World-Class Training, Networking + Development For Auctioneers
“Reaching New Heights” – the 68th National Auctioneers Association Conference & Show (C&S) theme is one we at Marquam Auction Agency can relate to and get behind! Auctioneers from all over the world assembled in Columbus, OH at the Hyatt Regency Hotel to network, learn, advocate and further the auction industry. After some time to reflect, we at Marquam Auction Agency agree, our association is fabulous.
C&S 2017 boasted five pre-conference designation classes of which Misty Marquam and Christine DeCastro completed the Auction Marketing Management (AMM) course and Molly May completed the Accredited Auctioneer Real Estate (AARE) course. We have already begun putting this education to GREAT use! Stay tuned as we share with you precisely how…
It was our great pleasure to attend the C&S welcome party at COSI Museum where we danced, indulged and caught up with fellow auctioneers from every corner of the world. The conference officially kicked off the next morning with an inspiring speech from beloved outgoing NAA President John Nicholls. Professional circuit speaker, Jim Davidson, then took the stage and shared his harrowing stories of extreme mountaineering as it relates to resilience both in daily life and in business. We could all learn a thing or two about tenacity, resilience, overcoming adversity and being all-around awesome from these two amazing men.
Our week was jam packed with loads of valuable, industry-specific continuing education, plentiful networking opportunities, the International Auctioneer Championships (IAC), the President’s Gala (who needs sleep anyway?) and a multitude of ways to support both the NAA Foundation in furthering auctioneers’ education and advancing the auction industry – as well as supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the NAA’s continuing dedication in supporting very sick children and their families.
We witnessed history as newly elected Directors David Whitley and Trisha Brauer, Vice President Tim Mast and President Scott Shuman graced the stage with moving speeches and a peek at the direction our industry is moving in. Later that evening, at the President’s Gala, newly inducted Hall of Fame members Chris Pracht, CAI, AARE, CES from Anderson, SC, John “Steve” Proffitt, III from Rainbow City, AL, B. Mark Rogers, CAI, AARE, AMM from Mount Airy, NC and Thomas W. Saturley, CAI hailing from Portland, ME allowed us a taste of precisely what comprises auction royalty over the long haul.
The piece de resistance was perhaps Friday’s annual International Auctioneer Championship (IAC) contest to crown the best of the best in the auction world. Our newest IAC champions, Sarah Rose and Dustin Rogers performed like the consummate pros they are. Heartfelt congratulations to them both (and all of the amazing IAC contestants) on jobs well done! We are confident you will represent the NAA with both integrity, star power and grit.
Perhaps most noteworthy, in addition to all we learned, was the sense that we are all a part of a close knit family of auctioneers helping auctioneers (“AHA!” – as the NAA likes to say). In Director, Trisha Brauer’s words, “The auction industry is rapidly evolving and I look very much forward to C&S every single year to strengthen my relationships with other auction professionals, network, learn, and see where our industry is headed. I get so excited to go and have deemed it the one thing I won’t miss every July. C&S gives us so many opportunities to connect, share ideas with one another, strengthen our bonds and grow as people and auctioneers.”
Our fellow team members in attendance agree. Says Molly May, “This was my first time at Conference & Show, and I literally could not get enough. Usually when you spend a week heads down absorbing loads of information and connecting with as many individuals as possible, you’re ready to go home at the end. Not me. I was energized and didn’t want to leave. It felt like I’d become part of a family.”
Christine DeCastro weighs in, “It’s as much about the people and the lasting relationships you make as it is about the incredible content and education. We all want to see this industry thrive, and we truly care about one another’s successes. It’s unlike anything I’ve seen in any other industry.”
You’ll definitely see us again for years to come! Thanks to the NAA for providing auctioneers with one fabulous week to remember each July.
Want to learn more about our team at Marquam Auction Agency? Contact us today!