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2020 Georgia Auctioneers Association Annual Convention!
September 22, 2020 - September 25, 2020

MARK YOUR CALENDARS & MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND!
Make Plans to Attend!
Hello, I am Cali Crissup and I serve as the Executive Director for the Auctioneers Associations in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia & Oklahoma. The Georgia Auctioneers Associations have an upcoming Convention & we would love to see you there! Due to COVID-19, we have moved our Spring Meeting to the Fall. All attendees must sign a COVID-19 waiver to attend our events. Please bring a mask for when social distancing is not a possibility.
If attending is not an option or you feel unsafe in doing so, please visit Conerstone CE to complete your hours online. Click the Online Class link below or contact them by phone at 888-449-3450.
The month has finally arrived for our Conference and Bid Calling Contest. I want to thank the board for their work through everything 2020 has brought. I want to thank you, the membership, for your patience and support. I have had the pleasure to meet many new auctioneers from across the state and look forward to seeing everyone later this month. We have compiled a diverse slate of speakers to touch on all areas of the auction industry. We look forward to crowning a new Bid Calling Champion and seeing who walks away in our new Champion of Champions division. I would like to personally invite you to Rome this September to come together to learn and celebrate this industry we all love.
Thank you,
Perry T. Walden, GAA President
JOIN US IN ROME, GEORGIA, SEPTEMBER 23-24, 2020!
Georgia Auctioneers Association Annual Convention!!
SAVE THE DATE!
Networking with some of the top professionals in the business!. Learn new ways to grow your business!
Location: Courtyard Rome Riverwalk
Room Reservation Phone: 706-295-7006
Enter the Annual Convention Contests! Show your skills!!
Contests have a $0 Entry Fee. In order to enter you must have a current paid membership with GAA and have registered for convention.
Junior (16 & Under), Rookie, Ringman, and Pro
AND
Champion of Champion (Previous Champion of the Pro Bid Calling Contest)
Marketing Competitions for: Social Media, Online Media, Digital Media, Print Media
Speaker Information
Larry Harb, PRI
Mr. Harb aka... the Auctioneer Insurance Guy, is the founder and CEO of AuctioneerInsurance.com, offered by IT Risk Managers, Inc. This program was designed by auctioneers, for auctioneers. He is a graduate of the Ohio Auction School and the Professional Ringmen Institute (PRI).
Started at the beginning of the century, IT Risk Managers, Inc. is a national niche insurance broker that provides risk management solutions for niche’ industries such as the auction indus- try, technology industry or business that use technology and the cannabis industry. We are one of the industry’s premier brokers of Database or Cyber Insurance.
Junior Staggs
Junior Staggs, CAI is a first generation auctioneer and 2007 graduate of Nashville Auction School, where he served as class president. He is a 2016 Graduate of the Certified Auctioneers Institute, the highest Professional Designation attainable by auctioneers.
Junior is an active member of the Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Michigan, Arkansas and National Auctioneers Associations. Mr. Staggs has served on various committees.
Junior is an 8 Time Champion Auctioneer and Owner of The Auctioneer Print and The Bid Calling Boot Camp.
- Owner/Auctioneer at Bid Last And Win
- Affiliate Real Estate Broker at Empire Realty
- Owner/Instructor at Bid Calling Boot Camp with Junior Staggs
- Owner at The Auctioneer Print By Junior Staggs
- Former Coach at Henry County Schools
- Studied at Nashville Auction School, LLC
- Studied at CAI (Certified Auctioneers Institute)
- Studied Mass Communication at University of Tennessee at Martin
- Went to Collinwood High School
- Lives in Puryear, Tennessee
- Married to Katie Staggs
George T. Ligon II, Attorney at Law, LLC
- Grew up on 4th generation cattle farm in SC
- Father Randy Ligon is past president of SC Auctioneers Association and inductee of SC Auctioneers Hall of Fame; sister is also a licensed auctioneer.
- Graduate B.A. in Political Theory at Wofford College, Masters of Science in International Relations at The University of Edinburgh, J.D. from University of Georgia School of Law.
- Current District 2 Representative for the Young Cattlemen's Committee of the Georgia Cattlemen's Association
- Owner of George T. Ligon II, Attorney at Law, LLC, practicing auction law, family farm succession planning, trusts and estate planning, and small business law. Licensed in GA; inactive license in NH. NC and SC Bar admission pending.
- Of Counsel to the Berelc Law Office, P.C., in Lavonia, GA, serving as Outside General Counsel to the US operations of Latexco, an international textile conglomerate based in Belgium.
Christie King, CAI, AMM, BAS
Christie King has been involved in the auction industry since 1987, when she joined her family’s auction business. In 2007, Ms. King received the Benefit Auctioneer Specialists designation from the National Auctioneers Association. She then established C King Benefit Auctions and began fully dedicating her efforts to helping nonprofit organizations, focusing on helping women, children, animals, and various medical foundations. Christie has assisted numerous organizations in generating millions of dollars in revenue for their causes. She was the president of the National Auctioneers Association in 2012, the first female to be elected to this position. She was also inducted into the National Auctioneers Association’s Hall of Fame in 2019.
DESIGNATIONS
- Auction Marketing Management – 2016 - National Auctioneers Association, Education Institute
- Benefit Auctioneer Specialist – 2007 - National Auctioneers Association, Education Institute
- Certified Auctioneers Institute – 1994 - National Auctioneers Association, Education Institute; CAI is the most prestigious designation awarded in the auction industry.
- National Auctioneers Foundation – 2020 – 2021 – First Female President
- National Auctioneers Association - Foundation representative serving on the Board of Directors
- Alabama State Board of Auctioneers – 2013 –2017 - Board Member
- Humane Society Pet Rescue and Adoption Center – 2012 – 2015 - Board Member
- National Auctioneers Association – 2011– 2012 - President
- Chairman and President of Alabama Auctioneers Association 1996 – 1998
- Georgia Auctioneers Association member – 2010 to present
- National Auctioneers Foundation member – 2000 to present
- Alabama Auctioneers Association member – 1994 to present
- National Auctioneer Association member – 1992 to present
- 2019 National Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame – member
- 2010 Woman of Distinction Award – Girl Scouts of North-East Alabama
- 2007 Alabama Auctioneers Hall of Fame
- 1995 Alabama Champion Auctioneer
- Winner of numerous state and national marketing awards FEATURES
- Featured on CNBC “Power Lunch” – Real Estate and Marketing Conditions
- Authored articles on behalf of National Auctioneers Association, Alabama State Board of Auctioneers, and Numerous State Auctioneers Associations
- Adjunct Instructor at the Certified Auctioneers Institute on Benefit Auctions at Indiana University COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Member of Gadsden Ladies Business Forum
- Etowah County Chamber of Commerce
Cheryl King
Cheryl King is the Founder of King Title Group and the Partner for Thomas & Brown, Attorneys at Law. Cheryl is active in the Real Estate Section of the Bar. She is the Director of the Infinity Institute and frequently provides presentations to attorneys, mortgage companies and real estate companies on loan fraud, contract creation, contract interpretation, cyber security and social media. She is a certified Social Media Professional and a certified instructor for the Georgia Association of REALTORS® Partners in Education Department. Cheryl received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana State University and a Juris Doctor degree from University of Richmond Law School. While attending University of Richmond, she was the Managing Editor of the Journal of Law and Technology and a published author. Cheryl is a licensed REALTOR®. While she does not sell real estate, her membership as a licensee provides her the ability to participate as a member of the Georgia Association of REALTORS® for which she sits on the Legislative Affairs Committee, Professional Development Committee and the GAR Forms Exhibits Subcommittee.
Topic--Wills, Trusts & Powers of Attorney: Don’t let title issues affect your closings at the last minute! By being attentive, asking the right questions and knowing the basics of title examinations, you can reduce – if not eliminate – last minute delays. This course not only reviews many title issues and how these issues can be addressed long before closing, but also applicable provisions of the GAR Purchase and Sales Agreements.
Brandon Neely
Brandon Neely, 2015 world livestock auctioneer. 2012 greater Midwest livestock auctioneer champion, and multiple world automobile auctioneer championship finalist.
NAA member. I grew up in Berkeley Springs, WV where we still operate our family farm and a cow/ calf operation. I live currently in Southside, AL. I work 5 automobile auctions weekly and 2 livestock markets weekly. Also I work throughout the US selling special feeder cattle and livestock auctions. I conduct several estate and equipment auctions throughout the year in partner with Jay lawyer auction services in WV, PA, VA, and MD. I work as a full time contract auctioneer. My speaking and Education presentations have been mainly on livestock auctioneering and automobile auctioneering. During my reign as 15’ WLAC I made over 40 guest appearances at livestock markets across the US represent- ing the Livestock Marketing Association and livestock auctioneers. I was an ambassador in promoting selling livestock the auction way. I had several interviews to highlight one with NY Times magazine and a overseas interview with BBC in Europe on livestock auctioneers.
Brigitte Kruse, MBS
Fifth-generation auctioneer Brigitte Kruse is the founder of GWS Auctions, which specializes in high-profile, celebrity-owned assets, royal family estates, Vietnamese artifacts, and fine jewelry sales. GWS Auctions has worked closely with members of the Presley family, MGM archives, museums, top Hollywood archive facilities and rep- resented 16 royal family collections at public sale. Recognized as a knowledgeable industry professional, Kruse has appeared on numerous national media outlets— including Forbes, Fortune Maga- zine, Fox Business National News with Maria Bartiromo, CNN, NBC, ABC, CBS, Bloomberg, KTLA, and Good Day LA—providing valuable insights into the auction business. GWS Auctions has received wide national and international coverage from Forbes, MSNBC, CNN, The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, The Economist, CNBC, USA Today, the New York Post, the Miami Herald, Associated Press and Reuters in more than 38 countries and in 32 languages. A self- made success, Kruse and her husband started the company out of their garage in 2009. GWS Auctions has grown from those humble beginnings and now has an office in Agoura Hills and manages a network of buyers all over the globe. Brigitte Kruse is the first woman auctioneer to set a Guinness World Record and is a proud member of the National Auctioneers Association, Forbes Business Council and is able to conduct auctions in five languages. She is also President of the Kruse Foundation and a Board Member of the Beverly Hills Design Institute.

Trey Morris, CAI, BAS, CAS
2019 Men’s International Auctioneer Championship Champion

Don't Forget to Compete in our Contests!
Awards
- Ringman Competition: $250 + buckle to winner, 2nd & 3rd place plaques
- Junior Auctioneer Competition: $100 + buckle to winner, 2nd & 3rd place plaques
- Rookie Auctioneer Competition: $250 + buckle to winner, 2nd & 3rd place plaques
- Pro Auctioneer Competition: $750 + buckle to winner, 2nd & 3rd place plaques
- Champion of Champions Competition: $250 + buckle to winner, 2nd & 3rd place plaques
- Pro Finalist Medallions

Schedule
Wednesday Night
- Contestant meeting and roll call 4:00 p.m.
- Rookie Division starting at 6:00 p.m.
- Ringmen Division
- Pro Division Preliminary
- Finalists Announced
Thursday Night
- Contestant meeting and roll call 4:00
- Banquet Starts at 6
- Junior Division
- Pro Division Interview / Finals
- Champion of Champions Competition
- Announcement of all competition winners and awards presentations
Friday Night
- Contestant meeting and roll call 4:00 p.m.
- Rookie Division starting at 6:00 p.m.
- Ringmen Division
- Pro Division Preliminary
- Finalists Announced
Saturday Night
- Contestant meeting and roll call 4:00
- Banquet Starts at 6
- Junior Division
- Pro Division Interview / Finals
- Champion of Champions Competition
- Announcement of all competition winners and awards presentations
2020 Contest Rules
General Competition Rules
- Other than Junior Auctioneer contestants, all contestants must be paid registrants, either member or non member, for the GAA convention of the year they are competing.
- Contestants do NOT have to be licensed to compete in any competition
- NO entry fee for any competitions, must register for convention, member or non member unless in the Junior contest
- Georgia residence is not required for any contest
- Contestants may enter as many Divisions for which they qualify. Contestant must not have ever won the Division(s) they are entering.
- Champion of Champions competition will only be held every 5 years as participation allows
- A panel of judges will be assembled by the GAA Board of directors. Judge panel will consist of 3-5 judges, preferably auctioneers.
- Score sheets appropriate for each competition will be provided for each judge in each competition.
- Judges shall remain the same for all contests, preliminary and finals. If a judge change is required, the GAA Board of Directors will appoint a competent replacement judge.
- The GAA Board of Directors will make every attempt possible to avoid bias and/or partiality to any contestant(s) for any reason
- Contestants MUST attend the roll call and contestants meetings at 4pm on Friday and/or Saturday of the GAA convention, prior to that evening’s competitions if they are to compete that night.
- Contestant orders will be drawn at the respective contestants and roll call meetings prior to each evening’s competitions.
- Microphones and sound system will be adjusted and set during contestant meetings and will not be adjusted at any point during the competitions. All contestants will be allowed a sound / mic check during the contestants meetings.
- Contestants understand that by competing in any competition, they are volunteering, should they win, to be an ambassador for the GAA and the auction industry at large. They will make every attempt to make appearances as needed for future events and agree to appear in press releases and promotion for the GAA.
Ringman Championship Competition
- Contest will consist of men and women combined, no minimum age
- Contestants must be a paid convention registrant, member or non member.
- One auctioneer will be designated by the GAA Board of Directors to sell ALL items for ALL contestants. The previous year’s Pro Division champion will be the default choice. If he/she is unable to participate for any reason, GAA will choose an auctioneer for the competition at its own discretion.
- Contestants must bring 2 items with a value of $25 or more for the competition.
- Contestants will be provided a microphone on a floor stand and will introduce themselves and represent their own donated items in the competition.
- The designated auctioneer will ONLY call bids for the items and rely on contestant to catch all bids. The auctioneer will make every possible attempt to perform uniformly for all contestants.
- Contest will consist of one round with each contestant representing (2) items.
- Ringman competition will be held on Friday night of the GAA convention, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
- Contestants’ scores will be tabulated at the end of the ringman competition. The top three scoring contestants will be announced and awards presented at the end of the Saturday night competitions.
Junior Auctioneer Championship Competition
- Contest will consist of boys and girls combined, High School Senior & Below with no minimum age
- Contestants must bring 2 items with a value of $25 or more for the competition.
- Contest will consist of one round with each contestant representing (2) items. Contestants will sell the items they bring for the competition.
- Junior auctioneer competition will be held on Saturday night of the GAA convention, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
- Contestants’ scores will be tabulated at the end of the Junior competition. The top three scoring contestants will be announced and awards presented at the end of the Saturday night competitions.
Rookie Auctioneer Championship Competition
- Contest will consist of men and women combined, over the age of 18
- Contestants must be a paid convention registrant, member or non member, and and have been an active auctioneer for less than 5 years.
- Contestants must bring 2 items with a value of $25 or more for the competition.
- Contest will consist of one round with each contestant representing (2) items. Contestants will sell the items they bring for the competition.
- Rookie auctioneer competition will be held on Friday night of the GAA convention.
- Contestants’ scores will be tabulated at the end of the Rookie competition. The top three scoring contestants will be announced and awards presented at the end of the Saturday night competitions.
Professional Auctioneer Championship Competition
- Contest will consist of men and women combined, over the age of 18
- Contestants must be a paid convention registrant and and have been an active auctioneer for more than 5 years, unless a previous Rookie Champion.
- Contestants must bring 4 items with a value of $25 or more for the competition.
- Contest will consist of one preliminary round with each contestant representing (2) items. Preliminary round will be held on Friday night of the GAA convention.
- The number of contestants that advance to the finals round will be determined by the total number of contestants as follows: Up to 15 contestants entered = Top Five (5) Finalists to compete in Final Round, 16-25 Contestants = Top Eight (8) Finalists to compete in Final Round, 26 or more Contestants = Top Ten (10) Finalists to compete in Final Round
- Finals round will consist of an interview portion with each contestant answering 2 questions then selling 2 items immediately following the Junior auctioneer competition on Saturday night of the GAA convention.
- Items sold in the finals round will consist of remaining items donated by at large contestants and additional items provided by the GAA as needed.
- Contestants’ scores will be tabulated at the end of the Pro competition. The top three scoring contestants will be announced and awards presented at the end of the Saturday night competitions.
Champion of Champions Auctioneer Competition
- Contest will consist of men and women combined, who have previously been crowned the Georgia Professional Division Champion Auctioneer OR the Georgia Peach Champion.
- Contestants must be a paid convention registrant.
- Contestants must bring 2 items with a value of $25 or more for the competition.
- Contest will consist of one round with each contestant representing (2) items. Contestants will sell the items they bring for the competition.
- Champion of Champions auctioneer competition will be held on Saturday night of the GAA convention, beginning immediately after the Pro division finals bid calling round.
- Contestants’ scores will be tabulated at the end of the competition. The top three scoring contestants will be announced and awards presented at the end of the Saturday night competitions.
Vendor/Sponsor Opportunities
Below you will find a link that will direct you to an Eventbrite Page & allow you to select any sponsorship levels, trade-show booths or vendor opportunities. I have included a Donation button on Eventbrite, as we know not every company can do a large sponsorship. We want to recognize each and every dollar that is donated to our associations. Sponsorships must be paid for by September 10th to be on our signage!
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly. My phone number is 580-327-7525. If you would like to make a payment by check, please address to the association and mail to: PO Box 71, Stillwater, OK 74076.
Thank you for your time & support of the auction industry!
Cali Crissup
Executive Director
580-327-7525
All Vendor/Sponsor Opportunities are First Come, First Serve!
Details
- Start:
- September 22, 2020
- End:
- September 25, 2020
- Event Categories:
- Community Event, Conference, Contest, Continuing Education, Convention
Venue
- Courtyard Rome Riverwalk
-
320 W. 3rd Street
Rome, GA 30165 United States + Google Map - Phone:
- 706-295-7006
Organizer
- Georgia Auctioneers Association
- Phone:
- 580-327-7525
- Email:
- gaauctioneers@gmail.com
- View Organizer Website