Hello there! So, you're looking to attend the legendary Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting, also known as the "Woodstock for Capitalists." It's an incredible experience, a chance to see Warren Buffett and his team in person, and a must-do for any serious investor or fan of the Oracle of Omaha. But how do you get in? Let's walk through the steps to secure your credentials and be a part of this historic event.
Step 1: Become a Shareholder (The Golden Ticket)
First things first: Do you own Berkshire Hathaway stock? This is the single most important requirement to get meeting credentials. You don't need to be a billionaire to attend; even owning just one share of the more affordable Class B stock (BRK.B) is enough.
Why is this the golden ticket? The annual meeting is a shareholder-only event. Your shares are your proof of ownership, and they grant you the right to request meeting credentials. Without them, you'll need to look at other options, which we'll discuss later, but being a shareholder is the most direct and reliable path.
Once you own the stock, your brokerage firm will send you the annual report and proxy materials. This is where you'll find the all-important form to request your credentials. Keep an eye out for it in the mail or in your online brokerage account.
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| How To Get Berkshire Hathaway Meeting Credentials |
Step 2: Request Your Credentials (The Paper Trail)
So, you've got your shares. Now what? You need to formally request your credentials. This is where the magic happens.
Sub-heading: The Credential Order Form
You'll typically receive a Credential Order Form with your annual report. This is a physical form that you'll need to fill out and mail in. It's not a complicated form, but you need to be precise.
What information do you need? You'll need to provide your name, address, and the number of credentials you are requesting. Each shareholder is usually allowed to request up to four credentials, so you can bring along family or friends!
Where do you send it? The form will have a specific mailing address, usually to Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Attn: Meeting Credentials, in Omaha, Nebraska. Make sure you address the envelope exactly as instructed to avoid any delays.
A word of caution: Be sure to complete this step well in advance of the meeting date. It can take several weeks for the credentials to be processed and mailed to you. Don't wait until the last minute! These credentials will NOT be sent via overnight delivery, so plan accordingly.
Sub-heading: The Electronic Method (If applicable)
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
Some brokerage firms may offer an electronic option. If you receive your annual report electronically, you might need to contact your broker's Corporate Actions Team to request your credentials. They will likely provide you with a 12-digit control number that you can use on a proxy website (like proxyvote.com) to request your passes.
Step 3: What to Do If You Don't Receive Your Credentials
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the mail is slow, or things get lost. Don't panic! Berkshire Hathaway has a system in place for this.
Sub-heading: The "Will Call" Area
If you don't receive your credentials by mail or if you forget to bring them with you, you can pick them up at the "Will Call" area in the lobby of the CHI Health Center Omaha, the location of the annual meeting.
What do you need to bring? You'll need two things: proof of ownership and a photo ID. Proof of ownership can be a brokerage account statement that clearly shows you own Berkshire Hathaway stock.
Be prepared for a wait: The Will Call line can be long, so be ready to wait, especially on the Friday and Saturday of the meeting. Getting your credentials in advance is always the better option to avoid the lines and get a better seat in the arena.
Step 4: What if You're Not a Shareholder? (The Other Ways)
Maybe you don't own the stock, but you still want to attend. Is it possible? Yes, but it's not guaranteed.
Sub-heading: Secondary Market and Shareholder Friends
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Since each shareholder can request up to four credentials, many shareholders have extra passes. Some will give them away to friends or family. Others may sell them on secondary markets like eBay. While this is an option, be aware that you are relying on the kindness of others or a transaction on a third-party platform. Prices can vary.
Important Note: Be cautious when purchasing credentials from a third party. Make sure you are dealing with a reputable seller.
Step 5: Enjoy the Weekend! (The Reward)
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Congratulations, you have your credentials! These credentials are more than just a ticket to the meeting; they are your key to the entire weekend of shareholder events and discounts. Your badge is your admission ticket to the meeting itself, the shareholder shopping day in the exhibit hall, and other shareholder-only events.
Insider Tip: The shareholder discounts at Berkshire-owned businesses like Nebraska Furniture Mart and Borsheims are a significant perk of the weekend! Your credential is your ticket to these deals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to find out the date and location of the next meeting?
The Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting is typically held on the first Saturday of May in Omaha, Nebraska. The official date and location are announced well in advance on the Berkshire Hathaway website (berkshirehathaway.com) and in the annual report. For 2025, the meeting was held on Saturday, May 3, in Omaha.
How to request more than four credentials?
Each shareholder can request a maximum of four credentials. If you need more, you would need to find another shareholder to request them for you.
Tip: Highlight sentences that answer your questions.
How to prove stock ownership at the Will Call?
You can use a recent brokerage statement, a letter from your broker, or a screenshot from your online account that clearly shows you own at least one share of BRK.A or BRK.B.
How to get a good seat at the meeting?
To get a good seat, you'll need to arrive very early. The doors to the CHI Health Center open hours before the meeting starts, and dedicated attendees will line up in the middle of the night to secure a spot close to the stage.
How to get discounts at Berkshire-owned businesses?
Simply show your meeting credential (the badge on the lanyard) at participating Berkshire-owned businesses like Borsheims and Nebraska Furniture Mart during the shareholder weekend.
How to submit a question for the Q&A session?
In-person shareholders are selected randomly to ask questions from microphone locations in the arena. Non-attending shareholders can submit questions to CNBC, which curates them for the Q&A session.
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How to watch the meeting if you can't attend in person?
The annual meeting is typically webcast live on CNBC.com and broadcast on CNBC. This is an excellent option for those who cannot make it to Omaha.
How to get to the meeting location in Omaha?
The meeting is held at the CHI Health Center Omaha. There are shuttle buses that run from various hotels and locations in Omaha, and taxis and ride-sharing services are also available.
How to attend the other shareholder events?
Your meeting credential is your ticket to most of the shareholder-only events, including the shareholder shopping day at the exhibit hall and the Borsheims shareholder-only shopping night. Check the official Shareholders Guide for a complete schedule.
How to get credentials if you are a foreign shareholder?
The process is the same. You will receive the Credential Order Form with your annual report. You will need to mail the form back to the specified address. If you do not receive it in time, you can still pick up your credentials at the Will Call area with proof of ownership and a photo ID.
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