Your Ultimate Guide to Getting a Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting Pass
So, you want to experience the "Woodstock for Capitalists" in Omaha, Nebraska, and hear the wisdom of Warren Buffett and Greg Abel firsthand? Attending the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting is a pilgrimage for investors and business enthusiasts from around the globe. It's not just a meeting; it's a weekend-long celebration of capitalism, featuring shareholder shopping days, exclusive events, and, of course, the legendary Q&A session.
Are you ready to join the tens of thousands of people who make the trip to Omaha every year? Let's walk through the steps to secure your pass and make the most of this incredible experience.
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| How Do I Get My Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting Pass |
Step 1: Confirm Your Status – Are You a Shareholder?
First things first, let's address the most common question: Do you need to be a Berkshire Hathaway shareholder to get a pass?
The short answer is yes, you are expected to be a shareholder. The passes, or "credentials," are primarily for shareholders. However, here's the interesting part: you only need to own one single share of either Class A (BRK.A) or Class B (BRK.B) stock. The Class B shares are significantly more affordable and a popular entry point for those who want to attend the meeting.
If you are already a shareholder, you are entitled to request up to four credentials. This is a fantastic benefit, as it allows you to bring friends, family, or fellow investors along to share the experience.
If you are not a shareholder, don't despair! While the company's official channels are for shareholders, there is a secondary market where passes can be obtained. We'll cover that later.
Engage with us: Tell us in your mind right now – are you a shareholder or are you planning to become one? Knowing this will help you navigate the next steps!
QuickTip: Reading twice makes retention stronger.
Step 2: The Two Primary Ways to Get Your Pass
There are two main methods to obtain your meeting pass: the official way (for shareholders) and the alternative way (for non-shareholders or those who missed the deadline).
Method A: The Official Credential Request Form (For Shareholders)
This is the most reliable and direct way to get your passes. Berkshire Hathaway sends a "Credential Order Form" along with the annual proxy documents and shareholder letter, typically in March. For the 2025 meeting, this form was released in mid-March.
Step 2a: Locate the Credential Order Form
Physical Annual Report: If you receive a physical copy of the annual report, look for the perforated card or the "Credential Order Form" inside. This is your ticket to ordering passes.
Online Documents: If you receive your annual report electronically, you will need to find and print the Credential Request Form, which is often available as a PDF on the company's investor relations website or a proxy document website.
Step 2b: Fill out the Form Completely and Legibly
Personal Information: Fill in your name and address clearly. Printing neatly is crucial to avoid any delays or issues with delivery.
Number of Credentials: Indicate the number of credentials you are requesting, up to the maximum of four.
Mailing Address: Be sure to provide the correct and complete mailing address where you want the passes sent.
Step 2c: Mail the Form
Place the completed form in an envelope.
Address the envelope exactly as indicated on the form. For the 2025 meeting, the address was:
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Attn: Meeting Credentials 3555 Farnam St. Omaha, NE 68131
Mail the envelope using a reliable postal service. If you are an international shareholder, it is essential to plan for a longer shipping time (at least two weeks each way) and to add your country to the address. It's recommended to send the form out well in advance, ideally in early April, to ensure your credentials arrive in time.
Step 2d: Wait for Your Credentials to Arrive
Once you've mailed the form, it's a waiting game. The company will process your request and mail the physical credentials to you. Be patient, as shipping can take a few weeks, especially for international addresses. The credentials are your official admission tickets to the meeting and other shareholder-only events.
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
Method B: The Will-Call Option (For Shareholders Who Missed the Mail-In Deadline)
Life happens, and sometimes you miss the deadline for mailing in the form. Or perhaps your credentials got lost in the mail. Don't worry! Berkshire Hathaway has a solution for you.
Step 2e: Prepare Your Documents for Will-Call Pickup
Proof of Ownership: You will need to bring documentation that proves you own Berkshire Hathaway stock. This can be a:
Brokerage account statement (either a printed statement or a screenshot on your phone).
A certificate from your broker.
Your brokerage app showing your shareholding.
Photo Identification: Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver's license.
Step 2f: Visit the Will-Call Area in Omaha
Location: The will-call and credential pickup area is typically located in the lobby of the CHI Health Center Omaha, the main venue for the meeting.
Hours: Be sure to check the specific hours for the Will-Call area, which are published in the annual Shareholders Guide. For the 2025 meeting, Will-Call was open on Friday from 11 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 7 AM to 4 PM.
Step 2g: Pick up Your Credentials
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Present your photo ID and proof of ownership to the staff at the Will-Call counter. They will verify your information and issue your official meeting credentials on the spot. This is a simple and reliable backup plan.
Method C: The Secondary Market (For Everyone)
If you are not a shareholder or a shareholder who wants more than four passes, there is an active secondary market, particularly on platforms like eBay.
Step 2h: Find a Reputable Seller
Official Account: The official eBay account for selling passes is reportedly "brka_b". Be wary of other sellers who may overcharge.
Pricing: Passes on the secondary market typically sell for a fee, ranging from $5 to $25 per ticket.
Step 2i: Purchase Your Pass
QuickTip: Look for repeated words — they signal importance.
You can order your passes online and have them shipped to you.
Please be aware that these are not official channels and come with the typical risks of buying from a third-party seller. It's a convenient option, but proceed with caution.
Step 3: Understand What Your Pass Gets You
Your Berkshire Hathaway meeting credential is much more than just an admission ticket. It is your key to the entire weekend of activities.
Admission to the Annual Shareholders Meeting: This is the main event, where you can listen to the Q&A session with Warren Buffett and Greg Abel.
Access to the Exhibition Hall: The exhibition hall at the CHI Health Center features booths from many of Berkshire's subsidiaries, such as See's Candies, Fruit of the Loom, GEICO, and more. You can shop for products, often at special shareholder-only discounts.
Special Shareholder Discounts: Your credential gives you access to discount pricing and special events throughout Omaha, including shopping nights at Borsheims and Nebraska Furniture Mart.
Entry to Related Events: It is mandatory for admission to all shareholder events, so keep it with you at all times.
Step 4: Plan Your Trip to Omaha
Getting your pass is just the first part of the journey. Once you have it, you need to plan your trip to Omaha, which is a major logistical undertaking.
Step 4a: Book Your Accommodations and Flights Early
Omaha's hotel and airline prices skyrocket during the meeting weekend. Book your flights and hotel rooms at least six months in advance, and be prepared to pay significantly more than usual. Many regulars book their hotels for the following year almost immediately after the current meeting ends.
Step 4b: Navigate the City
Omaha is well-prepared for the influx of visitors. There are often free shuttle buses and other transportation options available to help shareholders get around to the various event locations. Be sure to check the Shareholders Guide for the meeting year for all the transportation details.
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.
5. Final Reminders for the Big Weekend
Arrive Early: The doors open early on Saturday morning, and people start lining up hours before that. If you want a good seat for the Q&A session, be prepared to arrive well before the doors open.
Dress Comfortably: You will be doing a lot of walking, standing, and waiting in lines. Comfortable shoes are a must.
Stay Hydrated: With long hours and large crowds, it's easy to get dehydrated. Bring a reusable water bottle.
Have Proof of Ownership and ID: Even if you have your physical pass, it is always a good idea to have your proof of ownership and a photo ID with you, especially for will-call pickups and certain events.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get a Berkshire Hathaway meeting pass if I live outside the U.S.? You can use the mail-in credential request form, but you must factor in a longer shipping time (at least two weeks each way) and ensure you include your country on the address. It's recommended to mail the form well in advance to avoid any issues.
How to prove I own a share if my broker doesn't provide a physical statement? A screenshot of your brokerage account from your computer or phone that clearly shows your ownership of at least one share (BRK.A or BRK.B) is typically sufficient proof for the will-call pickup.
How to find the official credential request form online? The form is released with the company's proxy documents, which are available on the investor relations section of the Berkshire Hathaway website and on proxy document websites like Proxydocs.com.
How to attend if I am not a shareholder? While the passes are intended for shareholders, you can sometimes purchase them on the secondary market from shareholders who have extra passes. eBay is a common platform for this, but be cautious of resellers.
How to know the exact dates for the next annual meeting? The meeting is almost always held on the first weekend of May. You can find the confirmed dates for the upcoming meeting in the company's official announcements and the annual Shareholders Guide.
How to find out about other shareholder events in Omaha? The official Shareholders Guide, released by Berkshire Hathaway, provides a detailed schedule of all shareholder-only events, including the shopping days at Nebraska Furniture Mart and Borsheims.
How to get a good seat at the Q&A session? The seating is first-come, first-served. To get a prime seat, you will need to line up very early in the morning on Saturday, often before sunrise, as doors open at 7 AM.
How to ask a question at the meeting? Shareholders are selected randomly from different microphone locations within the arena to ask questions. You can also submit questions to CNBC's Becky Quick in advance, and she will curate them for the Q&A session.
How to find a hotel in Omaha for the meeting? Booking your hotel 6-12 months in advance is highly recommended. Hotel rates are significantly inflated during the meeting weekend, and rooms sell out quickly.
How to get special discounts with my shareholder pass? Your pass is your key to getting discounts at Berkshire-owned businesses that have booths in the exhibition hall, such as See's Candies, as well as special shopping events at Borsheims and Nebraska Furniture Mart.
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