My Journey to Omaha
My journey to Omaha began about two years ago though not in the literal sense. I was mindlessly scrolling through my phone, looking for ways to invest my money, when a video popped up: Lessons from Investing with Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger. That moment changed everything. I’m sure many people have similar stories. From that point on, I was hooked. I started reading Buffett’s annual shareholder letters, consuming every bit of content I could about investing and value creation. I always told myself: If I ever got the chance, I’d go to the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting. And this year, I finally did.
When I arrived in Omaha, it looked like any other city but it felt different. I’ve lived in New York for most of my life, and things there move fast. People are often in a rush, and the energy can be intense. But Omaha welcomed me with open arms. From the restaurants I visited to the Uber drivers I met, there was a genuine warmth to the place. I can see why Warren chose to make it his home. It's peaceful, it's calm and it gives your mind space to breathe, to focus on what truly matters.
Before the Meeting: A Weekend of Learning and Connection
Most people think the Berkshire Hathaway meeting is just about seeing Warren Buffett. While that’s definitely a highlight, the weekend is much more than that. There are dozens of events happening before and after the main meeting panels, meetups, book signings, and networking sessions. As a student, I made it my mission to attend as many events as I could. Not only was there free food (always a plus), but I got to meet people from all over the world. I had conversations with authors of well-known investing books, professionals with decades of experience, and fellow students on the same journey as me. As Charlie Munger would say, I collected some “worldly wisdom.”
There was also the convention center experience, where Berkshire-owned companies set up booths. From See’s Candies to GEICO, it was like a shareholder carnival. You don’t just go for the main event you go for the community.
The Meeting: A Day I’ll Never Forget
On the day of the meeting, my brother, my friend Nicholas, and I woke up at 1 a.m. to head to the CHI Health Center. what was crazy was that there were already people who started lining up at midnight. It might sound excessive, but it was all part of the experience. (Pro tip: Even if you don’t get the “best” seat, every spot in the arena is a good one. Wherever you’re seated, the insights are just as powerful..)
When Warren Buffett walked onto the stage, it felt surreal. I’ve watched him on TV and read his letters for years, but seeing him in person was something else entirely. At 94 years old, his mind is still razor sharp. He made jokes, answered questions with clarity and honesty, and left the room hanging on every word.
One question that stuck with me came from a newer investor. They asked Warren for advice. His response was simple but powerful: “Read everything you can get your hands on.” He also emphasized the importance of understanding the balance sheet over the income statement, especially when you’re learning the foundations of business.
Perhaps the biggest moment of the day was Warren’s official announcement that he would step down as CEO. It was expected given his age, but still a historic moment. Before the meeting wrapped up, Warren left us with a final piece of advice: “Do something you actually enjoy, and work for people you respect. There’s nothing better than that. Because when you’re doing that, you’re playing a game you can’t lose.”
That one stuck with me.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing I took away from this whole experience, it’s that the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting is worth going to no matter how old or where you are in your journey. Whether you're just curious about investing or deep into the game, you'll walk away with new insights, real conversations, and maybe even a different way of thinking. It’s not just about seeing Warren Buffett it’s about being in a room full of people who are hungry to learn and grow. I genuinely believe it’s something everyone should experience at least once.