Attending my first Certified Auctioneer’s Institute gave me something I didn’t fully expect, perspective.
I’ve heard about the camaraderie and connection that defines CAI. Being there in person, I finally experienced it for myself. It’s real. There’s a level of trust, openness, and shared commitment in those rooms that’s hard to replicate anywhere else. You quickly understand why these classes become so close and why this program means so much to so many.
What stood out to me most was the opportunity to spend time with Class III. I had the chance to lead a session and, more importantly, listen. We talked through a range of topics, from state advocacy to the recent changes made to the CAI format. The feedback was thoughtful, candid, and incredibly valuable.
As the National Auction Association continues to evolve, that kind of input matters. We are in a transition phase, and a big part of that is making sure we are listening better, not just talking. Being in that room reinforced for me how important it is to create more space for those conversations and to ensure our members feel heard.
Of course, there were moments of celebration too. Class II’s Golden Gala was exceptional, and it was great to see alumni return for CAI Next. Celebrating 50 years of CAI at Nick’s was a reminder of the legacy behind this program and the responsibility we have to continue building on it.
But for me, this experience was less about the events and more about the people. I left CAI with a deeper appreciation for our members and a renewed commitment to listening, learning, and leading in a way that reflects what matters most to them.