Cultivating Growth & Excellence at NAA 2025 – Schaumburg, IL

Last week, many auction professionals from around the world came together at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center for the National Auction Association’s 76th International Auctioneers Conference & Show. Under the theme “A Garden of Opportunity, Cultivated by Community,” attendees immersed themselves in world-class competitions, continuing education, networking, and cutting-edge workshops. 

Most importantly, this conference serves as a dynamic platform for auction professionals to come together, share ideas, and unite around the core values of our industry. It’s an opportunity to collaborate, exchange insights on emerging designs, operational strategies, and explore new partnerships across companies.

There is truly enough business for everyone in this industry, and by working together, we strengthen the entire profession. It’s always energizing to connect with those who are not only invested in their businesses, but also committed to the future of the auction industry.

Conference Standout Moments:

Certified Auctioneer Institute (CAI) Pinning Ceremony

Congratulations to our very own Lake Boehm and Tim Ault on earning their CAI pins after completing the comprehensive and interactive three-year Certified Auctioneer Institute program, held annually at Indiana University in Bloomington. 

CAI represents the peak of professional development in the auction industry. The program combines intensive coursework, hands-on business planning, committee-led benefit auction projects, and a capstone business proposal presentation. This achievement reflects not only advanced business expertise and leadership excellence, but also the development of lifelong industry relationships. CAI classmates often become a second auction family, offering a strong professional network for years to come.

The smiles of accomplishment say it all as Lake and Tim are showcased with their CAI Advisor Bradley Stoecker. 

International Auctioneer Championship Contest

We could not be more proud of Lake Boehm for competing in the International Auctioneer Championship last Friday, July 18th. His courage and dedication to the auctioneer chant showed while competing with his outstanding bid calling, stage presence, and industry knowledge. If you missed the competition and would love to hear the live chant of auctioneers, go and rewatch via YouTube.

Continuing Education & Professional Development

At this year’s conference, Bryce Hansen of Hansen Auction Group LLC and Daniel Pruitt of TriStar Auction Group LLC led a powerful and insightful session titled "Mastering Heavy Equipment Auctions: From Startup to Success." Their collaborative presentation was designed to equip auction professionals with the tools and strategies necessary to thrive in the rapidly evolving heavy equipment market.

The session focused on transformational business strategies, covering critical areas such as:

• Attracting high-value consignments
• Optimizing yard operations for efficiency
• Leveraging online bidding technologies
• Navigating the complexities of importing equipment

Whether participants were just launching their first heavy equipment auction or scaling an established business, Bryce and Daniel offered actionable insights into business structures, asset acquisition, and operational best practices.

Attendees left the session with practical, profit-driving tools to streamline operations and capitalize on the increasing demand in today’s dynamic auction landscape.

President's Gala Celebration

Our team proudly dressed in their finest for the elegant President’s Gala, a signature evening honoring the 2024–2025 NAA President, John Schultz, incoming 2025–2026 President, Morgan Hopson, and (3) recipients inducted into the National Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame. 

The night was filled with heartfelt moments and many tears, as the room came together in a powerful show of appreciation for John's exceptional leadership and the transformative work accomplished by the association over the past year. John’s dedication has undeniably shaped a strong foundation for the future of the National Auction Association and we are looking forward to seeing what Morgan Hopson, the youngest elected president in NAA history, will do as she steps into her role with vision and energy, backed by a passionate Board of Directors and the newly appointed CEO, Allison Mazzei. This dynamic leadership team is positioned to lead the association into a bold, innovative new chapter, and we can’t wait to see what is in store for the auction industry this next year!

Showcasing Excellence: IJAC & IAC Competitions

Participation in the International Junior Auctioneers Championship (IJAC) and the International Auctioneer Championship (IAC) represents the highest level of professional excellence in our industry. These prestigious competitions affirm elite-level competence and position participants as ambassadors of global best practices in auctioneering.

As young professionals in the industry, rising IJAC participants took the stage, demonstrating remarkable dedication and mastery through powerful chants and refined public speaking. Their performance was nothing short of extraordinary. If your jaw wasn’t on the floor, you missed an inspiring display of emerging leadership and talent.

This year’s IAC brought together participants from across the country, creating an atmosphere filled with energy, unity, and professional pride. The room was filled with engagement, enthusiasm, and respect as peers supported one another in an industry that thrives on connection and shared purpose. The auction chant was truly alive, vibrant, passionate, and celebrated by all in attendance.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to this year’s champions:

• IJAC Champion: Ellie Ratliff
• Women’s Division Champion: Abbey Schmid
• Men’s Division Champion: Tanner Roberts

Wishing each of you an exciting year ahead as you represent the auction industry at its very best. May your talent, professionalism, and presence on stage continue to elevate our field.

Looking Ahead

As our team headed back to Wisconsin, Minnesota, and New Mexico, the week left many marks of personal achievements and organizational momentum as our growth opportunities in this industry remain uncapped for the future. 

We are proud of all of our team members who attended and represented Hansen Auction Group LLC proudly. We look forward to taking the knowledge gained at the conference and incorporating it into our operations for new opportunities and fresh ideas within this next year. 

Happy Bidding!