Almost 20 years ago to the day, State Line Auto Auction hosted a sale that is said to be the first time a car was sold via simulcast.

Two decades later, almost 14 percent of auction sales are simulcast, according to the 2014 NAAA Annual Review. More than 4 percent are online-only, the same report says.

So, yeah, things have changed in the auction business, just as they have in the dealership world or for anyone else that buys and sells a product, be that Amazon, Best Buy or Domino’s (emoji your pizza!).

But many of the foundations of a successful business in the wholesale market — adapting to meet the customer’s needs and the importance standing behind a quality product, instilling confidence, and so forth — still stand firm today.

As we celebrate the National Auto Auction Association at the NAAA Convention this week, you will see much of this theme in our special convention edition magazine coverage — the balance between the emerging technologies and digitalization of the wholesale world with what has made the in-lane auction model work over the years.

In his column for this issue, our guest contributor and friend Jim DesRochers shares how after more than 25 years in the business, he still hears a lot of talk about the importance of lane location and run position.

At the same time, DesRochers also goes on to talk about the advanced technology the physical auctions offer, which again shows the change in the remarketing business.

His column also touches on a couple handfuls of factors that impact auction prices, and interestingly enough, these drivers are a mix between traditional market factors (having a rep on the block, vehicle history reports, seasonal demands) and conditions brought on by technology and the Internet (simulcast, imaging).

And some, still, really have to do with both. For instance, DesRochers lists this as one of the price drivers: “Dealer attendance to total consignment ratios, including targeted niche vehicle buyers, in-lane and online.”

Our feature on “How auctions balance technology: In-lane & online”  discusses some of this dance, as well. That feature delves further into State Line’s simulcast sale and where simulcast and online sales have gone in the last 20 years.

Change is a big theme in the auction business. It’s also an opportunity, and incoming NAAA president Mike Browning points this out in a profile story on the Manheim San Antonio general manager.

“I feel like our biggest challenge is also our greatest opportunity. Change … It’s a word often used but not always understood. What needs to change and what needs to stay constant?” Browning said. “I think we should always be challenging the status quo. In-lane or online, we have to be looking forward.”

Full coverage can be found in our Sept. 15 NAAA Convention issue of Auto Remarketing, which includes auction feature stories (one of which is a look at condition reports), a profile on Browning, DesRochers’ column, your Auction Life photos, our Spotlight on Commercial Consignors and a look at the National Remarketing Conference and NAAA Convention coming together in 2016.

Look forward to seeing you in Orlando!