A meeting of great minds

AGM: AUCTIONEERS INSTITUTE NETWORK AND WIN ON DAY SPONSORED BY THE CITIZEN

Changing role of the industry highlighted – and their new online app is launched.

The South African Institute of Auctioneers (SAIA) recently held its AGM and the large turnout was indicative of how times are changing, as collaboration with colleagues becomes instrumental in the success of auction businesses. The meeting, sponsored by The Citizen’s auction supplement Hammer & Gavel, kicked off with networking on the golf course, followed by the meeting.

Stanley Hack, 98, a founding member, became the first member to receive an Honorary Life Membership after starting his career in 1935. He is not only the longest serving member of SAIA, but also holds the record for the longest auction sale of cars: 10 consecutive days.

The guest speaker, Eric Levenstein, from Werksmans Attorneys, discussed the future of liquidation auctions in South Africa in the years ahead, while the second guest speaker, Pam Snyman, informed members of the planned Property Practitioners Bill to prepare them for what to expect.

Chairperson John Cowing emphasised that the auction industry is hard. “But it is an interesting and rewarding industry with constant changes and members should keep up with the changing times and needs of buyers and sellers.

“One of the major changes over the past few years was the advances in the use and application of technology, such as online auctions and an app to make information more accessible,” Cowing said.

SAIA officially launched its own app during the AGM, which is easy to download from the Google Play Store and ITunes.

The app is another marketing channel for auctioneers and offers interested buyers access to in-time information about upcoming auctions across the country, as well as the lots that will be auctioned.

Members also raised more than R43 000 during the annual bid callers competition, which was donated to the charity Signature of Hope.

Various items were auctioned by members who entered the annual Bid Callers competition. Gift Ngwenya from Auction Nation won the prestigious award and walked away with R10 000.

Members of the organisation also elected the new board for the next two years.