Hello there! Are you ready to dive into the world of one of the most anticipated annual events in the financial world? Attending the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, often dubbed the "Woodstock for Capitalists," is an unforgettable experience for investors and fans of Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger. It's a chance to witness the Oracle of Omaha and his partner share their wisdom, insights, and witty banter. But how do you get there? Let's walk through the steps together to make your trip to Omaha a reality.
Step 1: Become a Shareholder (or Find a Shareholder)
Are you a Berkshire Hathaway shareholder? If so, you're already on the fast track! If not, don't worry, we have a solution for you too.
The most straightforward way to attend the annual meeting is by being a shareholder of Berkshire Hathaway. This means owning at least one share of either the Class A stock (BRK.A) or the more affordable Class B stock (BRK.B).
The Shareholder Advantage: As a shareholder, you are entitled to request up to four credentials (passes) for the meeting. These credentials are your admission ticket to the main event and the various shareholder-only activities. You'll typically receive a proxy card with your annual report that allows you to request these credentials.
Don't Own Shares? Here's a workaround: While the meeting is primarily for shareholders, having a meeting pass is the only requirement for entry. If you don't own shares, you can still attend by acquiring a pass from a shareholder. Many shareholders who can't use all four of their allotted passes sell them on secondary markets like eBay in the weeks leading up to the event. These passes are usually sold for a nominal fee, typically between $10 and $25 each. Be careful and only buy from reputable sources.
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| How Can I Attend The Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting |
Step 2: Secure Your Meeting Credentials
This is the most critical part of the process. Without a credential, you won't be getting into the CHI Health Center.
For Shareholders with a Physical Annual Report: If you receive a hard copy of the annual report, it will often include a perforated proxy card in the back. This is your golden ticket! Simply fill out the form, check the box to request your credentials, and mail it back to Berkshire Hathaway. They will then mail the badges to you.
For Shareholders with an Electronic Annual Report: If you receive your annual report electronically, you will need to contact the Corporate Actions Team at your brokerage. They will provide you with a control number, which you can then use on the proxy voting website (like proxyvote.com) to request your credentials. This process is simple and ensures you get your passes well in advance.
Using the "Will-Call" Option: If you haven't received your credentials by mail or forgot them at home, you can still get them in Omaha. Head to the "Will-Call" area in the lobby of the CHI Health Center. You'll need to bring a photo ID and proof of ownership of your shares, such as a brokerage account statement or even a screenshot from your broker's app. The Will-Call is typically open on Friday and Saturday of the meeting weekend. Be prepared for a line!
Important Note on Credential Timing: It's a good idea to request your credentials as soon as the forms are available, typically in March. Shipping can take a few weeks, especially for international attendees.
Step 3: Plan Your Trip to Omaha, Nebraska
The meeting draws tens of thousands of people to Omaha, so planning is absolutely essential.
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Book Your Travel and Accommodation Early: Omaha is not a major tourist hub, and the city's resources get stretched thin during the "Woodstock for Capitalists" weekend. Flights and hotel rooms get booked up months in advance. As soon as the meeting dates are announced (typically the first weekend of May), book your flights and a place to stay. You'll save a significant amount of money and stress by doing so.
Getting Around Omaha: The CHI Health Center, where the meeting is held, is located in downtown Omaha. Many hotels are within walking distance or a short taxi/rideshare away. Public buses are also an option. Keep in mind that traffic and demand for rideshares will be high, so plan your commute accordingly.
Step 4: The Weekend Itinerary (A General Guide)
The annual meeting is a multi-day event with much more to it than just the Q&A session.
Friday: Will-Call and Shareholder Shopping Day
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Will-Call/Credential Pick-up: If you didn't receive your credentials by mail, this is your chance to get them.
Noon - 5:00 PM: Shareholder Shopping Day: This is a highlight for many attendees. The Exhibit Hall at the CHI Health Center is filled with booths from many of Berkshire's subsidiary companies, offering discounted products. You can buy everything from See's Candies to shoes from Brooks Running and products from Fruit of the Loom.
Evening Events: There are various shareholder events, including the exclusive shareholder shopping night at Borsheims Fine Jewelry.
Saturday: The Main Event!
Early Morning: Lines start forming very early, often before dawn, for the best seats in the main arena. If you want to be close to the stage, be prepared to arrive around 4-5 AM.
7:00 AM: Doors Open: The doors to the CHI Health Center open, and the famous "stampede" for seats begins.
8:00 AM: Q&A Session Begins: The main event kicks off with Warren Buffett and his team answering a wide range of questions from shareholders and journalists. This is the heart of the experience and can last for hours.
Afternoon: The business portion of the meeting and further Q&A sessions take place.
Post-Meeting: After the meeting, you can revisit the Exhibit Hall for more shopping or explore other shareholder-exclusive events.
Sunday: Fun Run and More Shopping
Brooks Invest in Yourself 5K: A popular event for shareholders and a great way to start the day.
Shopping Continues: The Exhibit Hall and other shareholder events continue on Sunday morning, allowing you to get some last-minute souvenirs and deals.
Step 5: The Experience and What to Expect
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The Crowd: The meeting attracts a massive, diverse crowd from all over the world. You'll be surrounded by fellow investors, financial professionals, and people who simply admire Warren Buffett.
The Atmosphere: The atmosphere is electric, filled with excitement and a deep respect for the wisdom being shared.
The Q&A: The Q&A session is an unparalleled opportunity to hear directly from Buffett and his team. They cover a wide range of topics, from the economy and company performance to life lessons and philanthropy.
Dress Comfortably: You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing in line, so wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers, as the arena can get cold.
Stay Hydrated and Bring Snacks: With the long hours, it's wise to bring a water bottle and some snacks.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get a Berkshire Hathaway shareholder badge? To get a badge, you need to be a shareholder. You can request up to four free passes by filling out the "Annual Meeting Credential Request Form" that comes with your annual report or by contacting your broker's Corporate Actions Team.
How to buy a Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting ticket if I am not a shareholder? You can purchase a meeting pass from a shareholder on secondary markets like eBay in the weeks leading up to the event.
How to find a hotel room for the Berkshire Hathaway meeting weekend? Book your accommodation in Omaha several months in advance, as hotels sell out quickly and prices can skyrocket closer to the date.
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How to get to Omaha for the annual meeting? You can fly into Eppley Airfield (OMA) in Omaha or drive from a nearby city. Plan your transportation well in advance.
How to find a seat in the main arena? To get a good seat, you need to arrive very early on Saturday morning. Lines can start forming as early as 2 a.m. for the best spots.
How to get questions to Warren Buffett at the meeting? There are a few ways: you can be randomly selected from the in-person audience, or you can submit questions to CNBC's Becky Quick via email.
How to watch the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting online?
CNBC typically broadcasts the Q&A session live on their television channel and streams it on their website,
How to attend the Borsheims shareholder party? Your shareholder credential is your entry ticket to the exclusive shopping night and party at Borsheims.
How to get a good deal on Berkshire Hathaway company products? By attending the Shareholder Shopping Day in the Exhibit Hall, you can get discounted products from many of Berkshire's companies.
How to prove I am a shareholder at the Will-Call desk? Bring a photo ID and a document showing proof of ownership, such as a brokerage account statement, a printout from your online account, or the app on your phone.
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