At a Glance: Berkshire Hathaway meeting in Omaha expected to attract about 40,000 people

Berkshire Hathaway shareholders to gather in Omaha

A crowd of roughly 40,000 people is expected to pack the Qwest Center Omaha arena and surrounding overflow rooms Saturday to listen to billionaires Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger answer questions for more than five hours. Just 12 attended Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meeting in 1981.

CELEBRATING CAPITALISM: Several of Berkshire’s roughly 80 different subsidiaries will set up shop in the arena’s 194,300-square-foot exhibit hall to showcase products. In keeping with the “Woodstock for Capitalists” theme, all the products from See’s Candies, Dairy Queen, Justin Boots, Clayton Homes, Forest River RVs and others will be offered for sale.

SHAREHOLDER FUN: Official events begin Friday evening with a reception for Berkshire shareholders at the company’s Borsheims Jewelry store. And after Saturday’s meeting, a cookout will be held at the Nebraska Furniture Mart. On Sunday, shareholders are invited to again shop at Borsheims and visit one of Buffett’s favorite steak restaurants.

VALUABLE LESSONS: Many who attend the meeting come to learn from Buffett and Munger, but the event also offers the chance to gather with like-minded investors.