programme

***Programme and speakers are for both locations unless indicated otherwise

8:30 Registration and coffee

9:00 Opening Remarks from the Chair:

Dimitra Zographos,
Senior Executive Assistant to the Senior Vice President and
Director of Business Lines and Major Projects,
URS Corporation

9:10 Using the science of positive psychology to increase resilience, master stress and enhance performance

• Understand the science of positive psychology and its application to everyday life
• Analyse the key components of well-being and their link to high performance
• Explore real and sustainable tools and strategies to build resilience and increase well-being
• Learn the techniques to overcome stress and achieve your professional and personal goals

Dr Suzy Green,
Co-Founder,
Positive Psychology Institute

9:50 A manager's perspective on understanding and exceeding their expectations

• What makes an EA/PA stand out and what skills do Executives look for?
• How do you become a trusted and strategic partner for your boss?
• How can you develop a better understanding of the business and your manager’s role requirements?
• Strategies for working with time challenged executives with competing priorities

Glenyce Johnson,
Managing Director,
Peregrine and Gecko's Adventures

Garry Fleming,
First Assistant Secretary,
Citizenship Settlement & Multicultural Affairs (Speaking Melbourne only)

10:30 Morning tea and networking

11:30 Developing effective communication skills to get the outcomes you want

• Gaining and providing clear directions to time challenged managers
• Sharpening your influencing skills to get what you want from your manager and vice versa
• Developing assertiveness techniques for dealing with difficult or manipulative personalities

Philip Clark,
Senior Facilitator, Inqurio
and Former ABC Radio Broadcaster and TV Host

12:10 Networking lunch

1:10 Where is the EA role heading and what skills do you need to succeed?
Procurement, finance, recruitment, office management, public relations, HR and project management are examples of skills that are increasingly in demand as EAs and PAs are expected to take on broader roles. The requirement for basic skills is still there but to get to the top of the profession, ongoing training and development is required.

• Where is the role heading and what factors are driving change in the EA/PA role?
• What skills are required in order to progress in your career?
• What are the educational and professional development opportunities available and who provides the courses?  

Narrelle Matthey-Aickin,
C -Level/ Senior EA

1:50 Building mentoring networks and making these relationships work for you

• Establishing yourself as a leader within your organisation and becoming a mentor for your colleagues
• Finding a mentor and tapping into internal and external business networks
• Building on these relationships for professional and personal growth

Jessica Giannasca,
EA to CEO,
Independent Protection Assessment Office
(Speaking Brisbane only)

2:30 Speed networking / mentoring
Networking opportunities are one of the key benefits you will gain from attending the EA / PA Forum. To maximise networking opportunities, the facilitator will take you through a series of group activities so you identify attendees with similar interests, build contacts and perhaps even find a mentor who can help you develop a career path.

2:50 Afternoon tea and networking

3:20 The latest technological and social media developments for office efficiency

• Examine the latest technologies that can make your job easier and faster
• Where to with smart phones, mobile media devices, social media and cloud computing?
• What will it be like to work in the office in 3-5 years?

Peter Blasina,
The Gadget Guy

4:00 Proactively managing the progression of your career
The best career advice is often gained through hearing first-hand experiences of other EAs and PAs who have achieved success in their career. In this session, you will hear EAs/PAs discuss their career journey, the steps they took to get where they are today and advice on where they believe the role is heading.

4:00 Patrizia Iacono,
EA to the Chief Information Officer,
The Westpac Group

4:30 Dimitra Zographos,
Senior Executive Assistant to the Senior Vice President and Director of Business Lines and Major Projects,
URS Corporation