Events

January 15, 2026
Speaking Engagements

Estate planning attorney Brian Honness presented Business Transition Planning for Auctioneers at the 2026 Pennsylvania Auctioneers Association (PAA) Annual Conference and Trade Show, offering practical guidance to help auction businesses prepare for long‑term stability and smooth ownership transitions. He covered core transition‑planning fundamentals, such as identifying successors, timing, transfer mechanics, aligning business and personal goals, and reducing risk.

Brian also emphasized key estate‑planning documents, tax issues, and the roles of decision‑makers during unexpected events. Attendees received an overview of transition options, including family succession, sales to employees or partners, third‑party sales, gradual step‑backs, and orderly wind‑downs, illustrated through practical scenarios.

He concluded by addressing common pitfalls, including late advisor involvement, incorrect assumptions about family participation, tax challenges, business‑real‑estate complications, and restrictive covenants.