Auction Academy finished the 2016 academic year with the graduation of its fourth class group in November and the completion of its final Seminar Series session.

“We are delighted to congratulate the members of our 4th Class Group, who gathered for their final training session and graduation from Auction Academy’s two-year program in Las Vegas during the NAAA/NRC conference at the Red Rock Hotel in Las Vegas,” said Auction Academy CEO Pierre Pons.   

The Auction Academy provides a two-year training and development experience for automotive auction professionals, which is structured like an executive MBA program, according to Auction Academy.

Auction Academy’s programs are designed to enhance essential skill sets, promote best practices and yield better auction performance. Its faculty is drawn from expert practitioners around the country, and curriculum includes site visits and work with industry experts in all areas of auction operations.

Auction Academy has opened registration for Class Group Five of the two-year program, which is open to all auction personnel, according to Pons. Class Group Five will kick off its eight-session program in the spring.

Following the final meeting of the group, Auction Academy rounded out the year with its final Seminar Series event of 2016 by meeting in Nashville with auction general managers and safety officers to focus on auction Compliance issues. 

Auction Academy’s Seminar Series sessions in 2016 focused on dealer sales, digital management, fleet/lease account management, and compliance.

“We felt there was a need in the industry for a shorter term training program with an intensive focus on specific topics, and launched our Seminar Series with a session for Digital Managers in July of 2015,” said Pons. “That session was a resounding success, with attendance far exceeding our initial estimates and very positive evaluations.  As a result, we decided to expand the Seminar Series to include one session in each quarter in 2016, highlighting a key topic of specific interest to the independent auction community at each session.”

Session for Auction Academy’s 2017 Seminar Series will focus on leadership, operations/arbitration/OSHA, and fleet lease and digital management.