Welcome, fellow investor and curious mind! Are you ready to dive into the world of value investing and learn about the "Woodstock for Capitalists"? The Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting is more than just a corporate event; it's a pilgrimage for shareholders and a masterclass in business and life. You might be wondering, "How long is this legendary meeting?" The answer is multifaceted, but let's break it down, step by step, so you know exactly what to expect.
Step 1: Get Ready for a Full Day (and a Full Weekend!)
First things first, let's set the record straight: the core meeting day itself is long. But the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting is not just a single event; it's a multi-day extravaganza of shopping, dining, and mingling. The main event, held in Omaha, Nebraska, on the first Saturday of May (or the last Saturday of April, if the first Saturday is Mother's Day), is a marathon of insights.
So, are you prepared to spend a significant portion of your day listening to the wisdom of Warren Buffett and, in the past, his incredible partner, Charlie Munger? If you are, then let's get into the nitty-gritty of the schedule.
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| How Long Is The Berkshire Hathaway Annual.meeting |
Step 2: The Core Meeting - A Deep Dive into the Schedule
The main event on Saturday is the centerpiece, and it's built around a legendary Q&A session. Here's a breakdown of the typical agenda:
Reminder: Short breaks can improve focus.
Sub-heading: Early Morning & Opening
7:00 AM Central Time: Doors Open. The CHI Health Center in Omaha opens its doors to a massive crowd of shareholders, eager to get a good seat. Many people line up hours before this to secure a prime spot. The exhibition hall, a marketplace of Berkshire Hathaway's diverse businesses, also opens at this time.
7:30 AM Central Time: Live Broadcast Begins. For those watching from home, the CNBC broadcast and webcast start, setting the stage for the main event.
Sub-heading: The Legendary Q&A Session
8:00 AM Central Time: The Q&A Session Begins. This is the main event! For decades, Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger sat on stage and answered questions for five hours straight. In recent years, the format has been adjusted, but the Q&A is still the longest and most anticipated part of the day.
The Morning Session: This first session typically features Warren Buffett, and in 2025, it included Greg Abel and Ajit Jain on stage. They answer questions submitted by journalists and shareholders.
The Mid-Day Break: Around 10:30 AM, there's a short break, typically lasting about 30 minutes. This is a chance for attendees to stretch their legs, grab a snack, and prepare for the next round of questions.
11:00 AM Central Time: Q&A Session Resumes. The Q&A continues, and in the recent 2025 meeting, it featured Warren Buffett and Greg Abel on stage. The questions continue to cover a wide range of topics, from company performance and the economy to life lessons and investment philosophy.
1:00 PM Central Time: Q&A Session Ends. After a marathon session of fielding questions, the Q&A portion of the meeting concludes.
Sub-heading: The Formal Business Meeting
2:00 PM Central Time: The Annual Shareholders Meeting Begins. This is the official business part of the day. It's a much shorter, more formal session that typically lasts about an hour. During this time, shareholders vote on proposals, elect directors, and conduct other administrative matters.
4:00 PM Central Time: Exhibit Hall Closes. The exhibition hall, where you can buy products from Berkshire's companies, closes its doors, marking the official end of the core meeting day's activities.
So, to summarize the core meeting day, you're looking at a full day from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the Q&A session alone spanning approximately 4.5 to 5 hours. It's a testament to the dedication of both the shareholders and the leadership.
Step 3: Beyond the Meeting - A Weekend of Events
Tip: Rest your eyes, then continue.
The Berkshire meeting is not confined to just Saturday. The "Woodstock for Capitalists" is a full weekend affair with a variety of events, discounts, and opportunities to connect with other investors.
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Sub-heading: Friday Activities
Will Call/Credential Pick-up: You can pick up your shareholder credentials on Friday, which are your "tickets" to all the shareholder-only events and discounts.
Shareholder Shopping Day/Night: Many of Berkshire's companies, such as Borsheims, Nebraska Furniture Mart (NFM), and See's Candies, offer special discounts for shareholders during the weekend. Friday often features a "Shareholder Shopping Night" at places like Borsheims, the massive jewelry store owned by Berkshire.
Exhibition Hall Preview: The exhibition hall at the CHI Health Center is also often open on Friday for shareholders to get a sneak peek at the different businesses.
Sub-heading: Sunday Fun
"Invest in Yourself" 5K Run: A popular event for shareholders to get some exercise and network is the 5K run on Sunday morning.
Continued Shopping: You can continue to take advantage of shareholder discounts at various Berkshire-owned businesses on Sunday.
So, while the main meeting is concentrated on Saturday, the entire weekend is a celebration of the Berkshire ecosystem.
Step 4: The Takeaway - It's More Than Just a Meeting
Tip: Jot down one takeaway from this post.
So, how long is the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting? The answer is: as long as you want it to be. You can attend the core Q&A session, which lasts around 5 hours, or you can immerse yourself in the entire weekend of activities. The total duration of the main meeting from the doors opening to the exhibition hall closing is about 9 hours, but the Q&A session is the main event and takes up the bulk of the day.
The meeting is a unique blend of a formal business gathering and a lively festival. It's a chance to witness the wisdom of one of the world's greatest investors and to connect with a community of like-minded individuals.
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 quick answers to common questions about the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting:
How to get a ticket for the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting? You need to be a shareholder to get a credential. You can request up to four credentials per shareholder, which are typically sent to you with your annual report and proxy statement.
How to watch the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting if you can't attend in person? The Q&A session is broadcast live on CNBC and webcast on their website, providing access to millions of people around the world.
How to ask a question at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting? Questions are selected from submissions via email to CNBC and from a drawing at microphone locations in the arena.
Tip: The middle often holds the main point.
How to find a hotel in Omaha during the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting weekend? Book your hotel months in advance. Hotels fill up quickly, and prices surge during the meeting weekend.
How to get around Omaha during the meeting? Taxis, rideshares, and shuttles are available, but be prepared for high demand. Many events are within walking distance of downtown hotels.
How to find shareholder discounts during the weekend? Your meeting credential is your key! It entitles you to special discounts at Berkshire-owned businesses like Borsheims and Nebraska Furniture Mart.
How to get to Omaha for the meeting? Fly into Omaha's Eppley Airfield (OMA) or drive. Be aware that flights and car rentals can be more expensive due to demand.
How to prepare for the meeting? Read the annual report and Warren Buffett's shareholder letter beforehand. This will give you context for the discussions.
How to dress for the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting? The dress code is casual and comfortable. You'll see everything from business casual to T-shirts and jeans. The focus is on the content, not the attire.
How to get food at the meeting? There are concession stands at the CHI Health Center, and many Berkshire-owned businesses and local restaurants offer specials during the weekend.
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