Hello! So, you're looking to attend the legendary "Woodstock for Capitalists"? That's a fantastic goal. Attending the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, is a pilgrimage for investors and business enthusiasts from around the globe. It's a unique opportunity to see Warren Buffett and his team in action, soak in their wisdom, and network with like-minded individuals. But it's not as simple as buying a concert ticket. It requires a bit of planning, so let's get you set up with a comprehensive, step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Become a Shareholder (The Golden Ticket)
First things first, let's talk about the key to entry. The Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting is, as the name suggests, for shareholders.
You need to own at least one share of Berkshire Hathaway stock. This can be a Class A share (BRK.A) or a Class B share (BRK.B). Don't worry, you don't need to be a millionaire to get in; the Class B shares are much more affordable and grant you the same access to the meeting.
The crucial part: Once you're a shareholder, you need to request your "meeting credential" or badge. This is your all-access pass for the weekend. The company typically mails a credential request form with its annual report. You fill out this form and mail it back to Berkshire Hathaway to receive your passes. Each shareholder can request up to four passes.
Engagement: Have you already purchased your shares? If so, what was your motivation? Are you a long-time Buffett fan, or are you just getting into value investing? Let us know in the comments below!
Step 2: Plan Your Trip to Omaha, Nebraska
The meeting is a major event, drawing tens of thousands of people to Omaha. You need to plan well in advance to secure accommodation and travel.
Sub-heading: Timing is Everything
The meeting is held on a Saturday, typically the first weekend in May. For 2025, the meeting was held on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025. It's crucial to check the official Berkshire Hathaway website for the exact date each year.
Sub-heading: Secure Your Travel & Lodging
Book Your Flights & Hotels Early: Omaha gets packed. Hotel rooms book up months, even a year, in advance, and prices can be significantly higher than usual. As soon as the meeting date is announced, book your flight and accommodation. Consider staying in a city nearby and renting a car if Omaha hotels are completely booked or too expensive.
Alternative Accommodations: Don't forget about services like Airbnb or vacation rentals. While hotels are a classic choice, these options can offer more flexibility and a different experience.
Getting Around Omaha: The CHI Health Center, where the meeting is held, is the hub of activity. There are free buses that shuttle attendees to and from the venue and various events. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available.
Step 3: Get Your Meeting Credentials
This is the most critical step for in-person attendance.
Sub-heading: The Credential Request Form
Mail-in Form: If you're a shareholder, you'll receive a credential request form with your proxy materials. Fill it out completely and mail it back to the address provided on the form.
Will Call: If you don't receive your credentials by mail or forget to bring them, don't panic! You can pick them up at the "Will Call" area in the lobby of the CHI Health Center Omaha. You'll need to show a valid photo ID and proof of stock ownership, such as a brokerage account statement.
Buying Passes on the Secondary Market: What if you're not a shareholder? It is possible to obtain a meeting pass. Some shareholders who have extra passes sell them on secondary markets like eBay. These typically sell for a small fee and grant you access to all the public events.
Step 4: Explore the Berkshire Weekend Schedule
The annual meeting is more than just a Q&A session. It's a full weekend of events.
Sub-heading: A Typical Weekend Itinerary
Friday: The Exhibit Hall and Shopping Day: The CHI Health Center's Exhibit Hall opens on Friday, featuring a massive showcase of products and services from Berkshire's diverse portfolio of companies. You can buy everything from Brooks running shoes to See's Candies, and often at a discounted "shareholder price." Don't miss the Borsheims shareholder-only shopping night!
Saturday: The Main Event: This is the big day. The doors open early in the morning (around 7:00 AM CT), and people line up for hours to get the best seats in the arena. The highlight is the legendary Q&A session with Warren Buffett, and now Greg Abel and Ajit Jain, which can last for several hours. This is where you get to hear directly from the "Oracle of Omaha" himself.
Sunday: The "Invest in Yourself" 5K and Other Events: The weekend wraps up with a fun 5K run sponsored by Brooks, and other events like the Nebraska Furniture Mart picnic.
Step 5: Prepare for the Day of the Meeting
Dress Comfortably: The dress code is casual. You'll be doing a lot of walking and sitting for long hours, so prioritize comfort.
Arrive Early: We cannot stress this enough. People start lining up in the early morning hours, sometimes before dawn, to get a good seat. If you want a prime spot, be prepared to arrive well before the doors open.
Bring Minimal Items: Security is strict. A small bag is best. Leave large bags, outside food, and drinks at home to speed up the entry process.
Be Patient and Respectful: The crowd is massive. Be prepared for long lines and a lot of people. Remember, you're all there for the same reason—to learn and be a part of this incredible event.
Pro-tip: Pack a portable charger! You'll be using your phone a lot for photos, communication, and checking the schedule. Having a fully charged phone is a lifesaver.
Step 6: Tune in to the Live Stream (If You Can't Make It)
If you can't attend in person, don't despair! CNBC typically broadcasts the meeting live, and you can also find a webcast on their website. This is a great way to experience the Q&A session and hear from Warren Buffett from the comfort of your own home.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you prepare for your Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting experience.
How to get a meeting pass if I'm not a shareholder? You can sometimes purchase a meeting pass from a shareholder who has extra ones available on secondary markets like eBay.
How to ask a question at the annual meeting? There are several microphone zones on the floor. Shareholders are selected randomly from these zones to ask questions. You can also submit questions in advance to CNBC's Becky Quick at berkshirequestions@cnbc.com.
How to get a good seat at the meeting? Arrive very early! People start lining up hours before the doors open to get a prime seat in the arena.
How to get around Omaha during the weekend? There are free shuttle buses that run between hotels and the CHI Health Center, as well as to other shareholder events. Ride-sharing apps are also a convenient option.
How to save money on accommodation in Omaha? Book your hotel or Airbnb as early as possible. Consider staying in a nearby town and driving to Omaha to save on costs.
How to get a discount on products at the Exhibit Hall? Simply show your meeting credential. Many Berkshire subsidiary companies offer special "shareholder pricing" on their products during the weekend.
How to prepare for the weather in Omaha? May in Omaha can have variable weather. Be prepared for anything from warm, sunny days to rain. Bring an umbrella and layers of clothing.
How to network with other investors? Many side events, conferences, and brunches are held during the weekend. Staying in a hotel near the CHI Health Center is a great way to meet other attendees in lobbies and at breakfast.
How to find the official schedule of events? The official schedule is published on the Berkshire Hathaway website and in the "Shareholder's Guide" that is available during the weekend. You can also find updated schedules on investor blogs and financial news websites.
How to know if the meeting is still happening in person? Always check the official Berkshire Hathaway website for the latest announcements regarding the meeting format and dates.
