Established 1950

Legislative Committee

Responsibilities: Keep abreast of proposed legislation, laws and administrative rules that affect the auction industry. Consider and recommend proposed legislative action to the board of directors. Write articles/reports for the association/s publications. Propose activities to strengthen the identity of the association and the auction method with the legislature. Invite area legislators to conferences.

Marketing Committee

Responsibilities: Oversee marketing program. Pursue projects to promote the association to prospective members, vendors, sponsors. Generate ideas for marketing items, such as caps, crocks, lapel pins, bumper stickers. Recommend methods to promote the auction method of marketing; pursue Governor’s Proclamation for National Auction Day; WAA staff has letter and sample proclamation; attend signing ceremony at state capitol; generate press releases.

Convention Committee

Responsibilities: Work with education committee and staff to provide education, networking and social opportunities for members, including pre- and post-conference activities such as tours, entertainment, meal.

Education Committee

Responsibilities: To recommend education, including but not limited to conferences and seminars, that provides WAA members with program choices that meet their areas of interest, be it specialty auctions, the latest technology, marketing, advertising, business planning, motivation/inspiration, or any other subject deemed by the committee to be necessary and timely; and Identify topics, speakers and length of presentations for proposal to the board.

Legislative Committee

Responsibilities: Keep abreast of proposed legislation, laws and administrative rules that affect the auction industry. Consider and recommend proposed legislative action to the board of directors. Write articles/reports for the association/s publications. Propose activities to strengthen the identity of the association and the auction method with the legislature. Invite area legislators to conferences.

Nominating Committee

Responsibilities: Recruit. interview and recommend candidates for office. Candidates must complete the Commitment and Conflict of Interest forms and return them to the committee or WAA office; submit slate and photos to WAA in advance; publish in advance if time allows. Meet with candidates prior to the election; review the Preamble. Code of Ethics, Bylaws, Responsibilities (Article III), Standard Operating Procedures; and answer questions.

State Champion Committee

Responsibilities: Organize and conduct the State Auctioneer Championship Contest using the rules and scoring method of the International Auctioneer Championship (IAC) contest. 6. Arrange for five judges who have an understanding of the auction business/auction chant.

Bylaw Committee

The Bylaws committee is responsible for the maintenance of the Association’s Bylaws. This committee also provides the necessary communication to the membership pertaining to the Bylaws including but limited to proposed amendments.

Summer Events

Planning and coordinating our summer events including seminars, social gatherings, and continuing education classes.

Membership Committee

Responsibilities: Recruit and retain members. Develop and organize a membership drive or campaign. Review membership application and benefits brochure; recommend changes/additions. Solicit new members on an ongoing basis. Set an annual goal for membership and set up monthly goals for members to work toward.

Member Spotlight

If you would like to be featured for our member spotlight on both social media and our website, please send a short bio along with a description of your business and your areas of specialization. Please also include a photo of yourself and some of your business (business photos can be at an auction or your facility). Make sure to include your business contact information in case someone is looking for a referral.

Press Releases

Are you celebrating a company milestone or have other newsworthy items to share? Let us know so we can send out a press release on your behalf. We have a database of over 150 (and growing) Wisconsin-based news media organizations – television, radio, newspapers, & magazines. We will help get the word out. Likewise, if you are ever published in the newspaper or appear on TV, let us know so we can share that on social media for you.

Where We Want to Go?

Our goal is to grow and improve the auction industry in Wisconsin by focusing on three key areas:

1. Technology - We want to make auctions easier and more accessible by:
* Updating our online auction platforms
* Making it simpler for people to bid online
* Helping our members use new technology more effectively

2. Training and Skills - We're committed to helping our auctioneers become the best in the business by:
* Offering more training programs
* Creating mentorship opportunities
* Helping new auctioneers learn from experienced professionals

3. Community Connection - We believe in being more than just a business. We want to:
* Support local communities
* Host charitable auctions
* Show how important auctioneers are to local economies

How We'll Get There? Our plan is simple:
* Invest in new technology
* Create better training programs
* Build stronger community relationships
* Keep learning and adapting
* We'll measure our success by:
* Number of new members
* Quality of our training
* Impact on local communities
* Ability to embrace new technologies

OUR COMMITMENT: The Wisconsin Auctioneers Association is dedicated to growing, improving, and serving our members and communities. We're not just selling items – we're creating opportunities and building connections. Together, we'll take Wisconsin auctions to the next level!

WHERE

The Lodge in Mauston

Auxiliary Scholarship Application

$500 Certificate will be awarded at the January WAA Convention.

*ACTIVE Member means he/she must be a member of the WAA or Auxiliary for three (3) consecutive years, attend WAA conferences on a regular basis, and be interested/involved in promoting the WAA/Auxiliary and auction profession.

Relative of recipient will be notified before the January WAA Winter Conference. Recipient and WAA/Auxiliary member relative are encouraged to attend the annual Wisconsin Auctioneers Association Conference.

WI Championship Auctioneer Contest Rules (Revised 2022)

1. The full name of the contest is “WISCONSIN AUCTIONEERS ASSOCIATION, INC. AUCTIONEER CHAMPIONSHIP.”

2. There shall be one division combined for men and women.

3. Contestants shall be 18 years of age or older, members of the WAA, register to attend the entire conference, and hold a current Wisconsin auctioneer license. An auction market, auction company, private company or business person, association, newspaper, etc. may sponsor a contestant.

4. The current Novice of the Year shall be one of the contestants but his/her entry fee shall be waived.

5. Entries, accompanied by a $100 non-refundable entry fee, must be received prior to the contest. All entries will be date stamped when received. Contestants will receive a confirmation notification.

6. All contestants must attend the contestant meeting for orientation and drawing for order of appearance.

7. The dress code used for the International Auctioneer Championship Contest (IAC) will be used, specifically: men shall wear business suits/ties and dress shoes. Women shall wear business suits (pants or skirt) and no open-toe shoes. Failure to meet the dress code may be cause for elimination at the call of the contest committee.

8. The sound system shall be preset. Contestants will be allowed to test it in advance but cannot adjust it during the contest.

9. Announcements the day of the contest will take precedence over printed material.

10. Five judges shall be selected by the contest committee. Four judges must be involved in the auction industry (one from the WAA Hall of Fame) and one may be from the private sector.

11. The WAA scoring system (attached) will be used.

12. When the contestant is called by the Emcee, the contestant shall come to the microphone and state only his/her name, city, contestant number, and sponsor(s), if any. Any reference of a commercial nature for the individual auctioneer shall be cause for a reduction of score.

13. In the preliminary round, each contestant shall sell two consecutive items. Before the leaving the microphone, the contestant shall again state his/her name and contestant number.

14. Scores from the preliminaries will determine who advances to the finals.

15. If a tie score occurs in the preliminary round, the contestant with the highest score in the Chant/Voice category will prevail.

16. All contestants will be called to the stage for announcement of the finalists. The number of finalists shall be based on the following sliding scale: 10 or fewer contestants–five finalists; 11+ contestants–six finalists.

17. There will be a drawing for the order in which finalists compete.

18. When the finalist’s is called by the Emcee, the contestant shall come to the microphone and state only his/her name, city, contestant number, and sponsor(s), if any. Any reference of a commercial nature for the individual auctioneer shall be cause for a reduction of score.

19. In the final round the contestants will answer two questions selected by the committee. A time limit of two minutes per question will apply after the question has been read. The contestant may ask to have the question repeated only once. The contestant will immediately thereafter sell two consecutive items.

20. Before leaving the microphone, the contestant shall again state only his/her name, city, contestant number, and sponsors if any. Any reference of a commercial nature for the individual auctioneer shall be cause for a reduction of score.

21. Final scores are determined by combining the interview and bid-calling scores of the finals round.

22. The scores from the preliminaries will be used as the tie-breaker in the finals.

23. The following prizes will be awarded:

CHAMPION – $400 cash, an allowance of up to $250 for a championship ring/pendant/belt buckle, trophy, following year’s WAA dues. The winner will represent WAA and have the entry fee paid for the IAC Contest at the following National Auctioneers Association Conference and Show.

RESERVE CHAMPION – $250 cash, trophy, following year’s WAA dues.

FIRST RUNNER-UP – $150 cash and a trophy.

24. Contestants shall not be given the exact order of finish other than Champion, Reserve Champion & First Runner Up. Score sheets and judges’ comments will be sent after the contest.

25. The winner shall be referred to as “John/Jane Doe, Wisconsin State Champion Auctioneer.”

26. The champion agrees to make a minimum of two promotional appearances on behalf of Wisconsin Auctioneers Association and participate as a speaker or panelist at the following WAA Conference and Show. The champion will serve on the championship contest committee for the two following years and be present at next year’s championship contest.

27. Committee members shall not participate in the contest in the year in which they serve.

28. Past champions may not compete in subsequent contests.

29 The committee chair shall address, as needed, any and all errors or omissions regarding rules and regulations of the contest. The decision of the committee chair shall be final and binding at the time a decision is made and shall apply to all contestants.

30. All proceeds from the auction will be used at the discretion of WAA. An optional buyer’s fee may be charged.

Novice Auctioneer Contest

Have you been an auctioneer for 5 years or less? If so, why not compete in this year’s novice auctioneer contest? Novice Contest will be held this year on Sunday beginning at 5 PM.

You’ll get an opportunity to compete with other new auctioneers and show off your skills. You never know who in the audience may be looking for help at their auctions. You really should enter.

1. The full name of the contest is “WISCONSIN AUCTIONEERS ASSOCIATION, INC. NOVICE AUCTIONEER CONTEST.

2. There shall be one division combined for men and women.

3. Contestants shall be 18 years of age or older, current members of the WAA, and hold a current Wisconsin auctioneer license. An auction market, auction company, private company or business person, association, newspaper, etc. may sponsor a contestant.

4. The contest is open to unlimited entries. The current Novice of the Year may be a contestant but his/her entry fee shall be waived.

5. Entries must be accompanied by a $20 non-refundable entry fee, must be received prior to the contest. Each Contestant is to bring one (1) item to be auctioned off of $25 value or more.

6. All contestants must check in at one half hour( ½ hour) before the contest scheduled time for orientation and drawing for order of appearance. There will be a drawing for the order in which NOVICE contestants compete.

7. The dress code used for the International Auctioneer Championship Contest (IAC) will be used, specifically: men shall wear business suits/ties and dress shoes. Women shall wear business suits (pants or skirt) and no open-toes shoes. Failure to meet the dress code may be cause for elimination at the call of the contest committee.

8. The sound system shall be preset. Contestants will be allowed to test it in advance but cannot adjust it during the contest.

9. Announcements the day of the contest will take precedence over printed material.

10. Three to five judges shall be selected by the contest committee.

11. The IAC scoring system (attached) will be used.

12. When the contestant’s number is called by the Emcee, the contestant shall come to the microphone and state only his/her name, city, contestant number, and sponsor(s), if any. Any reference of a commercial nature for the individual auctioneer shall be cause for a reduction of score.

13. Each contestant shall sell three (3) consecutive items. Before the leaving the microphone, the contestant shall again state his/her name and contestant number.

14. Before leaving the microphone, the contestant shall again state only his/her name, city, contestant number, and sponsors if any. Any reference of a commercial nature for the individual auctioneer shall be cause for a reduction of score.

15. Scores from the contest will determine the NOVICE Auctioneer of the Year.

16. If a tie score occurs in the preliminary round, the contestant with the highest score in the Chant/Voice category will prevail.

17. The NOVICE Auctioneer of the Year is invited to participate at the WI State Fair Auctioneer Championship. There is no charge for this competition to the NOVICE Auctioneer.

18. All contestants will receive participation medallions.

19. Contestants shall not be given the exact order of finish. Score sheets and judges’ comments will be sent after the contest.

20. Committee members shall not participate in the contest in the year in which they serve.

21. Past champions may not compete in subsequent contests.

22. The committee chair shall address, as needed, any and all errors or omissions regarding rules and regulations of the contest. The decision of the committee chair shall be final and binding at the time a decision is made and shall apply to all contestants.

23. All proceeds from the auction will used at the discretion of WAA. An optional 10% buyer’s fee will be donated to a charity chosen by WAA.

Ringman Competition Rules

Professional ringmen can add big dollars to an auction’s bottom line. How they conduct themselves and communicate with the audience and their auctioneer makes all the difference. Here’s a chance to show off your ringman skills to perspective employers in the audience. You could be the champion ringman in 2020.

Purpose:

To enhance the ability to sell real and personal property by the auction method of marketing,

To emphasize the importance of professionalism by Ringmen,

To set personal goals of improvement.

Prize:

First Place: State Champion will receive championship ring with a value up to $250, any additional costs for ring will be paid by winner.

Entry Fees:

Advance $20 entry fee/contestant. All contestants must be registered within 2 hours prior to competition.

Criteria for Contestants:

Must be a current member of Wisconsin Auctioneers Association

Three to five judges will be selected by the committee no less than 10 days prior to contest. They may be members of WAA but do not have to be auctioneers. Judges will be notified and will receive the rules and the judging criteria prior to the contest.

One (1) to two (2) guest Auctioneers selected by the committee may rotate and do all the bid calling for the contestant. The Auctioneers shall be advised not to take any bids during the contest. The ringmen shall control the bidding and use clear and defined commands to communicate with the Auctioneer.

Criteria Used by Judges in Scoring:

Judges will evaluate contestants in five categories, listed below:

Judges will score contestants in each category on a range of 1-10 points;

Judges will score based on the judges being a customer at an auction where the ringman is working.

Scoring:

1. Introduction: Ringmen will introduce him/herself; give contestant number and introduce the Auctioneer.

2. Body language, hand gestures, surveys crowd.

3. Salesmanship encourages the audience to bid.

4. Communicates with auctioneer and buyer.

5. Judge desires to have ringman worth for them.

a. Contestant should not be disqualified for forgetting any of the judging criteria, only penalized.

b. Score sheets will be retrieved by the contest committee and tallied by the committee.

c. The low score shall be considered only to break a tie.

d. The committee shall determine the number of items depending on the number of contestants.

General

Deadline to enter all divisions of the contest will be two hours prior to the start of the contest. All contestants will meet 30 minutes prior to the contest to draw for order of selling and instructions. The Champions Ringman will be announced following the contest. Score sheets will be mailed to contestants after the Winter Convention.

The Champion Ringman will be asked to volunteer Ringmen services for the annual WI State Champion Auctioneer Contest at both the WI State Fair Park Finals and the following WAA State Convention. (Only if they are not a contestant in the Champion Auctioneer Contest themselves.)

Celebrating 75 Years Strong: Why Wisconsin Auctioneers Can't Afford to Miss Out on WAA Membership

As the Wisconsin Auctioneers Association (WAA) marks its 75th anniversary, local auction professionals are reminded of what they risk missing by staying on the sidelines. This milestone year underscores the organization's enduring commitment to excellence in the auction industry.

By staying outside the WAA, auctioneers miss critical networking opportunities that could connect them with potential clients and industry leaders. The association's professional development workshops and conferences provide insider knowledge and cutting-edge techniques that can transform an auction business from average to exceptional.

"Together Towards Tomorrow" isn't just a tagline—it's a promise of continued growth and innovation. Members receive specialized training, industry updates, and legal insights that are unavailable elsewhere. Without WAA membership, auctioneers risk falling behind in a rapidly evolving marketplace, potentially limiting their professional growth and business opportunities.

From exclusive educational resources to powerful professional connections, the Wisconsin Auctioneers Association offers more than just a membership—it provides a competitive edge that independent auctioneers simply cannot afford to ignore, especially as they celebrate 75 years of professional excellence.

The Wisconsin Auctioneers Association (WAA) is your gateway to success! By joining WAA, you'll connect with top auctioneers across the state, gain exclusive access to industry-leading training, and be part of a supportive community that helps you thrive. Whether you want to sharpen your skills, grow your business, or build lifelong friendships, WAA is where you need to be. From workshops and networking events to annual banquets and fun gatherings, WAA is more than just an association—it's a network that lifts you up. Don’t miss out on these opportunities—join WAA today and take your auction career to the next level!

1. Professional Networking Build relationships with auctioneers across Wisconsin to share knowledge, opportunities, and support.

2. Education & Training Access seminars, workshops, and certifications to stay updated on auction industry trends and regulations.

3. Statewide Recognition Gain credibility and visibility by being listed in WAA's professional directory and promoting your membership.

4. Legislative Advocacy Ensure your voice is heard in decisions affecting the auction industry through WAA's representation at the state level.

5. Marketing Resources Utilize promotional materials, social media guidance, and templates to elevate your business's outreach.

6. Exclusive Events Participate in unique networking and recreational events like annual conventions, auctions, and retreats.

7. Mentorship Opportunities Connect with seasoned auctioneers for advice, guidance, and insights on building a successful career.

8. Discounts & Benefits Enjoy discounted rates on event registrations, industry publications, and professional services.

9. Community Building Be part of a group that uplifts and celebrates the auction profession while fostering collaboration.

10. Elevate Together Contribute to the association's mission of growing the auctioneering industry while advancing your own career.

Code of Ethics

Preamble

Whereas, it is necessary, in order to fit ourselves for the responsibility of auctioneers, to cultivate the spirit of cooperation, improve our profession and protect the interest of the auctioneer, to protect the public against unscrupulous practices;

Therefore, we do constitute ourselves the Wisconsin Auctioneers Association, Inc.

The auction business is said to be the medium through which the lifeblood of the nation attains greater momentum and brings to the nation greater balance, prosperity and stability. The auctioneer should ever hold aloft the dignity and importance to the state and nation of the profession; should never lose sight of personal and professional integrity; the great responsibility; and the sense of patriotism

The auctioneer realizes that the profession is both competitive and cooperative and that sharing with others is a common responsibility for its honor; and being true to oneself is being true to all mankind.

With these principles ever before the auctioneer, the auctioneer pledges to observe and conduct business in conformity to the following Code of Ethics adopted by the Wisconsin Auctioneers Association, Inc., hereinafter called the Corporation.

PART I–Professional Relations

Article 1. In the best interest of the public, of fellow auctioneers and the auctioneer’s own business, the auctioneer shall be loyal to the Corporation.

Article 2. The auctioneer shall conduct business so as to avoid disputes with fellow auctioneers, but in the event of a controversy between two member auctioneers, they should not resort to law suit but submit the difference to arbitration of the Corporation’s Board of Directors, hereinafter called the Board; and the decision of such arbitration shall be accepted as final and binding. If the dispute should be with a nonmember, the auctioneer shall offer the services of the Board to arbitrate.

Article 3. If a member is charged with unethical practice, such member shall promptly and voluntarily place all the pertinent facts before the Board, or a committee so designated, for investigation and report.

Article 4. A member shall never publicly criticize a competitor, and when an opinion is specifically requested, it shall be rendered in conformity with strict professional courtesy and dignity.

Article 5. A member shall not solicit the services of an employee of a fellow auctioneer without prior knowledge and consent of the fellow Auctioneer.

Article 6. In the best interest of society, of the Auctioneer’s associates and business, the auctioneer shall at all times be loyal to the Corporation and active in its work; and should willingly share with fellow members the lessons of experience.

PART II–Relationship to Clients

Article 7. In justice to those who place their interests in the auctioneer’s hands, the auctioneer should endeavor to keep abreast of business conditions, to keep informed in matters of law and proposed legislation affecting such interests, so as to give intelligent business advice and effective service.

Article 8. In accepting the sale of real or personal property, the member pledges to be fair to both seller and buyer, and to protect the owner’s interest as if it were the auctioneer’s own.

Article 9.When consulted for an appraisal of value or liquidation problem, a member shall give a well-considered opinion, reflecting expert knowledge and sound judgment, taking requisite time for study, inquiry and deliberation. The counsel of the member represents a professional service which should be rendered in writing and for which a reasonable charge should be made. A member shall not undertake to give an appraisal or offer an opinion on any proposition on which there is a direct or indirect interest, without a full disclosure of such interest.

Article 10. Before accepting a sale, it is the duty of the auctioneer to advise the owner intelligently and honestly regarding the market value of the business or proposition and the reasonable chance of sale at value or above.

PART III–Relationship to the Public

Article 11. It is the duty of every member to protect the public against fraud, misrepresentation or unethical practices in connection with the sale, disposition or liquidation of any real or personal property the auctioneer is called upon to dispose of at public auction.

Article 12. It is the duty of a member to ascertain all pertinent facts concerning every sale for which the member is engaged, so that in offering, the member may avoid error, exaggeration and misrepresentation.

Article 13. An auctioneer is a confidential trustee of the information given by the seller or gained through their relationship; and the auctioneer must never disclose the gross receipts of a sale or any other information that would tend to be a violation of the profession.

Article 14. No special conditions, real or assumed, or inducements or directions from anyone relieve the member from responsibility to strictly observe this Code of Ethics in letter and spirit.

State of Wisconsin Conduct Requirements – https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/sps/professional_services/120/126.pdf

The forerunner to this contest was the “State Fair Bid-Calling Contest,” started in 1991 by the “singing auctioneer” Le Roy Van Dyke and the late Roy D. Holler, a past president of the Wisconsin Auctioneers Association. During the first nine years, contestants were judged only on their bid calling.

In 1999, the contest was changed to the “Wisconsin State Auctioneer Champion” contest, a preliminary competition to the International Auctioneer Championship conducted at the National Auctioneers Association Conference and Show. Unlike the first nine years, the contest now includes interviews with the finalists.

Previous Champions

2026 - Mark Oberholtzer
2025 - Jacob Hills
2024 - Marty Griepentrog
2023 - Lake Boehm
2022 – Seth Adams, Prairie du Chien, WI
2020/2021 – Ryan Adams, Gays Mills, WI
2019 – Jenny Gehl; North Prairie, WI
2018 – Kathy Packard, Antigo, WI
2017 – David Allen, Cross Plains, WI
2016 – Jim Gavin, Reedsburg, WI
2015 – Steve Strey, Osseo, WI
2014 – Dave Koning, Monroe, WI
2013 – Bryan Mergen, Wausau, WI
2012 – Carol Wagenson, New Lisbon, WI
2011 – Tim Miller, Merton, WI
2010 – Carol Miller, Oconomowoc, WI
2009 – Scott Welein, Mondovi, WI
2008 – Wayne Yoder, Wautoma, WI
2007 – Rod Johnson, Cannon Falls, MN
2006 – O.D. Holley, Rock City, IL
2005 – Randy Gill, Hullsburg, WI
2004 – Timothy A Slack, Lancaster, WI
2003 – Carl Theorin, Wausau, WI
2002 – Craig Otto
2001 – Randy Filer, CAI, Helenville, WI
2000 – Mike Espe, Elburn, IL

Senior Champion Auctioneers

2005 – Ray Gevelinger
2006 – Jack Hines, AARE
2007 – Johnny O. Johnson
2008 – David Gerlach, ASA
2009 – Harry Betthauser
2010 – Joe Bunczak
2011 – Lyle Wanless
2012 – Allen VanDyke
2013 – John Spies

State Fair Champion Bid Callers

1999 – Bruce Bieri, CAI, AARE
1998 – Timothy Slack, CAI
1997 – Randy Gill
1996 – Larry Teasdale
1995 – Carl Theorin
1994 – Eli Detweiler, CAI
1993 – Mark Mueller
1992 – Kris Majeski
1991 – John Marg

MEN’S DIVISION

2000 – Mike Espe
2005 – Eli Detweiler, CAI, First Runner-Up

WOMEN’S DIVISION

1994 – *Pat Massart, CAI First Runner-Up

Going, Going, Gone

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