AMEA Appraisers’ Forum 2026: Detroit, Deals, Deep Dives, and a Really Good Time

The 2026 AMEA Appraisers’ Forum in Detroit had a little bit of everything: serious learning, plenty of laughs, side conversations about business deals — and the kind of relationship-building that reminds you why equipment appraisers and machinery dealers turned out in near-record numbers for this year’s Forum.

The Forum delivered exactly what AMEA members expect for professional development. There was a seven-hour USPAP course to kick things off, followed by expert presentations, hands-on training, and tours of Tramar Industries, LIFT Detroit, and Chelsea Milling Company, home of “JIFFY” Mix. But everyone who attended knows that’s only part of the story.

The AMEA Appraisers’ Forum is also one of those rare business events where people genuinely enjoy being together. The Forum is productive, it is educational — but it is also social, relaxed, and full of the kind of conversations that strengthen friendships, expand networks, and sometimes even help close a few deals along the way.

From the Classroom to the Warehouse

The Forum opened Wednesday with a seven-hour USPAP training course, followed by a welcome reception and dinner sponsored by Maynards Group of Companies at the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel. Detroit put the world on wheels, and the city rolled out a warm welcome for the AMEA.

On Thursday morning, attendees headed to Tramar Industries for a full day of presentations and hands-on learning. Tramar’s president, Mauro Damino, shared the company’s story: More than 20 years ago, his father, Cesar Damino, sourced a Bridgeport for a friend in Argentina and realized there was a significant business opportunity in used machinery. What started with retrofitting and exporting equipment grew into a global business with deep expertise in buying, repairing, shipping, installing, and supporting CNC machines.

Tramar’s 45,000 square foot warehouse was a great place to learn — a hands-on working environment filled with many real-world examples of complex machine valuation.

Expert Presentations with Unexpected Twists

The Forum’s presentations were practical and useful without ever feeling stuffy. Terrance Jacobs, CEA, of TCL Asset Group served as emcee and kept the day moving with just the right balance of energy and humor. 

Joe Gibbs of Gibbs Machinery Company shared his expertise in gear manufacturing equipment. His long experience with specialized machinery gave attendees a close look at an industry where market knowledge makes all the difference.

Gibbs kept things lively with a memorable story from his early years in business. He confessed that the company once fired a young employee for “writing poetry” on the job — a man who later became a multi-platinum recording artist with global fame. He hesitated to name names, but let’s just say that references to nearby Eight Mile got a few knowing smiles from the room. It was the perfect Detroit moment: a little industry wisdom, a little local color, and a reminder that the Forum always delivers something unexpected.

Then Danny Bersh and Sam Bersh, CEA, of Aaron Industrial Solutions offered an inside look at appraising cannabis and CBD processing equipment. There were plenty of puns about the “smokin’ hot market.” The Bersh brothers called it “a crazy industry right now” with lots of market volatility.  

Next up was Jasen Kisber, CEA, of KFMC, presenting “Difficult Conversations through the Mediative Mindset.” Jasen reminded us that appraisers do more than evaluate equipment. They also navigate expectations, develop options, and handle tough conversations with clients. His session was designed to help AMEA members navigate the complex relationships and interpersonal dynamics that often accompany business liquidations.     

After lunch, Joseph Joyce, CEA, of Harry Davis & Company presented “Decoding Value in Fluid Milk Operations: A Practical Framework for Appraisers.” It was a great example of what makes the AMEA Forum so worthwhile: a deep dive into industry sectors appraisers may not see every day. Dairy processing may be a niche, but Joyce’s deep understanding of milk processing operations will help us all do better appraisal work.

The day wrapped with a workshop tour and hands-on training at Tramar. For many, that may have been one of the biggest highlights of the Forum. There is just no substitute for seeing equipment up close, asking questions on the floor, and connecting appraisal theory to real machines.

AMEA Membership: More Than a Credential

One of the most helpful reminders of the Forum came from AMEA President Doris Toronyi, CEA, who outlined the growing list of member benefits available through the association.

Toronyi highlighted major discounts connected to AMEA’s partnership with MDNA, including 80% off the AssetTrax PDF library and substantial discounts for DataRef, a tool appraisers use to research auction history, pricing, and serial-number-related information. She also pointed members to expanded access to MDNA chapter meetings, plus upcoming webinars on report writing, common appraisal mistakes, and machinery identification.

Just as important, Toronyi emphasized mentorship and accessibility. Her message was clear: AMEA membership is not just about adding initials after your name. It is about having people to call, experts to learn from, and a professional network that helps members do better work. As she put it, “We all help each other,” and that collaborative spirit came through all week long.

Business by Day, Axe Throwing by Night

Thursday evening’s combined MDNA Canadian and Detroit/Toledo chapter meeting at The Yard at Corktown was a great way to cap the day’s agenda and embrace the Forum’s engaging vibe with over 100 attendees.

Yes, there was a business meeting. Yes, important conversations happened. But there was also axe throwing, darts, food, drinks, and a lot of laughing. It was the kind of event where members could catch up, make new connections, swap stories, and enjoy a little friendly competition after a full day of learning. And it was a great opportunity for the Canadians and Americans to trade jokes about medal counts at the Winter Olympics.

MDNA president Dan Wheeler previewed the upcoming Weekend with the Pros, scheduled for May 6–8 at the historic Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, California. Attendees will have an opportunity to tour  Amada America, Bender CCP, Trak Machine Tools, MRI Machinery, Wheeler Machinery, the Lions Automobilia Foundation & Museum, and much more. Registration is now open at MDNA.org.

Friday Tours Brought More Real-World Perspective

Friday began with a delicious breakfast sponsored by Clark Machinery Sales, followed by two more compelling learning opportunities.

The first stop at LIFT Detroit gave attendees a look at R&D for the defense industry. LIFT is a public-private partnership connecting industry, academia, and government to speed the development of advanced manufacturing technologies. LIFT’s 100,000-square-foot technology accelerator and pilot facility that serves as a place to design, test, and prototype advanced materials, processes, systems, and training. For appraisers, it was a chance to see how innovation happens for real defense applications where performance, speed, and reliability matter.

Then the group headed to Chelsea Milling Company, where the story shifted to “JIFFY Mix,” one of America’s most familiar brands. Howard Holmes, the fourth-generation president and CEO, welcomed the group and shared the company’s story—from its early days as a traditional flour mill to the 1930 invention of the first prepared baking mix by Mabel White Holmes. Holmes explained “Jiffy Mix is the number one dry grocery item in the United States, selling more than Ramen Noodles, more than Snickers, more than Kraft Macaroni and Cheese.” Every box is still made right there in Chelsea, thanks to recent investments in high-speed automation, mixing, and packaging. It was a vivid example of how legacy brands still depend on evolving equipment, smart capital investment, and efficient operations.

Why Appraisers Keep Coming Back

The AMEA Appraisers’ Forum works because it brings together so many of the right ingredients. It offers useful education. It creates access to real facilities and operations. It helps members stay sharp. And just as importantly, it makes space for people to build meaningful friendships.

This is a group that works hard, plays hard, and genuinely likes being together. That spirit is evident in the presentations, in the tours, in the chapter events, and in the in-between moments that never make the agenda.

If you were in Detroit, you know. If you missed it, plan now to be there next year.

SIDEBAR: Be sure to check out AMEA’s Facebook, Youtube, and LinkedIn pages and drop a comment on the tour photos from Tramar, LIFT, and Chelsea Milling Company. There is a good chance one of those photos will bring back a great conversation—or start a new one.