A Season of Growth, Competition, and Industry Leadership

A Season of Growth, Competition, and Industry Leadership

Waa blog cover

The start of the year has already proven to be an exciting and rewarding time for our team, filled with education, competition, and opportunities to represent our company and clients at the highest level. From the Minnesota State Auctioneers Association Conference to the Wisconsin Auctioneers Association’s Conference, our staff showed up with passion, professionalism, and a shared commitment to continued growth in the auction industry.

Strong Showing at the Minnesota State Auctioneers Association Conference

Our team was proud to be represented at the Minnesota State Auctioneers Association (MSAA) Conference, where education, networking, and competition came together to showcase the best in the industry. As part of the conference, the Minnesota State Auctioneer Competition highlighted the skill, preparation, and professionalism of auctioneers from across the state.

Competing against 11 auctioneers, Lake B. delivered an outstanding performance, earning the title of 1st Runner Up — a testament to his energy, sharp one-liners, and impeccably prepared chant. 

Lake and Andrew also competed in the Ringman Competition, where both were voted finalists and advanced to the finals. Their performances stood out among the field, with Lake earning Reserve Champion and Andrew taking home 1st Runner Up, impressive accomplishments that reflect their ability to keep bidders engaged and auctions moving efficiently.

In addition to those competing, Matt, Tiffany, Bob, Graham, and Dericka attended educational sessions throughout the MSAA Conference, bringing back valuable insights and ideas to share with our teams. These learning opportunities play a key role in strengthening our services and ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional results for our buyers and sellers.

Continued Education at the Wisconsin Auctioneers Association Conference

Shortly after, our team gathered again as the Wisconsin Auctioneers Association (WAA) hosted another incredible conference from January 26–28. This annual event plays an important role in keeping our team educated, connected, and aligned with evolving industry standards that directly benefit our buyers, sellers, and our company as a whole.

Representing our team during this three-day event were:
Bryce, Tammy, Taylor, Lake, Carrie B., Carrie K., Parker, Devry, Lisa, Chris, Jamie, Jacob, Tim, Dylan, Andrew, Mariah, Lexy, and Megan.

In addition to education and competition, we were honored during the conference with several industry awards. Hansen Auction Group earned 1st Place in Apparel/Promotional for our Crewneck Sweatshirts and 1st Place in Photography for We Love What We Do. Our Nitke Postcard also received the Crowd Favorite Award in Print Advertising. These recognitions highlight the creativity and dedication that go into every marketing piece we produce. From booking auctions and cataloging items, to working auctions on-site and behind the scenes, coordinating apparel, and even stepping in front of the camera, these wins truly represent a full team effort. We are incredibly proud of everyone involved in bringing these projects to life.

The conference also featured competitive events where several of our team members took the stage. Tim and Andrew both competed in the Novice Auctioneer’s Competition as well as the Ringman Competition. Andrew advanced as one of the top six finalists, returning to the stage later in the evening to auction another set of items while the crowd watched in anticipation. When the results were announced, Andrew was awarded the title of Wisconsin’s Novice Auctioneer 2026 Champion, a well-deserved honor met with an enthusiastic crowd response.

Throughout the competitions, Lake volunteered as a Ringman for many contestants, helping spot bids, maintain energy in the room, and support fellow auctioneers — a perfect reflection of the camaraderie within the industry.

Why It Matters

Events like these go far beyond trophies and titles. They represent the ongoing investment our team makes in education, professionalism, and innovation. By attending conferences, participating in competitions, and learning from industry peers, our staff continues to sharpen the skills that directly impact the success of every auction we conduct.

We’re proud of everyone who competed, attended, and represented our company with integrity and enthusiasm. Their dedication ensures that our buyers and sellers receive knowledgeable service backed by a team that never stops improving.

To see highlights and live stream coverage from the Wisconsin Auctioneers Association, be sure to follow their Facebook page for updates.