A Guide to Registering for the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting: Your Ticket to the "Woodstock for Capitalists"
Hello, aspiring Oracle of Omaha followers and seasoned shareholders! Have you ever dreamt of being in a room filled with tens of thousands of fellow investors, all hanging on every word from the legendary Warren Buffett and his successor Greg Abel? Do you want to experience the "Woodstock for Capitalists" firsthand? If the answer is a resounding "yes!", then you're in the right place.
Attending the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting is an experience unlike any other. It's a chance to witness history, learn from the best, and immerse yourself in the unique culture of Berkshire. But how do you get your foot in the door? The process can seem a bit mysterious, but don't worry, we're here to guide you through it. Let's get you registered and on your way to Omaha!
Step 1: Are You a Shareholder?
This is the most fundamental question. To attend the meeting, you must be a shareholder of Berkshire Hathaway. Owning even a single share of either Class A (BRK.A) or Class B (BRK.B) stock qualifies you. If you're a shareholder, you're in! If not, don't despair. There are still ways to get a credential, which we'll discuss in a later step.
Key Takeaway: You don't need to be a multi-millionaire with a Class A share to attend. A single, more affordable Class B share is all you need to be a part of this exclusive club.
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| How To Register For Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting |
Step 2: Obtain Your Credential Order Form
This is your golden ticket, literally. The meeting credential is your admission ticket to the meeting and all the shareholder-only events and discounts throughout the weekend.
Sub-heading: If you hold shares in a brokerage account...
Most shareholders hold their shares electronically through a brokerage. Your brokerage firm will typically send you the proxy materials, which include the Annual Meeting Credential Order Form, in the weeks leading up to the meeting. This form is usually made available in March.
Look out for a mailer or an email from your brokerage firm. It will contain a link to the proxy statement and the credential request form.
Sub-heading: If you hold physical stock certificates...
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
If you're one of the rare shareholders with physical stock certificates, you will receive the proxy materials, including the credential order form, directly from Berkshire Hathaway.
Sub-heading: Accessing the form online...
You can also often find the credential order form on the Berkshire Hathaway investor relations website. Be sure to check the "Shareholder Meeting Information" section. For the 2025 meeting, a form was released in mid-March.
Step 3: Complete and Mail the Credential Order Form
Once you have the form, it's time to fill it out. The process is straightforward, but it's crucial to be accurate.
Fill out your name and address clearly.
Indicate the number of credentials you need. Each shareholder can request up to four credentials. This is a fantastic benefit if you want to bring family or friends.
Address the envelope exactly as indicated on the form. The mailing address is usually:
Attn: Meeting Credentials
3555 Farnam St.
Omaha, NE 68131
Important Note: Make sure to mail the form well in advance. Shipping can take time, especially for international shareholders. Sending it out in early April is a good rule of thumb to ensure you receive your credentials on time. The form will explicitly state the mailing deadline.
Step 4: Await Your Credentials by Mail
After you've mailed the form, the waiting game begins. Berkshire Hathaway will process your request and mail your credentials to the address you provided.
Meeting credentials will NOT be sent via overnight delivery, regardless of any payment arrangement you might try to make. Patience is key.
The credentials are a small, laminated card that acts as your all-access pass. Do not lose it! It is your admission ticket to the CHI Health Center and other shareholder-only events.
Step 5: Alternative: The "Will-Call" Option
What if you miss the mailing deadline or your credentials don't arrive on time? Don't panic! Berkshire Hathaway has a "Will-Call" area in the lobby of the CHI Health Center.
Tip: Keep your attention on the main thread.
Sub-heading: What you need for Will-Call...
To pick up your credentials at Will-Call, you must bring:
Proof of ownership: This can be a statement from your brokerage account, a screenshot of your holdings from your broker's app, or a physical stock certificate.
Photo identification: A passport or driver's license will work.
Pro Tip: The Will-Call area can get very crowded, especially on the morning of the meeting. It's highly recommended to pick up your credentials the day before, if possible, to avoid long queues.
Step 6: What if You're Not a Shareholder?
You still have a chance! While credentials are a perk for shareholders, they are not strictly limited to them.
Sub-heading: The eBay Marketplace
Some shareholders who don't plan to attend the meeting sell their extra credentials on the secondary market, most notably on eBay.
Be aware that this is not an official channel. The passes are typically sold for a nominal fee.
The credential is a generic pass, so the name on it doesn't matter for admission purposes.
This is a great option for students, aspiring investors, or anyone who wants to experience the event without purchasing a share of stock.
10 Related FAQs
How to find the official Berkshire Hathaway proxy statement?
QuickTip: Compare this post with what you already know.
The proxy statement is released in the weeks leading up to the meeting and is available on the Berkshire Hathaway investor relations website under "Shareholder Meeting Information."
How to submit questions to Warren Buffett at the meeting?
In-person shareholders are selected randomly to ask questions from designated microphone locations. You can also submit questions to Becky Quick of CNBC at berkshirequestions@cnbc.com for a chance to have your question asked during the Q&A session.
How to vote my proxy before the meeting?
You can vote your proxy online through the link provided by your brokerage or by mail using the proxy card you receive. This is a separate process from requesting your meeting credential.
How to find a place to stay in Omaha during the meeting weekend?
Book your hotel or accommodation well in advance! Hotels in Omaha fill up very quickly for this event. You can find a list of hotels and other accommodations on the Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau website or through popular travel booking sites.
How to get around Omaha during the meeting?
Omaha offers various transportation options, including taxis, rideshare services (Uber/Lyft), and a shuttle service from some hotels to the CHI Health Center. It's a good idea to plan your transportation ahead of time, as demand is high.
Tip: Don’t overthink — just keep reading.
How to attend the shareholder shopping events?
Your meeting credential is your ticket to special shopping events and discounts at Berkshire Hathaway-owned businesses like Borsheims and Nebraska Furniture Mart. Just show your credential at the entrance to gain access.
How to watch the meeting live stream if I can't attend?
CNBC typically broadcasts the Q&A session with Warren Buffett and Greg Abel live on their television channel and website. You can find the live stream on CNBC.com.
How to tell the difference between Class A and Class B stock?
Class A stock (BRK.A) is the original, very expensive share, while Class B stock (BRK.B) is a more affordable, fractional share of the Class A. Both grant you the same rights to attend the annual meeting.
How to get to Omaha?
You can fly directly into Omaha's Eppley Airfield (OMA) or combine a flight with a road trip. Be prepared for higher-than-usual airfare and rental car prices during the meeting weekend.
How to get a feel for the meeting's atmosphere?
The best way is to watch past meeting videos and shareholder Q&A sessions on YouTube or CNBC's website. You'll see the massive crowd, the engaging Q&A, and the overall celebratory atmosphere.
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