OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (July. 24, 2020) – NAA’s 2020 Conference & Show was originally planned to take place in San Diego, California; however, due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the NAA decided to transition the event to an online experience to continue to bring valuable education and networking opportunities to its members. On July 14-16, the virtual event came to fruition with NAA’s Virtual 71st International Auctioneers Conference & Show, welcoming more than 300 attendees to join industry peers in learning and networking.
With three keynote sessions from outside industry experts and 25 auction education sessions, attendees could tune into three days full of quality conference education at a 40% off COVID-19 Discount rate. Plus, attendees can watch (and re-watch) conference education sessions and meetings on-demand through the end of the 2020.
“We know how important providing high educational value is to our member, especially in the current economic climate. And this year’s virtual Conference & Show provides that high value experience in a new and exciting virtual environment,” Kristina Franz, NAA director of education, said.
Besides education, attendees could also network with their colleagues on the daily Coffee & Conversations and Happy Hour Zoom meetings, hosted by familiar faces of the NAA. These events created an environment of fellowship and connection between the attendees.
“With our new cornerstone of community, we're really focusing on building relationships in the auction industry," said Erin Shipps, NAA director of marketing and communications. "Our daily face-to-face virtual gatherings were well-attended and so much fun! Our industry really needed this morale boost."
On the final day of the virtual conference, NAA leadership facilitated a live-stream NAA Annual Business Meeting and Foundation Annual Business meeting where new leadership were elected and new NAA President Terri Walker addressed the membership. During the Foundation Annual Business Meeting, the Foundation kicked off their Pass It Forward fundraiser and raised over $100,000.
Also during the Annual Business Meeting, NAA leadership announced the association’s new mission and vision:
NATIONAL AUCTIONEERS ASSOCIATION’S MISSION
The National Auctioneers Association serves auction entrepreneurs with services provided based on four cornerstones: promotions, advocacy, education and community.
NATIONAL AUCTIONEERS ASSOCIATION’S VISION
The National Auctioneers Association will be the voice of the auction profession.
For additional information, contact NAA Director of Marketing & Communications Erin Shipps at eshipps@auctioneers.org
About the National Auctioneers Association
Founded in 1949, NAA is the world’s largest professional association dedicated to auction professionals. Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, the NAA represents the interests of thousands of auction professionals in the U.S., Canada and across the world.
The NAA is a membership-based organization and represents a range of auction professionals who service a variety of industries. The association is dedicated to providing its members with educational programming and resources to help them advance themselves and, in turn, the industry. Members of the NAA abide by a strict Code of Ethics and are connected with an extensive network of auction professionals. To learn more about the auction method of marketing or find an auction or auctioneer, please visit auctioneers.org.