MSAA Summer Conference June 17-18, 2008 Traverse City, MI

Summer Conference Speakers This is a full function Auctioneer Makeover Day! From the beginning to the end of your auction, how to greet your customers to make them feel like a million bucks, how to sound great while selling your items so your crowd will want to hear more, whether or not to charge tax and the specifics and how to close out that auction like a pro. Whether you are an auctioneer or auctioneer staff, this is the summer conference for you! The day will start off with Terry McDonald from the State of Michigan to explain the latest in the Michigan Sales Tax laws and how they pertain to auctions. Then after lunch, we’ll start right off with a hands on clerking/cashiering and customer service panel from those who work in the trenches of the auction world every day…not the auctioneers, but the staff who make the auction run like a well oiled machine. Ever wonder why your auction runs so smooth? Well auctioneers, it isn’t just the sound of the auctioneers chant. If your auction office isn’t running well, your auction can come to a stand still. Every auctioneer should be able to step in and help out whenever needed in the office. If you aren’t selling, you’re still working, so get in here and pick up some pointers…and bring your staff! We’ll have the equipment set up and ready to run an auction and show you how to do it. Pay attention…you’ll be testing your skills in the next seminar! After we learn how to manage the auction, we’ll learn how to smooth out the rough edges on your bid calling! Get some pointers from a few of the best bid callers in Michigan, MSAA Bid Calling Champions. Not only will they tell you a few of their secrets, but we’ll have an auction where you can test your skills and see what you’ve learned! Remember to bring an item or two to donate for the auction. Plan to stay for the entire event…..we’re having an “Auctioneer Idol” Contest of sorts! The Champions Panel are the judges, you are the contestants and the crowd gets to vote for a winner!!     Terry McDonald Michigan Department of Treasury Bureau of Tax Policy, Technical Services Div “Michigan Sales Tax” * Sponsored by Bonds Plus This presentation will discuss Michigan’s 6% sales tax and how it impacts the auction industry. Areas covered will include how to register for the tax and the basics of preparing a monthly return. Significant terms including sale at retail, isolated sales, gross proceeds and tangible personal property will also be discussed. Retail sales that may be exempt from the tax and the records required to document such exemptions will be examined. Have specific questions? Email them to the MSAA by June 10 so we can have them ready for the conference to be answered! Auction Industry Challenges Clerking & Cashiering in a Volatile Environment *Sponsored by Ridge Crest Liquidators & Auctioneers Panel Members: Kim Narhi, Tim Narhi Auctioneer & Associates Mary Jo Cole, Cole & Co Auction & Appraisal Service, Inc. Abby Miller, Ridge Crest Liquidators and Auctioneers From learning the pros and cons in different clerking systems to dealing with an auction that just won’t balance to making customer service your top priority, this is an all inclusive seminar with lots of hands on demonstrations. Chisel your Chant with MSAA Champions * Sponsored by Detroit Auto Auction MSAA Champion Panel Members: Doug Heuker, Ed King, Jonathan Kraft, Tim Narhi, Leroy Yoder & Willis Yoder. Learn from the Stars at the MSAA All Star Auctioneer Clinic! Pick up pointers from MSAA Bid Calling Champions and test your skills during the fun auction! Remember to bring an item or two to auction off.