Of course! Attending the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha is a pilgrimage for investors and a truly unique experience. It's often called the "Woodstock for Capitalists," and for good reason. Here is a very lengthy and detailed step-by-step guide on how to go to the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting.
An Unforgettable Journey to Omaha: Your Guide to the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting
Are you ready to join thousands of investors from around the globe to listen to the wisdom of the Oracle of Omaha, Warren Buffett? Imagine yourself in a massive arena, surrounded by fellow shareholders, all eager to hear from one of the greatest investors of all time. This isn't just a meeting; it's a weekend-long festival of capitalism, shopping, and community. But how do you get there? Let's dive in!
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| How To Go To Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting |
Step 1: Become a Shareholder (It’s Easier Than You Think!)
Believe it or not, the first and most crucial step is to own at least one share of Berkshire Hathaway stock. You might be thinking, "Wait, isn't a Class A share, BRK.A, super expensive?" And you'd be right, with prices often in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. But here's the brilliant part: you only need to own one share of the Class B stock (BRK.B). As of mid-2025, these shares are significantly more accessible, making the meeting attainable for many.
What you need to do: Open a brokerage account if you don't have one and purchase at least one share of BRK.B.
Why this is important: Your share ownership is your golden ticket. It's the proof you need to get the credentials for entry. Don't worry about buying a BRK.A share unless you have the cash and inclination to do so! The Class B share grants you the same access to the meeting.
Step 2: Get Your Credentials (Your Golden Ticket)
Once you are a shareholder, you need to get your official meeting credentials. This is your admission badge on a lanyard that will be your entry pass to all the shareholder-only events.
Tip: Patience makes reading smoother.
Sub-heading: The Annual Meeting Credential Request Form
The most common way to get your credentials is by using the "Annual Meeting Credential Request Form" that is released with the company's proxy documents, typically in March.
If you receive a physical annual report: You can often find a perforated card in the back that serves as a credential request form. Simply fill it out and mail it to Berkshire Hathaway's Omaha office.
If you have a digital annual report: Contact the Corporate Actions Team at your brokerage. They can assist you with the process and provide you with a 12-digit control number to request your credentials online through proxyvote.com.
Sub-heading: The Will-Call Option (For the Last-Minute Planner)
If you miss the pre-ordering window, don't fret! You can pick up your credentials at the Will-Call desk in the lobby of the CHI Health Center Omaha.
What to bring: You will need to show a photo ID (like a driver's license or passport) and proof of ownership.
Proof of Ownership: This can be a statement from your broker, a printed security account statement, or even a screenshot of your brokerage app showing your BRK.B shares.
Will-Call Hours (approximate): The Will-Call desk is usually open on the Friday and Saturday of the meeting weekend. Check the official shareholder guide for specific times.
Step 3: Plan Your Travel and Accommodation (Book Early!)
Omaha, Nebraska, becomes a bustling hub during the first weekend of May every year. Tens of thousands of people descend upon the city, so planning well in advance is absolutely critical.
QuickTip: Look for contrasts — they reveal insights.
Sub-heading: Flights and Ground Transportation
Flights: Omaha's Eppley Airfield (OMA) is the main airport. Book your flights months in advance to avoid exorbitant prices. Many people fly into larger hubs like Kansas City or Denver and then connect to Omaha, or even drive from there.
Getting around Omaha: Once you're in Omaha, taxis, Uber, and Lyft are available. However, demand on the meeting day is incredibly high, so consider pre-ordering a ride or using the city's public bus system. The CHI Health Center has ample parking, but it fills up fast on Saturday morning. Surface lots are typically cheaper than the parking garage.
Sub-heading: Hotel Reservations
This is probably the most challenging part. Hotels in and around Omaha book up a year in advance for this weekend.
Book ASAP: As soon as the dates for the next meeting are announced (typically the first Saturday in May), book your hotel.
Consider alternatives: Look for hotels a bit further out from downtown Omaha and utilize public transport or ride-sharing. You can also explore options like Airbnb or staying in nearby towns.
Travelink: Berkshire Hathaway often has a partnership with a travel agency like Travelink to assist shareholders with lodging arrangements. Check the official shareholder guide for contact information.
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Step 4: Immerse Yourself in the Berkshire Weekend (It's More Than Just the Meeting!)
The annual meeting is the centerpiece, but the weekend is packed with other shareholder-exclusive events and activities.
QuickTip: Reading regularly builds stronger recall.
Sub-heading: The Main Event: The Shareholder Meeting
The main event takes place on Saturday at the CHI Health Center Omaha. Be prepared for an early start! The doors open around 7:00 AM, and people line up well before that to get good seats.
Morning Session (Q&A): From around 8:00 AM, Warren Buffett and his Vice Chairmen, Greg Abel and Ajit Jain, answer questions from shareholders for several hours. This is the main highlight and what draws the crowds.
Afternoon Session (Business Meeting): After a break, the official business meeting takes place, which is typically a shorter session.
Sub-heading: The Exhibition Hall
Don't miss the exhibition hall! Located within the CHI Health Center, it's a massive showcase of products and services from Berkshire Hathaway's diverse subsidiaries.
Shopping!: You can buy everything from See's Candies to Brooks Running shoes and more, often at a shareholder-exclusive discount. This is a unique opportunity to interact with the brands you own a piece of.
Hours: The hall is open on Friday and Saturday. Check the official schedule for precise hours.
Sub-heading: Other Shareholder Activities
Borsheims' Shareholder-only Shopping Night: The legendary jewelry store, Borsheims (a Berkshire subsidiary), hosts a special shopping event. It's a huge party with food, drinks, and incredible shopping opportunities.
Nebraska Furniture Mart (NFM) Picnic: Another Berkshire company, NFM, often hosts a shareholder picnic. It's a great chance to enjoy some local food and mingle with other investors.
Invest in Yourself 5K: Brooks Running hosts a 5K run on Sunday morning. It's a fun way to get some exercise and meet other attendees.
Explore Omaha: Don't forget to explore the city itself! Visit the Old Market district for its charming shops and restaurants, check out the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (consistently ranked as one of the world's best), or try a famous Omaha steak.
Step 5: Pack Smart and Prepare
QuickTip: Skip distractions — focus on the words.
Dress comfortably: The meeting itself is a marathon of sitting and listening. Dress in layers, as the arena can be cool. Comfortable shoes are a must for walking around the exhibit hall.
Bring a portable charger: Your phone will be working overtime with photos, videos, and communication.
Hydration and snacks: While food and drinks are available for purchase, having some snacks and a water bottle can be helpful, especially while waiting in line.
Review the shareholder guide: Berkshire Hathaway releases a detailed shareholder guide with all the updated information on dates, times, locations, and rules. Always refer to the official guide.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get a good seat at the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting? To secure a good seat, you need to arrive at the CHI Health Center very early on Saturday morning. The doors open at 7:00 AM, but many people start lining up hours before that. The main Q&A session starts at 8:00 AM, and the best seats fill up quickly.
How to buy Berkshire Hathaway stock? You can buy Berkshire Hathaway stock (BRK.B) through any brokerage account, such as those offered by Fidelity, Charles Schwab, E-Trade, or Robinhood. Just search for the ticker symbol BRK.B and place your order.
How to ask a question at the Berkshire Hathaway meeting? Shareholders can submit questions through a lottery system at the meeting. There are designated microphone zones throughout the arena, and at 7:45 AM, names are drawn to ask questions during the Q&A session.
How to watch the Berkshire Hathaway meeting online?
CNBC typically broadcasts the entire Q&A session live and provides a free webcast on their website (
How to get the cheapest hotel during the Berkshire Hathaway weekend? The cheapest hotels are usually located outside of the immediate downtown area. Booking well in advance is the single most effective way to save money on accommodation. Look at hotels in neighboring towns or consider alternatives like Airbnb or VRBO.
How to find a parking spot for the Berkshire Hathaway meeting? The CHI Health Center offers both surface lots and a parking garage. The lots open very early on Saturday (around 3:30 AM), and parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis for a fee. Public transportation and ride-sharing are also great options to avoid parking hassles.
How to prove I am a shareholder to get my credentials? To prove ownership at the Will-Call desk, you need to show a photo ID and a document that clearly demonstrates you own at least one share of Berkshire Hathaway stock. This can be a brokerage statement, a letter from your broker, or even a screenshot of your account on your phone.
How to get discounts during the Berkshire Hathaway weekend? Your shareholder credential (badge) is your key to special discounts at many Berkshire-owned businesses in Omaha, including the Nebraska Furniture Mart, Borsheims, and See's Candies in the exhibition hall. Just show your badge at the time of purchase.
How to get a ride from the Omaha airport to my hotel? You can easily find taxis, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, and hotel shuttles at Eppley Airfield (OMA). It's a short drive to downtown Omaha.
How to attend the Brooks 5K run? You need to register for the "Invest in Yourself 5K" in advance through the official race website. You can pick up your race packet at the CHI Health Center or other designated locations on Friday and Saturday before the race on Sunday morning.
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