A Shareholder's Guide to Attending the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting
Have you ever dreamt of sitting in a packed arena, surrounded by tens of thousands of like-minded investors, all hanging on every word of the "Oracle of Omaha" himself, Warren Buffett? If so, you're not alone. The Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, is often referred to as the "Woodstock for Capitalists," and for a good reason. It's a weekend filled with valuable insights, exclusive discounts, and a chance to be a part of a truly unique financial event.
But how do you get a ticket to this legendary gathering? It's not as simple as buying one online, but the process is far more accessible than you might think. Let's dive into the step-by-step guide to securing your spot at the next meeting.
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| How To Get Tickets To Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder Meeting |
Step 1: Become a Shareholder
Let's start with the most fundamental requirement: you need to be a Berkshire Hathaway shareholder. Don't worry, you don't need to own a prohibitively expensive BRK.A share (which trades for hundreds of thousands of dollars). All you need is a single share of the much more affordable BRK.B stock. Yes, you read that right. Just one share, currently priced in the hundreds of dollars, makes you an official shareholder and gives you the right to request meeting credentials.
Why is this the first step? Because your shareholder status is your golden ticket. Without it, you cannot officially request the credentials that grant you access to the meeting and all the shareholder-only events.
Already a shareholder? Great! You can skip ahead to Step 2. If not, now is the time to open a brokerage account and purchase at least one share of BRK.B.
Step 2: Request Your Meeting Credentials
QuickTip: Highlight useful points as you read.
Once you're a shareholder, you need to get your hands on the official meeting credentials. These credentials are a physical badge on a lanyard that serves as your admission ticket for the entire weekend.
Sub-heading: If you receive a hard copy of the annual report
If you have elected to receive a physical annual report from Berkshire Hathaway, the process is incredibly straightforward.
Locate the Credential Request Form: Look for the perforated proxy card or the dedicated "Credential Order Form" in the back of your annual report. This is your official application.
Fill out the form: Fill in your name, address, and the number of credentials you are requesting. Each shareholder can request up to four meeting credentials. This is a fantastic perk if you want to bring family or friends along for the experience.
Mail it in: Place the completed form in an envelope and mail it to the address provided on the form. Make sure the address is exactly as indicated.
Sub-heading: If you receive electronic communications
If you've opted for electronic delivery of your annual report, the process is slightly different but just as easy.
Contact your broker: Reach out to your broker's Corporate Actions Team. They are the ones who handle requests for meeting credentials for shareholders who receive their information electronically.
Get your control number: They will provide you with a 12-digit control number.
Go to the proxy website: Use the control number to access the designated proxy voting website (e.g., proxyvote.com).
Request credentials online: On the website, you'll have the option to request your meeting credentials. Check the box to indicate your desire to attend the meeting. You should receive a confirmation email.
Pro-Tip: Start this process early! Berkshire's mailing service sends out credentials over several weeks, so registering early ensures you receive them well in advance of the meeting.
Tip: Patience makes reading smoother.
Step 3: Plan Your Trip to Omaha
Once your credentials are on their way, it's time to plan your journey to Omaha, Nebraska. This is not a last-minute trip you can wing. Tens of thousands of people descend upon the city for this weekend, so planning and budgeting months in advance is essential.
Sub-heading: Accommodation and Flights
Book early: Hotels and flights to Omaha sell out fast and prices skyrocket as the meeting date approaches. Book your flights and accommodation as soon as you know you're attending. Look for hotels near the CHI Health Center Omaha, where the meeting is held, or in downtown Omaha for easy access to other events.
Consider alternative lodging: If hotels are booked, look into Airbnb or other short-term rental options. Many locals rent out their homes or rooms for the weekend, offering a more unique and often more affordable experience.
Sub-heading: Understanding the Agenda
The meeting is more than just a single Q&A session. It's a whole weekend of activities. The main event, the Q&A with Warren Buffett and his successor, Greg Abel, is on Saturday, but there are events on Friday and Sunday as well.
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
Friday: A shareholder shopping day at the CHI Health Center and other events like Borsheims' shareholder-only shopping night.
Saturday: The main event! The doors open early, followed by the legendary Q&A session. This is the heart of the meeting.
Sunday: The weekend often concludes with events like the "Invest in Yourself" 5K presented by Brooks Running and another shopping day at Borsheims.
Step 4: The Weekend Itself: What to Expect
Congratulations, you've made it to Omaha with your credentials! Now, get ready for the full Berkshire Hathaway experience.
The Q&A Session: This is the highlight of the weekend. For several hours, Warren Buffett, along with Greg Abel and Ajit Jain, will answer questions from shareholders and CNBC's Becky Quick. This is not a scripted session; they answer what they're asked (within reason). It's an incredible opportunity to hear their thoughts on a wide range of topics, from the economy and company performance to life lessons and succession planning.
Shareholder Shopping: The exhibit hall at the CHI Health Center is a spectacle in itself. It's filled with booths from Berkshire Hathaway's diverse portfolio of companies, like See's Candies, GEICO, and Fruit of the Loom. As a shareholder with a credential, you get access to special discount pricing on many of these products. It's like a corporate theme park.
Networking: The meeting attracts investors from all corners of the globe. It's a fantastic chance to meet and connect with other people who share a passion for value investing and long-term business building.
Step 5: The "Will Call" Option (If You're Running Late)
What if you don't receive your credentials in the mail, or you forget them at home? Don't panic. Berkshire Hathaway has a "Will Call" area for this exact situation.
Where to go: Visit the Will Call area in the lobby of the CHI Health Center Omaha.
What to bring: You will need to bring a photo ID and proof of ownership.
Proof of ownership: This can be a recent brokerage account statement, a screenshot from your broker's app showing you own the shares, or a letter from your broker. Be prepared and have this readily available.
10 FAQ Subheadings: How to...
Tip: Read the whole thing before forming an opinion.
How to attend if you are not a shareholder? While the meeting is for shareholders, people who are not shareholders can sometimes purchase credentials from existing shareholders on secondary markets like eBay. These typically sell for a small fee.
How to ask a question at the meeting? There are two ways. You can submit a question to CNBC's Becky Quick via email (berkshirequestions@cnbc.com), or you can try your luck in the question lottery at one of the 11 microphone locations in the arena. A drawing is held at 7:45 AM on Saturday morning to select shareholders who can ask questions.
How to get a good seat for the Q&A session? The doors open at 7:00 AM, and the arena fills up very quickly. To get a good seat, you need to arrive early. Be prepared for a long wait in line before the doors open. Seat saving for a small group is acceptable, but blocking off entire rows is not allowed.
How to watch the meeting from home? For those who can't attend in person, the Q&A session is typically broadcast live on CNBC and webcast on CNBC.com. This allows you to experience the meeting from anywhere in the world.
How to save on hotel and flight costs? Book your travel and accommodation as far in advance as possible (months, not weeks). Look for flights into smaller, nearby airports if Omaha is too expensive. Consider staying a bit outside the city center to find more affordable lodging.
How to get around Omaha during the meeting weekend? The CHI Health Center is easily accessible, but traffic and parking can be challenging. Many people use ride-sharing services, taxis, or walk if their hotel is close. There are also shuttle services from some hotels.
How to take advantage of shareholder discounts? Your meeting credential is your key to special discounts at Berkshire-owned businesses in Omaha, including Borsheims (jewelry), Nebraska Furniture Mart, and See's Candies. Show your credential at these locations to receive the shareholder-only pricing.
How to learn about the other shareholder events? Beyond the main meeting, there are many side events, including the Brooks 5K and special shopping nights. Information on these events is usually included in the shareholders' guide you receive with your credentials and is also available on the Berkshire Hathaway website.
How to know the dress code for the weekend? The dress code is famously casual. You'll see everything from business casual to t-shirts and jeans. The most important thing is to be comfortable, as you'll be doing a lot of walking and sitting.
How to handle not receiving your credentials by mail? If you don't receive your credentials in the mail, simply go to the Will Call area at the CHI Health Center with your photo ID and proof of share ownership. They will be able to issue you a credential on the spot.
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