FRANKLIN, Tennessee — After more than a year of Virtual Classroom training, Auction Academy plans to resume in-person sessions, with a meeting of Class Group 6 in Detroit in August. Since last June Auction Academy training has taken place monthly in a virtual classroom setting after COVID-19 restrictions prohibited in-person meetings. The change was made halfway through the Class Group’s original two-year Course Syllabus.
“We have all experienced great success with our monthly virtual meetings, but we are eager to meet again in person,” says Penny Wanna, Auction Academy President. “We are tentatively planning to resume in-person sessions with a meeting set for August 2-4 in Detroit. COVID guidelines will play a crucial part in the meeting structure, and we will include a hybrid component for any students unable to join us, either due to their comfort level or their company’s travel restrictions.”
Wanna explains that virtual classroom training will continue through June, with the Academy taking a summer break in July. Auction Academy’s Class Group 6 meets once a month using Zoom, for 1½ hour sessions. The training alternates between a focus on an industry topic and leadership training.
Auction Academy kicked off 2021 with a session focused on the remarketing industry. Speakers from the top trade associations discussed current training, initiatives, committee opportunities and the 2021 conference schedule. The speakers, all of whom are Auction Academy sponsors, included Tony Long (IARA), Tricia Heon (NAAA), Lynn Weaver (IAG), and Michael Stanton (NADA)
February’s leadership training premiered a speaker new to Auction Academy: Adrienne L. Stevens with Accelerate C-Suite Coaching, who led an interactive conversation focused on How to be a BadAss while Leading Others.
In March Auction Academy is pivoting back to an industry topic focused on business development. Speakers include Tammy Swofford (America’s Auto Auction), Bill Westlake (Metro Auto Auction) and Kurt Armstrong (Clark County Auto Auction). As Commercial Business Segment Managers overseeing diverse accounts, they will review with the class how they develop and retain fleet/lease business.
Topics for the balance of the virtual training for Class Group 6 will include Coaching and Mentoring in April, Online Sales in May and Diversity and Inclusion in June.
Following the in-person session and auction facility tour in Detroit in August, the final meeting for Class Group 6 will also be mark the class graduation, and will be held in conjunction with this year’s NAAA Convention in Chicago in September.
“Graduation will be a red-letter day for Auction Academy’s Class Group 6, and we plan to celebrate in a big way to commemorate this extraordinary group,” said Wanna. “They’ve all shown a focus and determination to complete this program which was remarkable in light of the many roadblocks thrown in their way by the pandemic, including the necessity of extending the training program from two to three years. The class has been 100% all-in, never wavering, always fluid and flexible, and enthusiastic in their approach to the training and work in their various companies. We enjoy working with them, applaud them for their success and admire them for their commitment to Auction Academy and the auction industry.”
Wanna reports that registration for Auction Academy’s Class Group 7 is now open. Presently, Auction Academy is taking names of those who are interested in participating in the class. Official registration opens in June during the CAR Conference in Las Vegas, where Auction Academy will have an exhibit booth and moderate a panel. Wanna adds that the coursework scheduled for Class Group 7 will include the usual 1st and 2nd year locations, and that anyone from Class 6 can join at no tuition cost, to allow them to visit the locations they missed during the COVID year.
Founded in 2012 by TPC Management Company, Auction Academy marks its 5th year under the leadership of Ms. Wanna, who was named Auction Academy’s president in 2017.
“Penny Wanna is a strong, determined and visionary leader who has navigated Auction Academy with a sure and even hand during her tenure as President,” says Pierre Pons, President of TPC Management. “She has been instrumental in developing an outstanding curriculum for Auction Academy, and has managed the program under extremely trying circumstances over the past year, ensuring a successful outcome for every one of the students. Auction Academy is fortunate to have her at the helm, and looks forward to continued progress under her leadership.”
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.
For additional information about Auction Academy, contact Penny Wanna by telephone: (615) 591-4544; or by email: Pwanna@auctionacademy.net, or visit the website www.auctionacademy.net.