It's time to embark on a journey to one of the most iconic events in the financial world: the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting, often dubbed the "Woodstock for Capitalists." To be a part of this electrifying experience and hear the wisdom of Warren Buffett and his team, you'll need a credential. These aren't just tickets; they're your passport to a weekend of learning, networking, and a deep dive into the world of value investing. So, are you ready to get your hands on one? Let's walk through the steps together!
Step 1: Become a Shareholder (The Golden Rule)
This is the most straightforward and traditional path. To get credentials, you need to be a shareholder of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Now, don't worry, you don't need to buy a prohibitively expensive Class A share (BRK.A). The more affordable Class B shares (BRK.B) will grant you the same access. Owning even a single Class B share makes you eligible to request credentials.
What to do: If you're not already a shareholder, open a brokerage account and purchase at least one share of BRK.B. This is your foundation for getting those coveted credentials.
Step 2: The Credential Request Process
Once you're a shareholder, there are two primary ways to request your credentials, depending on how you receive your annual report.
Sub-heading: If you receive a physical Annual Report
Berkshire Hathaway sends out a physical annual report to its shareholders. Tucked inside this report, you'll find a perforated proxy card. This is your golden ticket, literally.
What to do:
Locate the Proxy Card: Find the perforated proxy card in your annual report.
Complete the Form: Fill out the credential order form, which is usually part of the proxy card.
Specify the Number of Credentials: You can request up to four credentials per shareholder.
Mail It In: Place the completed form in an envelope and mail it to the address specified on the form, usually the Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Attn: Meeting Credentials address in Omaha. Make sure to do this well in advance of the meeting!
Sub-heading: If you receive an electronic Annual Report
Many brokers now provide annual reports and proxy materials electronically. The process is a bit different but just as effective.
What to do:
Contact Your Broker: Get in touch with your broker's Corporate Actions team.
Get Your Control Number: They will provide you with a unique 12-digit control number.
Access the Proxy Website: Use the control number to access the proxy website, typically something like
proxyvote.com.Request Credentials: On the website, you'll find an option to request credentials for the annual meeting. Check the box indicating your desire to attend.
Look for Confirmation: You should receive a confirmation email for your request.
Step 3: What to Do If You Don't Get Your Credentials in the Mail
Sometimes, credentials can get delayed in the mail or you might forget to bring them with you. Don't panic! Berkshire Hathaway has a system in place for this.
What to do:
Go to Will Call: The day before or the morning of the meeting, head to the "Will Call" area in the lobby of the CHI Health Center in Omaha.
Bring Proof of Ownership: You'll need to show a brokerage account statement or any other document that clearly proves you own Berkshire Hathaway stock.
Bring Photo ID: Don't forget your government-issued photo identification.
Get Your Credential: The staff at Will Call will verify your ownership and issue you a credential on the spot.
Note: The Will Call hours are typically limited, so check the official Shareholders Guide for the most up-to-date schedule. For the 2025 meeting, Will Call was open from 11 am to 5 pm on Friday and 7 am to 4 pm on Saturday.
Step 4: The "Non-Shareholder" Route
This is an interesting option for those who want to attend but don't want to buy a share. While being a shareholder is the direct route, it's not the only way to get a pass.
What to do:
Check Secondary Markets: Some shareholders who don't plan to attend or have extra passes may sell them on secondary markets like eBay.
Exercise Caution: Be aware that these are unofficial sales. While many people have successfully purchased passes this way, it's not an endorsed method by Berkshire Hathaway.
Plan Ahead: These passes can sell out and prices can fluctuate. Look for them a few weeks before the meeting.
Step 5: Enjoy the Experience
Once you have your credential, you have access to a variety of shareholder-only events and discounts. The credential is your admission ticket to the main meeting, the exhibit hall, and various shopping events.
What to do:
Wear your credential at all times at the venues.
Explore the Exhibit Hall, where many Berkshire subsidiary companies have displays and offer special discounts.
Attend the main meeting to hear the legendary Q&A session with Warren Buffett and his team.
Take advantage of shareholder-only shopping nights at places like Borsheims.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get a Berkshire Hathaway credential without owning a share? You can sometimes purchase a credential from a shareholder on secondary markets like eBay, but this is not the official method.
How to get my credential if I lost the proxy card? If you have lost your proxy card or didn't receive it, you can still get a credential by going to the Will Call area at the CHI Health Center with a photo ID and proof of stock ownership.
How to find the credential request form? The credential request form is typically a perforated card in the back of the physical annual report sent to shareholders.
How to get up to four credentials? Each shareholder is eligible to request up to four credentials. You just need to indicate the number you want on the credential order form.
How to get credentials if I own Class B shares? Yes, owning even one Class B share (BRK.B) makes you eligible to request up to four credentials for the meeting.
How to prove stock ownership at Will Call? You can prove ownership with a brokerage account statement or a screenshot from your brokerage account that clearly shows you own BRK shares.
How to know when the credential order form is due? The deadline for mailing in the credential order form is typically specified on the form itself. It's best to send it in as soon as you receive your annual report to ensure you get your credentials in time.
How to get a good seat at the meeting? Getting a good seat requires an early start. Many attendees start lining up in the early morning hours, even as early as 2 AM, to get a prime spot.
How to watch the meeting if I can't attend in person? CNBC typically broadcasts the Q&A session live and provides a webcast of the event for those who cannot make it to Omaha.
How to find the Will Call hours and location? The Will Call hours and location at the CHI Health Center are published in the official Shareholders Guide for the annual meeting, which is available on the Berkshire Hathaway website.
