Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit in a room and listen to one of the greatest investors of all time share his wisdom for hours on end? If so, you've likely heard of the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting, an event so legendary it's often referred to as the "Woodstock of Capitalism." But for those who haven't been, a common question arises: just how long is the Berkshire Hathaway meeting?
The answer is not a simple one, as the main event is part of a weekend-long extravaganza. Let's break down the schedule and what to expect from this marathon of a meeting.
Step 1: The Main Event - The Q&A Session
The heart of the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting is undoubtedly the live question-and-answer session with Warren Buffett and his successor Greg Abel. This is where the magic happens, and it's the part that truly tests the endurance of both the speakers and the attendees.
So, how long is this epic Q&A? Historically, the Q&A session itself lasts for a remarkable four and a half to five hours. This is an incredible amount of time for a single session, and it's a testament to the depth of topics covered and the sheer volume of questions from shareholders around the world.
The session is typically broken up into two parts with a short break in between. Here's a typical schedule on the main Saturday:
8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: The first part of the Q&A session begins. Warren Buffett, Greg Abel, and sometimes other key executives like Ajit Jain are on stage, fielding a wide array of questions.
10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.: A short break is taken, giving everyone a chance to stretch their legs and grab a coffee.
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.: The Q&A session resumes, with a slightly smaller panel. This part often focuses on more in-depth operational and business-specific questions.
1:00 p.m.: The Q&A session concludes, marking the end of the marathon questioning.
But wait, there's more! The Q&A session is not the entire meeting.
Step 2: The Formal Annual Shareholders Meeting
After the intense Q&A session, there is a short recess. Following this, the formal Annual Shareholders Meeting takes place.
2:00 p.m.: The formal meeting begins. This portion is a more traditional corporate meeting, where shareholders vote on proposals, elect directors, and conduct other official business. It is a necessary legal requirement for the company.
Duration: This part of the meeting is usually much shorter than the Q&A, lasting about an hour or so. It's the business-focused segment that follows the main attraction.
Step 3: The Pre- and Post-Meeting Activities
The meeting itself is just the centerpiece of a full weekend of activities in Omaha, Nebraska. Shareholders flock to the city to immerse themselves in all things Berkshire, and the events surrounding the meeting add significant time to the overall experience.
Sub-heading: The Exhibit Hall
On the day of the meeting, the doors to the exhibit hall at the CHI Health Center open very early, typically around 7:00 a.m. This hall is a massive showcase of many of Berkshire Hathaway's owned companies, from See's Candies to Geico and Fruit of the Loom. Shareholders can browse, shop, and even get discounts on products. This is a huge part of the experience, and people spend hours in this hall. The exhibit hall usually closes in the late afternoon, around 4:00 p.m.
Sub-heading: The Weekend Extravaganza
The entire weekend is filled with shareholder-only events and discounts. This includes:
Friday: A shareholder shopping day and a special shareholder-only shopping night at Borsheims, the Berkshire-owned jewelry store.
Saturday: The main meeting day, followed by the NFM (Nebraska Furniture Mart) Berkshire Picnic in the evening.
Sunday: The "Invest in Yourself" 5K presented by Brooks Running (another Berkshire-owned company) and another shareholder shopping day at Borsheims.
When you factor in all of these events, the "meeting" is not just a few hours. It's a full weekend commitment for many attendees, with the main event on Saturday being the longest and most talked-about part.
In summary, while the core Q&A session is a lengthy 4.5 to 5 hours, the overall Saturday schedule runs from early morning when the doors open until the afternoon when the formal meeting and exhibit hall close. If you consider the entire weekend of activities, the experience is a multi-day event.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get tickets to the Berkshire Hathaway meeting? You must be a Berkshire Hathaway shareholder to get credentials for the meeting. You can request them through the company's website or proxy materials, and proof of ownership is required.
How to watch the Berkshire Hathaway meeting if you can't attend in person? The Q&A session is broadcast live on CNBC and also streamed on their website, allowing millions of people to watch the event from anywhere in the world.
How to ask a question at the Berkshire Hathaway meeting? There are a few ways to ask a question: you can submit one in advance via email to CNBC, or you can be selected from a drawing at one of the microphone locations on the morning of the meeting.
How to prepare for the Berkshire Hathaway meeting as a shareholder? It is recommended to read Warren Buffett's annual letter to shareholders, which is released a few months before the meeting, and to familiarize yourself with the company's financial reports.
How to get the best seats at the Berkshire Hathaway meeting? The best seats are often taken by those who arrive very early, as doors open around 7 a.m. and people start queuing even earlier to get a prime spot in the arena.
How to enjoy the Berkshire Hathaway meeting weekend in Omaha? Beyond the meeting, you can visit the various Berkshire-owned businesses in Omaha, such as Nebraska Furniture Mart and Borsheims, and take advantage of the shareholder discounts and special events.
How to find a place to stay for the Berkshire Hathaway meeting weekend? Hotel rooms in Omaha book up very quickly, often a year in advance. It is crucial to book your accommodation as soon as you have a confirmed ticket.
How to get around Omaha during the Berkshire Hathaway meeting? Omaha has a shuttle service and public transport, but many attendees rely on ride-sharing services and taxis. Be prepared for high demand and potential surge pricing.
How to purchase products at the Berkshire Hathaway exhibit hall? You can purchase products from Berkshire's subsidiaries in the exhibit hall using cash or credit cards. The companies offer special shareholder discounts and exclusive merchandise.
How to listen to past Berkshire Hathaway meetings? CNBC's Warren Buffett Archive and other financial news websites often have transcripts and videos of previous annual meetings and Q&A sessions available for viewing.
