Auctioneering: It’s More Than Just Fast Talking

The weekend of January 31-February 1, 2020 was a busy one for Arkansas Auctioneers Association (AAA). This is when auctioneers from across Arkansas gather for the Annual AAA Winter Meeting, in Hot Springs, AR, at the Hotel Hot Springs & Spa.

While auctioneers come for continuing educational credit, the convention offers many more opportunities for both seasoned veterans of the auction profession as well as newcomers to the industry. Some say it’s the competition that attracts them. Others say it’s the entertaining nature of the business. Whatever the case, people everywhere are sold on auctions.

Real estate, collector cars, antiques, art, business equipment, electronics, livestock…it’s hard to name something that hasn’t been sold at auction. No one understands this better than the auctioneer himself. People who attend auctions often only see the auctioneer as someone who shows up the day of the auction and “talks fast”. Ask any full time auctioneer and you will find out that there is more to it then fast talking.

On Friday, January 31, the 2020 AAA Winter Meeting kicked off with our Annual Competitions. The Arkansas Auctioneers Championship Bid Calling Champion, the sought after title at each years’ meeting. This is where men and women alike compete for this prestigious title and the opportunity to represent Arkansas, not only at a state level, but also at the National Auctioneer Champion Contest held July 14-18, 2020, in San Diego, California.

There is truly something for everyone at this convention, in addition to Champion Bid Calling, Champion of Champions, the Junior and Rookie Contests are included for the novice beginner and the Ringman competition is fierce. The following winners were announced at the 2020 Winter Meeting.