The History of NAA

For more than 75 years, the National Auction Association has brought together the professionals who power the auction method of marketing.

Established in 1949. Built by auction professionals for auction professionals.

A profession strengthened by the people willing to build it together.

What began as a small gathering in Philadelphia grew into a national organization shaped by professional community, education, competition, leadership and a shared belief in the auction method.

Where It Began

The National Auction Association traces its origins to 1949, when a small group of auction professionals gathered in a Philadelphia hotel with a shared goal: to strengthen the auction profession through collaboration, education and professional standards.

The organization quickly attracted members from across the United States who believed the auction method deserved a unified voice and a stronger professional community.

That same year, the association launched its official publication, Auctioneer Magazine. What began as a two-page black-and-white newsletter in October 1949 has grown into a leading industry publication that continues to share insights, education and news with auction professionals around the world.

President Harry S. Truman
NAA Conference

“The thing that worries me is how in the world this many auctioneers could get together and let somebody else occupy the platform.”

Creating Traditions That Endure

As the association grew, it began creating traditions that recognized excellence and helped define the profession.

In 1961, NAA created the Auctioneers Hall of Fame to honor individuals whose leadership and contributions helped shape the industry and advance the auction method of marketing.

The association’s annual gathering—today known as the International Auctioneers Conference and Show—also became the premier place for auction professionals to connect, learn and celebrate their craft.

Advancing the Profession

Education has always been at the heart of the National Auction Association.

The Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI) was created as the profession’s premier educational designation and remains the highest educational achievement available in the auction industry. The program has prepared generations of auctioneers to lead successful businesses and elevate professional standards.

Over time, NAA expanded its educational offerings with specialized designations supporting professionals across the auction marketplace—from real estate and estate liquidation to benefit fundraising, marketing and appraisal.

Finding a Home for the Profession

As membership and programs expanded, the association needed a permanent home capable of supporting its growing national role.

Lincoln, Nebraska

NAA purchased its first headquarters building in Lincoln. By the early 1980s, the organization had outgrown the space.

Overland Park, Kansas

With support from member donations, the association built a new headquarters in Overland Park. For more than four decades, the facility served as the center of NAA operations and housed the National Auctioneers Foundation and the National Auction Museum, preserving the history of the auction profession.

Celebrating the Craft

NAA also celebrates the skill and tradition of auctioneering through the International Auctioneer Championship (IAC)—the profession’s most prestigious competition.

The Championship Begins

The first International Auctioneer Championship was held, with Paul Behr named the inaugural International Auctioneer Champion.

A Historic First

Marcy Goldring became the first woman to win the title following the introduction of separate men’s and women’s divisions.

Today, the competition remains one of the most anticipated events each year at the International Auctioneers Conference and Show.

Representing the Entire Auction Ecosystem

As the auction industry evolved, so did the organization representing it.

In 2023, the association’s public brand evolved to National Auction Association, reflecting the broader ecosystem of professionals who make modern auctions possible.

While the organization’s historic name was the National Auctioneers Association, the updated name recognizes that today’s auction marketplace includes auctioneers, ringmen, clerks, technology providers, marketing specialists and more.

A New Operating Model

After more than forty years in Overland Park, the association sold the headquarters building as part of a broader transition to a modern operating model. As remote and distributed work became standard across many professional organizations, NAA shifted to a more flexible national structure designed to better serve members across the country.

The Next Era of NAA

As the auction industry enters a new phase of growth and innovation, the National Auction Association is focused on positioning the profession for the decades ahead.

The association is expanding its role as a national advocate for the auction method, strengthening relationships with policymakers, industry partners and organizations connected to the auction marketplace.

At the same time, NAA is investing in the future of the profession by building stronger pipelines for the next generation of auction professionals and expanding leadership and education opportunities for emerging talent.

The auction method has always thrived on competition, transparency and trust. The National Auction Association continues to serve as the profession’s convening force—bringing together the people, ideas and opportunities that will shape the future of auctions.

The story that began in a Philadelphia hotel in 1949 is still unfolding. The next chapter is just beginning.