Are you ready to join the "Woodstock for Capitalists"? The Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting is one of the most unique events in the world of finance, drawing tens of thousands of people from all corners of the globe to Omaha, Nebraska. It's a pilgrimage for investors who want to hear directly from legendary investor Warren Buffett. So, how many people actually attend? Let's break it down and guide you through the process of being one of them.
Step 1: Understand the Phenomenon - More Than Just a Meeting
First, let's get a feel for the scale of this event. Have you ever imagined a single corporate meeting filling a major sports arena and multiple overflow rooms? That's exactly what the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting does. It's not just a dry business meeting; it's a celebration of capitalism and a chance to immerse yourself in the world of value investing.
While the exact numbers can fluctuate each year, attendance is consistently in the tens of thousands. It's not uncommon for the crowd to swell to over 40,000 people. In 2025, Warren Buffett himself announced a record-breaking afternoon attendance of 19,700 people, a significant jump from the previous record of 16,200. The primary venue, the CHI Health Center Omaha, has an arena capacity of around 19,000, but with the use of overflow rooms like the Peter Kiewit Grand Ballroom, the total attendance can be much higher.
The event is a spectacle. Imagine a massive exhibition hall where you can buy products from Berkshire-owned companies like See's Candies, Fruit of the Loom, and Brooks Running Shoes. The atmosphere is electric, filled with passionate investors eager to hear wisdom from Warren Buffett and his team.
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| How Many People Attend Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting |
Step 2: Getting Your "Golden Ticket" - The Essential Credential
So, how do you get in? The process is surprisingly straightforward, but it requires a bit of planning.
Sub-heading: For Shareholders
If you own even a single share of Berkshire Hathaway stock, whether it's Class A (BRK.A) or Class B (BRK.B), you are a shareholder and are entitled to attend. This is your most direct and reliable way to get a ticket.
Receiving the Proxy Form: In the months leading up to the meeting (typically around March), Berkshire Hathaway sends out proxy materials to its shareholders. This package includes a perforated card or a form that allows you to request up to four credentials (tickets) for the meeting.
The Will Call Option: If you don't receive your credentials by mail or forget them, don't panic! You can go to the "Will Call" area in the lobby of the CHI Health Center. You'll need to show a photo ID and proof of stock ownership, such as a brokerage account statement. This is a crucial backup plan.
QuickTip: Absorb ideas one at a time.
Sub-heading: For Non-Shareholders
What if you don't own a share? It's still possible to attend, although it requires a bit more effort.
The Secondary Market: Many shareholders who can't use all four of their allotted credentials sell them on platforms like eBay. These passes typically sell for a modest price, often between $20 and $50. This is a popular and legitimate way for non-shareholders to attend.
Important Note: The meeting passes are mandatory for entry to all shareholder-only events and venues. Don't forget your credential!
Step 3: Planning Your Omaha Pilgrimage - Logistics are Key
Attending the meeting is more than just getting a ticket; it's a full weekend experience in Omaha.
Sub-heading: Booking Accommodations and Flights
Because tens of thousands of people descend on Omaha for this single weekend, hotels and flights book up months in advance. This is not a trip you can plan at the last minute.
Book Early! As soon as the date for the next annual meeting is announced (usually the first weekend of May), book your flights and hotel.
Consider Your Options: There are hotels near the CHI Health Center, but many attendees also book accommodations further out and use transportation services.
Transportation: Omaha has a good public transportation system, and many hotels offer shuttles. However, be prepared for crowds and traffic.
Sub-heading: What to Expect at the Venue
The CHI Health Center is a bustling hub of activity.
Reminder: Short breaks can improve focus.
Early Birds Get the Best Seats: The doors open early, and people start lining up hours before the start. The best seats in the arena are secured within minutes of the doors opening. If you want a front-row seat to see Buffett, be prepared to arrive very early.
The Exhibition Hall: This is a highlight for many. It's a sprawling hall filled with booths from Berkshire's subsidiary companies, offering products at discounted prices. The lines for See's Candies are legendary!
The Q&A Session: The main event is the marathon Q&A session with Warren Buffett and Greg Abel (and for many years, the late Charlie Munger). This session can last for several hours, with questions from both in-person attendees and those submitted via CNBC.
Step 4: The Experience Itself - A "Woodstock for Capitalists"
Once you're there, you'll feel the unique energy of the event. It's a place where seasoned investors and newcomers alike come together to celebrate long-term, value-oriented investing. You'll hear insights on everything from the economy to life advice, and you'll be surrounded by people who share your passion for finance.
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The Brooks 5K: A popular event for shareholders, the "Invest in Yourself" 5K run is a great way to start the Sunday of the meeting weekend.
Borsheims & NFM: Don't miss the shareholder-only shopping events at Borsheims (a jewelry store) and Nebraska Furniture Mart (NFM), both Berkshire-owned companies.
The entire weekend is a testament to the community that Warren Buffett has built around Berkshire Hathaway. It's a rare chance to see a business legend in action and to connect with a global community of investors.
10 Related FAQs
How to get tickets for the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting?
You can get up to four credentials by being a shareholder and returning the form in your annual report, or you can purchase passes on the secondary market from other shareholders on sites like eBay.
How to watch the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting if you can't attend?
CNBC typically broadcasts the Q&A session live and provides a webcast for viewers who cannot attend in person.
Tip: Read mindfully — avoid distractions.
How to get a good seat at the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting?
To secure a good seat in the main arena, you need to arrive very early. People often start lining up hours before the doors open at 7 a.m.
How to submit a question to Warren Buffett at the meeting?
Shareholders can submit questions through CNBC's designated email address, and a panel (usually Becky Quick) curates and asks the questions during the Q&A session. A drawing is also held at microphone locations for in-person attendees to ask questions.
How to find a hotel for the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting?
Book your hotel well in advance, as rooms in Omaha fill up months before the meeting. Consider hotels a bit further from the venue if you can't find anything close.
How to get around Omaha during the meeting weekend?
Omaha has public transportation, and many hotels offer shuttle services to the CHI Health Center. Be prepared for large crowds and consider using rideshare apps.
QuickTip: Read step by step, not all at once.
How to get a Berkshire Hathaway annual report?
Shareholders receive the annual report by mail, but you can also find it on the Berkshire Hathaway website.
How to attend the Brooks 5K shareholder race?
You can register for the "Invest in Yourself" 5K run as a shareholder. Packet pick-up is available on Friday and Saturday of the meeting weekend.
How to buy discounted products at the meeting?
Attendees with a meeting credential can shop at the exhibition hall and at shareholder-only shopping events at Berkshire-owned stores like Borsheims and Nebraska Furniture Mart, where products are often discounted.
How to prove you are a shareholder at the meeting?
You can prove ownership with a physical meeting credential, a broker's statement, a screenshot of your account, or a will-call pickup at the venue with photo identification.
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