Auction Academy, a continuing education program developed by TPC Management Co. for professionals in the auto auction industry, reports that it closed the year graduating its fourth class, and hosting the last session of its recently expanded annual Seminar Series.

“In planning both our two-year Program and the shorter focused Seminar Series, we continue to cover topics that are critical to the overall development of leaders in our industry and success of their auctions,” Auction Academy chief operating officer Randall McCathren said in a news release. “The enthusiastic participation from all corners of the industry confirms that Auction Academy plays a critical role in the remarketing industry and has raised the bar for career education.”

The two-year training program provides students development experience for automotive auction professionals.

Structured like an Executive MBA program, the curriculum includes site visits, field trips and work with industry experts in all areas of auction operations, according to Auction Academy.

Registration is open for class five of the two-year program which will begin in the spring.  All auction personnel are eligible to enroll.

Following the graduation of the fourth class, Auction Academy hosted its final Seminar Series event of 2016 in Nashville, Tenn.

In 2016 the continuing education program hosted four individual sessions:  dealer sales, digital management, fleet/lease account management, and compliance, the focus of Auction Academy’s latest seminar.

“We felt there was a need in the industry for a shorter term training program with an intensive focus on specific topics, and launched our Seminar Series with a session for Digital Managers in July of 2015,” Auction Academy chief executive Pierre Pons said in a news release. “That session was a resounding success, with attendance far exceeding our initial estimates and very positive evaluations.  As a result, we decided to expand the Seminar Series to include one session in each quarter in 2016, highlighting a key topic of specific interest to the independent auction community at each session.”

Auction Academy’s 2017 Seminar Series will focus on leadership, operations/arbitration/OSHA, fleet lease and digital management.  Dates for the four sessions are to be announced at www.auctionacademy.net.