AUCTIONEERING: IT’S MORE THAN JUST FAST TALKING
The weekend of February 1-2, 2019 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, February 1, the 2019 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 9-13, 2019, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
There is truly something for everyone at this convention, in addition to Champion Bid Calling, the Junior and Rookie Contests are included for the novice beginner and the Ringman competition is fierce. The following winners were announced at the 2019 Winter Meeting.
The 2019 Junior Bid Calling Contest
- 3rd Place: Ben Witcher
- 2nd Place: Kacey Davis
- 1st Place: Carlton Wilcox
The 2019 Rookie Bid Calling Contes
- 3rd Place: Spencer Wilson
- 2nd Place: Wade Andrews
- 1st Place: Dillon Butler
The 2019 Ringman Contest
- 3rd Place: Dennis Huggins
- 2nd Place: Ron Spiva
- 1st Place: Spencer Wilson
The 2019 Pro Bid Calling Contest
- 2nd Place: Tony Wisely & Dennis Huggin
- 1st Place: Junior Staggs
Advertising contest winners
- Color Sale Bill: Border Town Auctions
- Black and White Sale Bill: Bid Last & Win
- Photography: Stafford Auction
- Postcard: King Real Estate
- Stationary: Bid Last & Win
- Newspaper: Bid Last & Win
- Website: Witcher Auctions
- Social Media Page: Witcher Auctions
Last but not least, each year the AAA chooses an individual for the prestigious title of the AAA Hall of Fame Inductee. This year, Willie Morgan was selected for this honor.
Auctioneers create a competitive and entertaining atmosphere that attracts consumers to the sale. Their hand gestures, eye contact with the crowd and their rhythmic “chant” stirs buyers and brings the sale to life. It’s what separates auctions from other types of sales. Though one of the oldest methods of sale around, auctions continue to thrive and grow and are held today around the world. Auctioning has stayed tried and true with the times and continues to be a favorite among buyers and sellers.