How to Attend the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting - Saturday, May 3, 2025
Our guide covers how to become a Berkshire Hathaway shareholder, getting to Omaha, AGM and related events, where to sit during the AGM, when to leave Omaha, and Frequently Asked Questions.
Updated 6 May 2024
Summary
Know This First: Any shareholder from any country can attend the AGM – you don't need to own an 'A' share. 'B' shares, which traded at around US$400 in May 2024, allow you to attend. If you're not a Berkshire Hathaway shareholder, our guide to investing in US markets from New Zealand has more details about low-cost investing platform options. There is no ticket or cost for attending – you just need to line up and show your ID and proof of share ownership (as outlined below).
Our view is simple – we believe the AGM will live on beyond Warren Buffett's involvement in the company. However, we continue to see a surge of demand around the world every year he attends. For this reason, we suggest booking as soon as possible for the next AGM if you're considering attending.
Our guide covers the following:
Important: All New Zealanders flying to the USA without American passports need an ESTA (visa). Please complete this before you book your flights, as prior travel in some countries (and other limits) may see your ESTA application rejected, prompting you to apply for a B1/B2 visa.
The USA is expensive to visit, and the NZD is weak. Please be prepared for this. We suggest reading our guide to travel money for New Zealanders heading to the USA. Debit, credit, and travel money cards are widely accepted in Omaha—very few places are 'cash only', but it does help to have a stack of $5 and $10 notes for tips for non-check services such as baggage storage, Ubers, and other experiences.
Our Top Tip:
- This guide, the first of its kind for New Zealanders, is aimed at anyone considering attending the Berkshire Hathaway AGM and consists of research taken in 2024. If you plan to attend, the AGM is usually held on the first weekend of May.
Know This First: Any shareholder from any country can attend the AGM – you don't need to own an 'A' share. 'B' shares, which traded at around US$400 in May 2024, allow you to attend. If you're not a Berkshire Hathaway shareholder, our guide to investing in US markets from New Zealand has more details about low-cost investing platform options. There is no ticket or cost for attending – you just need to line up and show your ID and proof of share ownership (as outlined below).
Our view is simple – we believe the AGM will live on beyond Warren Buffett's involvement in the company. However, we continue to see a surge of demand around the world every year he attends. For this reason, we suggest booking as soon as possible for the next AGM if you're considering attending.
Our guide covers the following:
- Getting to Omaha, When to Arrive and Where to Stay
- Berkshire Hathaway AGM and Pre-Events
- Where to Sit During the AGM
- When to Leave Omaha
- Frequently Asked Questions
Important: All New Zealanders flying to the USA without American passports need an ESTA (visa). Please complete this before you book your flights, as prior travel in some countries (and other limits) may see your ESTA application rejected, prompting you to apply for a B1/B2 visa.
The USA is expensive to visit, and the NZD is weak. Please be prepared for this. We suggest reading our guide to travel money for New Zealanders heading to the USA. Debit, credit, and travel money cards are widely accepted in Omaha—very few places are 'cash only', but it does help to have a stack of $5 and $10 notes for tips for non-check services such as baggage storage, Ubers, and other experiences.
Our Top Tip:
- Dress comfortably for long days.
- Have a fully charged phone.
- Drink lots of water once your seats are secured.
- With the long hours and potentially extensive lining up, running and walking, you must be prepared and comfortable to enjoy the AGM fully.
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MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh explains his experience from 2024:
"I woke up at 3:30 am and ended up 8th in line around 4:30 am - a giant storm had just passed, and things were floody - this does happen in Omaha and the week before bad tornados had damaged many homes in one area. Other people arrived around 2 am - it's a scramble for the best seats when doors open at 7 am, and 15,000+ people ran into a venue like Spark Arena - I have never seen anything like it. It was chaos - I loved the pack running while security yelled, "No running". I saved four other seats while my group came via the stampede. Before Warren appeared, they showed a video dedicated to Charlie Munger, who died in late 2023 and was, as Warren described, the 'architect' of Berkshire Hathaway. The AGM has three parts—two Q&A sessions (two to three hours each) and the Annual Shareholders Meeting at 4 pm. The Q&A sessions are interesting—anyone can ask Warren a question. There's a lot of fandom and compliments, and nothing is too tricky. Warren and the team then take 5-15 minutes per question to answer. He said early on that he "loves a podium," and that's obvious. If you want to listen to all of the AGMs since 1994, Spotify offers this here. One of the most interesting sessions was the voting as part of the Annual Shareholders Meeting. I suggest staying for this - you'll hear several motions put to shareholders. Anecdotally, I heard there was an arrest in 2023 when there was a conflict - the AGM attracts passionate people. You'll see some big names attend this session, which I strongly suggest you attend. However, Warren doesn't speak too often during this session - it's led by Berkshire's Internal Auditor and the company secretary". |
Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder |
Getting to Omaha, When to Arrive and Where to Stay
Omaha isn't a big city, but it's worth investing a few nights to make the most of it. We suggest arriving on Wednesday or Thursday - even though the AGM is on Saturday, this allows you time to settle in. Omaha airport is connected to Chicago–O'Hare, Denver, Houston and other airports. If you're booking Air New Zealand, you'll likely be routed via Houston now that the Chicago service has been suspended.
MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh suggests his favourite way to get to Omaha:
"The Amtrack train from Chicago to Omaha is a perfect way to start your journey and offers excellent value for money. You'll pay around US$80 for a ticket. The trip lasts nine hours (2 pm to 11 pm, so no overnight discomfort), and with sunset at 7:30 pm in early May, you'll see a lot of the mid-west of America. There's an observation deck with comfortable seats and a bar and table service - it's a fascinating experience. You can also get a three-course dinner for US$45, which includes a drink - the timings are set from around 5 pm to 7:15 pm".
"You'll arrive in Omaha late at night, but getting an Uber to any hotel is easy, and it costs around US$10-15. Leaving Omaha is best by flight given the Amtrack timings (it leaves around 5 am from Omaha, arriving around 2 pm in Chicago), but you could also do it on the Sunday or Monday after the AGM".
"While a flight to or from Chicago takes 90 minutes to get to Omaha, Amtrack is an amazing experience".
MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh suggests his favourite way to get to Omaha:
"The Amtrack train from Chicago to Omaha is a perfect way to start your journey and offers excellent value for money. You'll pay around US$80 for a ticket. The trip lasts nine hours (2 pm to 11 pm, so no overnight discomfort), and with sunset at 7:30 pm in early May, you'll see a lot of the mid-west of America. There's an observation deck with comfortable seats and a bar and table service - it's a fascinating experience. You can also get a three-course dinner for US$45, which includes a drink - the timings are set from around 5 pm to 7:15 pm".
"You'll arrive in Omaha late at night, but getting an Uber to any hotel is easy, and it costs around US$10-15. Leaving Omaha is best by flight given the Amtrack timings (it leaves around 5 am from Omaha, arriving around 2 pm in Chicago), but you could also do it on the Sunday or Monday after the AGM".
"While a flight to or from Chicago takes 90 minutes to get to Omaha, Amtrack is an amazing experience".
Staying in Omaha
- Hotels are not cheap - expect to pay 5X the standard rates on hotels, although many attendees have loyalty points with chains such as Hilton and IHG, which reduces the cost. A standard hotel will cost around US$300 to US$500+ per night - it's an investment by any means. We don't suggest booking AirBnB - you risk being cancelled by a host, and many interesting people are met at hotel breakfasts and lobbies and walking to/from the venue.
- We suggest booking at least six months in advance. Many regulars book their hotel for the following year within a month of attending the most recent AGM.
- Sites like Booking.com offer the most selection, with most hotels available to book from 1 June for the following April/May.
Estimated Costs
- Hotels: US$300 to 500+/night for a standard 'Holiday Inn'-type hotel. You'll likely need a 3 or 4 night stay.
- Food and Drinks: You'll pay standard US prices, plus a 15-30% tip on all checks. Many hotels include breakfast or a breakfast credit of up to US$50 per room per night.
- Ubers: Cheap around town, and the bus is US$1.25 per segment, with tickets sold via a machine at most stops.
- Flights from New Zealand: Around NZ$2,500 return via Houston on Economy, with Business around NZ$10,000+. We suggest booking a multi-city trip to see more of America and include the Berkshire Hathaway AGM on one long weekend.
Berkshire Hathaway AGM and Pre-Events
The AGM lists events on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Everything takes place at the CHI Health Center, located in East Omaha, other than the shopping experiences and fun run. Our summary outlines what you need to know to help explain what's on offer.
Friday
1. Will Call/Credential Pick-up
Know This: Berkshire Hathaway gives shareholder badges on a trust basis, meaning they won't forensically review your holding. It's arguable they want as many people as possible, given that one shareholder can get up to four badges for their friends and family who want to attend.
2. Shareholder Shopping Day
The Exhibit Hall profiles many of Berkshire's businesses, including energy generators and retailers, See Candy, Fruit of the Loom, NetJets, BookWorm, housing developments, RV and boat models, flight simulator developers and more. Given the variety, the best amount of time is around 2-3 hours spent here. It's also open most of Saturday during the AGM and is popular during lunchtime and between 3 pm and 4 pm after the second session and voting. Items are for sale and known for being discounted.
- Time: 11 am – 5 pm
- Location: CHI Health Center
- What to bring: Your ID and proof of ownership of A or B Berkshire Hathaway shares.
- Most New Zealanders won't have access to the shareholder badge in advance. The best idea is to line up around 10 am on Friday and show your ID (passport or driver's licence) and a copy of your holding - for example, a screenshot of your Stake, Hatch, Tiger Brokers, Sharesies or similar account.
Know This: Berkshire Hathaway gives shareholder badges on a trust basis, meaning they won't forensically review your holding. It's arguable they want as many people as possible, given that one shareholder can get up to four badges for their friends and family who want to attend.
2. Shareholder Shopping Day
- Time: Noon – 5 pm
- Location: CHI Health Center:
- What to bring: Your shareholder badge
- After picking up your shareholder badge, it's best to line up for the shopping day - there's a lot to see, do, touch and experience, so getting in the line as early as possible means you'll have fewer crowds (for the first few minutes).
The Exhibit Hall profiles many of Berkshire's businesses, including energy generators and retailers, See Candy, Fruit of the Loom, NetJets, BookWorm, housing developments, RV and boat models, flight simulator developers and more. Given the variety, the best amount of time is around 2-3 hours spent here. It's also open most of Saturday during the AGM and is popular during lunchtime and between 3 pm and 4 pm after the second session and voting. Items are for sale and known for being discounted.
3. Borsheims Shareholder-only Shopping Night
- Time: 6 – 8 pm
- Location: 120 Regency Parkway
- What to bring: Your shareholder badge
- More details: Visit the dedicated Borsheims page
- This is known as 'the party,' where shareholders receive drinks and food. There is music and free shuttles before the event, but you can take a local bus for around $1.25 each way, with some walking required.
Saturday
1. Q & A Sessions and Annual General Meeting
The sessions are as follows:
The exhibit booths run from 7 am to 4 pm and are housed within the CHI Health Centre - all day long, people will take a break and buy items from the likes of See Candy, Fruit of the Loom and BookWorm, among others.
2. NFM Berkshire Picnic
We suggest considering our approach:
Know This: There are limited shuttle services, and the event can be avoided if you're not interested in seeing big-box retail. NFM has a few places to eat without the lines of the BBQ, such as Subway and a wine bar.
- Time: 7 am to around 5 pm (lines form around 2 am, doors open at 7 am and the introductory video screens at 8:45 am).
- Location: CHI Health Center:
- What to bring: Your shareholder badge, warm clothing (if you line up for hours) and an umbrella.
- The earlier you are in line, the better the seats—but you'll need to run, and run fast, once the doors open.
The sessions are as follows:
- 9:15 am - 12 pm: Q&A Session #1
- Noon - 1 pm: Recess
- 1 pm - 3 pm: Q&A Session #3
- 4 pm to 5 pm: Annual Shareholders Meeting
The exhibit booths run from 7 am to 4 pm and are housed within the CHI Health Centre - all day long, people will take a break and buy items from the likes of See Candy, Fruit of the Loom and BookWorm, among others.
2. NFM Berkshire Picnic
- Time: 5:30 – 8 pm
- Location: 700 South 72nd Street
- What to bring: Your shareholder badge
- Event Details: Berkshire's Omaha store, a giant furniture and electronics shop, hosts a Berkshire Picnic from 5:30 - 8 pm with food and live entertainment. Be aware that the lines to get the $6 picnic are long - estimates up to 90 minutes during peak times.
We suggest considering our approach:
- Take a free bus to the event from the CHI Health Centre.
- Avoid the BBQ, given the lines.
- Explore the furniture shop and return to the CHI Health Centre after about an hour.
Know This: There are limited shuttle services, and the event can be avoided if you're not interested in seeing big-box retail. NFM has a few places to eat without the lines of the BBQ, such as Subway and a wine bar.
Sunday
Sunday is a quiet day, with two events:
Know This: Most people start leaving for the airport at 5 am on Sunday —it's a busy day, and we suggest avoiding the 'experience' and seeing more of Omaha, as outlined below.
- There is a fun run around Omaha from 8 am to 11 am - you can see more details here.
- From 11 am – 4 pm, Borsheims repeats its Shareholder-only Shopping Day at 120 Regency Parkway. You'll need your shareholder badge.
Know This: Most people start leaving for the airport at 5 am on Sunday —it's a busy day, and we suggest avoiding the 'experience' and seeing more of Omaha, as outlined below.
Side-Events
- Other investment companies hold events during the weekend - the full list can be found on this blog.
- A more detailed account can be found on Good Investing.
Where to Sit During the AGM
If you want a good seat, you must arrive 3-4 hours before the doors open. The CHI Health Centre has four entrance points: one from the Hilton (which Berkshire Hathaway employees get access to as a priority) and three on the street level.
The earlier you're in the line, the better your seats - but you will need to run, and run fast, despite security reminding people it's "no running". If you are a group or a family, it's critical to put someone in charge of getting seats if you want to sit together. Unfortunately, some disappointed parents and children arrive at 5 am or earlier but can't run as fast as others, so they end up in the '200' sections.
This video shows the first in line being granted access and the scramble that takes place;
The earlier you're in the line, the better your seats - but you will need to run, and run fast, despite security reminding people it's "no running". If you are a group or a family, it's critical to put someone in charge of getting seats if you want to sit together. Unfortunately, some disappointed parents and children arrive at 5 am or earlier but can't run as fast as others, so they end up in the '200' sections.
This video shows the first in line being granted access and the scramble that takes place;
The map below outlines the CHI Health Centre. We suggest it be anywhere in green or orange. Orange is elevated, but you are at an angle. Green is on the floor. VIP is for Tim Cook, Bill Gates, and other people Berkshire 'look after' who have assigned seating. However, our seat-securing efforts in 2024 had our research team in the 7th row and surrounded by billionaires and well-known investment managers. They're not fast runners - they have staff (also fast runners) lining up at 2 am to secure multiple seats for their company. With 18,000 seats available, the best 1,000 or so go in minutes.
If you go for lunch or away from your seat, put something on it that's secure - people may otherwise assume it's vacant.
We suggest sitting in the same place all day unless you can get better seats after lunch. About 5-10% of the attendees leave after the first session (8:45 am to 12 pm), freeing up some spaces. But be sure to secure better seats before giving up your existing seats, or it's probable you could end up with no seats.
We suggest sitting in the same place all day unless you can get better seats after lunch. About 5-10% of the attendees leave after the first session (8:45 am to 12 pm), freeing up some spaces. But be sure to secure better seats before giving up your existing seats, or it's probable you could end up with no seats.
When to Leave Omaha
Everything finishes around 4 pm on Sunday with the last of the Borsheims shareholder event. However, some shareholders start flying out on Saturday around 3 pm (or earlier), given the high cost of flights on Sunday when there is a surge of people leaving and limited flights.
MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh suggests staying until Monday and explains why:
"There's no reason to rush out of Omaha on the Sunday - it's a great city, and lots of side events happen that make it worthwhile to stay. My favourite time to leave is around 12 pm on Monday - you can connect with flights back to New Zealand or elsewhere in the USA, making it a relaxed experience.
Sunday at Omaha Airport is chaos—given the demand, it can be problematic to get an Uber to the airport at certain times, and when you get there, the lines to check in and complete security are long. You also run the risk of missing a flight—the 'Berkshire Sunday' is, according to the Omaha team of American Airlines, Omaha's busiest day. For this reason, I strongly suggest staying on Sunday and making the most of what Omaha has to offer.
MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh suggests staying until Monday and explains why:
"There's no reason to rush out of Omaha on the Sunday - it's a great city, and lots of side events happen that make it worthwhile to stay. My favourite time to leave is around 12 pm on Monday - you can connect with flights back to New Zealand or elsewhere in the USA, making it a relaxed experience.
Sunday at Omaha Airport is chaos—given the demand, it can be problematic to get an Uber to the airport at certain times, and when you get there, the lines to check in and complete security are long. You also run the risk of missing a flight—the 'Berkshire Sunday' is, according to the Omaha team of American Airlines, Omaha's busiest day. For this reason, I strongly suggest staying on Sunday and making the most of what Omaha has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time to arrive at the venue to secure good seats?
Aim to arrive at the CHI Health Center by 4 am on Saturday for the best seating. The doors open at 7 am, but the line starts forming much earlier. Early arrival is crucial as the seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and there's a quick dash to secure seats once the doors open.
Where should I stay?
Omaha has a lot of hotels, but the price increases the closer you are to the CHI Health Centre. We suggest considering anywhere within 30 minutes of walking time of the CHI Health Centre, as this avoids relying on rideshare apps, which can be difficult to secure at peak times and leave you stranded. MoneyHub has stayed at both the Kimpton Hotel (around US$550+ a night, including a US$50 breakfast credit every day) and the Holiday Inn Express Airport (around US$350 a night, including breakfast). While hotel recommendations are subjective and not something we undertake, both these hotels have reasonable locations, high comfort and useful amenities such as pools and gyms. Prices include Nebraska's near-30% state tax hotels.
How should I prepare for weather and other conditions?
Bring warm clothing and an umbrella to prepare for variable weather, including potential rain. The meeting has historically been held regardless of weather conditions, so it's best to be ready for anything – tornadoes, storms, floods, thunder, lightning and even extreme heat and cold.
What are the key parts of the event I shouldn't miss?
The Q&A sessions with Warren Buffett are highly anticipated and can provide deep insights into his investment philosophy. The voting session during the Annual Shareholders Meeting is also critical, offering a firsthand look at corporate governance in action.
What unique experiences can attendees participate in during the event?
In addition to the main sessions on Saturday, make sure to visit the Exhibit Hall to explore displays from various Berkshire-owned companies.
What are the best transportation options to and from the CHI Health Centre?
We suggest you walk if you stay nearby and within walking distance. This is because getting an Uber can be problematic. There are local buses, but staying at a hotel within 15-30 minutes of walking distance will cost more but save a lot of hassle.
How early should I book my accommodation, and what should I expect to pay?
Book your hotel at least six months in advance, especially since hotel rates can be significantly higher during the event. Expect to pay between US$300 to $500+ per night. Utilising hotel loyalty points from Hilton and IHG (who have multiple properties in Omaha) can also help mitigate some of the costs.
What should I expect in terms of security checks at the entrance?
Attendees should be prepared for standard security procedures, including bag checks and metal detectors at entry points. It's advisable to arrive with minimal baggage to expedite entry – bags are best left at home if you're running to get a seat.
Are there any specific items I should avoid bringing to the event?
Yes, large bags, outside food and drink, and other deck chairs (which some people use to line up) are not welcome. They will slow you down and are best avoided if you want to secure a good seat.
Are the sessions recorded or livestreamed for later viewing?
Yes - historically, key sessions have been available either through live streams or recorded and uploaded to platforms like Spotify. Check the official Berkshire Hathaway AGM website or app for specific details on accessing these resources.
What additional activities or sights should I consider around Omaha?
We suggest visiting the Old Market area and the Durham Museum, as well as Warren's home and his favourite ice cream shop.
What is the best strategy for getting a chance to ask Warren Buffett a question during the Q&A sessions?
Arrive early and position yourself near the microphones typically set up in the aisles. Prepare your question in advance, making it concise and clear. Remember, questions are selected at random, so readiness is key. In 2024, a New Zealander was picked to ask a question.
What types of questions are typically well-received at these sessions?
Questions that are direct, insightful, and relevant to Berkshire Hathaway's business strategies, future outlook, or investment philosophies tend to engage Warren and garner detailed responses.
Are there any invite-only or special access events during the AGM weekend?
Yes, certain events may require special invitations or have restricted access. These include private dinners, investment talks, or meetings with high-profile investors. Networking and connecting with other attendees can sometimes open doors to these exclusive gatherings. Information about side events is often shared through the AGM app, Berkshire Hathaway newsletters, or networking groups. Staying active on relevant social media channels and forums can also provide leads.
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