The TPC Management Co. put three more sessions in the books this summer for its Auction Academy aimed at providing continued education for auction industry professionals.

The academy will host its next and final event for 2015 as a joint-class session in Detroit this fall.

The first of the three summer sessions was hosted in mid-July in Spokane, Wash., the Auction Academy’s fourth annual trip to the location. The academy’s Class 4 Group participated in DAA Northwest’s Rock & Roll Sale along with interacting with key managers at the auction.

Len Roll, the auction’s manager of reconditioning shops, led the first day, focusing on auction operations along with a tour of the auction facility. Lecturers for the academy’s students included Greg Mahugh, the auction’s co-owner, and Mitzi VanVoorhis, the auction’s marketing manager, as well as an interactive exercise led by Gonzaga University professor of leadership studies Dr. Shann Ferch.

The second day included a discussion with Dave Woods, director of remarketing for Harley Davidson, followed by a Harley auction at DAA Northwest. The day ended with the Rock & Roll concert headlined by Heart following an industry overview by Charlie Vogelheim and an outline of auction technology by Scott Finkle, president of Auction Edge.

“We cannot thank Bob McConkey, Greg Mahugh and the entire staff of DAA Northwest enough for once again allowing the Academy to participate in their largest sale of the year,” said Penny Wanna, the academy’s vice president of administration. “It is amazing to see how the team is able to handle record breaking consignment volumes and so graciously accommodate us being right in the middle of all the auction action for the entire week.”

The academy hosted its first “Seminar Series,” later in July, featuring a Digital Manager’s Session in Chicago. The single-day session featured several presentations on various technology platforms, followed by open discussion on the challenges and opportunities of operating their businesses.

“That afternoon was the single most dynamic discussion session I have ever witnessed in our industry,” said Pierre Pons, the academy’s chief executive officer. “I am convinced that due to the interactions of that afternoon, the state of online sales for independent auctions has been enhanced dramatically.”

The academy’s Class Group 3 went to Brasher’s Sale Lake in late August for an auction tour and several discussion sessions. One academy student, Wanda Jowers, a 23-year employee of Carolina Auto Auction, commented on her experience.

“In all my years at the auction I thought I had seen just about everything,” Jowers said. “But over the course of my Academy experience, which allows me to visit so many other facilities around the country, I have picked up something new each and every time. The Salt Lake City session was my favorite to date — but quite honestly I have loved them all.”

For more information on the Auction Academy, visit its site here.