The weekend of June 24-27, 2021 was a busy one for Arkansas Auctioneers Association (AAA). This is when auctioneers from across Arkansas and the country gather for the Annual AAA Convention, in Hot Springs, AR, at The Hotel Hot Springs.
While several auctioneers come for the educational classes, the convention offers many more opportunities for both seasoned veterans of the auction profession as well as newcomers to the industry. Some say it’s the competition that attracts them. Others say it’s the entertaining nature of the business. Whatever the case, people everywhere are sold on auctions. Real estate, collector cars, antiques, art, business equipment, electronics, livestock…it’s hard to name something that hasn’t been sold at auction. No one understands this better than the auctioneer.
On Friday, June 25, the 2021 AAA Convention kicked off with their Annual Competitions including the Arkansas Auctioneers Association Ringman and Pro Bid Calling Championship, the sought-after title at each years’ meeting. This is where men and women alike compete for this prestigious title and the opportunity to represent Arkansas, not only at a state level but also for the International Auctioneers Contest (IAC) held annually at the National Auctioneers Association Conference and Show.
Matt Sandmann with wife, Dawna, and daughters, Abby and Cate. Photo provided.
This year Texoma auctioneer and Durant Chamber member Matt Sandmann took home two championships from the conference and contest. Matt was named the 2021 Arkansas Champion Ringman and named the Arkansas Professional Pro Bid Calling Champion. The contest was held in three parts. The preliminaries on Friday night where three finalists were named. The finals portion contained an interview portion which is 40% of the total score and the bid calling portion where finalists sell two items to a live crowd. Matt Sandmann was named champion in both divisions and represents Arkansas and the auction profession as the 2021 champion auctioneer and ringman!
Matt and his wife Dawna Sandmann own and operate Sandmann Auction LLC. They specialize in estate liquidations farm, real estate, and charity auctions, all over southern Oklahoma. Matt and the Sandmann Auction team also help locally, as the go-to team, for local benefits raising thousands of dollars for charities locally and across the state.
Auctioneers create a competitive and entertaining atmosphere that attracts consumers to the sale. Their hand gestures, eye contact with the crowd, and their rhythmic “chant” stirs buyers and brings the sale to life. It’s what separates auctions from other types of sales. Though one of the oldest methods of marketing around, auctions continue to thrive and grow and are held today around the world. Auctions have stayed tried and true with the times and continue to be a favorite among buyers and sellers.
Find out more information at sandmann.bid or call (580) 775-3539