The premier skill-building event for today’s trailblazing admins

What Past Attendees Have to Say

Wednesday, May 15

All times Eastern

OPENING KEYNOTE: EXERTING POWER & INFLUENCE IN THE NEW WORKPLACE | Bonnie Low-Kramen | 12:30 – 1:30 PM

What are the new ways executive assistants are exerting their power and influence as true business partners in strong support of their leaders and companies? There is no better person to answer that question than Bonnie Low-Kramen, author, trainer and former personal assistant to Oscar winner Olympia Dukakis. 

Bonnie will  outline the tremendous opportunity executive assistants have to shape perception, both for themselves and in the world. Company leaders are still working to find answers to face the future. They need partners by their sides who view themselves as valued and empowered to meet these challenges. Bonnie explores power and influence as they impact the expansion of the role and input into company operations such as onboarding, succession planning, diversity and inclusion, and professional development, as a few examples. Discover where you will exert your power and influence.

POWERFUL PROOFREADING AND EFFECTIVE EDITING FOR ADMINS | Nancy Flynn | 1:30 – 2:15 PM

Fifty-nine percent of administrative professionals ghostwrite emails under their executives’ names, making it crucial that every message you send reflects on your executive’s professionalism and your organization’s credibility. Designed for those who seek immediate improvement in their proofing and editing skills, this program delivers. We’ll review grammar rules, proofreading strategies and editing tips to ensure clear and correct communication. Learn the pros and cons of automated grammar checks versus human eyeballs to catch and cull mistakes. You’ll make your exec’s writing shine, proving yourself invaluable in the process.

COMMUNICATING STRATEGICALLY TO ACHIEVE RESULTS | Lisa Olsen | 2:15 – 3:00 PM

If we want to build credibility and make an influential impact, it’s important to act deliberately and develop a clear and effective voice. It’s about “communication accountability.” 

In this workshop, we will focus on strategies and best practices to improve communication awareness.  Learn how to understand the key elements of communication context awareness, the power and effectiveness of brevity and concise communication, how to discover the art of customizing communication to the situation and individual, 5 rules for building communication alignment with your manager, and strategies for being comfortable with uncomfortable conversations.

GET YOUR ADMIN BRAVE ON! STRATEGIES TO SHOW UP, STAND OUT AND TAKE ACTION | Carol Schulte | 3:10 – 4:10 PM

We all want to be braver, and it’s a trait that will serve administrative professionals well.  The good news is that bravery can be taught.

In this session, you’ll learn the barriers that may be holding you back, and how to bust through them. Gain tools to get you out of your comfort zone and discover strategies to help you increase your visibility, while achieving the results you strive for.

IS IT OR ISN’T IT SEXUAL HARASSMENT? | Anniken Davenport, Esq. | 4:10 PM – 5:00 PM

In this informative, fast-paced session, learn to recognize sexual harassment and what steps to take to eradicate it. Don’t let fear, embarrassment or pressure keep you from doing the right thing. The key to protecting your organization from needless litigation and potentially disastrous social media backlash is knowing when friendly banter and normal workplace behavior have crossed over into offensive and objectionable territory. Let an expert walk you through identifying, reporting and stopping harassment before it’s too late.

Thursday, May 16

All times Eastern

WINNING WITH PEOPLE IN THE WORKPLACE | Lee Ann Piano | 12:30 – 1:15 PM

Problem people are everywhere, but in the workplace, they lead to stress and diminished productivity. This session will help you deal with difficult people while also learning how they think, what they fear and why they do what they do. Leave this seminar with a better understanding of the different personality types, ultimately resulting in less workplace angst.

EFFECTIVE MINUTE-TAKING TIPS | Heather Baker | 1:15 – 2:00 PM

Taking meeting minutes is more than jotting down every word spoken. Learn how to prepare and produce valuable meeting minutes by clarifying the role of the minute taker, exploring preparation and skills, balancing minute taking with participating and crafting an action plan. 

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) RISKS, RULES, REGULATIONS & ROLES FOR ADMINS | Nancy Flynn | 2:00 – 3:00 PM

AI can serve as a valuable tool for administrative professionals and the executives they serve. ChatGPT and other AI tools can streamline admin tasks, including responding to email, composing content, analyzing data and scheduling meetings. If not controlled, AI tools can land you in legal, regulatory and operational hot water. Learn how and why to spot, vet, edit and source AI-generated content. You’ll also discover how to use best practices-based AI policies, employee training and tech tools to maximize legal and regulatory compliance and manage AI use. Return to your office with a roadmap to help your executive navigate the AI minefield.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS AS MANAGERS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW | Lisa Olsen | 3:15 – 4:00 PM

Many administrative professionals consider stepping into the administrative manager role. To take advantage and be ready for those opportunities, there are important questions to consider and leadership principles to develop. What do assistants want in a manager?  How can EA managers influence and inspire the work performance of team members?

This enlightening session will introduce the specific questions every assistant who is considering a management role should ask. Attendees will leave with exercises to help evaluate and assess their individual qualities to take the next step toward serving as a successful EA manager.

MASTER THE ART OF CHAIRING MEETINGS: A WORKSHOP FOR ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS | Susan Leahy MA CSP | 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Administrative professionals and EAs often find themselves in the position of providing support or stepping in as the meeting chair. But where do you begin? Join Susan Leahy to discover practical techniques that will empower you to effectively manage both the people and processes involved in meetings that use Robert’s Rules of Order. Gain the confidence to handle the trickiest aspect of meetings — the people — setting yourself up for success and arming you with tools needed to support the meetings you lead. Leave this session ready to chair your next meeting with ease and confidence.

 

Speakers