Every Benefit Auctioneer that I know, at one time or another has written about sound at Charity and Benefit Auctions.

It usually is about the conversation with the auction committee, principle, or Hotel, telling the auctioneer how much money they have put into their sound system and why they do not need to pay more for  professional sound set up, because theirs has been good enough for their last 15 auctions. OK I will agree , perhaps sometimes that is correct.

However more often then not, as the conversation plays out you will hear comments about the "auctioneer not having control of the crowd last year" , or  if pressed, hear comments of how many in the back of the room left saying they could not hear a thing.  Folks, as a Benefit Auctioneer I do visit other auctions and I can tell you for a fact, to0 many times, I have watched folks (especially) in the back of the room not paying attention, having no idea where the bid amount was, and merely enjoying themselves visiting with neighboring tables.

A Charity auction is all about raising money, or it should be (and yes having a fun time). But if your guests cannot follow the auctioneers bid increments, or what he is describing , you are "leaving money on the table"

Sound in a gymnasium for a  Basketball or Volleyball game, or a banquet room, where the real distinction between $1200 and twelve and a half called out twice as fast as normal  or  "Jim Jones just made a 3 pointer" actually  becomes a real difference in raising money for your charity.

I work with Professional Sound Engineers who set up for Charity Auctions, they also work sound for the Edward Jones Dome, I work with other sound professionals who earn their money setting up sound and yes video. I do not receive a single thing, nor will I take $$ for a referral , what is on the line is my reputation. I have learned from working with the Pros that not all sound setups are right for your room.  We (Benefit Auctioneers) talk about 4 corner speakers , Did you know if they are not "balanced" they will just be pushing against each other. and clarity suffers. Did you know if you are using ceiling sound, and have a "friend" help out and put auxiliary speakers in the  corners,- without delays and balance, that your clarity will suffer. How about the DJ that puts those powerful speakers in the front of the room and blows out the first 4 rows of tables and yet no one can hear in the back of the room.

The point is, this is your one large fund raiser for the year, you have spent your money on table cloths, chair covers, center pieces, catering, band,(or DJ) decorations, hand outs, take home souvenirs.

The one person trying to make money for your organization that evening is the Auctioneer, listen to your Professional, I work a lot of rooms, trust me If I can not be heard clearly, money will be left in that room at the end of the evening.

We do more then show up an hour before the auction to call for bids, let us help you by suggesting ways, not just about sound,  based on our experience, to make your event a record breaker!!!     I will add to that , it is "your auction," I do not want to "run it" or "manage it" however I do want to be  a part of making the evening a success.  

Ron