Hutchinson Island Marriott where the convention was held, not too shabby.
After finishing a busy week at the Indiana Auctioneers Association Convention it was off to the sunshine state to a very warm reception. The Florida Auctioneers Association Convention kicked off Sunday at the Hutchison Island Marriot in Stuart, Florida .The President’s Reception was scheduled to be held on the outside patio, in the courtyard, but the group was forced to move indoors after the skies in paradise turned overcast. We moved inside and everyone took advantage of the opportunity to see old friends and get acquainted with some of the newcomers.
Monday morning the group of 60 attendees were welcomed by 2010 FAA president Frank Land. 2011 NAA President Christie King kicked off the convention with a talk on humour in the work place. Attendees then sharpened their skills with a session on mediation for foreclosures followed by an Hannes Combest’s National Auctioneers Association update. After the advertising awards luncheon it was back to the classroom for sessions on REOs and team building. With such a tight group it allowed for Don Shearers talk on ethics in auctioneering to be quite light hearted but after everyone shared some stories everyone was able to take a good look in the mirror and take home some valuable information.
Past presidents on hand at this years convention
That evening the banquet dinner was held where the association recognised a few members for their commitment. KC Daniel and Laura Mancinelli took home the awards for FAA Bid Calling Champion and Rookie Bid Calling Champion. The FAA was very gracious in letting myself take the microphone for a quick 5 minute introduction for myself and Global Auction Guide. Everyone had a great time as the evening rolled on with lots of money raised in the fun auction. I was doing my best to bid on anything I figured could fit into my suitcase on the way back to Canada, but was thankfully out bid on the items I had my eye on. The one year subscription to Global Auction Guide we donated to the fun auction went for a steal of a deal at $300, as after the auction everyone admitted that they would likely be signing up for the regular annual price of $360 USD, and should have spotted the deal. The biggest “bargain” of the fun auction was a toss up between the high selling centerpiece or the set of dozen pooper scoopers depending on who you ask.
KC Daniel wins the bid calling competition
The final day of the convention was focused on building a better auction company. With talks from the senior area manager for Small Business Administration, NAA CEO Hannes Combest on effective communication and Christy King hosting a workshop on real estate marketing strategies. The morning was rounded out with Benny Fisher hosting a forum for sharing great ideas. The convention finished off with a lunch followed by an annual general meeting. Everyone went home satisfied and the convention was marked as a tremendous success with nearly 20% of the members in attendance being first time attendees as well as hosting the most widely participated in bid calling championship in recent memory.
Global Auction Guide
Having a good time at the fun auction
Current FAA President Frank Land and Lee Creech
Benny Fisher hosting a forum for sharing great ideas
