Subject: Re: BRK Annual Meeting Observations
“Since I had stopped learning much new by the 2012 meeting - I attended every year in between - I saw no reason to keep attending rather than to meet with old friends and make new ones. And old friends quit attending also for similar reasons. There was ample reporting on the meeting itself and now recently we can watch it via the internet.”
Thanks and I agree with most of your points. I am in Omaha for the third straight year and will keep making the pilgrimage. There is great energy here and a lot of youthful attendees from worldwide. The weekend to me, and most here, is not only about the AGM and of course seeing and hearing Warren in the flesh, but also attending the sub-meetings (Gabelli, VALUEx, MKL dinner/ brunch, get togethers with well known equity managers) with quality learning from not only the presenters and panels but also from wise fellow owners. As you stated, the ongoing friends & relationships are a huge reason I attend as well. Maybe most importantly, Chris Bloomstran made a terrific point which I agree with, we as shareholders want to maintain this passion and loyalty & show active support for this culture and everything WEB & CTM have built. Attendance is of course a lot of fun, but it also makes me feel I will be showing active support of Greg, Ajit & the Board & culture as we own Berkshire beyond Buffett. Most folks I know are committed to coming year after year. My only regret is that I wish I’d attended starting many years ago.