National Auction Association's Conference & Show: A Grafe Auction Recap
July 23rd through 26th was a successful week for Grafe Auction staff at the National Auction Association's (NAA) Conference & Show. The annual conference includes educational and networking opportunities for those in the auction industry, as well as the International Auctioneer's Championship (IAC). This year, the event took place in Pittsburgh, PA, and several of Grafe Auction's staff participated.
From left to right: Judd Grafe, Paul McCartan, John Schultz (at podium), Ben Grafe, Judd, Paul, Charissa Bires
Newly Elected NAA President: John Schultz
John Schultz, Grafe Auction's Chief Marketing and Technology Officer, has taken on an exciting new role as President of the National Auction Association. At the conference, John was officially sworn in, marking a significant milestone in his career. With his extensive experience in marketing, technology, and customer relations, John is set to bring fresh perspectives to the auction industry. His leadership at Grafe Auction has been instrumental in driving innovation and growth, and we're eager to see how he'll apply his expertise on a national scale. John's dedication to both his professional pursuits and his family life exemplifies the values we cherish at Grafe Auction. We're incredibly proud of John's achievement and look forward to supporting him in this new chapter.
IAC Finalist: Paul McCartan
Paul McCartan, our Chief Sales Officer, recently showcased his enduring auctioneering skills at the National Auction Association's 75th Anniversary conference in Pittsburgh. Despite Grafe Auction's shift towards digital auctions over the past four years, Paul's performance at the International Auctioneers Championship proved he's still at the top of his game. Competing for his 17th time since 1994, Paul secured 6th place overall and made the top 15 finalists – his 12th time achieving this feat. This impressive result, especially considering he's conducted only 10 live auctions among 300 online ones in the past year, highlights the seamless blend of traditional expertise and digital innovation at Grafe Auction.
National Auction Foundation Board Vice President: Judd Grafe
Also at the Conference & Show, our CEO Judd Grafe was elected Vice President of the board for the National Auction Foundation. This organization plays a crucial role in supporting and advancing the auction community. With a track record of awarding funding for NAA projects and programs in the past decade, the Foundation oversees initiatives like the National Auctioneers Museum and various educational scholarships. Judd's new position reflects Grafe Auction's commitment to nurturing the broader auction industry.
AI Innovation at NAA Conference: Ben Grafe and Charissa Bires
Grafe Auction's innovation took center stage at the NAA Conference & Show, with our Director of Logistics, Ben Grafe, and Director of Marketing, Charissa Bires, leading an eye-opening session on AI in auctions. Their presentation, "AI at Auction: Revolutionizing Operational Excellence," explored how artificial intelligence is transforming the industry. From optimizing cataloging and maximizing the effectiveness of copywriting and content creation, Ben and Charissa showcased real-world applications of AI in auctions of all sizes. Their insights highlighted how this technology is enhancing efficiency and decision-making, ultimately improving experiences for both buyers and sellers.
Shaping the Future of Auctions
The National Auction Association's Conference & Show in Pittsburgh proved to be a landmark event for Grafe Auction. Our team's achievements and contributions underscore our commitment to excellence and innovation in the auction industry.
John Schultz's election as NAA President, Paul McCartan's impressive performance at the IAC, Judd Grafe's new role with the National Auction Foundation, and Ben and Charissa's insightful presentation on AI all reflect the diverse talents within our organization. These accomplishments highlight how Grafe Auction is helping to shape the future of the auction industry.
As we move forward, we remain dedicated to blending traditional auction expertise with cutting-edge technology. Our goal is to continue providing exceptional service to our clients while driving progress in the broader auction community.
We're excited about the opportunities these new roles and insights bring, and we look forward to implementing fresh ideas that will benefit our clients and partners. Stay tuned for more updates as we apply what we've learned to enhance our auction services. Thank you for your continued support and trust in Grafe Auction. Together, we're not just participating in the auction industry - we're helping to define its future.