Are you ready to join thousands of investors from around the world for the "Woodstock for Capitalists"? Attending the Berkshire Hathaway Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Omaha, Nebraska, is a pilgrimage for many, a chance to hear directly from the legendary Warren Buffett and his team. This is not just a meeting; it's a full-fledged weekend event with shopping, exhibits, and a whole lot of wisdom. Here's your comprehensive, step-by-step guide to making the most of this unforgettable experience.
Step 1: Become a Shareholder (or Find a Pass!)
First things first: you need a ticket. While the meeting is primarily for shareholders, you don't need to be a billionaire to get in. In fact, you only need to own a single share of Berkshire Hathaway stock to be considered a shareholder and request passes.
Own Class B (BRK.B) Shares: The most common and affordable way to attend is by owning at least one share of Class B stock (BRK.B). These shares are much more accessible than the famously expensive Class A shares (BRK.A).
Request Your Credentials: As a shareholder, you can request up to four meeting credentials (badges). These credentials are your all-access pass to the meeting, the exhibition hall, and special shareholder discounts.
Via Annual Report: If you receive a physical copy of the annual report, you'll find a perforated credential request form in the back. Fill it out and mail it in.
Via Brokerage: If you receive your annual report electronically, you will need to contact your brokerage's corporate actions team to request your credentials. They will provide you with a control number to use on a proxy website to request your passes.
Don't Own Shares? Don't worry! You can still attend. Shareholders often receive up to four passes, and many have extras. You can sometimes purchase a pass from a shareholder on secondary markets like eBay. These passes are usually sold for a nominal fee. Just be sure to find a reliable seller.
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| How To Attend Berkshire Hathaway Agm |
Step 2: Plan Your Trip to Omaha, Nebraska
The AGM takes place in Omaha, Nebraska, and attracts tens of thousands of visitors. Planning well in advance is critical to secure flights, accommodation, and transportation. The 2025 meeting was held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the CHI Health Center Omaha. Keep an eye out for the 2026 dates, which are typically announced well ahead of time.
Sub-heading: Booking Flights and Accommodation
Book Early: Flights and hotel rooms in Omaha fill up months in advance and prices skyrocket as the date approaches. Seriously, book as soon as you have your travel dates.
Hotels Near the CHI Health Center: The meeting is held at the CHI Health Center Omaha. The most convenient hotels are those connected to or within walking distance of the convention center, such as the Hilton Omaha and the Marriott Downtown. These hotels are also hubs for many of the weekend's unofficial networking events.
Consider Alternative Lodging: If you can't find a hotel downtown or find the prices too high, consider staying in hotels a bit further away. Many hotels in Omaha offer shuttle services, and ride-sharing services are readily available. Just factor in the commute time.
Step 3: Prepare for the Weekend's Events
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
The AGM is more than just a single meeting. The entire weekend is a celebration of Berkshire Hathaway and its subsidiaries, with a variety of events, exhibitions, and shopping opportunities.
Sub-heading: The Main Event: The Shareholder Meeting
Get There Early: The doors to the CHI Health Center open early, often around 7:00 AM. If you want a good seat in the main arena to see Warren and his team up close, you need to arrive very early. People start lining up in the wee hours of the morning. Bringing a foldable chair and a blanket for the wait is a common practice.
The Q&A Session: The heart of the meeting is the five-hour-long question-and-answer session with Warren Buffett, Greg Abel, and Ajit Jain. This is where you get to hear their insights on the economy, investing, and life.
Asking a Question: Shareholders can ask questions from one of the many microphone locations. A drawing is held at each microphone location to select who gets to ask a question. Be prepared, be concise, and don't bundle your questions!
The Business Meeting: The business portion of the meeting, where shareholders vote on proposals, is relatively short, usually lasting only about 20 minutes.
Sub-heading: The Exhibition Hall
A "Trade Show" of Subsidiaries: The exhibition hall is a massive showcase of Berkshire Hathaway's subsidiaries. You'll find booths from companies like GEICO, Dairy Queen, See's Candies, Brooks Running, and many more. It's an excellent opportunity to see the breadth of the Berkshire empire.
Shopping and Discounts: Your meeting credential is your ticket to special shareholder discounts on products from these subsidiaries. Don't miss the chance to buy some See's Candies or a pair of Brooks running shoes at a discount.
Step 4: Explore Omaha and Network
The AGM weekend is a fantastic opportunity to connect with other investors and explore the city of Omaha.
Unofficial Events: Many other events are held throughout the weekend, often hosted by investment groups or publications. These can include value investing conferences, meet-and-greets, and dinners. Check online forums and investor websites for a schedule of these events.
Borsheims & Nebraska Furniture Mart: Don't forget to visit two of Berkshire's most famous subsidiaries in Omaha: Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Nebraska Furniture Mart. They often have special shareholder shopping events and discounts.
Enjoy the City: Omaha has a lot to offer. Visit the Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, explore the Old Market district, and enjoy the local food scene.
10 Related FAQ Questions
QuickTip: A careful read saves time later.
How to get a Berkshire Hathaway AGM pass?
To get a pass, you must be a shareholder of either Class A (BRK.A) or Class B (BRK.B) stock. You can request up to four credentials via a form in your annual report or by contacting your brokerage. Non-shareholders can sometimes purchase a pass from a shareholder on secondary markets.
How to book a hotel in Omaha for the AGM?
Book your hotel rooms as early as possible, ideally 6-12 months in advance. Hotels near the CHI Health Center are the most convenient but fill up the fastest.
How to get to the CHI Health Center?
The CHI Health Center is in downtown Omaha. You can walk from nearby hotels, use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, or take a shuttle from your hotel if one is provided.
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.
How to ask a question at the meeting?
To ask a question, you need to be a shareholder attending in person. Go to one of the microphone locations and enter a drawing, which is typically held at 7:45 AM. If your name is drawn, you can ask a question when called upon.
How to watch the AGM from home?
The question-and-answer session is broadcast live on CNBC and webcast on CNBC.com. You can watch it from anywhere in the world.
How to find shareholder discounts during the weekend?
Your official meeting credential is your ticket to discounts at the exhibition hall and at key subsidiaries in Omaha, such as Nebraska Furniture Mart and Borsheims. Just show your badge at the point of purchase.
How to network with other investors in Omaha?
Tip: Don’t just scroll — pause and absorb.
Attend unofficial events hosted by various investment groups. Many of these are held at the Hilton and Marriott hotels near the convention center. Check online forums and social media for a schedule of these gatherings.
How to prepare for the long Q&A session?
The session can last for hours, so be prepared with snacks and drinks. You are also encouraged to bring a notepad and pen to take notes on the invaluable insights you will hear.
How to find the best seat in the arena?
The best seats are in the main arena, but they are first-come, first-served. To get a good seat, you will need to arrive very early in the morning and be prepared to wait in line.
How to get a copy of the annual report?
As a shareholder, you will receive a copy of the annual report by mail or electronically, depending on your preference. You can also find the annual report on the Berkshire Hathaway website.
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