Berkshire Hathaway shareholders descend on Omaha for first meeting without Munger

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OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Some things have become traditions of the annual Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders' Weekend.

There's always a stop at the investment company's headquarters in Omaha's Blackstone District. People from all over the world stop and pose to take a picture where Warren works.

Henry Evans is in town with his father. He says for him, this weekend is part of his education.

"I go to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and one of my final finance classes is Warren Buffett investment valuation," Evans said. "Being able to see him in person alone is a treat."

Of course, shareholders have to check out where Buffett lives — invading his neighborhood, every year coming by the busloads. Many come from hundreds of miles away, excited to see Buffett's home. 6 News spoke to a group of guys from Belgium. They say Buffett's modest home for a billionaire says a lot about him.

"Just the way he is, his lifestyle, his philosophy," said Peter Lippens. "He's very humble, even being very rich."

"His honesty toward the shareholders is unseen in the markets," said Christopher Vanhove.

There are many people in line wondering how Buffett's financial advise will play in the critical times we live in.

"Things going on in Ukraine and Gaza and Africa and many places — the United States is a good place, but the United States has some problems," said shareholder Thyra Gustafson.

Andy Biller of Council Bluffs believes talk about the company and business isn't the only reason so many people come to Omaha every year.

"It's more about life and investing and making good choices, so again, it's more than just an annual meeting in the traditional sense."

But this year, tradition will be broken -- something will happen this weekend that has never happened before. For the first time, Charlie Munger will not be at Warren's side when the company talks to shareholders.

"I'm hoping they do a great presentation about Charlie's life, whether it will be on tape or have special guests, I don't know," said Art Cohen of Chicago. "We will definitely be missing him. He always had excellent comments."

"For sure, it's going to be different," said John Evans of Chicago. "It was devastating to hear when he passed away, although he led a great life. It won't be the same in one way, but it seems like hopefully it will be a celebration of his life."

Many shareholders will miss Charlie Munger, but thousands of people still come to Omaha and still wait in line to have the opportunity to hear Warren Buffett speak.

"Interested to hear about the leadership succession," said shareholder Monique French. "I know Warren has done a lot of work prepping for it, but I want to know more about the people that are going to take over. We've been introduced to them. I want to see them upfront and really feel what it's going to be like when they take over."

Doors open for shareholders at the CHI Health Center at 7 a.m. Saturday. The traditional question-and-answer session with Buffett is set to begin at 9:15 a.m. CNBC will televise the event beginning at 8:30 a.m.

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