2024 shareholder’s meeting

[steph]

Somebody on the board knows if there are any other interesting meetings/presentations the day(s) before the annual meeting? Thx

[steph]

Thx Haryana! 

[schin]

I inquired at the "event" forum -- but, is there a different vibe at the FFH AGM and their events relative to the Berkshire AGM? I have been to Berkshire's AGM meeting once, but never to FFH... worth it?

[FFH COBF Dinner]

On 3/6/2025 at 10:58 PM, schin said:

I inquired at the "event" forum -- but, is there a different vibe at the FFH AGM and their events relative to the Berkshire AGM? I have been to Berkshire's AGM meeting once, but never to FFH... worth it?

Yes, the vibe is different. Both are wonderful. 

 

Fairfax is smaller, but the if you attend the events NormR has posted you will likely find that most everyone you run in to will be extremely knowledgeable and serious, and the events are all first rate.

 

There are tons of smart capable investors and business people at Berkshire, but its just so large and there are so many people who are there for the party. At Fairfax, its smaller, but very high quality throughout. Yes you might bump it to someone who is just there at the Fairfax AGM because they heard the Keg was providing free food samples, but that is rare. Prem and Fairfax are famous to people "in the know", Buffett is just plain old famous.

 

FFH being held downtown in a major financial center your also more likely to find yourself at events that are higher cost or where you might feel more comfortable in business attire. Aside from that, there are many people who attend both, and much will feel familiar.

 

Also, depending on where you are coming from Toronto can be super easy to get to compared to Omaha. Toronto is served by two easily accessible international airports. Omaha is much more of a challenge for many people to get to.

 

I hope that's helpful.

Edited March 20, 2025 by FFH COBF Dinner

[schin]

2 hours ago, FFH COBF Dinner said:

Yes, the vibe is different. Both are wonderful. 

 

Fairfax is smaller, but the if you attend the events NormR has posted you will likely find that most everyone you run in to will be extremely knowledgeable and serious, and the events are all first rate.

 

There are tons of smart capable investors and business people at Berkshire, but its just so large and there are so many people who are there for the party. At Fairfax, its smaller, but very high quality throughout. Yes you might bump it to someone who is just there at the Fairfax AGM because they heard the Keg was providing free food samples, but that is rare. Prem and Fairfax are famous to people "in the know", Buffett is just plain old famous.

 

FFH being held downtown in a major financial center your also more likely to find yourself at events that are higher cost or where you might feel more comfortable in business attire. Aside from that, there are many people who attend both, and much will feel familiar.

 

Also, depending on where you are coming from Toronto can be super easy to get to compared to Omaha. Toronto is served by two easily accessible international airports. Omaha is much more of a challenge for many people to get to.

 

I hope that's helpful.

 

@FFH COBF Dinner - This is super helpful. Thanks.

[FFH COBF Dinner]

6 hours ago, schin said:

 

@FFH COBF Dinner - This is super helpful. Thanks.

I forgot to add that as a first timer from CoB&F, the FFH events are much easier to "find your tribe" and have a great schedule of events compared to the BRK meeting. NormR does a great job of compiling the schedule. At Fairfax, this is not an option among potential schedules, it's really THE SCHEDULE. The organizers try to avoid conflicts and this year there is only one time conflict (between Helios and YYX Toronto Value) where you will have to make a decision.

 

That makes it super easy for a first time attendee to go to Fairfax Week, and be absolutely blown away by the experience. At BRK, a first time attendee is likely to have a list of what they would do differently the next time.

 

Though both are great, if you want to meet a ton of people from CoB&F, FFH is better and easier. All three of the dinners will have a lot of attendees who are CoB&F members.

 

 

Edited March 20, 2025 by FFH COBF Dinner

[schin]

On 3/20/2025 at 7:42 AM, FFH COBF Dinner said:

I forgot to add that as a first timer from CoB&F, the FFH events are much easier to "find your tribe" and have a great schedule of events compared to the BRK meeting. NormR does a great job of compiling the schedule. At Fairfax, this is not an option among potential schedules, it's really THE SCHEDULE. The organizers try to avoid conflicts and this year there is only one time conflict (between Helios and YYX Toronto Value) where you will have to make a decision.

 

That makes it super easy for a first time attendee to go to Fairfax Week, and be absolutely blown away by the experience. At BRK, a first time attendee is likely to have a list of what they would do differently the next time.

 

Though both are great, if you want to meet a ton of people from CoB&F, FFH is better and easier. All three of the dinners will have a lot of attendees who are CoB&F members.

 

 

@FFH COBF Dinner - I officially booked my plane tickets, hotel, car and registered for the 16th Annual Fairfax Financial Shareholder Dinner and Ben Graham dinner too. I couldn't get myself to pay the $925 for the Ben Graham Centre VIC. Looked pretty cool though.  I am assuming you'll run into the same people at these places.

 

I'm going to try to explore a few non-investing places -- any recommendations on food or museums?  Bummed that the Blue Jays are not in town that week.

 

[Spooky]

1 hour ago, schin said:

any recommendations on food or museums?  Bummed that the Blue Jays are not in town that week.

 

For Museums the AGO is pretty nice - great art, a cool building and the park outside is beautiful. There is so much great food, what do you like?

[schin]

26 minutes ago, Spooky said:

 

For Museums the AGO is pretty nice - great art, a cool building and the park outside is beautiful. There is so much great food, what do you like?

@Spooky -  Awesome, I'll definitely find time to go.  In terms of food, I'm up for anything. Seems like the dinner is going to be Canadian/American focused.  I heard about St. Lawrence and the butter tarts. I was going to try to venture for some Asian food too. I heard Indian is pretty good there too. 

 

I just want to try the best they offer... I open to splurge on a Michelin Star restaurant there too. Are you local to Toronto?

 

[Spooky]

On 3/22/2025 at 5:06 AM, schin said:

@Spooky -  Awesome, I'll definitely find time to go.  In terms of food, I'm up for anything. Seems like the dinner is going to be Canadian/American focused.  I heard about St. Lawrence and the butter tarts. I was going to try to venture for some Asian food too. I heard Indian is pretty good there too. 

 

I just want to try the best they offer... I open to splurge on a Michelin Star restaurant there too. Are you local to Toronto?

 

 

I'm a local. St. Lawrence market is fun to check out. The AGO is also very close to China town. Here is the Toronto Michelin guide: https://guide.michelin.com/ca/en/ontario/toronto/restaurants?sort=distance. Can't go wrong with anything on there. Everyone loves Alo, which is expensive and you need a reservation. My favourite restaurant is Bar Isabel which is Spanish. They also have another location, Bar Raval, which has a cool vibe and is inspired by San Sebastian with small dishes / pinchos - great place to check out for some drinks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Cityzoo]

+1 for Bar Isabel, but I haven't been in a long time.

I'm a Montrealer, though, so I'm sure some others can chime in to give you some better advice. 

[SafetyinNumbers]

14 minutes ago, Cityzoo said:

+1 for Bar Isabel, but I haven't been in a long time.

I'm a Montrealer, though, so I'm sure some others can chime in to give you some better advice. 

Ardo is my fave restaurant in the city. It’s not a scene like Bar Isabel can be but the food and service are excellent. 

[Jaygo]

The most fun zone imo College and Ossington area but that is a bit far from the financial district. 

 

I always enjoy Rodney's Oyster house for a casual place that is lively around Union station. That said I don't enjoy fine dining generally and much prefer warm, lively environments.

[KFRCanuk]

from https://www.fairfax.ca/investors/

===

2025 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting

The annual meeting of shareholders of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited will be held in person at the Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and virtually through a web-based platform, https://meetings.lumiconnect.com/400-001-692-242  on April 10, 2025 at 9:30 a.m., Eastern Time.

Please refer to the virtual AGM user guide for instructions on how to participate online: click here . Additional details can be found in our Management Proxy Circular.

===

 

 

Anyone know if there will be a replay of the Q&A?