Auction Academy will finish 2021 with two important events set for November: The inaugural meeting of Auction Academy’s 7th Class Group in Nashville Nov. 4-6, and the delayed graduation of the 6th Class Group in Las Vegas a few weeks later, according to an Oct. 22 news release.

Auction Academy's the two-year curriculum includes virtual training and quarterly in-person meetings. “This new class group will be the largest class to date, with 30 registered students from auto auctions and industry partners around the country," said Auction Academy President Penny Wanna in a news release.

During this first session, Tony Long, executive director of the International Automotive Remarketers Alliance, will review that organization’s mission. The students will also begin coursework in the IARA's Certified Automotive Remarketers (CAR) Program, which is now a regular part of the Academy coursework. The next day the group will visit Manheim Nashville Auto Auction hosted by auction general manager Sam Chapel. 

“Auction Academy’s students will learn much from Sam Chapel, who is one of the top auto auction general managers in the country," said Auction Academy CEO Pierre Pons. "Throughout his career he has demonstrated what it means to lead by example and bring out the best in others, in recognition of which he earned the highest honor for a Cox Enterprises employee: the Governor James M. Cox Award."

The first session for Class Group 7 will also include presentations by Dave Blake of McConkey Auction Group on an overview of the industry; Eric Stevens of Littler Law on labor and employment practices; Charlie Vogelheim on Guidebooks 101; and an in-depth study into digital sales in OVE University. 

Later in November, the Auction Academy will graduate Class 6 when the industry meets in Las Vegas for Used Car Week, Nov. 15-18. Class 6 first met in May 2019, and graduation was originally slated for Spring 2021. Due to COVID restrictions, graduation was rescheduled for the fall National Auto Auction Association convention, but had to be postponed again when the convention was cancelled.  The Academy’s current graduates, alumni and staff are looking forward to Used Car Week in Las Vegas when Class 6 will at last receive their well-deserved diplomas and recognition.

“Class 6 has been absolutely the most resilient of any group so far in the program," Wanna said. "Moving them to a virtual format for most of 2020 and into 2021 had its challenges, but the class held together and formed bonds that will last throughout their careers.”

Added Pons, “Throughout the challenges of the past two years and all the transitions that were entailed, all of us at the Academy express our gratitude to the key sponsors and companies that have supported the program." Sponsors include: BSC America, NAAA, McConkey Auctions, AutoIMS, Stanley-Autenreith Auctions, Liquid Motors, Cherokee Media, Used Car News, CARS Recon, America’s Auto Auction, DealShield, NextGear, OVE, Auction Edge, and the presenters who shared their time and knowledge. "It is through their generosity and support, coupled with Penny Wanna’s determination and leadership that this program has thrived,” Pons said.

Auction Academy is a continuing education program developed by TPC Management Company (TPC) for professionals in the auto auction industry.  Auction Academy’s two-year program provides a training and development experience for auto auction professionals, structured like an Executive MBA program.  With faculty drawn from expert practitioners around the country, Auction Academy’s programs are designed to enhance essential skill sets, promote best practices and yield better auction performance. The curriculum includes site visits, field trips, technical certifications and work with industry experts in all areas of auto auction operations. Information: (615) 591-4544; Pwanna@auctionacademy.net; www.auctionacademy.net