Ready to dive into the world of Warren Buffett and the "Woodstock for Capitalists"? Getting your credentials for the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting is a process that requires some planning, but it's an incredible experience for any investor or fan of the Oracle of Omaha. Let's walk through it step-by-step.
Step 1: Become a Shareholder (The Golden Ticket)
First and foremost, to be eligible for credentials, you need to be a shareholder. Don't worry, you don't need to own a multi-million-dollar Class A share! The good news is that owning even a single, more affordable Class B share (BRK.B) is enough to qualify.
Have you already purchased your share? If so, congratulations! You've taken the essential first step. If not, now is the time to do so through a brokerage account. Remember, the meeting is for shareholders, and owning a share is your primary key to entry.
Step 2: Obtain the Credential Request Form
Once you're a bona fide shareholder, the next step is to get your hands on the official Credential Request Form. This is the document that will turn your stock ownership into a physical badge.
Sub-heading: If you receive a physical annual report: If you're a shareholder who receives the annual report via postal mail, you're in luck! The report often includes a perforated proxy card at the back. This is your Credential Request Form. Simply tear it out, fill it out, and mail it to the address provided on the form.
Sub-heading: If you receive an electronic annual report: Don't fret if you've gone paperless. You can usually access the proxy statement and other shareholder information online. Look for a link or a section dedicated to the Annual Meeting. You might need to contact your broker's "Corporate Actions Team" or visit a shareholder services website like proxyvote.com to get a control number. Once you have that, you can request your credentials online. The official Berkshire Hathaway website is also a reliable source for the form.
Step 3: Fill Out and Send the Form
This step is all about the details. Carefully complete the Credential Request Form.
Sub-heading: What to fill in: The form will ask for your name, address, and the number of credentials you are requesting. Each shareholder is typically entitled to request up to four meeting credentials. This is a fantastic perk, allowing you to bring along family or friends who are interested in the event.
Sub-heading: Mailing it: Place the completed form in an envelope and mail it to the address provided on the form, which is typically Berkshire Hathaway's Omaha office. Make sure to address it exactly as indicated to avoid any delays.
Important tip: Sending the form in early is highly recommended! The credentials are sent out over several weeks, and you want to ensure you receive them in time for your travel to Omaha.
Step 4: The Waiting Game
After you've sent in your form, it's a matter of waiting for the mail. The credentials will be sent to the address you provided.
Sub-heading: What to expect in the mail: You will receive a physical badge on a lanyard. This credential is your official "ticket" for the entire weekend of events in Omaha. It is mandatory for admission to the meeting itself, the shareholder shopping day, and other exclusive events and discounts.
Step 5: Alternative Credential Options
What if you don't receive your credentials in the mail, or you decide to go at the last minute? No problem, you have options.
Sub-heading: Will Call/Credential Pick-up: You can pick up your credentials in Omaha at the "Will Call" area in the lobby of the CHI Health Center. This is the main venue for the meeting. The Will Call is typically open the day before the meeting and on the morning of the event.
Sub-heading: What to bring to Will Call: To pick up your credentials, you will need to present proof of ownership and a photo ID. Your proof of ownership can be a brokerage account statement (a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone), a certificate from your broker, or even your broker's app showing you own the shares. A passport or driver's license will work for your photo ID.
Sub-heading: Non-Shareholder Options: Even if you aren't a shareholder, you can sometimes attend! Some shareholders who request multiple passes sell their extras on secondary markets like eBay. Prices for these passes can range from $10 to $25. While this is a viable option, it's always best to secure your own credentials through official channels if possible.
Step 6: Use Your Credentials and Enjoy the Weekend!
Once you have your credentials, you are ready to experience the full spectacle of the Berkshire Hathaway weekend. Your badge is your gateway to:
The Main Q&A Session: The highlight of the weekend, where Warren Buffett and other Berkshire executives answer questions from shareholders and the media.
The Shareholder Shopping Day: A massive exhibition hall featuring products and services from Berkshire's subsidiary companies, often with special shareholder discounts.
Exclusive Events: Special shopping nights at Borsheims and Nebraska Furniture Mart, as well as a 5K run and other activities.
Remember to keep your credential on you at all times! It's your ticket to everything.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to purchase Berkshire Hathaway stock? You can purchase Class B (BRK.B) shares through any online brokerage account. It's a straightforward process, just like buying any other stock.
How to find the Credential Request Form online? The form is usually released with the company's annual proxy statement. You can find it on the Berkshire Hathaway investor relations website or a shareholder services site like proxyvote.com.
How to prove I own Berkshire Hathaway stock? A recent brokerage statement, a printed security account statement, a screenshot from your brokerage app, or a letter from your broker showing your holdings will serve as valid proof of ownership.
How to get extra meeting passes? As a shareholder, you can typically request up to four credentials. You can give these extra passes to friends or family who wish to attend with you.
How to pick up credentials if I don't get them in the mail? You can go to the "Will Call" desk at the CHI Health Center in Omaha during the designated hours and present your photo ID and proof of ownership to get your badge.
How to find the schedule for the annual meeting weekend? Berkshire Hathaway publishes a detailed shareholder's guide each year, which is available on their website. It includes a full schedule of events, from the Q&A session to the shopping days and other activities.
How to submit a question to Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger? Shareholders can submit questions in advance through CNBC's email address for the meeting. Additionally, there are microphone locations at the meeting itself, where a drawing is held to select audience members to ask questions.
How to get discounts at the shareholder shopping day? Your meeting credential is your key to accessing the shareholder-only discounts at the exhibition hall and at Berkshire-owned stores in Omaha like Nebraska Furniture Mart and Borsheims.
How to attend if I am not a shareholder? While the meeting is for shareholders, you can sometimes purchase an extra credential from a shareholder on secondary markets like eBay. However, this is not the official method.
How to find accommodation and travel for the meeting? Omaha hotels fill up months in advance for the meeting weekend. It is critical to book your flights and hotel well ahead of time. Expect elevated prices for accommodation due to the high demand.
