Educational opportunities highlight conference

Illinois State Auctioneers Association Conference

Feb. 5-8

DoubleTree by Hilton

10 Brickyard Dr., Bloomington, Ill.

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Auction innovations, leadership and operational strategies, state competitions, and fellowship will be featured as the Illinois State Auctioneers Association celebrates its 78th anniversary at the annual convention and trade show.

“The annual conference and trade show helps bring together not only ISAA association members, but all licensed Illinois auctioneers, ringman and their staff members,” said Cissy Tabor, ISAA executive director.

“Due to license law changes in August 2025, estate and tag sales companies are required to obtain an Illinois auctioneer license and we are looking forward to many joining us from that industry to learn more about the auction industry.

“Attendees do not have to be a member of the association to attend the annual conference and obtain the education offered each year. We are open to all attendees within the auction, estate sales and tag sales industries to join us, network and become stronger for the citizens of Illinois.”

Attendees have the opportunities to learn from some of the best in the auction industry with keynote speakers discussing artificial intelligence technology, marketing, cybersecurity, Google and business profile management.

The conference will also include contest preparation with world and international auctioneer champions to stay current and on top of the latest information in the auction industry.

“This event not only provides attendees with the ability to learn from professionals, but also from peers within the industry and to be able to have the opportunity to network with fellow auction industry professionals that adhere to a Code of Ethics and professionalism,” Tabor said.

The conference kicks off Feb. 5, with ISAA sponsoring a “Technology Thursday” session. The in-depth learning session will feature Kris Kennedy of Auction Flex and HiBid, one of the exhibitors, who will showcase their software, answer questions and provide additional one-on-one teaching with attendees.

“Technology Thursday” started in 2023 and has continued to grow to give attendees and vendors a more in-depth look at their services.

The agenda on Feb. 6 includes such topics as “The Tech-driven Auction Industry: Insights, Innovations and the Role of AI” and “Attracting and Leveraging 5-star Reviews for More Business.”

On Friday night, ISAA will be hosting the Illinois State Ringman Championship, Illinois Auction Team Championship and Novice Bid Calling competition that is targeted to showcase auctioneers that have been in the auction industry three years or less. These events are open to the public and are free to register to bid-to-win on items offered in the auctions.

“The competitions are fun to attend and we encourage people to come cheer on their favorite contestant,” Tabor said.

The conference continues Saturday morning with “How to Go from Creating a Job for Yourself to Owning a Business” session followed by “Today’s Auctioneers” on different facets of the auction industry and what it takes to stay relevant, adaptable and the importance of cross-training and marketable.

Afternoon sessions on Feb. 7 will be “Scaling Success: Leadership, Strategy and Buyer-centric Operational Excellence” and a program on contest preparation.

An election of four board directors and a treasurer, in addition to updating members regarding Illinois auction legislation changes, ISAA’s short-term goals and a financial report will be presented during the annual membership meeting Saturday afternoon.

“On Saturday night, we will be hosting our Fun Auction that is open to the public and are free to register-to-bid in the auction, as well. You will get to see auctioneers selling their item donations, bid on those items and have a whole lot of fun during this annual fundraising event for the ISAA,” Tabor said.

“There’s no other better time or place to come see multiple Illinois auctioneers have fun and bid at the auction during this weekend except when the Illinois State Auctioneer Championship is held at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield.

“Outside of competitions, education and networking, being a member of the ISAA provides many benefits to our members in regard to be listed on our association website in which they can showcase who they are, their specialties and services they provide along with listing their auctions on there for free.”

Trade Show

The trade show aspect of the annual conference provides attendees with the opportunity to meet, visit with and view professional services and products that can assist the auctioneers and auction companies with their company.

“The auction industry is unique just as much as the products, tools, marketing and targeted social media. This aspect provides not only attendees to speak with the vendors in one location, but it also provides our vendors the opportunity to talk with as many potential clients as possible to show them their services and products to help make their job more efficient,” Tabor said.

Members Services

ISAA was formed 78 years ago by a group of successful businessmen who knew that in order to provide a better business environment for themselves and strengthen their share of the auction market, they needed to work together.

Their purpose was to speak with one voice for the auction industry in Illinois and in the process obtain tools to help them make sound and profitable decisions in their auction business and promote the auction method of marketing to the general public.

“Throughout the year, the ISAA is contacted for auctioneers and auction company referrals and we contact all of our members to notify them of these opportunities,” Tabor said.

“With the legislation changes for the estate and tag sales industry in Illinois, we assist in any way that we can, provide answers and guidance to the inquiries in relation to the new legislation changes for them.”

There are many times that auctioneers are contacted due to their listing in ISAA’s website as a benefit of being a member of the association.

Members also receive the quarterly newsletter, The Illinois Auctioneer, that helps keep them updated about the ISAA, the auction industry, member spotlights, legislation changes, industry articles, conference information, furthering education notices, meetings and other such helpful tools.