2008 MAA Annual Convention Highlights

A summary of events held at the Cranwell Resort in Lee MA.
Sunday, May 18 and Monday, May 19

Our sincere appreciation to major sponsors of the event was acknowledged when we presented Mr. William Huie of the BOSTON HERALD and Mr. Steve Corcoran and Mr. Brian Reardon of the BOSTON GLOBE with an award for assisting us in making this convention a success.

A special thanks to our honored Guest Speakers:

Mr. Scott Withers of the Auction Network

Mr. Richard D. Schur of Schure Success Auction Service

Mr. Stephen Karbelk of Williams & Williams

Congratulations to our 2007 competition winners:

2008 MAA Spring Convention Review
Massachusetts Auctioneers Association 2008
Annual Convention Held in Lee, MA

Lee, Massachusetts – The Massachusetts Auctioneers Association Annual Convention took place May 18th & 19th at the luxurious Cranwell Resort in Lee MA. The two day event welcomed members and guests with diversified auction backgrounds and was a definite crowd pleaser. The convention offered a variety of activities and informational seminars and was very well attended.

The event commenced with a cocktail reception and networking opportunity and was followed with a gourmet dinner and dessert. There was a tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm in the room as opening ceremonies began! Highlights included:

MAA Hall of Fame Award Mr. Stanley Paine, a longtime MAA member and former President, Treasurer and Director of the association received this award during a surprise presentation. His longtime commitment to the auction profession and high ethical standards were acknowledged. With his family looking on, he warmly thanked the attendees for this honor

Massachusetts Bid Calling Champion This prestigious award was presented to Mr. John Economou, a nationally known auctioneer and software provider. John charmed attendees into generous bidding and impressed the judges with his style and effective chant.

Media Award Presentations A number of auction companies submitted entries for the media contests. Congratulations to the following winners whose submissions were voted best in their class.
Website -- Aaron Posink & Company

Newspaper Advertisement --The Zekos Group

Direct Mail/Brochure -- LuJohns Auctioneers

Auction Photograph -- Auction Marketing

Group

Presentations to Major Sponsors Our sincere appreciation to major sponsors of the event was acknowledged when we presented Mr. William Huie of the BOSTON HERALD and Mr. Steve Corcoran and Mr. Brian Reardon of the BOSTON GLOBE with an award for assisting us in making this convention a success.

Special Thanks The 2008 MAA Convention was the result of the combined efforts of President Paul Zekos, Treasurer Dale Schaetzke, Past President Stephen Paulin, and Directors John Economou, George Collias, and Paul Erickson. Additionally, we would like to thank auctioneers Marianne Sullivan, Christine Whipple, Stanley Paine and Mark Shear for their assistance.

CONVENTION SEMINARS We had a superstar lineup of nationally prominent auction experts who traveled from across the United States to inform and educate our attendees.

Mr. Scott Withers of the Auction Network kicked off the day with a detailed presentation on the Auction Network's ability to capture live auction action and present it to an international audience. The Auction Network television presence continues to grow and will soon be in your living room.

Mr. Richard D. Schur, a nationally recognized auction professional, delivered a seminar on "The Dangerous Myth of Customer Service". This in depth presentation focused on improving your auction business from delivering customer service to creating strong business advocates. His presentation was well received by attendees who were appreciative of the many business tips Mr. Schur provided.

Mr. Stephen Karbelk from one of America's largest and fastest growing auction companies, Williams & Williams, hit a home run when he presented " How to Generate $1 Million A Year in Real Estate Commissions". Mr. Karbelk presented a second seminar on " The Real Ins and Outs of Bankruptcy Auctions".