Though I'm now a benefit auctioneer in Virginia, my corporate past included working as an event planner. As part of that career, in March 2005, I was relieved to learn from the Convention Industry Council that I had passed its difficult CMP exam. They sent me a letter with an official sticker. Sweet. Here's some background. What is the Convention Industry Council®? An organization of national and international members who are involved in the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry. ... Read On >
Auctioneers
Sherry takes 3rd at the Virginia Auctioneer Championship contest!
Each year in August, the Virginia Auctioneers Association (VAA) hosts its Mid-Year Seminar for all auctioneers (VAA is not just for benefit auctioneers in Virginia ... it's all specialties.) During the day are continuing education classes. I was the first speaker of the day, teaching the class of ~65 auctioneers how they can set up their own benefit auction businesses. In the early evening -- when summer heat is at its worst -- we make our way over to N&W Salvage Auction Warehouse where ... Read On >
Red Apple Auctions in The Washington Post!
Each week, The Washington Post Magazine has a section in its Sunday paper called "Making It." The section covers growing niche businesses in the Washington, D.C. area. Today the section featured Red Apple Auctions. Reporter Vanessa Gezari wrote the article, which you can read on the Post's site by clicking here. And whoo hoo! Some of my clients got honorable mentions, too. Food and Friends (which provides meals for people with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other illnesses) and the fabulous performing ... Read On >
Making the best of a $250 bad situation
Lord & Taylor department store in Tyson's Corner, VA has a great selection of fine dresses. It's one of my favorite stores to shop when buying gowns and cocktail dresses for benefit auctions. During the store's May sale, I was in a hurry. I quickly scoured the racks, bought three dresses, and took them home. One of the gowns was a Donna Ricco one-shoulder dress. Normally I wouldn't buy a one-shoulder dress for work, and $250 is the top-end of what I'd pay, but it fit so well, hit at the ... Read On >
NEVER say this onstage at a fundraising auction
Without a doubt, my pet peeve during a recession or general economic downturn is when the Executive Director, Auction Chair, or some other person of importance gets up to the microphone to say a few words at the benefit auction (e.g. thank sponsors and guests, etc.) and then -- immediately before I walk onstage -- pleads with the audience to "bid high, even though the economy is really bad right now." ARRRRGH! What are they doing?! Ladies and gentlemen, remember this: You will never, ... Read On >