Last Updated: March 2026

The 2026 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting Guide

1. When and Where

Here is what you need to know about the 2026 Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting in Omaha:

Detail Info
Date Saturday, May 2, 2026
Venue CHI Health Center Omaha
Address 455 N. 10th St, Omaha, NE 68102
Phone 402-341-1500
Doors Open 7:00 AM Central Time
Official Info berkshirehathaway.com/sharehold.html

How Many Days Should You Plan For?

Minimum (2 days - Friday to Saturday): Arrive Friday afternoon to pick up credentials and explore the exhibition hall, attend the Saturday meeting, and fly out Saturday evening or Sunday morning.

Recommended (3-5 days - Wednesday/Thursday to Sunday): This allows time for investing conferences Thursday and Friday, the Borsheims shopping event Friday evening, the full Saturday meeting, the NFM gathering Saturday afternoon, the 5K on Sunday, and restaurants and sightseeing.

Full Immersion (6+ days): For those who want to attend multi-day programs. Some begin as early as the Sunday before the meeting.

Pro Tip

If you only have one day, Saturday is the core event. If you want the full Omaha experience, arriving by Thursday or Friday morning opens up significantly more networking and conference opportunities.

2. How to Get Tickets

Admission to the CHI Health Center for the annual meeting requires official meeting credentials (shareholder badges). These are provided to shareholders at no cost.

2.1 Pre-Ordering Credentials

Each spring (typically mid-March), Berkshire distributes its Annual Report, Proxy Statement, and Credential Request Form to shareholders. Each shareholder has historically been entitled to request up to four (4) credentials.

General process (based on recent years):

  • Shareholders holding shares directly typically receive materials by mail.
  • Shareholders holding shares through a brokerage typically receive proxy materials and credential request instructions from their broker.
  • Requests are submitted online or by mail per the form's instructions.
  • The deadline has typically fallen in mid-April.
  • Pre-ordered credentials are generally mailed in April.

Start here: Check the official Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting page for the most current process and deadlines.

Pro Tip

Request credentials as soon as forms become available. If you wait too long, you may need to pick them up at Will Call in Omaha. Keep a clean PDF of your proof-of-ownership ready.

2.2 Will Call Pickup in Omaha

If you didn't pre-order or your credentials didn't arrive in time, Will Call has historically been available at the CHI Health Center:

  • Location: CHI Health Center Omaha lobby
  • Typically required: Photo ID and proof of share ownership (such as a brokerage statement showing BRK.A or BRK.B holdings)

Hours and requirements may change. Confirm with official sources.

Pro Tip

Pick up credentials Friday if you can. Saturday morning is when everything stacks: lines, security, seating, and crowds.

2.3 Do You Need to Be a Shareholder?

The credential system is built for Berkshire Hathaway shareholders. Owning at least one share - including a single Class B share (BRK.B) - has been sufficient to request credentials.

Options for non-shareholders:

  • Each shareholder has historically been able to request up to four credentials, so a shareholder friend or family member may be able to obtain a guest pass for you.
  • Many of the week's independent side events do not require Berkshire credentials.
  • The Saturday Q&A is typically available via a free live stream at cnbc.com/brklive.
Pro Tip

Purchasing one BRK.B share through a standard brokerage well before March is generally the most straightforward path to credentials.

3. Events Calendar

The meeting week features a packed calendar of official Berkshire-affiliated events plus dozens of independently organized conferences, dinners, and meetups. Below is the most comprehensive independently compiled listing for 2026.

Several of the weekend's best events are completely free but fill up fast. Look for the ones marked "Free (RSVP required)" below and register early to secure your spot.

Always confirm individual event details with the organizer's website. Dates, times, prices, and availability are subject to change.

3.1 Multi-Day Programs

Genius of Buffett (GOB) Course + Value Investor Conference

  • Dates: Sunday, April 26 - Friday, May 1, 2026 (4.5 days)
  • Location: University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), Mammel Hall & Scott Conference Center
  • Cost: $4,795 early-bird (by Feb 28, 2026) / $6,995 standard
  • Description: An intensive program led by Robert P. Miles covering investment philosophy through case studies, Q&A sessions, and subsidiary tours. Includes admission to the Friday Value Investor Conference.
  • Registration: geniusofbuffett.com / valueinvestorconference.com

Good Investing Plus Community Conference

  • Dates: Spans the full AGM week (Tuesday through Monday)
  • Cost: Paid (varies by package)
  • Registration: good-investing.net

TIP Mastermind Community Events (The Investor's Podcast Network)

  • Dates: Multiple events throughout meeting weekend
  • Cost: Free for Mastermind Community members; reportedly $1,500 per seat for non-members (limited)
  • Contact: [email protected]
  • Info: theinvestorspodcast.com

Borsheims Shareholder Discount Period

2026 Berkshire Weekend Schedule (as published by Borsheims):

Day Time Event
Friday, May 1 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Shareholder-Only Shopping (cocktails)
Saturday, May 2 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Open to public, shareholder pricing
Sunday, May 3 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Shareholder-Only Shopping Day
Regular hours (discount period) Mon-Fri 10 AM-6 PM, Sat 10 AM-5 PM Standard hours

2026 note (per Borsheims): No tent party, entertainment, or buffet in the parking lot or mall this year. Security bag checks at entrances. No luggage permitted. No charter bus or stretch limousine parking.

Nebraska Furniture Mart Shareholder Discount Window

  • Discount window: Wednesday, April 22 through Tuesday, May 5, 2026
  • Address: 700 S. 72nd St, Omaha, NE 68114
  • Register online: nfm.com/berkshire-register
  • In-store: Present shareholder badge
  • Historically valid at all NFM locations (Omaha; Clive, IA; Kansas City, KS; The Colony, TX)

NFM Berkshire Picnic: Typically Saturday afternoon (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM) with free food, entertainment, and free shuttles from CHI Health Center. Food lines can reportedly stretch 60-90 minutes at peak.

Extended hours: In past years, open until 10:00 PM on AGM Saturday.

Confirm terms and registration directly with each retailer.

3.2 Wednesday, April 29

Wednesday is primarily an arrival and settling-in day. Some multi-day conferences hold welcome events Wednesday evening. Informal investor meetups often begin at downtown hotel bars and the Old Market district, sometimes announced on short notice.

Places to watch for last-minute event announcements:

Pro Tip

Wednesday is a strong networking day because people are fresh and not yet consumed by Saturday logistics. Make dinner reservations now for Thursday through Saturday - restaurants near the venue book up fast during meeting week.

3.3 Thursday, April 30

Thursday is when the week typically comes alive with conferences and dinners.

CFA Society Nebraska - 15th Annual Value Investing Dinner

  • Time: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location: Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District
  • Cost: $125 members / $175 non-members (as listed by the organizer)
  • Registration: cfasocietynebraska.org
  • Description: A long-running dinner during meeting week featuring value investing speakers and networking.

Genius of Buffett Course (Day Session)

Pro Tip

Thursday evening often has more competing events than any other night. Pick one anchor event and commit - trying to hop between them usually wastes the evening.

3.4 Friday, May 1

Friday is typically a pivotal day: official Berkshire-affiliated events begin, the exhibition hall often opens for shopping, and major independent conferences take place.

VALUEx BRK 2026

  • Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Location: Downtown Omaha (exact venue TBA)
  • Cost: Free (extremely limited seats - registration expected to open March 2026)
  • Hosted by: Guy Spier and Team Aquamarine
  • Description: A well-known investor conference where attendees are typically expected to present a stock pitch. A free livestream has been available in past years.

2026 Value Investor Conference

  • Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location: University of Nebraska at Omaha (Mammel Hall)
  • Cost: $495 standard / $395 early bird
  • Registration: valueinvestorconference.com

Gabelli 17th Annual Value Investor Conference

Dr. Jane Liu in Conversation with Mohnish Pabrai: Mental Models

  • Time: 9:00 AM
  • Location: UNO Milo Bail Student Center, Room 302
  • Description: A conversation on mental models for investing and life.

Creighton Value Investing Panel

A panel discussion hosted by Creighton's Heider College of Business, featuring experienced value investors sharing how they think about finding and sizing positions. The Q&A tends to get into the practical weeds of process and decision-making, and the campus setting keeps things more conversational than a typical conference stage.

  • Time: 3:00 PM - 4:45 PM
  • Location: Creighton University
  • Speakers: Vitaliy Katsenelson and other value investing professionals
  • Info: creighton.edu

"From Graham to Buffett and Beyond" Dinner

Exhibition Hall - Shareholder Shopping Day

  • Time: Noon - 5:00 PM
  • Location: CHI Health Center
  • Cost: Free entry (credentials required)
  • Description: The exhibition hall opens a day early on Friday, offering a less crowded shopping experience than Saturday.

Credential Pickup / Will Call

  • Typical hours: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Location: CHI Health Center lobby

Borsheims Shareholder-Only Shopping Night

  • Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (see Borsheims details in Section 3.1)
Pro Tip

If the exhibition hall is open Friday, it's typically much less crowded than Saturday - the best time to browse and talk with subsidiary representatives. Friday night also tends to have multiple competing events - pick one and commit.

3.5 Saturday, May 2 - Main AGM Day

This is the centerpiece of the entire week.

Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting

Time Event
7:00 AM Doors open. Exhibition hall and breakfast concessions begin.
8:15 AM Webcast begins
8:30 AM Welcome and business update
9:30 AM Q&A session begins
10:45 AM Break
11:45 AM Q&A session resumes
1:00 PM Recess
2:00 PM Annual meeting (voting on board nominees, auditor ratification, shareholder proposals)
4:00 PM Exhibition hall closes

With the formal meeting wrapped by late afternoon, the evening opens up. The Fireside Chat at the Hilton (5:00 PM) is a popular way to decompress and talk shop before heading to dinner.

Boxed Lunch Vouchers

In recent years, limited vouchers have been available for advance purchase starting at 12:00 PM Friday, redeemable at express lunch stations on Saturday. Confirm availability for 2026.

The Bookworm - Author Meet-and-Greet

  • Location: The Bookworm, 2501 S 90th St #111, Omaha, NE 68124
  • Shareholder discount: 20% off all books Friday, May 1 through Monday, May 4 with credentials.
  • Investing authors typically sign copies and meet readers throughout AGM Saturday.

NFM Berkshire Picnic

Typically 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Nebraska Furniture Mart (see NFM details in Section 3.1).

Borsheims - Saturday Shopping

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (see Borsheims details in Section 3.1).

Vitaliy's Fireside Chat with Adam Anderson, CEO of Innovex

A relaxed, post-meeting conversation between Vitaliy Katsenelson and Innovex CEO Adam Anderson. The fireside format keeps things unscripted -- expect a wide-ranging discussion on capital allocation, building durable businesses, and the thinking behind long-term decision-making. The Hilton ballroom setting seats a few hundred, so it stays intimate enough for real back-and-forth with the audience.

  • Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Location: Hilton Omaha, 1001 Cass St, Omaha, NE 68102
  • Cost: Free (RSVP required)
  • Registration: RSVP here
Pro Tip

The Fireside Chat is one of the few chances to hear a sitting CEO talk candidly about capital allocation in a small-group setting. RSVP early. These seats fill up.

3.6 Sunday, May 3

"Invest in Yourself" 5K Run

  • Expected date: Sunday, May 3, 2026
  • Start time: Typically 8:00 AM
  • Sponsored by: Brooks Running (a Berkshire subsidiary)
  • Cost: Paid entry (register early - prices have historically increased closer to the event)
  • Official site: investinyourself5k.com
  • Race package pickup: Typically Saturday at CHI Health Center
  • All fitness levels welcome. Many participants walk.

Vitaliy's Intellectual Investor Breakfast and Q&A

One of the weekend's longest-running gatherings. Vitaliy hosts an open Q&A that ranges well beyond stock picks -- topics tend to span investing frameworks, Stoic philosophy, parenting, classical music, book recommendations, and whatever else the room wants to talk about. The Sunday-morning pace is unhurried, and the meet-and-greet afterward is a good chance to connect with other attendees.

  • 8:45 AM - Breakfast
  • 9:30-11:00 AM - Q&A
  • 11:00 AM-12:00 PM - Meet and greet + book signing
  • Location: Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District, 222 N 10th St, Omaha, NE 68102
  • Cost: Free (RSVP required)
  • Registration: RSVP here
Pro Tip

Arrive by 8:45 to grab a seat. The Q&A covers topics you won't hear at the main meeting: Stoic philosophy, book recommendations, investing frameworks, and whatever else the room wants to dig into.

2nd Annual IdeaHouse Value Investing Best Stock Ideas Conference

  • Time: 1:00 PM - 6:30 PM
  • Location: Courtyard Omaha Downtown/Old Market

Borsheims - Shareholder-Only Shopping Day

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM (see Borsheims details in Section 3.1).

Pro Tip

Sunday morning is typically the most relaxed part of the week and one of the best windows for meaningful conversations. The 5K is as much social as athletic.

3.7 Events FAQ

How do I register for side events? Most have their own registration pages. The Good Investing events calendar (good-investing.net) has historically maintained a curated list. Also monitor the Corner of Berkshire & Fairfax forum and search #BRK2026 on social media.

Are events free? It varies. Official Berkshire-affiliated events (AGM, exhibition hall, NFM gathering, Borsheims shopping) have historically been free with credentials. Independent events range from free to several thousand dollars.

Can non-shareholders attend side events? Generally yes - most independent conferences, dinners, and meetups don't require credentials. Credentials are typically needed for the AGM itself, the exhibition hall, and official Borsheims shareholder events.

Dress code? Casual to business casual for nearly all events.

4. The Main AGM Day

4.1 How to Ask a Question

  • Microphone drawing: Floor microphones are stationed throughout the arena. Drawings for microphone positions begin at 8:15 AM.
  • Pre-submit questions by email: Send questions to [email protected]. CNBC journalists select and read pre-submitted questions during the Q&A.
  • Keep your question short, specific, and focused on Berkshire's business. Clarity beats cleverness.

4.2 Getting to the CHI Health Center

Recommended arrival times (based on past attendee experience):

  • For an excellent seat: 3:00-4:00 AM
  • For a decent seat: 5:30-6:00 AM
  • To be in the building: 7:00 AM when doors typically open (overflow seating with video screens available)

Parking (based on recent venue and meeting guidance):

  • Surface lots: ~$10 / Garages: ~$15 / Bus/RV/trailer: ~$25
  • Lots have typically opened very early on meeting day

Shuttles: In recent years, complimentary loops have run between select downtown hotels and the venue (~6:30-9:00 AM), with CHI-to-NFM routes in the afternoon and evening.

Walking: The venue is walkable from most downtown hotels. The Hilton Omaha is connected via skybridge.

Rideshare: Uber and Lyft available. Expect surge pricing Saturday morning and after the meeting.

Confirm parking rates, shuttle routes, and schedules with official meeting materials.

Pro Tip

If you're staying downtown, walking is often faster than driving after the meeting. The north entrance to the CHI Health Center has tended to be less crowded.

4.3 What Can You Bring?

Based on recent years (confirm with the official 2026 guide): small bags and purses have been permitted with security screening (no large luggage). Phones and tablets allowed; video recording prohibited. Concession stands operate inside. Pack a portable battery, light layer, and minimal metal to speed through security.

Pro Tip

Plan for 4-6 hours seated. Eat a real breakfast before entering.

4.4 Getting a Good Seat

  • Floor level (100-level): Most coveted. Requires very early arrival.
  • 200-level: Elevated with clear sightlines. Still a great experience.
  • Overflow rooms: Large screens when the main arena fills.

When doors open, there's typically a rush for the best seats. If you're in a group, designate someone to secure seats. Review the CHI Health Center seating map in advance.

5. Exhibition Hall

The exhibition hall inside the CHI Health Center is a large-scale showcase of Berkshire subsidiaries - part trade show, part shopping experience, part investor education.

Day Hours
Friday, May 1 Noon - 5:00 PM
Saturday (meeting day) 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Notable exhibitors in recent years have included: See's Candies, Brooks Running, Fruit of the Loom, Borsheims, BNSF Railway, Benjamin Moore, Clayton Homes, Duracell, Forest River, GEICO, Jazwares (Squishmallows), Johns Manville, Lubrizol, Marmon Holdings, NetJets, Oriental Trading, Pampered Chef, Pilot Company, Shaw Industries, and many others.

Shareholder discounts have been available on many products. New Berkshire-themed memorabilia items are typically introduced each year and limited-stock items can sell out quickly.

Shopping tips:

  • Walk the full hall once before buying anything.
  • Identify large items early and ask about on-site shipping (which has recently closed Friday by 4 PM, Saturday by 3 PM).
  • If you care about limited items, shop early in the weekend.
Pro Tip

Budget 2-3 hours. Friday is the best day for a relaxed experience. Bring extra luggage space - shipping from Omaha can be expensive.

6. Things to Do in Omaha

Restaurants & Steakhouses

Omaha has a notable concentration of steakhouses, and visiting one during meeting week has become a tradition for many attendees.

  • Gorat's Steakhouse - 4917 Center St - Widely known as a Buffett favorite. Old-school Italian-American steakhouse. Reservations essential during meeting week. 402-551-3733.
  • Piccolo Pete's - 2202 S. 20th St - Italian-American restaurant with steaks and pasta. (Confirm current operating status before visiting.)
  • Mahogany Prime Steakhouse - Upscale fine dining in the Old Market area.
  • 801 Chophouse - Paxton Building downtown. High-end steaks and seafood.
  • Cascio's Steak House - Old-school Italian-steakhouse in South Omaha.
  • Other highlights: V. Mertz (fine dining, Old Market), Le Voltaire (French), Ahmad's Persian Cuisine.
Pro Tip

Make steakhouse reservations at least two weeks in advance. Thursday and Saturday nights are the hardest to book.

For more restaurant picks and local favorites from someone who's been making this trip for 15+ years, see Vitaliy's Guide to Omaha.

Worth a Visit

The Old Market District (cobblestone streets, galleries, restaurants, nightlife) is the social heart of downtown during meeting week. Henry Doorly Zoo is consistently rated among the best in the country if you have a free afternoon. Warren Buffett's house at 5505 Farnam St in the Dundee neighborhood is a popular photo stop from the public sidewalk.

7. Getting Around

Airport: Eppley Airfield (OMA) - ~5 miles / 10 minutes from downtown. Direct flights from many major US hubs. Flight prices spike for meeting weekend - book 2-3 months in advance. The airport is undergoing construction; some amenities may be limited.

Ground transportation: Uber and Lyft are available throughout Omaha (expect surge pricing AGM Saturday). Complimentary shuttle loops between downtown hotels and the venue have been provided in recent years. A rental car is helpful if you want to visit NFM, Borsheims, or attractions outside downtown.

Key Distances from CHI Health Center

Destination Approximate Distance Drive Time
Hilton Omaha Connected via skybridge 2 min walk
Old Market District ~0.5 miles 8 min walk
Borsheims ~8 miles 15 min drive
Nebraska Furniture Mart ~7 miles 12 min drive
Buffett's House (Dundee) ~4 miles 10 min drive
Gorat's Steakhouse ~3 miles 8 min drive
Eppley Airfield ~5 miles 10 min drive

8. Planning Your Trip

Hotels

Book early. Downtown hotels near the CHI Health Center sell out well in advance and prices are at a premium.

Downtown (walking distance to CHI Health Center):

  • Hilton Omaha - Connected to the venue via skybridge. Books out earliest.
  • Courtyard by Marriott Downtown (101 S. 10th St)
  • Hyatt Place Downtown (540 S. 12th St)
  • Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District
  • Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel
  • Magnolia Hotel (1615 Howard St)
  • Embassy Suites (555 S. 10th St)
  • DoubleTree (1616 Dodge St)

West Omaha (near NFM/Borsheims, typically easier parking):

  • Marriott Regency (10220 Regency Cir)
  • Hampton Inn (11201 Davenport St)
  • TownePlace Suites (10865 W. Dodge Rd)

Budget strategies: Airbnb/VRBO (some investor communities coordinate shared rentals), Council Bluffs, Iowa hotels (across the river, ~10-15 min, significantly cheaper), or Des Moines/Lincoln for the truly budget-conscious.

Pro Tip

If you want the Hilton, book 6-12 months out. For other downtown hotels, 3-4 months. If you're attending multiple side events, the time savings from staying downtown is worth the premium.

Budget

A budget-conscious attendee staying at a less expensive hotel, eating modestly, and attending only free events can do the trip for roughly $1,000-$1,500. A premium experience with a downtown hotel, steakhouse dinners, conference tickets, and shopping can easily reach $3,000-$5,000+. The biggest controllable cost is impulse shopping - set a "fun budget" before you arrive.

Sample 5-Day Itinerary (Wednesday-Sunday)

Confirm all event details with official and organizer sources.

Day Activities
Wednesday Arrive. Settle in. Explore Old Market. Informal investor meetups.
Thursday Conference sessions or free day. CFA Value Investing Dinner (5:30 PM).
Friday Morning conference (VALUEx, Value Investor Conference, or Gabelli). Afternoon: credential pickup and exhibition hall. Evening: Borsheims shareholder shopping (6-8 PM).
Saturday AGM Day. Arrive early. Full meeting. NFM gathering or steakhouse dinner.
Sunday Brooks 5K (8 AM). Katsenelson breakfast (8:45 AM). Borsheims shopping (11 AM-4 PM). Depart.

Final Planning Checklist

The meeting is the center of gravity, but the weekend is the experience. Show up curious, organized, and open to conversation - Omaha tends to reward it.

Official Resources

About This Guide

This is an independent, unofficial guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Berkshire Hathaway Inc. or any of its subsidiaries. All information is compiled from publicly available sources and past attendee experience. Schedules, prices, policies, and logistics may change without notice. Always verify details with official sources before making travel or purchasing decisions. Check the official Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting page for the latest updates.

For a more personal take on the weekend -- restaurant recommendations, the community side of things, and tips on bringing your kids -- see Vitaliy's Guide to Omaha.

Last updated: March 2026