From Sept. 28 through Oct. 1, the NAAA World Remarketing Convention will return to Seattle after over 20 years.

According to National Auto Auction Association president Eddie Lafferty, bringing the event, which will be held at The Westin Seattle, back to the city is the perfect setting for a gathering that focuses on the auto auction industry’s innovative spirit.

“Seattle as a host city is a great background for the convention,” he said. “It’s known for its innovation. It’s known for culture and it has world-class hospitality. There’s a wealth of things to do both at the convention and outside of the convention.”

Premier education once again takes center stage

The NAAA World Remarketing Convention has always been known for its quality education sessions, and this year, the content will continue to showcase these high standards.

The sessions attendees can participate in include:

— Cyber Security Nirvana: Avoiding the Grunge of AI and Transportation Fraud:

While the title of this session is reminiscent of the grunge-era music that put Seattle on the map in the 1990s, there will be nothing retro about the content. During this session, members of NAAA’s safety and security committee will discuss the latest cybersecurity threats the community should be aware of. In addition, the session will cover the latest developments in AI, since the technology has increasingly become a hot topic in the industry.

“AI is growing so rapidly within the industry by how it’s used internally to help support our employees, but also externally in how it’s being used to develop new technologies — and potentially being used in the wrong way with threats,” said Lafferty. “Many of our members have expressed concerns and interest in trying to figure out how to develop and use AI, as well as protect themselves against AI threats.”

— A Look Around the Corner —What’s Moving the Needle for Auctions Going Forward:

Industry trends that members can expect to see in the coming years, and the factors that will influence them, will be discussed during this session.

— From One Seattle Champion to the Next … Transitioning a Winning Dynasty at Your Auction:

This session provides guidance on how business leaders can build an upwardly mobile team that is capable of growing and developing as the business changes.

“It’s about how to help develop and grow a team within your talent,” Lafferty said. “As your business evolves and people either move on or retire, how do you create an upwardly mobile business to ensure the health of your business going forward?”

— Energizing You Like a Quad-Shot Latte: EVs…How to Properly Evaluate Prior to Sale:

In this session, attendees will get help navigating the emerging electric vehicle market, which is a significant change from the traditional gas vehicle market.

“The number of EVs entering the used-car marketplace is growing rapidly, so it’s an opportunity for us to educate our membership more fully about how to evaluate everything — including battery health and the overall condition of a vehicle—to help remarket them effectively and help them be ready for sale,” said Lafferty. “The session is basically all things EV.”

— From Raindrops to Revenue, Listening to the Voice of the Buyer:
This session puts the voice of buyers in the forefront, so NAAA members can understand how to best serve them.

“Essentially it’s a session for us to hear directly from our customers to help us identify trends that they’re seeing, different ways to help support them, and what their opinions are about areas of opportunity we can help work on to serve them best,” Lafferty said.

— Ding Dong Kink or Bend Is Dead: Take a Peek Behind the Curtain and Meet the New Wizard:

The NAAA has partnered with a company that will revamp the organization’s website, so it includes the latest information on the policies and standards it creates.

This session will give members a progress report on this work.

“This session is to cover what we’re working on, how far we’ve come, and what we’re hoping to present as a tool to our auctions,” said Lafferty. “Also, our buyers and consignors can leverage this new resource for information about structural damage policies.”

Networking opportunities to build connection

While the NAAA World Remarketing Convention’s education provides a top-notch experience, connection in the auto auction community is also a huge draw of the event. There will be a number of opportunities for attendees to get together — in both formal and informal settings — for meaningful conversations. Activities will include receptions, luncheons and a golf tournament, but there are also numerous ways attendees can meaningfully meet in between sessions.

“There’s a wealth of opportunities for people to connect all throughout the event. I think one of the biggest takeaways is really that networking gives us a chance to all connect and share what’s been happening within our own worlds and what resources we found,” said Lafferty. “And that’s my favorite part of the entire convention — the chance to meet with my peers and just pick their brains.”