THE HAWKEYE AUCTIONEER

Quarterly E-Newsletter

SPRING 2026

Inside This Issue:

• From the President's Desk
• 2026 IAA Convention Fun!
• Director's Corner
• 2026 Iowa FFA Bid Calling Invitational Championship
• Video Recap of the Iowa FFA Bid Calling
• A Message From The Vice President Jordon Hansen
• Sponsors
• Board of Directors

View past newsletters on the IAA website:

https://iowaauctioneers.org/news/

Momentum and Pride in Our Profession

2026 IAA Convention Recap-IAA

The 2026 IAA Convention in West Des Moines delivered strong attendance, valuable education,

and a renewed sense of momentum for our industry.

From sessions with Rochell Burnett on marketing and ethics to insights from Mike Fisher of the

Redfield Group, the focus was clear—growth, professionalism, and adapting to change. The Vendor Fair, simulcast workshop, and business panel all reinforced the importance of staying

sharp and forward-thinking.

Our competitions and evening events highlighted the talent and camaraderie within our association. From the Hall of Fame induction to the bid calling contests and Grand Banquet, the pride in our profession was on full display.

Just as meaningful were the conversations throughout the weekend, reminding us that the strength of the IAA lies in its people.

As Iowa auctioneers, we have a profession worth being proud of—one we should continue to represent with integrity and confidence.

As I begin my term as President of the Iowa Auctioneers Association, I am excited for the year ahead and the opportunity to keep building on this momentum together.

Looking forward to seeing everyone soon!

Leon Martin

President, Iowa Auctioneers Association

Rookie Bid Calling Champion
Miles McConnaha

Ring Person Champion
Marty Griepentrog

Team Bid Calling Champions
Jordon Hansen (pictured) & Dylan Kallemeyn

Hall of Fame Inductee
David Whitaker

Iowa FFA Bid Calling

Invitational Recap

The Iowa FFA Bid Calling Invitational at the Iowa Beef Expo showcased the next generation of auctioneers as FFA members stepped to the microphone to demonstrate their bid-calling skills in front of a crowd filled with family, friends, fellow auctioneers, a panel of judges, and people watching on social media. The contest highlights the tradition of auctioneering while giving young people the opportunity to develop confidence, rhythm, and professionalism in the auction method of marketing.

Despite bad weather and terrible road conditions across much of the state, 13 competitors still made the trip and put on an excellent show. Leading the group was 2026 Champion Miles McConnaha, followed by Reserve Champion Justin Wiemann. Asher Henson placed third, Wyatt Roane finished fourth, and Cash Brammer rounded out the top five.

A contest like this takes a great deal of dedication and volunteer effort from members of the Iowa Auctioneers Association to keep it running smoothly. If you know an FFA student in grades 8 through 12 who may be interested in competing next year, take the time to encourage them and help them build a chant. This contest continues to grow and provides a tremendous scholarship opportunity for FFA students. As auctioneers, we can all help by mentioning the contest on the microphone at the sales we work and spreading the word to the next generation.

Justin Steward

Director, Iowa Auctioneers Association

Click to Watch!

A Heartfelt Thank You-And a Call to Help Shape Our 2027 Convention

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Iowa Auctioneers Association, I want to extend my sincerest and most heartfelt thanks to every member who took time out of their busy schedules to join us at our 2026 Annual Auction Conference and Convention held February 5th, 6th, and 7th. Events like these do not happen without the enthusiasm and dedication of members that make it happen, and I want each and every one of you to know how deeply appreciated your attendance truly was. Whether you were there for the education, the networking, the camaraderie, the competitions, or simply to reconnect with old friends and colleagues. 

Now, as we close the chapter on a successful 2026 convention, my attention is already turning toward what I believe can be a bigger and better 2027 Iowa Auctioneers Conference and Convention — and that is where I need YOUR help. As your Vice President and the member of the Board tasked with planning next year's event, my number one priority is simple: I want to build a convention that YOU want to attend, not just one that I think you should attend. That distinction matters deeply to me. At our recent convention, I placed feedback sheets on the tables throughout our event, and only received a couple responses back.  If you didn't get the opportunity, please don't worry — it's not too late! I am actively reaching out now and asking for your honest, candid input. What did you love about this year's convention? What fell short of your expectations? What classes, speakers, workshops, or presentations would you like to see offered in 2027? Are there specific topics relevant to your business — whether that's real estate, farm equipment, estate sales, technology, or anything else — that you feel are underserved in our current programming? Every single response I receive will be taken seriously and will directly influence the planning decisions I make for 2027. This is YOUR convention, and your voice deserves to be heard.

Beyond programming and education, I am also thinking big when it comes to vendors, exhibitors, and sponsors for the 2027 convention. While we will always welcome and value the industry-specific vendors who have supported us so faithfully over the years, I believe there is a tremendous opportunity to grow the convention floor and bring in fresh, exciting partners who can add real value to your businesses — even if they don't come directly from the auction world. I'm talking about marketing agencies who can help US build our brands and reach more buyers, insurance providers who specialize in business liability and event coverage or even heath insurance, promotional product vendors who can help you stand out in your market, website design firms, social media consultants, financial planning professionals, and beyond. The auction profession is a business, and the vendors who serve businesses broadly have a great deal to offer our members. If you know of a company, a vendor, or a sponsor — in any industry — who you do business with, maybe someone else would benefit from them too, I would absolutely love to hear from you to invite them to our convention. Think creatively, think outside the box, and don't be shy. A great idea is a great idea, regardless of where it comes from.

I want to close by personally assuring each of you that any and all feedback you share with me — whether it's a glowing review, a constructive criticism, a bold idea, or a gentle suggestion — will be held in the strictest confidence. This is not about calling anyone out or putting anyone on the spot. This is about doing my job well and delivering an event in 2027 that our entire membership is proud of and excited to attend. Please reach out to me directly at any time. You can contact me by phone at 712-209-1588, by email at auctioneer.jordon@gmail.com. I welcome every conversation, every email, and every idea — big or small. Together, let's make the 2027 Iowa Auctioneers Conference and Convention the best one yet. Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart, for all that you do for this association and for this profession.

Warm Regards,

Jordan Hansen

Vice President, Iowa Auctioneers Association