2026 Benefit Auction Summit
2026 Benefit Auction Summit
The Benefit Auction Summit isn’t just another networking event – it’s your opportunity to connect with fellow benefit professionals, sharpen your skills, and discover the latest strategies that will help you deliver even more value to your nonprofit clients.
From cutting-edge sessions to hands-on workshops and real-world case studies, every minute at this event is designed to help those in the industry stay at the top of their game.
Whether you're looking to grow your client base, raise more dollars, or simply recharge with your NAA community, this is the event that fuels your purpose.
2026 Benefit Auction Summit Education Task Force
Seth Weiner, CAI; AMM; BAS (Co-chair)
Nelson Jay, BAS (Co-chair)
Misty Marquam, BAS
Kandice Luisi, BAS
Cathy MacPherson
Lucas Hunt, BAS
Suzannah Underwood, BAS
Agenda
| August 30 | |
| 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
Journey Into Deductive Tasting and Make Wine More Enjoyable for All
SOLD OUT! An exclusive wine experience, led by Master Sommelier, Thomas M. Price. Invitations are extended individually and are not transferable. Ticket required to attend. |
| 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM | Welcome Reception All registered attendees are invited to join us at the Pool Patio for a Welcome Reception! |
| August 31 | |
| 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | Coffee & Conversations | Welcome Comments All education sessions are located in the Grand Ballroom |
| 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM |
Own Your Magic: Expanding Your Value Beyond the Auction Block
View Session Description Guest Speaker: Tom Pesce |
| 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM | Energy Break! |
| 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM | Actionable Artificial Intelligence Guest Speaker: Katherine Hecht, Google |
| 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM |
Winning Strategies from Top Industry Leaders [Panel]
Hear insights from: Jose de Alba, CEO, Pacific Auction Company Jazmin Peach, Partner Director, MomoGood Siri Lippy, Sr. Fundraising Specialist, Auction Packages Chris Jennings, CEO, Charity Booster Leya Simmons, CEO, BetterUnite Moderated by Nelson Jay and Kandice Luisi |
| 12:30 PM - 1:45 PM | Lunch! Lunch will be provided on the Pool Patio |
| 1:45 PM - 3:15 PM |
Building Better Benefit Auctions Through Strategy, Data, and Partnerships
View Session Description Speakers: Greg Quiroga & Beth Sandefur Joined by Michael Irvine, VP of Development & Marketing, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley and Suzanne Phifer Pavitt, Founder & CEO, PHIFER PAVITT WINERY |
| 3:15 PM - 3:30 PM | Energy Break! |
| 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM |
The Kathy Kingston Benefit Auction Education Fund Special Appeal
View Session Description Presented by: Scott Robertson, CAI, BAS; Cathy MacPherson; Misty Marquam, BAS |
| 4:15 PM - 4:30 PM | Day 1 Closing Comments |
| 4:30 PM - 4:30 PM |
Group Photo
Time is subject to change. The group photo will occur following the Day 1 Closing Comments. |
| 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM |
Vino Under The Stars [Hosted by Winspire]
View the Event Flyer Complimentary for ALL attendees, courtesy of Winspire Meet in the lobby by 6:45 PM for transportation to the venue. |
| September 1 | |
| 8:00 AM - 8:45 AM | Coffee & Conversations | Welcome All education sessions are located in the Grand Ballroom |
| 8:45 AM - 10:15 AM |
Finding the Story
View Session Description Guest Speaker: Anthony Veneziale |
| 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM | Energy Break! |
| 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM |
Exploring the Sales Process [Panel]
View Session Description Moderator: Lucas Hunt, BAS Panelists: Mekenzie Pettitt, BAS; Amber Stumph; Trisha Brauer, CAI, BAS |
| 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM | Lunch! Lunch will be provided in the South Yard. |
| 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM |
Auctioneer ROI's
View Session Description Speaker: Glen Fladeboe |
| 2:00 PM - 2:15 PM | Energy Break! |
| 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM |
Partnering with Fundraising Event Consultants [Panel]
View Session Description Moderator: Trisha Brauer, CAI, BAS Panelists: Sam Swaim; Beth Sandefur; Kandice Luisi, BAS; Mike Esposito |
| 3:15 PM - 3:30 PM | Closing Comments | Adjourn |
Hotel
Napa Valley Marriott Hotel and Spa
3425 Solano Avenue
Napa, CA 94558
707-253-8600
Marriott Reservations: 800-228-9290
Airport
Oakland International Airport - 54.2 miles from property
San Francisco International Airport - 61.2 miles from property
Sacramento International Airport - 66.7 miles from property
Registration refund/cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to accounting@auctioneers.org. Requests submitted by July 30, 2026 will be refunded in full minus credit card fees and a 3% processing fee. Refunds/cancellations submitted after July 30, 2026 will not be refunded, substitutions are encouraged. Refunds will be issued to your original form of payment within 3-5 business days after the request is received and approved.
