Your Voice, Your NAA: What Our January Impact Survey Revealed

In January, we asked a simple but important question: How is your NAA membership impacting you and your business?

One hundred twenty-three members responded. Every single person who began the survey completed it. That alone tells me something powerful. You care deeply about this association and about the future of our profession.

And what you told us was both affirming and energizing.

The Numbers Speak Clearly

Half of survey respondents, 50 percent, received direct business referrals through NAA connections in the past two years. These were not theoretical opportunities. They were real transactions.

Thirty-seven percent generated $10,000 or more in referral value. Twenty percent brought in over $50,000.

One well-placed referral from a fellow NAA member can cover years of dues. Sometimes decades.

But what moved me most was the member who told us they generate more business for fellow NAA members than they receive back and still described their membership as invaluable. That is the kind of professional culture we are building together.

Why Members Stay

When we asked why you maintain your membership, the top answer was relationships. Fifty percent cited networking and professional connections as their primary reason for staying. One-third pointed to education and continuous learning.

Members described NAA as their extended family. They spoke about mentors who changed their careers, partnerships that became lifelong friendships, and a community where someone always answers the phone.

A 40-year member shared how her children grew up at Conference & Show, racing to reunite with their NAA friends. Those friendships still endure. A first-generation auctioneer told us, “Education made our company what it is today. I had no one to teach me.” NAA became that teacher.

Another member who once joined simply to “wear the logo” has since attended every event and training he could afford. His words were simple: “It is changing my life.”

That is impact.

 What You Are Using

The data aligns with what you value most:

• 45 percent attended Conference & Show
• 44 percent actively used the NAA network for referrals
• 41 percent used the Find an Auctioneer directory
• 38 percent participated in webinars and virtual training

These numbers show engagement. They show professionals investing in growth.

We also identified opportunity. Some high-value programs, including archived Auction Institute courses and certain designation offerings, are currently used by fewer than 20 percent of respondents. That tells us we must do a better job of connecting you to the tools already available to accelerate your success.

We Heard You

You asked for more advanced professional development. More specialized education. Easier ways to connect with the right colleague. Greater geographic diversity in event locations. Expanded virtual access. Clearer communication about what is already available.

We are acting on it.

We have launched Designation Masterminds, bringing credentialed professionals together for deeper, curated learning. The Auction Institute is continuing to be enhanced with improved navigation and curated education pathways. Additionally, we are actively evaluating expanded formats for Designation Academy beyond our traditional model.

Your feedback is shaping our strategy.

The Bigger Picture

Respondents described NAA as representing the highest standard of professionalism in the industry. They said it helps them stay cutting edge, gives small auction companies strength, and shaped careers, both professionally and personally.

One member put it best: “You get out of the NAA what you put into it. I’m very thankful for what the NAA has taught me and is still teaching me.”

Thank you for engaging, mentoring newcomers, making referrals, and for upholding the professional standard that defines this association.

Your voice built this organization, and your voice will continue to shape its future.

-Allison Mazzei, CEO of the National Auction Association