The Auctioneers Association of Maryland held it’s Annual Winter Conference on January 19-20, 2025, at the Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, Maryland, and was host to both the Maryland and Mid Atlantic Bid Calling Championships sponsored by “GoToAuction” and “Bid Wrangler”. Taking the title of Maryland Bid Calling Champion was David Yearsley of Hurlock, Maryland with James Sexton and Brian Warfield placing second and third, respectively. The Mid Atlantic Bid Calling Champion was awarded to Brian Burke II of Meshoppen, PA with Zachary Younker and James Sexton placing second and third, respectively. The Auctioneers Association of Maryland “Auctioneer of the Year” was awarded to Seth Shipley of Hamstead, MD.

The two-day event included speakers on a variety of topics related to: Current Auction Trends; Sportsmen-Related Auctions; Current & Updated Laws and Regulations affecting Auctions; Estates and Probates; Protecting Assets; Key Factors when Selling Jewelry, Coins and Currency; and Improving Auctioneering with presentations from International Auctioneer Champions; and a host of networking opportunities. The Auctioneers Association of Maryland will again host the Maryland and Mid Atlantic Bid Calling Championships during its’ 2026 Conference to be held January 16-17, 2026. The conference is open to any individual involved in auctions from any State. Auctioneers who conduct auctions in Maryland are encouraged to join the Auctioneers Association of Maryland and may obtain additional information at www.mdauctioneers.org.