Training Overview
The Park West Academy provides world-class training in sales, public speaking and fine art. Courses will be held at Park West in Southfield, Michigan or the Miami Lakes, Florida facility. Each session lasts approximately 10 days and is highly intensive. During this period, all applicants will receive the necessary foundation to successfully market Park West artwork onboard a cruise ship.
Most candidates leave training with a new found appreciation for the arts, invaluable sales training, and an incredible sense of accomplishment after completing the intensive course. Those who pass are invigorated and have been well prepared to succeed.
As Park West seeks to maintain its 40 year reputation as an industry leader, an invitation to training is not a full offer to represent Park West Gallery as an independent contractor. Conversely, this training session is an extension of the qualification process. Only those candidates who excel during training will receive an invitation to join a ship. Approximately 80% of candidates who are invited do pass training, and a primary assessment tool used during training is preparedness and work ethic.
A significant amount of learning material is given to candidates prior to arrival to training. Candidates are expected to learn these materials in order to maximize their learning potential at Park West Academy training. Those that excel are typically very well prepared on the first day of training, which translates into a more solid foundation to build upon for their own success.
The Park West Academy training program is an invaluable asset to becoming a successful auctioneer. There are minimal expenses one can expect which are included but not limited to the following:
Training Expenses
- Airfare to the training site (airfare from training site to first ship assignment is covered by Park West.)
- Dinner during training (lunch and breakfast are provided by Park West)
Other General Expenses
- Obtaining a Passport
- Obtaining all necessary visas (only for non-US citizens)
- Obtaining a medical exam
The costs covered by Park West are:
- Hotel room for duration of training in either Southfield or Miami Lakes
- Breakfasts and lunches during training
- All training and training materials
- Transportation to and from the hotel to the training site
- Flight to your first ship, upon passing training and being offered a position
Training Topics:
Producing a Live Auction
POS and Technology at the Auction
The Auction Sales Model
Types of Auctions
Global Auction Trends
Auction Display and Merchandising
Entertainment and the Live Auction
Auction Techniques
Artistic Mediums; oils, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, drawing, prints, etc.
Introduction to Art Periods; Renaissance through Romanticism
Introduction to Modern Art; Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism
Introduction to Printmaking; Intaglio (Etching, Engraving, Aquatint, Drypoint), Woodcuts, Lithography, Serigraphy, Linocut, etc...
Craftsmanship in Printmaking
Master Artists I: Durer, Rembrandt, Picasso
Master Artists II: Chagall, Dali, Miro,
Master Artists III: Goya, Renoir, Cezanne
Park West Exclusive Artists
Marketing Fundamentals
Salesmanship Fundamentals
Public Speaking
Proper use of Voice
Crowd Psychology
Hosting Seminars and Enrichment Lectures
Developing Lifelong Collectors
Fundamentals of Art Gallery Sales
Fundamentals of Art Auction Sales
Basic Auction Chant and Drills
Bid Calling
Foundations of Management
Integrity in Sales
Negotiation for Sales Professionals
Ethics of Persuasion
Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship
Entertainment and the Live Auction
Criteria Elicitation
Park West's Mission and Vision
History of Park West; 40 years and Growing
Park West's Global Distribution; collectors in over 40 countries.
Maintaining Customer Satisfaction
Why People Collect Artwork
Aesthetics in Art
Working with our Cruise Partners
Life onboard a Cruise Ship
Fundamentals of Diplomacy
