INSPIRING EXPERTS HAYS PA NETWORK

Annual PA Conference Programme Friday 19th October 2012

Hays is proud to support the Alzheimer’s Society CONTENTS WELCOME TO THE THIRD ANNUAL Welcome...... 2 HAYS PA CONFERENCE 2012 Agenda...... 3 The Hays PA Network was set up for the PAs that work within the Hays business in November 2009. Nearly Speakers’ biographies...... 5 2 ½ years on and two conferences, over 20 Lunch & Learn’s and one award the network is still going strong and has now been expanded to include external PAs. Hays ‘High Achieving PA’ award . . . . 10 Whilst the PAs within Hays still meet up bi-monthly we have also run numerous networking evenings Venue...... 11 throughout the year at various different Hays offices/hotels across the country and have met thousands of PAs during this process. Why should you attend?...... 12 The Hays PA conference prides itself on presenting an unrivalled speaker line up every year and we work very hard to find really inspiring experts that are not always well-known to the UK PA industry. Our conference is a leading platform that unleashes exciting and inspirational talent to an audience of 150 top PAs from across the UK & Ireland. Our conferences are there to inspire and motivate you in your role as an Executive PA and to give you the opportunity to meet PAs from various industry sectors and backgrounds. In addition to the conference there is also an exhibition that will run alongside the main event giving you the opportunity to network and make contacts with companies involved in the PA industry. Also, there is a social evening planned which includes a three course meal and theatre. There is also an opportunity to receive further training at the post conference workshop on the Saturday, presented by Bonnie Low-Kramen. Please read through the programme to find out more. On behalf of the Hays PAs and our consultants across Hays PA/Secretarial we look forward to welcoming you to what will be a fun packed, interesting and informative day! Victoria Darragh Conference Organiser The Hays PA Network AGENDA

MORNING AFTERNOON 09.00-09.10am Conference Welcomes 13.00-14.00pm LUNCH 09.10-10.10am The Evolution of the Executive PA – where next? 14.00-15.00pm An introduction to Laughology Susie Barron-Stubley, MD of Castalia Coaching & Training Stephanie Davies, MD of Laughology We all know the history behind how Executive PAs have evolved into the role it is today; but Laughology presents individuals with different ways of thinking and acting that can be in the same way that technology is not static, nor is the role of the Executive PA. It is a role learned and then applied to every area of your life. Laughology’s unique model for thinking that is constantly shifting and evolving to meet the increasingly complex business needs of combines, humour and cognitive behaviour therapy to help you feel better, make positive our Industry Leaders. Susie will talk about how Executive PAs can ensure that they stay one decisions and communication more effectively. Research shows how laughter increases the step ahead of the game in continuing to drive forwards the advancement and relevance of natural happiness hormone in our body. Humour can be used as a way to process information the role in business and ultimately how they can continue to increase their contribution and to help lift mood and gain perspective. This will be highly interactive session! value to the Leadership teams they support. 15.00-15.15pm 10.10-10.30am Going Dutch! A European Perspective BREAK Karin van Peursen, Dutch Secretary of the Year 2011 15.15-15.55pm The Dynamic Duo – the winning team! Karin was awarded one of the most prestigious awards in The Netherlands – ‘Dutch Secretary Kiran Sharma, CEO of KitKit Entertainment of the Year 2011’ and part of her prize was dinner with the Dutch Royal Family! Karin will be sharing with us the journey of her career to date as well as providing us with an insight of & Sofia Gold, Executive Assistant to Kiran Sharma what it is like being a PA in The Netherlands and how the role has changed for the Dutch PAs The relationship between an Executive and the Personal Assistant is an unusual one in an over the years. Karin has a firm belief that ‘everybody has talent’ and will be sharing her tips organisational sense. Although the boss is the senior person within the organisation the PA on her authenticity and creativity and how to develop and use your talent to become an even is very much a force to be reckoned with. So how did Kiran and Sofia come to work with better PA. each other? They will share their respective career stories and also share their top tips and strategies for a successful boss/PA working relationship. 10.30-11.00am BREAK 15.55-16.35pm An audience with... ‘The Best of British’ 11.00-12.00pm Be the Ultimate Assistant – an international perspective Adam Fidler, Sean Steel, Emma Akers & Josephine Green Bonnie Low-Kramen, American Author, Speaker & Instructor We are joined by a panel of four of Britain’s Top PAs who will share their career stories as well Bonnie will share fascinating insights and truly memorable anecdotes from her very full and as offering their perspectives on what it takes to be a high achieving PA and how they see varied 25-year career as Assistant to Oscar-winning actress . Bonnie will the role evolving – there will also be a Q & A section. also highlight some important differences between the British and American PA industries. Passionately committed to the future of the profession, Bonnie will explore the importance 16.35-16.45pm Hays ‘High Achieving PA of the Year’ 2012 Award of leadership, networking, and mentoring; a topic that she is truly an expert on as co-founder and former President of New York Celebrity Assistants. Our very own internal award which will see one of the hard working PAs across Hays honoured for their achievements and contributions to the Hays business 12.00-13.00pm Entrepreneurship, Motivation, Innovation – from good to great 16.45-17.00pm Prize draw Liz Jackson, Managing Director of Great Guns Marketing Our raffle for Hays’ Charity Partner the Alzheimer’s Society will be drawn and then the (The Secret Millionaire – Channel 4) conference will close There is an entrepreneur in us all and PAs more than ever need an entrepreneurial flair to truly thrive in this profession. Liz Jackson is a truly inspirational business woman who will share her early to present career story, which led her to set up Great Guns Marketing, a company she started in 1998 aged 25, with no money, no education and a rapidly failing eye sight. She will leave you inspired and motivated to dream big dreams and drive them to reality!

3 | Hays Annual PA Conference Programme | Friday 19th October 2012 EVENING AGENDA

THEATRE & BUFFET MEAL (OPTIONAL)

After a long day’s training why not join us for dinner and then on to see the new production and already multiple award winning ‘Matilda the Musical’.

Roald Dahl’s Matilda played to sold-out audiences Theatre tickets are priced at £29.50 per person at the RSC’s Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon which includes a £1 booking fee. Avon for twelve weeks from November 2010 to The three course meal at Belgo’s is £19.95 per January 2011. Dahl’s magical story about a girl person (inclusive of service charge and VAT) drinks with extraordinary powers has been a favourite are in addition to this cost. novel for millions of people across the world since it was published in 1988. Book by Dennis Kelly, For those wishing to attend the theatre and meal Music and Lyrics by Tim Minchin and Directed by please send a cheque made payable to Victoria Matthew Warchus. Darragh or alternatively bank details can be supplied if you wish to do a transfer. Total for both is £49.95. The musical takes place at the Cambridge Theatre (in the heart of Covent Garden) and commences at Upon booking for both, you will be provided with a 19.30pm with a running time of 2hrs 40 minutes. menu selection where you will need to make your meal selection by 19th September 2012. A pre-theatre three course meal will take place at Belgo Centraal. Situated minutes from the If you would like to just attend the meal or just the Cambridge theatre, Belgo has been a hit since it theatre this is also possible. Please ensure payment is opened in 1998 and a destination for tourists and made to the separate amount as detailed above. Londoners alike. Well known for its high quality Belgian food and drink, it won the Best London Restaurant award in 2000. For those joining us on this trip we will be departing the hotel at 5pm to make our way over to Belgo for 5.30pm.

4 | Hays Annual PA Conference Programme | Friday 19th October 2012 SPEAKERS’ BIOGRAPHIES

LIZ JACKSON STEPHANIE DAVIES Founder & Managing Director, Great Guns Marketing Director and Founder of Laughology Liz Jackson is a truly inspirational figure and her story is Stephanie has over 10 years experience working in extraordinary; as many would have seen when she was the public and private sector which has gained her an featured in Channel 4’s Secret Millionaire programme. unsurpassed reputation for designing and delivering Since launching her telemarketing business, Great Guns laughter and humour interventions for young people Marketing, in 1998, the year she lost her eyesight, Liz and adults. Stephanie is recognised as one of the UK’s and her company have gone from strength to strength leading voices in happiness humour and laughter. with Great Guns growing at 30% per annum and boasting an impressive portfolio On leaving Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts in 2002 she began performing of clients from all types and sizes of companies. stand-up comedy, and is an award winning comedian. Her years of experience Under Liz’s leadership her company has become the UK’s leading business on the comedy circuit make her the perfect speaker and presenter, with delivery to business telemarketing business. Great Guns boasts an outstanding set of that is witty and informative she has worked her way round some of the most business awards having been voted the best female led company in the UK by prestigious events and venues including speaking at Whitehall and at the world T-Mobile and The Sunday Express, and winning the Customer Focus Award in the famous Gesundheit institute USA. National Business Awards by demonstrating that it has the client at the heart of In the past 12 years Stephanie has worked on projects and events in the everything it does. The recent accreditation by the Institute of Customer Service public and private sector developing everything from creating happy spaces with its coveted ServiceMark is testament to the outstanding service provided by and environments in schools and health settings to motivating and inspiring Liz and Great Guns. individuals, teams and organisations. The unique approach of Laughology Liz herself has been honoured by Her Majesty The Queen who awarded her founded and developed by Stephanie Davies looks at how individuals can be an MBE in the 2007 New Years Honours for services to business. Liz is also an resilient human beings and live lives that flourish and are happy and healthy. accomplished author and her book ‘StartUp!’ provides invaluable help and advice Qualifications include: An M.A in The psychology of humour and laughter for to entrepreneurs everywhere. Published by Pearson Prentice Hall, StartUp! can be personal growth. Stephanie has also completed an NLP Practitioners Diploma and purchased in print or audio editions. is qualified in cognitive behavioural psychology and health psychology. On top of her busy schedule, Stephanie is often asked to contribute to popular television programmes, such as Trisha, The Bank of Mum and Dad, BBC’s Heaven & Earth and ITV’s Stand-up Jenny. She is also a regular on BBC Radio.

See Liz @ 12.00-13.00pm See Stephanie @ 14.00-15.00pm Entrepreneurship, Motivation, Innovation – from good to great An introduction to Laughology

5 | Hays Annual PA Conference Programme | Friday 19th October 2012 SPEAKERS BIOGRAPHIES

SUSIE KARIN VAN EMMA AKERS BARRON- PEURSEN Executive Assistant STUBLEY Dutch Secretary of to Managing Director Managing Director, the Year 2011. PA at at AWE Castalia Coaching & Academic Medical Center Prior to AWE, Training – The Netherlands Emma worked as Susie is a highly On Secretary’s Day, a Veterinary Nurse experienced and sought 21st April, Karin van gaining administrative after international Executive Coach, Trainer and Peursen was elected the 25th Secretary of the Year & management skills within the role of Practice Motivational Speaker, she specialises in developing in the Netherlands. 25 years ago, Karin trained as Manager. During the role Emma was responsible senior level Executive PAs and EAs, and has a Medical Secretary and started her career as a for the smooth running of the surgery and changed the working practices of thousands Medical Secretary at the Department of Cardiology staff, dealing with the accounts, insurances and of PAs around the world. She has a passion of a hospital in Rotterdam. In 1986, she moved management of surgery. matched by few for the professional and personal to Amsterdam and continued her career in a Emma Akers is the Executive Assistant to Andrew development of PAs and is a regular traveller pharmaceutical company. For 10 years, she was Jupp at AWE Plc and is responsible for a team of 10 delivering Advanced Executive PA Training in the responsible for organizing congresses with doctors. Personal Assistants. UK, Australia, China, South Africa, Dubai, India After becoming a mother she was not very eager and South East Asia, giving her a comprehensive AWE plays a crucial role in defence of the United to travel anymore and decided to study Work global perspective on the role of Senior Assistants. Kingdom, by providing and maintaining the & Organization Psychology which resulted in a In the UK she continues to research, develop and warheads of the country’s nuclear deterrent. We are Bachelor. For the last four years Karin has worked deliver innovative and challenging development the centre of scientific and technological excellence as a secretary at the psychiatry department of the programmes to support Assistants in rapidly with some of the most advanced research, design Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam for the changing business environments to meet the and production facilities in the world. Head of the department, one of the most famous increasing skill sets required of Senior PAs. She runs psychiatrists in his field of expertise. He developed Emma began her career as an EA in 2006, Castalia’s flagship residential training programme a whole new vision on psychiatry which includes supporting the Executive Team which led to for senior level Executive PAs The PA Retreat and deep brain stimulation. being appointed as PA to the Finance Director in is the author of The Executive’s Guide to Managing 2007. She has supported various Directors within their Assistant (published summer 2012) and is Since winning her award Karin has spoken at the business and took up the role as EA to the the creator of The Secrets of Top Performing PAs various PA events across The Netherlands and also Managing Director & Office Manager. training DVDs. most recently Singapore.

See Susie @ 09.10-10.10am See Karin @ 10.10-10.30am See Emma @ 15.55-16.35pm The Evolution of the Executive PA – where next? Going Dutch! A European Perspective An audience with... ‘The Best of British’

6 | Hays Annual PA Conference Programme | Friday 19th October 2012 SPEAKERS BIOGRAPHIES

BONNIE LOW-KRAMEN ADAM Author, Speaker & Instructor FIDLER Executive Assistant Bonnie Low-Kramen’s Wall Street Journal, USA Today, NY Post, and Vanity to CEO of Salford City career for the past 25 Fair, and interviewed on Entertainment Tonight and College years was as the Personal Good Day New York among others. She is a popular Assistant to celebrity couple guest speaker at executive assistant conferences in Adam Fidler is the Olympia Dukakis (Academy the U.S. and Canada. National PR Officer for Award, Moonstruck, Steel European Management Bonnie worked to create NYCA in 1996 with seven Magnolias) and Louis Zorich (.) She Assistants (EUMA), a non-profit making association fellow celebrity assistants. It is the only organization of is also a co-founder and former President of New for PAs with many active members from 25 its kind on the East Coast. In 2003, she was honoured York Celebrity Assistants (NYCA), a networking and different countries throughout Europe. by her peers for career achievement at a ceremony in support organization for New York-based celebrity Beverly Hills. After graduating with a degree in business studies assistants. As an author, Bonnie has written many in 1999, Adam has worked as a Board-level PA in a articles which have been published in magazines and Bonnie’s work with Olympia Dukakis has included variety of blue-chip organisations, including Boots newsletters around the world. close involvement with the Academy Award win for PLC and Bank of America. He is currently Executive Moonstruck, the 1988 presidential campaign of Michael Bonnie has designed and is teaching weekend Assistant to the Chief Executive of Salford City Dukakis, travel around the world to places such as intensive workshops for Personal Assistants in New College. Sydney, London, Alaska and Prague and numerous York City and major cities across the United States. awards shows and benefits. Adam is passionate about the role of the PA, and “The time is right for more structured training of a big advocate of self-development and life-long Personal Assistants as the demand for broadly skilled A New Jersey native, Bonnie holds a B.A. degree learning. In 2008, he qualified as a college lecturer excellent assistants is pressing and immediate in from Rutgers University in English and Theatre. She and has, for many years, taught shorthand on a today’s workplace.” worked in public relations and marketing for not-for- part-time basis. profit theatres in , Atlanta and Houston before Bonnie is a passionate spokesperson on issues returning to New Jersey where she became Public In addition, Adam regularly runs PA courses for concerning all professional assistants and enjoys Relations Director at Olympia Dukakis’ Whole Theatre Pitman Training in London, including his two-day PA clearing up the myths to set the record straight. As in Montclair, NJ. course ‘From good to outstanding’. a result, she has been quoted in ,

See Bonnie @ 11.00-12.00pm See Adam @ 15.55-16.35pm Be the Ultimate Assistant - an international perspective An audience with... ‘The Best of British’

7 | Hays Annual PA Conference Programme | Friday 19th October 2012 SPEAKERS BIOGRAPHIES

KIRAN SHARMA SOFIA GOLD Owner & Managing Director, KIKIT Entertainment, Personal Assistant to Kiran Sharma – KIKIT Manager of Prince Entertainment Kiran Sharma is Owner and Managing Director of KIKIT Sofia Gold is the Personal Assistant to Kiran Sharma, Entertainment, a leading artist management company Owner/Managing Director KIKIT Entertainment. that also handles events organising and celebrity KIKIT Entertainment is a leading artist management bookings. She is also the manager of global icon and company that also handles events organising and superstar, Prince. Through KIKIT and her work with Marketing. Her first job was as third Assistant Director celebrity bookings. Prince and other artists, Kiran has fast established on the multi-million pound blockbuster, The Mummy, Since starting work for KIKIT only one year ago, herself as a respected entrepreneur, manager and an starring Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weiss, and she Sofia has travelled the world working on events and important voice in the music industry. Working closely moved on to work for international companies like music tours including Prince’s ‘Welcome 2...’ tours – in with Prince and having him as a mentor has given John Brown Publishing, Ogilvy and Mather, Hill & Europe and Canada plus the H&M Versace Fashion Kiran a unique insight and exceptional knowledge into Knowlton, Delaney Lund Knox and Warren and launch in New York. Other high profile events that the music industry. Warner Bros. she has worked on include The Asian Awards and Since launching KIKIT in 2005, Kiran has cleverly In 2005 she decided to explore her entrepreneurial Amanyara’s New Years Eve Party. steered her company through the recession and spirit, and combined her love of music with her skills in Sofia is now an invaluable member of the KIKIT team has established KIKIT as one of the industry’s most business and marketing to launch KIKIT. In addition to and in addition to assisting on events, she works important resources for artist booking, working with Arms Around The Child, Kiran also works closely with around the clock to ensure that Kiran’s hectic work stars like Bryan Ferry, AR Rahman, Sonu Niigaam and Save the Children, Keep a Child Alive and ARK. With schedule is well organised and manageable. Prior to Annie Lennox. Prince she supports The American Ballet Theatre, The this, Sofia worked at Burnett Crowther Ltd, a leading At only 36, she is one of the few women to have Uptown Dance Academy and Jeffery Canada’s Harlem theatrical agency in London, where she was PA to achieved such a high level of success in this male- Children’s Zone. She also sponsors Misty Copeland, the the owner Barry Burnett. She was also the Head of dominated industry. only black soloist in the American Ballet Theatre. Commercials, Agents Assistant to two other agents and the Office Manager. Kiran was born in Luton and grew up in Norwich. Her Fiercely proud of her British-Indian descent, Kiran parents emigrated from India and built a life from credits much of her success to the support of her Burnett Crowther had over 150 clients, which ranged scratch for Kiran and her older sister. She studied family, particularly her parents. However, Kiran’s from British icons like Barbara Windsor MBE and Engineering and Business Systems & Technology honest and direct approach to business and her clients Anita Dobson, to graduate performers working within and did a conversion year majoring in Business and have cemented her position as an important figure in television, film, theatre, musical theatre, commercials the music industry today. and radio. Sofia’s passion for music and performing

See Kiran & Sofia @ 15.15-15.55pm arts comes from years of training in the performing The Dynamic Duo – the winning team! arts at London Studio Centre.

8 | Hays Annual PA Conference Programme | Friday 19th October 2012 SPEAKERS BIOGRAPHIES

JOSEPHINE GREEN SEAN STEEL Celebrity Personal Assistant to Emilia Fox, Joseph Fiennes, Miranda Hart, Executive Assistant to Ben Miller & Alexander Armstrong UK Managing Director of Chartis Insurance Josephine began her career Josephine has been asked to speak at various industry in music, film and fashion events and has featured in a number of publications. Sean Steel is Executive PR. After five years in that She is a resident on Executive PA Magazine’s PA Panel Assistant to the UK industry, she started working – a page of the magazine dedicated to discussing Managing Director of as a freelance Personal topical issues affecting PAs and their working worlds. Chartis Europe, with Assistant in 2003. Within a few months she became eight years experience in the PA industry. He Using her years of experience as a PA for high profile PA to Joseph Fiennes. She is still working with him plays a key role in the smooth running of the clients, Josephine has recently progressed from today. Since then, she has continued to add clients to Executive office and providing personal support her public speaking into training. In conjunction her roster: Emilia Fox in 2004, Alexander Armstrong to the Managing Director to fulfil his role both with fellow Celebrity PA, Merryl Futerman, she has in 2007, Ben Miller in 2008 and Miranda Hart in 2010. professionally and effectively. Sean has held similar launched “PA Access All Areas” – a unique training In addition to this permanent client list who all remain posts within Chartis Europe providing support to seminar using their insight into the world of handling current, Josephine has also taken on various short the European Chief Executive. demanding personalities. The course is aimed at term clients and projects in the last nine years. PAs from corporate environments; sharing with He has previously worked at a number of Josephine is a founding member of the Celebrity them techniques, strategies and coping mechanisms companies including Marks & Spencer, ABN Amro Assistants Network (CAN). The group was set up Josephine and Merryl have learnt in order to do their & The Pensions Management Institute on various in 2006 to facilitate PAs who are often quite isolated job successfully whilst remaining sane. The course assignments. in their work to have colleagues. She is jointly is a rare opportunity to discover how working for Sean holds the RSA Diploma in Administrative & responsible for organising the monthly events a celebrity is not so very different to assisting and Secretarial Procedures and is an advocate of the PA – a chance for members to meet up and discuss supporting bosses who lead their field in every type profession. He has a huge passion for the benefits their jobs in a different venue every time. of industry. the role can bring to an organisation and the Find out more at: www.PAAccessAllAreas.co.uk qualities necessary to become a truly successful PA in many contexts. Sean has also featured in both The Times and Daily Mail newspapers and has spoken at PA networking evenings in London.

See Josephine@ 15.55-16.35pm See Sean @ 15.55-16.35pm An audience with... ‘The Best of British’ An audience with... ‘The Best of British’

9 | Hays Annual PA Conference Programme | Friday 19th October 2012 HAYS ‘HIGH ACHIEVING PA’ OF THE YEAR AWARD 2012

We are searching for Hays top ‘High Achieving PA’ from across the UK & Ireland! The award is back for a 3rd year to recognise the hard work and sheer professionalism of Personal Assistants across the Hays business. Last year’s winner Kathryn Mellor (PA to Andrew Nominations Bredin, Managing Director of Hays North West) Directors, or indeed any Hays colleague who has said “I was overwhelmed to win this award and it received outstanding support from a Director’s PA was such a massive achievement to be recognised and feels they are worthy of this award, is invited to for the work that we do as PAs. I am proud to be make a nomination. To nominate your PA is really part of the Hays PA network and this opportunity easy – please email nominations to Victoria Darragh has given me confidence to grow within my role. It ([email protected]). Please ensure that you has also encouraged me to utilise my skills and be supply at least a paragraph on your nomination! pro-active to get the most out of the networking meetings and conferences for my personal and Deadline for entries is Friday 14th September 2012 career development.” The winning PA will be presented with their award at Judging Panel the Hays PA Conference on Friday 19th October 2012. Sue Pope – PA to Chairman of Hays Plc Victoria Darragh – EA to Group HR Director & Group Technology Director of Hays plc Susie Barron-Stubley – Managing Director of Castalia Coaching & Training

Kathryn Mellor, winner of Hays ‘high achieving PA’ of the year award 2011 VENUE

We are delighted to be holding our 3rd conference at the Grange Hotel, St Pauls. The hotel is perfectly located in the heart of the London’s financial district yet just moments from the myriad of delights of London’s renowned West End, the Grange St Paul’s provides a perfect venue for any visit to the capital.

Grange Hotel, St Pauls 10 Goldliman Street London EC4V 5AJ* *Do not enter the hotel’s postcode into Google maps as this will take you to a random street over 1 mile away! Please use the street name. T: 020 7074 1000 www.grangehotels.com

Nearest tube stations are: Mansion House, St Pauls and Blackfriars Nearest railway station: London Bridge and Cannon Street Car Parking: There is on street parking and also a local car park five minutes away from the hotel.

11 | Hays Annual PA Conference Programme | Friday 19th October 2012 WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?

Hear what attendees have had to say about our previous events...

Well done to Victoria and the Last years Hays PA conference was amazing! Being given the opportunity to The Hays PA Conference 2011 was team they always deliver amazing network with other PA’s and meet the speakers that spoke, reenergised me possibly one of the most inspiring PA Network events. I come away about my role, made me think about the way I work and how I can develop dedicated PA conferences I’ve from every event with a little more myself in the future. I was runner up in the internal Hays PA Award as well which been to. The calibre of attendees knowledge and a wider network I was not expecting! Receiving this award got me noticed internally by Hays Life was superb, which naturally meant of PAs which is really useful. When Sciences. I have been working for Life Sciences for five months now and this is the positivity, energy and pride in I first became a PA I was invited my favourite position of my twelve years at Hays. Without the conference and the room was infectious and there to the PA Conference back in the Hays PA network I would not be as happy as I am today! wasn’t one person I spoke to after

October and I can’t say how Joanne Chaundy the event who wasn’t thoroughly grateful I was for that day, I Senior Administrator, Hays Life Sciences energised by it! thoroughly recommend it to On top of this, the variety of anyone new into the role. It is sessions during the day was great fun and you will meet some excellent; a real mix and indeed fantastic people, some of which With a strong speaker line up Congratulations to Victoria perfect balance of listening, have become brilliant mentors. consisting of both the inspirational Darragh and the team at Hays learning and exchanging. We Victoria and her team definitely and the practical, Hays’ Conference who put on an amazing and all came away having learnt consider the type of subjects PAs 2011 was a truly excellent day, with inspirational PA conference in something to apply in our trade. are looking to hear about and get none of the sales pitches that you London last year. Victoria started help with. I can say I have never Given the benchmark I’m so often get at these events, Victoria an internal PA network for her gone to one of their events and thoroughly looking forward to this Darragh and her team reaffirmed company 3 years ago and this is felt I have heard this before. year’s conference and meeting in the strongest possible terms the results of the hard work and many more PA colleagues. Sam Herridge Hays’ commitment to the dedication that she has put in. An Mayfair PA Magazine – PA of the Year 2011, PA – learning and development in the inspiration to all PAs in what can Emma Kernan-Staines FAPA DipPA, Elexon Limited Personal Assistant to Sir Trevor Brooking CBE administrative sector. be achieved. & Gareth Southgate, The Football Association Lucy Brazier Susie Barron-Stubley Editor – Executive Secretary Magazine Castalia Coaching & Training

12 | Hays Annual PA Conference Programme | Friday 19th October 2012 WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?

Last year’s Hays PA conference The Hays PA Conference has The Hays PA Conference is something that a PA should was an absolutely fantastic day, I established itself as one of the aspire to attend. It is a superb day with incredible felt very inspired by everyone who highlights of the PA calendar; it speakers who are there to motivate and inspire. The attended, in particular by yourself consistently provides a cutting- conference is very well planned and put together with and the extremely engaging edge, diverse speaker line-up the PAs needs right at the forefront. This is the best speakers. It felt great to be part that ensures that all delegates event of the PAs yearly calendar. The conference is also of such a wonderful team. A very leave the conference feeling a great way to meet other PAs and network. There are fulfilling day! completely energised, motivated fantastic companies there as well all to help you in your

Sarah Ashman and equipped with new skills for day to day job. The Hays PA conference is one you don’t Administrator, Hays the ever evolving PA/ EA role. The want to miss.

Hays PA Network also provides Henrietta MacEwen fantastic events throughout Founder, Miss Jones the year which provide brilliant opportunities for attendees to Having been invited to attend learn from well-chosen speaker the Hays PA Conference last year, panels, debate current PA topics I didn’t know what to expect. Thank you for inviting me to In my opinion Hays are leading and expand their professional Suffice it to say that it was one the conference on Friday. It was the way for recognition for PA / networks. of the most professional and the first time I had ever been EAs across the board. Conferences refreshing PA conferences I have The Hays PA Network truly to anything like it and I found it such as this, will bring to the ever been to. The content and deserves the awards and accolades brilliant. The content was relevant forefront the importance of the timings were faultless and the it has amassed – it is an inspiration and interesting and I found I came the role of a PA / EA and their venue impressive, without being to PAs across the country! away from the event feeling proud contribution to the success of their business. Well done Vic on a imposing. I think the only other Laura Richardson of my career choice and more thing I could say is; if you have a Hays / Times PA of the Year 2010, confident than ever in my role. I fantastic conference, I’m looking chance to go to this year’s Hays PA EA – Elexon Limited look forward to next years. forward to attending next year!

Conference don’t, whatever you Angel Smith Ivel Martin do, miss it. PA EA

Mike Caridia CEO pa-assist.com

13 | Hays Annual PA Conference Programme | Friday 19th October 2012