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CAI is different from NAA’s other designations. It’s a three-year program in which attendees spend a week each year onsite at Indiana University. It’s an intensive program involving late nights working on projects, in committees, fine-tuning business plans, and other projects that happen in the time between classes.
CAI, unlike other designations, focuses on the business of the auction industry rather than on a particular asset class. While attendees learn about different types of auctions, the focus is on business planning, development, and structure. Attendees register for CAI I, CAI II, and CAI III in successive years. Gaps between CAI I, II and III of more than two years require approval of the Education Director, and often are addressed by having attendees audit CAI classes for a year before returning to the program.
50 Years of CAI
In 2026, we will celebrate 50 years of the Certified Auctioneers Institute — the highest level of professional achievement in our industry. We want to mark this milestone in a way that honors the past while investing in the future. We are inviting every CAI holder to give a gift that reflects the strength of this program: $50 for each year you’ve held your designation or a one-time $50 gift.
Donate now
for the program prior to registering.
Want to know more
about CAI week?
Certified Requirements for CAI
To apply for CAI you must:
- • Be at least 21 years of age
- • Have at least two years in the auction industry
- • Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent
- • Submit an application with references
To obtain the CAI designation:
- • Attend all three weeks of instruction
- • Complete an auction proposal, which is critiqued by the CAI Committee (between CAI I and II)
- • Work in committees to plan and execute the CAI Benefit Auction in CAI II
- • Complete a business plan (between CAI II and III)
- • Present the above business plan to their class and a team of examiners in CAI III
- • Be a current member of the NAA
Any auction professional who applies and meets the requirements to attend is welcome! Auction professionals who tend to get the most out of the CAI program are:
- • Owners currently working in their business
- • Professionals with 3 – 15 years of experience in the business
- • Small business professionals with 1 – 4 team members
- • Professionals with some cash reserves to start a business
- • Successors preparing for business ownership transition
- • Professionals with a vested financial interest in auctions
- • Professionals with multiple roles across the business
- • Professionals who want to increase networks, leadership, and satisfaction
- • Professionals who want to add lines of revenue or be more efficient with revenue opportunities
- • Owners looking to scale their business
What CAI Can Do for You Earning the CAI designation proves your commitment to the auction industry by taking the time to obtain the premier NAA designation. Many clients look for designations when trying to find the right auction professional, CAI sets you above the crowd as a well-rounded, elite auction professional who:
- • Has strong professional relationships and networks
- • Has a mastery of auction methods and asset classes
- • Has educated business intelligence
- • Is an ethical business professional
- • Has business technology literacy
- • Is an invested auction professional
- • Has leadership mentality
- • Is an exemplary #NAAPro
Trisha Brauer, CAI, BAS describes this class as helping you learn how to strategically grow your business and learn strategies to best service your clients. CAI covers all the bases of being a stellar auction professional and enables like-minded students to have the opportunity to network that sets graduates apart from the rest of the industry.
What Comes after CAI? CAI is the highest level of auction‑specific education we offer. This spring , we’ll preview a new next‑step pathway for CAI‑level professionals through a pilot partnership with the Kelley School of Business (Indiana University)—covering advanced business leadership topics like AI, finance, strategy, and negotiation. Details will be shared with attendees at 2026 CAI and CAI Next.
2026 Classes
Overview
Click each CAI year to view a list of classes. Click on an individual class to learn more.
Are you tired of paying rent? Have you decided to pay your own mortgage and not your landlord’s? Have you outgrown your current home? Are you looking for an investment portfolio? Are you looking for a rental property? Would you like a larger yard? Would you rather live in a different area? Do you want to shorten your commute? Having a clear sense of your reasons for buying will help you choose the right property.
Property ownership is an excellent investment; whether you are looking for your dream home, a rental property, or to expand your investment portfolio. Owning real estate is one of the least risky ways to build equity or to obtain a greater return on your initial investment.
Property ownership is an excellent investment; whether you are looking for your dream home, a rental property, or to expand your investment portfolio. Owning real estate is one of the least risky ways to build equity or to obtain a greater return on your initial investment.
2027 Classes
Overview
various auction methods, specialties, and business skills to
support a successful auction business.
MON. A.M. 2 – Lights, Camera, Action!Presenting with ConfidenceCAI Leadership and Class Advisor
MON. P.M. 2 – Partnering for ProfitInstructor TBA
TUE. P.M. 1 – Exploring Auction SpecialtyOpportunities, Part 2Instructors TBA
MON. A.M. 1 – Welcome andOrientation (Class Picture)Instructor TBA
MON. EVENING – CAI Social Event
TUE. A.M. – Exploring Auction SpecialtyOpportunities, Part 1
TUE. P.M. 1 – Exploring Auction SpecialtyOpportunities, Part 2Instructors TBA
TUE. P.M. 2 – Class Project Working Groups
TUE. EVENING – Class Project WorkingGroups
WED. A.M. – All CAI Classes & AlumniNetworkingInstructors TBA
WED. P.M. 1 – All CAI Classes & AlumniRoundtablesInstructor TBA
WED. P.M. 2 – Mastering AuctionTechnology Instructors TBA
WED. EVENING – CAI Auction ProjectEventCAI Class I
THU. A.M. 1 – Defining Your SuccessInstructor TBA
THU. A.M. 2 – Auction BusinessChallenges & SolutionsInstructors TBA
THU. P.M. 1 – Ethical BusinessStrategiesInstructor TBA
WED. P.M. 2 – Contracts, Agreements,Terms & ConditionsInstructor TBA
WED. P.M. 3 – Is It Worth Your Time?Instructors TBA
FRI. A.M. 1 – Proposals & PitchingTechniquesInstructors TBA
FRI. A.M. 2 – Managing SellerExpectationsInstructor TBA
FRI. P.M. 1 – Class I Wrap-Up &Class II PrepClass Advisor
FRI. P.M. 2 – CAI Class IIIGraduationCAI Leadership and Class III Advisor
what it takes to run and support an auction business for
long-term success and leadership.
MON. A.M. 2 – Lights, Camera, Action!Presenting with ConfidenceCAI Leadership and Class Advisor
MON. P.M. 2 – Partnering for ProfitInstructor TBA
TUE. P.M. 1 – Exploring Auction SpecialtyOpportunities, Part 2Instructors TBA
MON. A.M. 1 – Welcome andOrientation (Class Picture)Instructor TBA
MON. EVENING – CAI Social Event
TUE. A.M. – Exploring Auction SpecialtyOpportunities, Part 1
TUE. P.M. 1 – Exploring Auction SpecialtyOpportunities, Part 2Instructors TBA
TUE. P.M. 2 – Class Project Working Groups
TUE. EVENING – Class Project WorkingGroups
WED. A.M. – All CAI Classes & AlumniNetworkingInstructors TBA
WED. P.M. 1 – All CAI Classes & AlumniRoundtablesInstructor TBA
WED. P.M. 2 – Mastering AuctionTechnologyInstructors TBA
WED. EVENING – CAI Auction ProjectEventCAI Class I
THU. A.M. 1 – Defining Your SuccessInstructor TBA
THU. A.M. 2 – Auction BusinessChallenges & SolutionsInstructors TBA
THU. P.M. 1 – Ethical BusinessStrategiesInstructor TBA
WED. P.M. 2 – Contracts, Agreements,Terms & ConditionsInstructor TBA
ED. P.M. 3 – Is It Worth Your Time?Instructors TBA
FRI. A.M. 1 – Proposals & PitchingTechniquesInstructors TBA
FRI. A.M. 2 – Managing SellerExpectationsInstructor TBA
FRI. P.M. 1 – Class I Wrap-Up &Class II PrepClass Advisor
FRI. P.M. 2 – CAI Class IIIGraduationCAI Leadership and Class III Advisor
or specialize your business for long-term success.
MON. A.M. 2 – Lights, Camera, Action!Presenting with ConfidenceCAI Leadership and Class Advisor
MON. P.M. 2 – Partnering for ProfitInstructor TBA
TUE. P.M. 1 – Exploring Auction SpecialtyOpportunities, Part 2Instructors TBA
MON. A.M. 1 – Welcome andOrientation (Class Picture)Instructor TBA
MON. EVENING – CAI Social Event
TUE. A.M. – Exploring Auction SpecialtyOpportunities, Part 1
TUE. P.M. 1 – Exploring Auction SpecialtyOpportunities, Part 2Instructors TBA
TUE. P.M. 2 – Class Project Working Groups
TUE. EVENING – Class Project WorkingGroups
WED. A.M. – All CAI Classes & AlumniNetworkingInstructors TBA
WED. P.M. 1 – All CAI Classes & AlumniRoundtablesInstructor TBA
WED. P.M. 2 – Mastering AuctionTechnologyInstructors TBA
WED. EVENING – CAI Auction ProjectEventCAI Class I
THU. A.M. 1 – Defining Your SuccessInstructor TBA
THU. A.M. 2 – Auction BusinessChallenges & SolutionsInstructors TBA
THU. P.M. 1 – Ethical BusinessStrategiesInstructor TBA
WED. P.M. 2 – Contracts, Agreements,Terms & ConditionsInstructor TBA
WED. P.M. 3 – Is It Worth Your Time?Instructors TBA
FRI. A.M. 1 – Proposals & PitchingTechniquesInstructors TBA
FRI. A.M. 2 – Managing SellerExpectationsInstructor TBA
FRI. P.M. 1 – Class I Wrap-Up &Class II PrepClass Advisor
FRI. P.M. 2 – CAI Class IIIGraduationCAI Leadership and Class III Advisor
your business plan and join alumni for CAI Next innovation and
masterminding.
MON. A.M. 2 – Lights, Camera, Action!Presenting with ConfidenceCAI Leadership and Class Advisor
MON. P.M. 2 – Partnering for ProfitInstructor TBA
TUE. P.M. 1 – Exploring Auction SpecialtyOpportunities, Part 2Instructors TBA
MON. A.M. 1 – Welcome andOrientation (Class Picture)Instructor TBA
MON. EVENING – CAI Social Event
TUE. A.M. – Exploring Auction SpecialtyOpportunities, Part 1
TUE. P.M. 1 – Exploring Auction SpecialtyOpportunities, Part 2Instructors TBA
TUE. P.M. 2 – Class Project Working Groups
TUE. EVENING – Class Project WorkingGroups
Are you starting your
CAI program in 2026?
CAI 2026 – Class I
SUN. EVENING – CAI Check-in; Meet and Greet
MON. A.M. – Welcome and Orientation (Class Picture)CAI Leadership and Class Advisor
MON. P.M. –Using Portfolios and Proposals to IncreaseRevenue and EfficiencyDavid Hudgins, CAI,AARE; Morgan Hopson, CAI
MON. EVENING – CAI Social Event
TUE. A.M. –Capitalizing Bank, Bankruptcy, & GovernmentOpportunitiesMark Manley, CAI, AARE, CES, MPPA
TUE. LUNCH – Project Working Groups
TUE. P.M. –Exploring Auction Specialty Opportunities, Part 1Instructors TBA
TUE. EVENING – Project Working Groups
WED.A.M. –Exploring Auction Specialty Opportunities,Part 2Instructors TBA
WED.P.M. –Lights, Camera, Action! Presenting withConfidence TimeLuke, CAI, BAS, MPPA
MON. A.M. – Welcome and Orientation (Class Picture)CAI Leadership and Class Advisor
WED. EVENING – CAI Benefit Auction EventCAI Class II
THU. A.M. –Mastering Online Auction Operations &Logistics Jack Christy, Jr., CAI, ATS, BAS, GPPA
WED.P.M. –Strategic Prospecting and Value-BasedSelling Alex Bourland, CAI, GPPA
FRI.A.M. –Increasing Business Productivity & EfficiencyInstructor TBA
Are you in your second year
of the CAI program in 2026?
CAI 2026 – Class II
MON. A.M. – Welcome andOrientation (Class Picture)CAI Leadership and Class Advisor
MON. P.M. – Business Planning forProfessional GrowthInstructor TBA
MON. EVENING – CAI Social Event
TUE. A.M. 1 – Utilizing Partnerships,Joint Ventures, and ReferralsTrae Dudley, CAI
TUE. A.M. 2 – Gaining Loyalty throughCustomer ExperienceTim Keller, CAI, AMM, CES
TUE. A.M. – Exploring Auction SpecialtyOpportunities, Part 1Instructors TBA
TUE. EVENING – Class Project WorkingGroups
WED. A.M. – Determining and AnalyzingYour Business ValueInstructors TBA
WED. P.M. – Elevating Your Brand withStyle and StandardsBraden McCurdy, CAI, AARE, AMM
WED. EVENING – CAI Benefit AuctionEventCAI Class II
THU. A.M. – Protecting Yourself and YourBusinessRich Schur, CAI, AMM, BAS, MPPA
THU. P.M. – Implementing ConsultativeNegotiation TechniquesJason Deel, CAI, GPPA
FRI. A.M. 1 – Born, Bought, or Built:Ensuring a Business with a FutureInstructors TBA
FRI. A.M. 2 – Structuring Your BusinessPlanClass Advisor and Instructors
FRI. P.M. – Class II Wrap-Up & CAI Class IIIGraduationClass Advisor
CAI 2027 – Class III
MON. A.M. – Welcome andOrientation (Class Picture)CAI Leadership and Class Advisor
WED. A.M. – All CAI Classes & AlumniNetworkingInstructor TBA
FRI. A.M. 1 – Managing Team Dynamics in YourAuction BusinessInstructor TBA
MON. P.M. – Honing Your BusinessSales CommunicationsInstructor TBA
WED. P.M. 1 – All CAI Classes & AlumniRoundtablesInstructors TBA
FRI. A.M. 2 – Maximizing Your LeadershipPotentialInstructors TBA
MON. EVENING – CAI Social Event
WED. P.M. 2 – Mastering AuctionTechnologyInstructors TBA
FRI. P.M. – Class III Wrap-Up & CAI Class IIIGraduationClass Advisor & CAI Leadership
TUE. P.M. – Building Businessthrough Relationship MarketingInstructors TBA
WED. EVENING – CAI Auction ProjectEventCAI Class Is
TUE. EVENING – Ethical BusinessStrategies for Long-Term SuccessInstructors TBA
THU. A.M. & P.M. – Business PlanPresentationsPanel of Examiners
CAI Grad Pinning @ C&S 2027
TUE. P.M. – Class II Graduation, Class II & III Pinning, CAI ReceptionClass Advisor & CAI Leadership
CAI 2026 Registration
Costs:
Guarantee:
We are so confident in the CAI program that after you complete year one, if you don’t pick up one nugget that will allow you to grow your auction business or become a more efficient auction professional, we’ll refund your CAI year one registration fee.
Future CAI Dates
March 29-April 2, 2027
March 27-31, 2028
Member: $1499
Non-Member: $1909
CAI Designation renewal fees: $150 per year (due Oct. 31), current NAA
Membership required
Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing and received by the NAA no later than February 25. Canceled registrations will be refunded the registration fee minus the $250 non-refundable deposit. No refunds will be issued after February 25. Hotel reservation and full tuition must be paid by February 25 to attend CAI
“The last Monday of March”