Day on the Hill
April 27-29, 2025
One of the most important roles you can take on as a professional leader is engaging in advocacy efforts that protect and advance the industry you belong to. By participating in Day on the Hill, you’ll help preserve the integrity of the auction profession, ensuring that the policies created today allow auctioneers to thrive well into the future. Advocacy is more than just an opportunity—it is a duty to influence change, raise awareness of key issues, and safeguard the profession you care deeply about.
Throughout the event, you’ll have the chance to meet directly with your Congressional representatives and share the unique perspectives of the auction industry, ensuring that our needs are heard and prioritized. Beyond these crucial meetings, you’ll also learn from a variety of individuals—industry leaders, policy experts, and fellow auctioneers—who will provide valuable insights into advocacy, leadership, and the legislative process. These conversations will help you refine your advocacy approach and empower you to become an even more effective leader in your business and within the auction community.
We believe that when an industry stands together, stronger leaders are forged, and a unified voice becomes more powerful. By coming together on Capitol Hill, we have the opportunity to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact in 2025 and beyond. We look forward to seeing you there and working together to shape a stronger future for our industry. Be sure to explore the resources, schedule, and materials on this page to help you prepare for this important experience.
Who should invest in attending?
- State Association Leadership: Leaders from state organizations looking to represent their interests, grow their leadership skills and encourage their members to focus more on advocacy.
- Auction Professionals, Business Owners, and Industry Leaders: Auctioneers, business owners, and other leaders in the industry who want to stay informed on policy changes and actively advocate for the future of the profession. This is a chance to engage in meaningful conversations that will shape the direction of the industry.
Click each button below to learn more.
Schedule of Events
Schedule of Events
Subject to change. Check back for updated information. All sessions take place IN PERSON ONLY. Unless otherwise specified, all sessions will be held in City Room 2 & 3 at the Hyatt Place National Mall Hotel.
Monday, April 28 | |
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8:00 a.m. | Welcome Speakers: John Schultz, NAA President & Issac Schultz, NAA Advocacy Cornerstone Committee Chair Kick off the event with a warm welcome from the NAA President, who will greet attendees and set the stage for a productive day of leadership and advocacy. Following the welcome, the Advocacy Committee Chair will provide an update on the committee's recent activities, key accomplishments, and the ongoing efforts to advance the auction industry’s interests. |
8:30 a.m. | The Importance of State Advocacy and How to Host a Hill Day in Your State Speaker: Addison Russell, Attorney & Government Relations Specialist at Ramsey, Farrar, Russell & Smith This session will equip state association leaders with the tools and strategies to organize a successful "Hill Day" in their own state. You’ll learn how to engage state legislators, run effective meetings, and mobilize your membership to drive meaningful grassroots policy change. |
9:30 a.m. | Energy Break |
10:00 a.m | Policy Trends Across the Country Speaker: Addison Russell, Attorney & Government Relations Specialist at Ramsey, Farrar, Russell & Smith This session will provide an in-depth look at the key legislation being introduced across the country that affects the auction industry. You’ll gain valuable insights into emerging legislative trends, including new regulations surrounding online platforms, property ownership, and evolving industry frameworks. |
11:30 a.m. | Lunch Break (meal not provided) |
1:00 p.m. | Session TBA |
2:00 p.m. | Energy Break |
2:15 p.m. | Panel: Lessons from Partner Industries Panelists: Tanner Beymer, Executive Director of Government Affairs at the National Cattlemen's Beef Association; Jeremy Green, Policy Representative for Federal Housing at the National Association of REALTORS®; More Panelists TBA Strong leadership and effective advocacy go hand in hand when it comes to driving success and making an impact. This panel brings together leaders from key partner industries—such as homebuilders, bankers, realtors, and others—to share how they’ve excelled in both leading their organizations and advocating for their industries at the national and state levels. This session offers a unique chance to discover how these industries manage change, build strong organizational cultures, and navigate the political landscape to influence policy. You'll leave with actionable strategies that you can apply to both leadership within your own organization and advocacy on behalf of the auction profession. |
3:15 p.m. | Transition Break |
3:30 p.m. | Keynote Address Speaker & Location: TBA Join us for an inspiring keynote address from a prominent government official, such as a member of Congress or another key policy leader. The topic of the address will be tailored based on the speaker’s availability and expertise. |
4:45 p.m. | Group Pictures |
5:00 p.m. | Adjourn |
Tuesday, April 29 | |
8:00 a.m. | Statement of Positions Review & Final Prep Speakers: Isaac Schultz, NAA Advocacy Committee Chair & Katie Mechlin, NAA Staff This session will be a thorough review of the NAA’s position on key legislative issues, along with final tips on effectively engaging with legislators. Attendees will receive the position materials prior to their flight to DC, allowing ample time to review the documents and come prepared with any questions. During this session, the Advocacy Cornerstone will answer questions and ensure everyone feels confident and ready for their meetings. Leave-behind materials, including concise briefing documents on NAA’s top policy priorities, will also be distributed for attendees to share with congressional members and staff during their visits. |
8:30 a.m. | Congressional Meetings Location: Capitol Hill Members will attend their scheduled meetings with their Senators and Representatives. Additionally, members are encouraged to participate in other NAA meetings as their schedule permits. There are also ongoing discussions to arrange meetings with key government agencies. Details on the timing of these meetings will be shared with attendees once they are confirmed. |
4:00 p.m. | Debriefing Speaker: Katie Mechlin, NAA Staff After the day’s meetings, join us for a comprehensive debriefing session where attendees can share insights, discuss outcomes, and reflect on their advocacy efforts. This session will provide an opportunity to highlight key takeaways, address any challenges encountered during meetings, and evaluate the impact of the discussions with lawmakers and government officials. It’s a chance for participants to connect, share experiences, and ensure a unified approach moving forward in their advocacy efforts. |
5:00 p.m. | Legislative Reception Location: TBA End NAA's Day on the Hill with a special reception hosted in one of the iconic Capitol office buildings by a member of Congress (TBA). This exclusive event offers attendees the opportunity to connect with lawmakers, their staff, and fellow auction industry professionals in a relaxed and engaging setting. Attendees are encouraged to invite the congressional staff they meet with throughout the day, providing a unique chance to further strengthen relationships and continue the conversation around key legislative priorities. |
Hotel & Airport
Hotel
Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall
400 E St. SW
Washington DC 20024
It is 26 minute walk, a five minute drive, or a fifteen minute Metro ride to the U.S. Capitol.
Individuals can click HERE or call the hotel directly at 1-800-HYATT (HP91-88-8847) to book a room by March 27, 2025 - subject to availability.
Online Booking Instructions:
- Click the link provided above, and once the page loads, select the ‘Book’ button in the top-right corner.
- Choose your desired stay dates and ensure that the ‘Corporate or Group Code’ option is selected under the Special Rates menu. Then, click ‘Book Now.’
- Verify that the rate includes the G-NAA4 code, and proceed to reserve your preferred room type.
Special Event Rates: $289 per night (plus DC taxes and fees), single/double occupancy - subject to availability.
Airport
There are three major airports in the Washington, DC region: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (airport code: DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (airport code: IAD) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (airport code: BWI).
The hotel is 3.9 miles from Ronald Reagan National Airport and 29 miles from Washington Dulles International Airport. Uber, Lyft, and taxis pick up from all area airports. Or, take the Metro Yellow Line four stops to the L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station and follow walking directions to the Hyatt Place (six minutes).
Pricing & Registration
Pricing & Registration
Register today for Day on the Hill and join us in advocating for the future of the auction industry.
NAA Member | $300 Each |
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Non-Member | $705 Each |
Designation Holder | $225 Each |
Cancellation policy: Cancellations must be made in writing by 4 p.m. CT on March 24, 2025 to receive a full refund, minus a $50 cancellation fee. Cancellations made after March 24, 2025 will be entitled to a 50% refund of registration fees. No cancellations after 4 p.m. CT on April 13, 2025. Substitutions are encouraged.
Day on the Hill FAQs
2025 Day on the Hill (DoH) FAQs
If your question is not answered here, please reach out to NAA advocacy staff at kmechlin@auctioneers.org for further assistance.
Why is the NAA charging for the DoH event this year?
The NAA has made the decision to introduce a registration fee for this year's Day on the Hill. Your investment will enable us to significantly enhance the event, providing expanded leadership development opportunities. Recognizing the strong desire among our members to revive the valuable leadership training experiences of the past, this year's program will offer learning opportunities focused on developing leadership skills and strategies for serving your organization and the auction industry at all levels of government. Day on the Hill will also provide unparalleled opportunities to build valuable relationships with fellow industry leaders and forge crucial connections with government officials.
We believe this evolution of Day on the Hill will deliver exceptional value to our members and position the NAA as a leading force in advocating for our industry's success.
What materials will be received by attendees before the event?
All attendees will receive a comprehensive packet of materials prior to the event. This will include:
- PowerPoint Presentations: Presentations covering leadership, advocacy, and relevant policy topics tailored for association leadership to better understand the legislative process and advocate effectively. Please note that due to time constraints during Day on the Hill, some content we wish to provide will be available for self-guided learning.
- Tips & Tools Packet: Helpful advice and strategies to prepare for your advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill.
- Meeting Times (if requested): If you request assistance from NAA staff, we will coordinate meeting times with your representatives and senators on the Hill.
These materials will be provided electronically ahead of the event to ensure you are well-prepared and informed.
How will meetings with congressional members be scheduled for DoH?
If you would like NAA staff to schedule meetings with your representative(s) or senator(s), please contact Katie Mechlin at kmechlin@auctioneers.org by April 1, 2025. NAA will coordinate and schedule these meetings for you.There is a benefit to scheduling your own meetings, as it helps form a personal relationship with the individuals who represent you. However, for organizational reasons and out of respect for congressional office staff, we ask that you do not contact an office that already has a meeting with NAA scheduled. If you choose to schedule your own meetings, please inform Katie as soon as possible so she can add them to the meeting calendar and ensure all attendees from your state or district can attend the same meeting.
To help with this, you can check the attendee roster at any time to see who else is attending, and if you'd like to make your own appointments, we encourage you to reach out to members from the same state to coordinate and contact the offices together. A calendar with meeting times will be updated as needed and available on this page for everyone attending to check before scheduling their own meetings.
It is most beneficial for the industry's collective advocacy efforts if all attendees from a particular state or district attend the same meeting together. This ensures that we present a strong, unified position when meeting with legislators.