Hey there! So, you're looking to join the "Woodstock for Capitalists" and get your credentials for the legendary Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting? Excellent choice! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the very first step to walking through the doors of the CHI Health Center in Omaha. Let's get you set up to hear from the Oracle of Omaha, Warren Buffett, and the rest of the Berkshire team.
Step 1: Confirm Your Status as a Shareholder
This is the most crucial step. Can you attend the meeting? The answer is a resounding yes, if you are a shareholder. But let's clarify that. You don't need to own a prohibitively expensive Class A share (BRK.A). Owning even a single Class B share (BRK.B) is enough to qualify you for credentials.
So, the first question to ask yourself is: Do you own a share of Berkshire Hathaway stock, either BRK.A or BRK.B?
If you do, you're in! You are eligible to request your meeting credentials.
If you don't, you'll need to purchase at least one share of BRK.B stock. You can do this through any brokerage account. It's a fantastic investment and your key to attending this historic event.
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| How Do I Get My Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting Credentials |
Step 2: Request Your Credentials
Now that you've confirmed you're a shareholder, it's time to get your hands on those all-important credentials, which are essentially your ticket to the meeting and the related shareholder events.
Sub-heading: The Traditional Mail-in Method
This is the most common and classic way to get your credentials.
Look for your proxy materials. If you receive physical copies of your annual report from Berkshire Hathaway, you'll find a perforated credential request form attached. This form is typically included with the proxy documents, which are mailed out a few months before the meeting.
Complete the form. Fill out the credential order form legibly with your name, address, and the number of credentials you are requesting.
Request up to four credentials. As a shareholder, you are entitled to request up to four meeting credentials for yourself and your guests. This is a great perk, so if you're bringing family or friends, be sure to request their badges on your form.
Mail it in. Place the completed form in an envelope and mail it to the address provided on the form. It is crucial to address the envelope exactly as indicated to ensure it reaches the correct department.
Tip: Don’t rush — enjoy the read.
Sub-heading: The Digital/ProxyVote Method
If you have chosen to receive your shareholder communications electronically, this is the process for you.
Find your control number. When you get your electronic proxy materials, you'll be given a unique 12-digit control number. This number is your digital key to accessing your shareholder information and requesting your credentials online.
Visit ProxyVote.com. Go to the specified website, typically
www.proxyvote.com, and enter your control number.Request your credentials online. On the website, you will find an option to request your annual meeting credentials. Check the box to indicate your desire to attend the meeting.
Receive confirmation. You will receive a confirmation email once your request has been processed. Your credentials will then be mailed to you.
Step 3: What to Do If You Don't Receive Your Credentials
Sometimes, due to shipping times or other unforeseen circumstances, your credentials might not arrive in the mail. Don't panic! Berkshire Hathaway has a robust system in place for this.
Sub-heading: On-Site "Will Call" Pickup
This is your backup plan, and it's a very reliable one.
Gather your documents. To pick up your credentials on-site, you need to bring two things:
Proof of ownership: This can be a physical or digital brokerage account statement, a screenshot of your holdings from your brokerage app, or a letter from your broker showing you own Berkshire Hathaway stock. The key is to have something that proves you are a shareholder.
Photo identification: A valid government-issued ID, such as a passport or driver's license, is required to verify your identity.
Head to the Will Call area. The Will Call area is located in the lobby of the CHI Health Center in Omaha. It is open on the Friday before the meeting and on the day of the meeting itself. Be aware that the lines can be quite long, especially on Saturday morning, so it's a good idea to go on Friday if you can.
Be prepared to wait. The Will Call line can be a bit of a queue, so be patient. However, the process is efficient, and once you get to the front, you'll have your credentials in hand.
Step 4: Using Your Credentials
Your Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting credential is more than just an entry ticket. It's your passport to the entire weekend of shareholder events.
Tip: Take mental snapshots of important details.
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Admission to the meeting: This is the most obvious use. Your credential is your ticket to the main event, the shareholder Q&A session with Warren Buffett and his team.
Shareholder-only shopping: The credential enables you to enjoy special discount pricing at the shareholder shopping exhibits in the CHI Health Center. This is a huge perk, as many of Berkshire's subsidiaries, like See's Candies and Fruit of the Loom, have pop-up shops with exclusive deals.
Access to special events: Your badge grants you access to shareholder-only events, such as the shopping night at Borsheims, a Berkshire Hathaway-owned jewelry store.
Remember to wear your credential at all times during the events! It is mandatory for admission to all venues and a clear indicator that you are part of the exclusive shareholder community.
10 Related FAQ Subheadings
How to find the credential request form if I don't receive it?
The credential request form is typically part of the proxy statement and annual report materials. If you don't receive a physical copy, check the "Investor Relations" section of the Berkshire Hathaway website or contact your brokerage to access your proxy materials digitally.
How to get credentials if I'm not a shareholder?
While the meeting is primarily for shareholders, anyone with a credential can attend. Shareholders can request up to four credentials. Some extra badges are sometimes sold on secondary markets like eBay, but be aware that this is not an official channel.
How to know the date of the next annual meeting?
QuickTip: Stop scrolling if you find value.
The Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting is traditionally held on the first Saturday in May. You can confirm the exact date and schedule on the official Berkshire Hathaway website as it gets closer.
How to prove stock ownership at the Will Call area?
Bring a recent brokerage account statement, a screenshot from your online brokerage portal showing your holdings, or a letter from your broker. The document should clearly show your name and the shares you own.
How to get a good seat at the meeting?
Getting a good seat requires an early start. The doors open very early on Saturday morning, and people line up for hours to get the best seats. Be prepared to wake up before dawn and wait in line if you want to be close to the stage.
How to find a place to stay in Omaha for the meeting?
Hotel rooms in Omaha book up very quickly for the meeting weekend. It is highly recommended that you book your accommodation several months in advance. Many hotels have a special "Berkshire" rate or block of rooms.
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How to ask a question at the meeting?
Shareholders are selected by lottery at microphone locations throughout the arena. You can also submit questions to CNBC's Becky Quick in advance, and she curates a selection to ask Buffett and his team.
How to get to the meeting location?
The meeting is held at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska. There are public transport options, shuttle services, and taxis available. Many shareholders choose to walk from their downtown hotels.
How to enjoy the shareholder-only events?
Once you have your credential, you can access the shareholder shopping day, which features many Berkshire subsidiaries, and the special shareholder shopping night at Borsheims. Don't miss the opportunity to buy some See's Candies!
How to stay updated on meeting information?
Keep an eye on the official Berkshire Hathaway website's "Shareholders' Guide" and press releases for the most up-to-date information on the meeting schedule, events, and credential processes.
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