearby city and driving in.
How to get around Omaha during the event?
The city offers free shuttle services from hotels to the CHI Health Center. It is also possible to use ride-sharing services like Uber, but expect surge pricing.
How to buy products from Berkshire-owned companies?
You can visit the Exhibit Hall at the CHI Health Center and other shareholder-only shopping events hosted by subsidiaries like Borsheims and Nebraska Furniture Mart.
QuickTip: Reading regularly builds stronger recall.
How to ask a question to Warren Buffett?
Questions are selected randomly from attendees in the audience and also curated from a list of questions submitted by shareholders not in attendance. To increase your chances, you need to be in the main hall and get lucky with the random selection.
How to watch the meeting if you can't attend in person?
The meeting is typically livestreamed online. You can find the livestream on business news channels like CNBC.
How to find out about side events and parties?
Information on side events is often shared through the official shareholder guide, social media groups, and networking forums dedicated to the event.
How to prepare for the long day at the meeting?
Dress comfortably, wear good walking shoes, and bring a charged phone. There are long hours of sitting and walking, so being prepared is key.
How to connect with other investors at the meeting?
Networking is a big part of the event. You can connect with other investors at the Exhibit Hall, various conferences, and hotel lobbies.
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