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Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI)

Monday - Friday, March 30 - April 3, 2026 | Indiana University, Bloomington, IN

CAI Next is Wednesday - Friday, April 1-3, 2026

CAI logo

CAI is different from NAA’s other designations. It’s a three-year program in which attendees spend a week each year onsite at Indiana University. It’s an intensive program involving late nights working on projects, in committees, fine-tuning business plans, and other projects that happen in the time between classes.

CAI, unlike other designations, focuses on the business of the auction industry rather than on a particular asset class. While attendees learn about different types of auctions, the focus is on business planning, development and structure. Attendees register for CAI I, CAI II, and CAI III in successive years. Gaps between CAI I, II and III of more than two years require approval of the Education Director, and often are addressed by having attendees audit CAI classes for a year before returning to the program.

Celebrating 50 Years of CAI 

In 2026, we will celebrate 50 years of the Certified Auctioneers Institute — the highest level of professional achievement in our industry. We want to mark this milestone in a way that honors the past while investing in the future. We are inviting every CAI holder to give a gift that reflects the strength of this program: $50 for each year you’ve held your designation or a one-time $50 gift.

Donate Now

CAI Class I students must apply and be approved for the program prior to registering.
 Apply for CAI I

CAI I Register  CAI II Register  CAI III Register  

Apply for scholarships     Download PDF Registration Form

Want to know more about CAI week?

NOTE: To attend CAI an application must be submitted and approved

To apply for CAI you must:

  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Have at least two years in the auction industry
  • Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent
  • Submit an application with references

To obtain the CAI designation:

  • Attend all three weeks of instruction
  • Complete an auction proposal, which is critiqued by the CAI Committee (between CAI I and II)
  • Work in committees to plan and execute the CAI Benefit Auction in CAI II
  • Complete a business plan (between CAI II and III)
  • Present the above business plan to their class and a team of examiners in CAI III
  • Be a current member of the NAA

Any auction professional who applies and meets the requirements to attend is welcome! Auction professionals who tend to get the most out of the CAI program are:

  • Owners currently working in their business
  • Professionals with 3 - 15 years of experience in the business
  • Small business professionals with 1 - 4 team members
  • Professionals with some cash reserves to start a business
  • Successors preparing for business ownership transition
  • Professionals with a vested financial interest in auctions
  • Professionals with multiple roles across the business
  • Professionals who want to increase networks, leadership, and satisfaction
  • Professionals who want to add lines of revenue or be more efficient with revenue opportunities
  • Owners looking to scale their business

Earning the CAI designation proves your commitment to the auction industry by taking the time to obtain the premier NAA designation. Many clients look for designations when trying to find the right auction professional, CAI sets you above the crowd as a well-rounded, elite auction professional who:

  • Has strong professional relationships and networks
  • Has a mastery of auction methods and asset classes
  • Has educated business intelligence
  • Is an ethical business professional
  • Has business technology literacy
  • Is an invested auction professional
  • Has leadership mentality
  • Is an exemplary #NAAPro

Trisha Brauer, CAI, BAS describes this class as helping you learn how to strategically grow your business and learn strategies to best service your clients. CAI covers all the bases of being a stellar auction professional and enables like-minded students to have the opportunity to network that sets graduates apart from the rest of the industry.

2026 Classes Overview

Click each CAI year to view a list of classes. Click on an individual class to learn more.

SUN. EVENING - CAI Check-in; Meet and Greet

MON. A.M. - Welcome and Orientation (Class Picture)
CAI Leadership and Class Advisor

MON. P.M. - Using Portfolios and Proposals to Increase Revenue and Efficiency
David Hudgins, CAI, AARE; Morgan Hopson, CAI

MON. EVENING - CAI Social Event

TUE. A.M. - Capitalizing Bank, Bankruptcy, & Government Opportunities
Mark Manley, CAI, AARE, CES, MPPA

TUE. LUNCH - Project Working Groups

TUE. P.M. - Exploring Auction Specialty Opportunities, Part 1
Instructors TBA

TUE. EVENING - Project Working Groups

WED. A.M. - Exploring Auction Specialty Opportunities, Part 2
Instructors TBA

WED. P.M. - Lights, Camera, Action! Presenting with Confidence
Tim Luke, CAI, BAS, MPPA

WED. EVENING - CAI Benefit Auction Event
CAI Class II

THU. A.M. - Mastering Online Auction Operations & Logistics
Jack Christy, Jr., CAI, ATS, BAS, GPPA

WED. P.M. - Strategic Prospecting and Value-Based Selling
Alex Bourland, CAI, GPPA

FRI. A.M. - Increasing Business Productivity & Efficiency
Instructor TBA

FRI. P.M. - Class I Wrap-Up & CAI Class III Graduation
Class Advisor

SUN. EVENING - Check-In; Meet and Greet

MON. A.M. - Welcome and Orientation (Class Picture)
CAI Leadership and Class Advisor

MON. P.M. - Business Planning for Professional Growth
Russ Hilk, CAI, AMM, GPPA

MON. EVENING - CAI Social Event

TUE. A.M. 1 - Utilizing Partnerships, Joint Ventures, and Referrals
Trae Dudley, CAI

TUE. A.M. 2 - Gaining Loyalty through Customer Experience
Tim Keller, CAI, AMM, CES

TUE. P.M. - Marketing Mastery with AI: Navigating the New Frontier
John Schultz, AMM

TUE. EVENING - Class Project Working Groups

WED. A.M. - Determining and Analyzing Your Business Value
Instructor TBA

WED. P.M. - Elevating Your Brand with Style and Standards
Braden McCurdy, CAI, AARE, AMM

WED. EVENING - CAI Benefit Auction Event
CAI Class II

THU. A.M. - Protecting Yourself and Your Business
Rich Schur, CAI, AMM, BAS, MPPA

THU. P.M. - Implementing Consultative Negotiation Techniques
Jason Deel, CAI, GPPA

FRI. A.M. 1 - Born, Bought, or Built: Ensuring a Business with a Future
Instructors TBA

FRI. A.M. 2 - Structuring Your Business Plan
Class Advisor and Instructors

FRI. P.M. - Class II Wrap-Up & CAI Class III Graduation
Class Advisor

SUN. EVENING - Check-In; Meet and Greet

MON. A.M. - Welcome and Orientation (Class Picture)
CAI Leadership and Class Advisor

MON. P.M. - Honing Your Business Sales Communications
Tim Luke, CAI, BAS, MPPA

MON. EVENING - CAI Social Event

TUE. A.M. - Advanced Online Auction Strategies & Efficiencies
Chris Rasmus, CAI, AMM

TUE. P.M. 1 - Attracting Cultural Diversity for Increased Auction Engagement
Instructor TBA

TUE. P.M. 2 - Ethical Business Strategies for Long-Term Success
Tim Mast, CAI, AARE

TUE. EVENING - Business Plan Presentation Work

WED. A.M. - Building Business through Relationship Marketing
John Nicholls, CAI, AARE, AMM

WED. P.M. - Mastering the Art of Business Development
Instructors TBA

WED. EVENING - CAI Benefit Auction Event
CAI Class II

THU. A.M. & P.M. - Business Plan Presentations
Panel of Examiners

FRI. A.M. 1 - Managing Team Dynamics in Your Auction Business
Carol Miller, CAI, BAS

FRI. A.M. 2 - Maximizing Your Leadership Potential
Allison Mazzie

FRI. P.M. - Class III Wrap-Up & CAI Class III Graduation
Class Advisor

2027 Classes Overview

Click each CAI year to view a list of classes. Click on an individual class to learn more.

SUN. EVENING - CAI Check-in; Meet and Greet

MON. A.M. 1 - Welcome and Orientation (Class Picture)
CAI Leadership and Class Advisor

MON. A.M. 2 - Lights, Camera, Action! Presenting with Confidence
Instructor TBA

MON. P.M. 1 - Increasing Business Productivity & Efficiency
Instructor TBA

MON. P.M. 2 - Partnering for Profit
Instructor TBA

MON. EVENING - CAI Social Event

TUE. A.M. - Exploring Auction Specialty Opportunities, Part 1
Instructors TBA

TUE. P.M. 1 - Exploring Auction Specialty Opportunities, Part 2
Instructors TBA

TUE. P.M. 2 - Class Project Working Groups

TUE. EVENING - Class Project Working Groups

WED. A.M. - All CAI Classes & Alumni Networking
Instructors TBA

WED. P.M. 1 - All CAI Classes & Alumni Roundtables
Instructors TBA

WED. P.M. 2 - Mastering Auction Technology
Instructor TBA

WED. EVENING - CAI Auction Project Event
CAI Class I

THU. A.M. 1 - Defining Your Success
Instructor TBA

THU. A.M. 2 - Auction Business Challenges & Solutions
Instructor TBA

THU. P.M. 1 - Ethical Business Strategies
Instructor TBA

WED. P.M. 2 - Contracts, Agreements, Terms & Conditions
Instructor TBA

WED. P.M. 3 - Is It Worth Your Time?
Instructor TBA

FRI. A.M. 1 - Proposals & Pitching Techniques
Instructor TBA

FRI. A.M. 2 - Managing Seller Expectations
Instructor TBA

FRI. P.M. 1 - Class I Wrap-Up & Class II Prep
Class Advisor

FRI. P.M. 2 -  CAI Class III Graduation
CAI Leadership and Class III Advisor

SUN. EVENING - Check-In; Meet and Greet

MON. A.M. - Welcome and Orientation (Class Picture)
CAI Leadership and Class Advisor

MON. P.M. - Business Planning & Assignment
Instructor TBA

MON. EVENING - CAI Social Event

TUE. A.M. - Financial & Business Strategies
Instructor TBA

TUE. P.M. - Personnel & HR
Instructor TBA

TUE. EVENING - Business Plan Assignment Work

WED. A.M. - All CAI Classes & Alumni Networking
Instructors TBA

WED. P.M. 1 - All CAI Classes & Alumni Roundtables
Instructors TBA

WED. P.M. 2 - Mastering Auction Technology
Instructor TBA

WED. EVENING - CAI Auction Project Event
CAI Class I

THU. AM. 1 - Managing Team Dynamics
Instructor TBA

THU. AM. 2 - Leadership Styles
Instructor TBA

THU. PM. 1 - Conflict Resolution
Instructor TBA

THU. PM. 2 - Business Law & Ethics
Instructor TBA

FRI. A.M. - Entrepreneurship, Innovation, & Creativity
Instructor TBA

FRI. P.M. 1 - Business Plan Submission, Presentation Assignment, @ Class II Wrap-Up
Class Advisor

FRI. P.M. 2 - CAI Class III Graduation
CAI Leadership and Class III Advisor

SUN. EVENING - Check-In; Meet and Greet

MON. A.M. - Welcome and Orientation (Class Picture)
CAI Leadership and Class Advisor

MON. P.M. - Honing Your Business Sales Communications
Instructor TBA

MON. EVENING - CAI Social Event

TUE. A.M. - Advanced Online Auction Strategies & Efficiencies
Instructor TBA

TUE. P.M. - Building Business through Relationship Marketing
Instructor TBA

TUE. EVENING - Ethical Business Strategies for Long-Term Success
Instructor TBA

WED. A.M. - All CAI Classes & Alumni Networking
Instructors TBA

WED. P.M. 1 - All CAI Classes & Alumni Roundtables
Instructors TBA

WED. P.M. 2 - Mastering Auction Technology
Instructor TBA

WED. EVENING - CAI Auction Project Event
CAI Class I

THU. A.M. & P.M. - Business Plan Presentations
Panel of Examiners

FRI. A.M. 1 - Managing Team Dynamics in Your Auction Business
Instructor TBA

FRI. A.M. 2 - Maximizing Your Leadership Potential
Instructor TBA

FRI. P.M. - Class III Wrap-Up & CAI Class III Graduation
Class Advisor & CAI Leadership

MON. A.M. 1 - Check-In; Meet and Greet

MON. A.M. 2 & P.M. - Business Plan Presentations
Panel of Examiners

MON. EVENING - CAI Next Welcome Reception

TUE. A.M. - CAI Next Programming
Instructors TBA

TUE. P.M. 1 - CAI Next Programming
Instructors TBA

TUE. P.M. 2 - Class II Graduation, Class II & III Pinning, CAI Reception
Class Advisor & CAI Leadership

TUE. EVENING - C&S Welcome Party
Optional

Are you starting your CAI program in 2026?
CAI 2026 - Class I

SUN. EVENING - CAI Check-in; Meet and Greet

MON. A.M. - Welcome and Orientation (Class Picture)
CAI Leadership and Class Advisor

MON. P.M. - Using Portfolios and Proposals to Increase Revenue and Efficiency
David Hudgins, CAI, AARE; Morgan Hopson, CAI

MON. EVENING - CAI Social Event

TUE. A.M. - Capitalizing Bank, Bankruptcy, & Government Opportunities
Mark Manley, CAI, AARE, CES, MPPA

TUE. LUNCH - Project Working Groups

TUE. P.M. - Exploring Auction Specialty Opportunities, Part 1
Instructors TBA

TUE. EVENING - Project Working Groups

WED. A.M. - Exploring Auction Specialty Opportunities, Part 2
Instructors TBA

WED. P.M. - Lights, Camera, Action! Presenting with Confidence
Tim Luke, CAI, BAS, MPPA

WED. EVENING - CAI Benefit Auction Event
CAI Class II

THU. A.M. - Mastering Online Auction Operations & Logistics
Jack Christy, Jr., CAI, ATS, BAS, GPPA

WED. P.M. - Strategic Prospecting and Value-Based Selling
Alex Bourland, CAI, GPPA

FRI. A.M. - Increasing Business Productivity & Efficiency
Instructor TBA

FRI. P.M. - Class I Wrap-Up & CAI Class III Graduation
Class Advisor

CAI 2027 - Class II

SUN. EVENING - Check-In; Meet and Greet

MON. A.M. - Welcome and Orientation (Class Picture)
CAI Leadership and Class Advisor

MON. P.M. - Business Planning & Assignment
Instructor TBA

MON. EVENING - CAI Social Event

TUE. A.M. - Financial & Business Strategies
Instructor TBA

TUE. P.M. - Personnel & HR
Instructor TBA

TUE. EVENING - Business Plan Assignment Work

WED. A.M. - All CAI Classes & Alumni Networking
Instructors TBA

WED. P.M. 1 - All CAI Classes & Alumni Roundtables
Instructors TBA

WED. P.M. 2 - Mastering Auction Technology
Instructor TBA

WED. EVENING - CAI Auction Project Event
CAI Class I

THU. AM. 1 - Managing Team Dynamics
Instructor TBA

THU. AM. 2 - Leadership Styles
Instructor TBA

THU. PM. 1 - Conflict Resolution
Instructor TBA

THU. PM. 2 - Business Law & Ethics
Instructor TBA

FRI. A.M. - Entrepreneurship, Innovation, & Creativity
Instructor TBA

FRI. P.M. 1 - Business Plan Submission, Presentation Assignment, @ Class II Wrap-Up
Class Advisor

FRI. P.M. 2 - CAI Class III Graduation
CAI Leadership and Class III Advisor

CAI @ C&S 2027 - Class II

MON. A.M. 1 - Check-In; Meet and Greet

MON. A.M. 2 & P.M. - Business Plan Presentations
Panel of Examiners

MON. EVENING - CAI Next Welcome Reception

TUE. A.M. - CAI Next Programming
Instructors TBA

TUE. P.M. 1 - CAI Next Programming
Instructors TBA

TUE. P.M. 2 - Class II Graduation, Class II & III Pinning, CAI Reception
Class Advisor & CAI Leadership

TUE. EVENING - C&S Welcome Party
Optional
Are you in your second year of the CAI program in 2026?
CAI 2026 - Class II

SUN. EVENING - Check-In; Meet and Greet

MON. A.M. - Welcome and Orientation (Class Picture)
CAI Leadership and Class Advisor

MON. P.M. - Business Planning for Professional Growth
Russ Hilk, CAI, AMM, GPPA

MON. EVENING - CAI Social Event

TUE. A.M. 1 - Utilizing Partnerships, Joint Ventures, and Referrals
Trae Dudley, CAI

TUE. A.M. 2 - Gaining Loyalty through Customer Experience
Tim Keller, CAI, AMM, CES

TUE. P.M. - Marketing Mastery with AI: Navigating the New Frontier
John Schultz, AMM

TUE. EVENING - Class Project Working Groups

WED. A.M. - Determining and Analyzing Your Business Value
Instructor TBA

WED. P.M. - Elevating Your Brand with Style and Standards
Braden McCurdy, CAI, AARE, AMM

WED. EVENING - CAI Benefit Auction Event
CAI Class II

THU. A.M. - Protecting Yourself and Your Business
Rich Schur, CAI, AMM, BAS, MPPA

THU. P.M. - Implementing Consultative Negotiation Techniques
Jason Deel, CAI, GPPA

FRI. A.M. 1 - Born, Bought, or Built: Ensuring a Business with a Future
Instructors TBA

FRI. A.M. 2 - Structuring Your Business Plan
Class Advisor and Instructors

FRI. P.M. - Class II Wrap-Up & CAI Class III Graduation
Class Advisor

CAI 2027 - Class III

SUN. EVENING - Check-In; Meet and Greet

MON. A.M. - Welcome and Orientation (Class Picture)
CAI Leadership and Class Advisor

MON. P.M. - Honing Your Business Sales Communications
Instructor TBA

MON. EVENING - CAI Social Event

TUE. A.M. - Advanced Online Auction Strategies & Efficiencies
Instructor TBA

TUE. P.M. - Building Business through Relationship Marketing
Instructor TBA

TUE. EVENING - Ethical Business Strategies for Long-Term Success
Instructor TBA

WED. A.M. - All CAI Classes & Alumni Networking
Instructors TBA

WED. P.M. 1 - All CAI Classes & Alumni Roundtables
Instructors TBA

WED. P.M. 2 - Mastering Auction Technology
Instructor TBA

WED. EVENING - CAI Auction Project Event
CAI Class I

THU. A.M. & P.M. - Business Plan Presentations
Panel of Examiners

FRI. A.M. 1 - Managing Team Dynamics in Your Auction Business
Instructor TBA

FRI. A.M. 2 - Maximizing Your Leadership Potential
Instructor TBA

FRI. P.M. - Class III Wrap-Up & CAI Class III Graduation
Class Advisor & CAI Leadership

CAI Grad Pinning @ C&S 2027

TUE. P.M. 2 - Class II Graduation, Class II & III Pinning, CAI Reception
Class Advisor & CAI Leadership

CAI 2026 Registration Costs:

Designation Holder: $1474

Member: $1499

Non-Member: $1909

CAI Designation renewal fees: $150 per year (due Oct. 31), current NAA Membership required

CAI Class I Money-Back Guarantee:

We are so confident in the CAI program that after you complete year one, if you don’t pick up one nugget that will allow you to grow your auction business or become a more efficient auction professional, we’ll refund your CAI year one registration fee.

Cancellation:

Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing and received by the NAA no later than February 25. Canceled registrations will be refunded the registration fee minus the $250 non-refundable deposit. No refunds will be issued after February 25. Hotel reservation and full tuition must be paid by February 25 to attend CAI

Future CAI Dates

March 29-April 2, 2027
March 27-31, 2028

"The last Monday of March"

CAI Committee

  • Ethan Vick, CAI, AMM
    Ethan Vick, CAI, AMM
    Wiregrass Auction Group, Inc.
    Co-chair
    View Profile
  • Shane McCarrell, CAI, AARE, BAS, CES
    Shane McCarrell, CAI, AARE, BAS, CES
    Director of Auction Operations Blackwell Realty and Auction
    Co-chair
    View Profile
  • Billie Jo Schultz, CAI, AMM
    Billie Jo Schultz, CAI, AMM
    Owner Auction Marketing Partners
    Education Committee Liaison
    View Profile
  • Willie Baker, CAI, AARE, AMM, CES, GPPA
    Willie Baker, CAI, AARE, AMM, CES, GPPA
    Owner/Principal Auctioneer/Principal Real Estate Broker Baker Auctions & Real Estate, LLC.
    Class III Advisor
    View Profile
  • Joshua Loewensteiner, CAI, BAS
    Joshua Loewensteiner, CAI, BAS
    Owner Lion Stone Fundraising, LLC
    Class II Advisor
    View Profile
  • Jack Christy, Jr., CAI, AMM, BAS, CES, GPPA
    Jack Christy, Jr., CAI, AMM, BAS, CES, GPPA
    Owner Christy's of Indiana, Inc.
    Class I Advisor
    View Profile