Elevate Your Fundraising Expertise: Why Auctioneers Are Investing in the BAS Designation
The fundraising and benefit auction world continues to evolve, fast. From the rise of hybrid and virtual events to new tech tools and engagement strategies, staying relevant as an auction professional requires constant learning and adaptation.
That’s why the National Auction Association’s Benefit Auction Specialist (BAS) designation remains one of the most impactful investments an auctioneer can make. This year’s BAS course will be offered December 8–10 during the NAA’s Designation Academy in Las Vegas, bringing together professionals eager to sharpen their skills, connect with peers, and grow their benefit auction businesses.
To explore how this course continues to shape careers, Taven Wohlford, NAA’s Marketing & Digital Media Manager, sat down with two auction professionals who previously took the course: Marcela Davila Diez-Gutierrez, CAI, CEO and Bilingual Auction Consultant for Lucerna Auction, and Isaac Stoller, CAI, BAS, Real Estate Broker and Auctioneer for Steffen Group.
Revisiting BAS With A Fresh Perspective
Marcela Davila Diez-Gutierrez first took the BAS course in 2018, but she’s heading back to Las Vegas this year to officially earn her designation and reconnect with how much the benefit auction industry has changed. “It’s been almost eight years since I first took the class, and a lot has changed, especially after 2020,” Marcela shared. “Technology, 360 cameras, new software, and evolving event dynamics have transformed how we approach benefit auctions. It’s the perfect time to go to Vegas and get the designation done.”
This year’s BAS course features instructors Trisha Brauer, CAI, BAS; Nelson Jay, BAS; Kurt Johnson, CAI, BAS; TiWanna Kenney, BAS; and Misty Marquam, BAS, all highly regarded professionals in the benefit auction field. For Marcela, that means not only new insights, but also new ways of thinking about familiar strategies. “I know Nelson and TiWanna are amazing,” she said. “I’m excited to get a fresh perspective and gain new knowledge. Plus, the networking is always incredible, meeting people like Dan Newman, Nichole Pirro, and Alan Frenkel back in 2018 was such a highlight, and I can’t wait to reconnect with them again this year.”
Marcela’s enthusiasm reflects a key reason many auctioneers return to NAA’s Designation Academy, even after earning a designation: continuous growth. “Some professionals I know, like Dan, are retaking the class even though they already have their designation,” she said. “That tells you how valuable and up-to-date the content is. It’s money well spent.”
Turning Education Into Opportunity
For Isaac Stoller, CAI, BAS, earning his Benefit Auction Specialist designation was a turning point in his career. The course didn’t just teach new techniques; it reshaped the way he approaches fundraising events and client relationships. “I’m working with four new charities this year, and I don’t think that would’ve been possible without BAS,” Isaac said. “The knowledge and confidence I gained from that class have made a huge difference in how I present myself and my services.”
Isaac’s time in the BAS classroom gave him both the tools and the credibility to grow his business in the benefit auction space. “When you sit down with a potential client and can say you’ve completed the BAS designation through the National Auction Association, it carries weight,” he explained. “It shows you’re serious about fundraising, and that you understand what it takes to help nonprofits succeed.”
He’s also seen direct results from applying what he learned. “I took a lot of the ideas and strategies from the course and implemented them with charities I was already working with,” Isaac said. “They were thrilled with the changes, and the outcomes proved that the techniques really work.” The relationships he built through the BAS program continue to serve him as well. “You make great connections and learn tips and tricks from instructors and classmates alike,” Isaac reflected. “It’s a community of people who are passionate about raising money for good causes. That energy sticks with you.”
Even though he won’t be attending this year’s Designation Academy, Isaac admits he’s a little envious of those who will. “Hearing Marcela talk about going back makes me wish I were too,” he laughed. “BAS is such a rewarding experience, you leave ready to take your benefit auction work to the next level.”
Ready To Level Up Your Fundraising Impact?
Whether you’re just entering the benefit auction space or looking to expand your expertise, the Benefit Auction Specialist designation helps you gain practical strategies to elevate your events, increase donor engagement, and deliver greater value for nonprofit clients.
Join professionals like Marcela and Isaac this December 8–10 in Las Vegas for an unforgettable learning experience at NAA’s Designation Academy. Learn more and register today at auctioneers.org/benefit-auction-specialist-bas.