EAn Introduction

From our perspective, providing holistic training, analysis and performance targeted training means understanding all of the issues that impact on how an EA and Executive perform and work together, not just simple skills and knowledge.

In recent months, almost every conversation we have had with internal staff in large organisations or government departments, including EAs, PAs, executives and L&D managers, have all focussed on this broader holistic vision and solutions as opposed to just basic skills and knowledge gap analysis. We’ve been looking at the whole role; issues of partnership and relationship, internal and external stakeholder relationships and a multitude of other areas, in addition to the need for wide ranging skills and knowledge. To find out more, have a read of the article below.

Our Sydney conference kicked off our 2017 series a few weeks ago and it was an extraordinary success. When we get the full feedback survey results finalised we will provide those for your reference but, in the meantime, we have an article detailing the highlights from our perspective. And for the first year, because we have so many of the same speakers at each event, members across the country can read details and view images from one conference knowing that what they would experience in their own city will be virtually identical. So, have a read of our Sydney conference article below to see why you shouldn’t miss out on attending one of the conferences in what will be our greatest ever conference series.

In recent weeks we have had a number of amazing events across the country, from Sydney, to Melbourne, Canberra to Brisbane, they have all been exceptionally well received and attended and we have a great report on those below with more details of what you can expect in your region in coming months.

Finally, as always, prior to our great partner, speaker and exhibitor articles, we have a section detailing the calendar of all upcoming EA Academy training courses and programs. And don’t forget, for those of you who may have missed out on the recent Diploma intake, or live in regions where attending city based training is difficult, we have our newly launched distance learning diplomas taking place which provide the exact same learning and outcome benefits.

Jonathan McIlroy
Editor and Director, Education & Learning
Executive Assistant Network

Why the Sydney conference was such a resounding success – and what that means for the rest of the conferences in the series

The 2017 EAN Conference series is now underway and it is destined to be our greatest ever series based on what we have seen to date, because so many of the speakers will be delivering their presentations all across the country.

We may not have the formal post conference survey results all in, but sometimes you just know what these are going to say. Having sat through all two days of the Sydney conference in March, and having participated in it, I know just how good it was. We had amazing on-site feedback too, but after 20 years’ involvement in educational conferences, I can tell you that no other conference I have been to seemed to resonate with the audience the way this one did.

‘Patronising’; ‘embarrassing’; ‘degrading’; these are just a few of the comments we heard recently when discussing the issue of misconceptions about what people say about your role in comparison to what they actually know of what you do and deliver.

Specifically, these comments related to how EAs and PAs sometimes feel when they hear someone say something like, ‘We know who really runs the company’, ‘We know who the real boss is’, or, ‘We know who is the real power behind the throne’.

Often used by your own executives or their colleagues when introducing you or talking to others about you, we even hear them all the time at our conferences. But no one actually believes them to be true, and yet these trite, throw-away statements, are used constantly, sometimes, it seems, because people don’t know what else to say, or at other times because they are trying to curry favour with you and think shallow flattery will somehow do that.

It has been absolutely fabulous catching up with so many EAs right across the country these last few months.

We have also met so many new members and our ‘Red Dot’ system (placing a red dot on the name badge who are attending for the first time) is continually making it easier for these members to come along to our events and be looked after from those existing members. We realise it can be quite daunting to attend an event for the first time on your own and it can feel quite intimidating, so the dots just make sure you are never left alone and you will have many of the members introducing themselves to you throughout the evening.

We started the year off in Sydney aboard the P&O Cruises vessel ‘Pacific Eden’ on 13 February and what a stunning ship it is. It is so geared for those corporate conferences and incentives for your staff members and with the new selection of food and beverage outlets and 5 star restaurants it is certainly one to consider when planning your next conference! With their new 2, 3 and even 4 day cruises, it couldn’t be more ideal. It really is a one stop shop with all conference venues, AV, F&B, team building activities, entertainment and accommodation all included in the ticketed price!

How to escape a talkative person when you're busy

We've all had that experience of needing to urgently complete a task but another person just won't stop talking. However, there are ways to subtly shift back to your work without being rude. Before they get going on a long-winded speech, try to squeeze in telling them how much time you have. This will communicate to them that you're in a hurry.

A new problem may crop up though: you may be interrupted when trying to explain that you're in a hurry. In this case, Coaching for Leaders suggests saying something like "Let me interrupt for a moment since I didn't expect our conversation/meeting to go this long. I need to wrap up in five minutes to return to what I was doing." When people are aware that they have limited air time, they tend to be more concise.

Should you still find yourself up against a talkative person who is particularly persistent, you'll eventually just need to interject, according to The Muse. Sometimes it helps to politely say "I'm definitely looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this! But I have to go right now. Tell me later?"

Industry Recognition

To date over 100 students have completed Executive Assistant Academy Diplomas, with 120 currently in the process of completing theirs, 60 of whom are due to complete in the next few months. (Details of those already completed can be seen on our Alumni Board Page.)

At the time of writing, our registrations for 2017 are ahead of any previous year, and with our new Distance Learning options now available, our expectation is ...

It has been a very busy month at Elite Assistants. We are being inundated with great companies from all over Australia who understand how important it is to have a specialised approach to finding the perfect EA and PA for them. If you are looking for a new career challenge, or are just curious as to what might be out there, we urge you to get in touch by email or phone to let us help you. Alternatively you can expect to meet myself at some of Executive Assistant Network's many networking events.

Below are just a few of the current roles we have that might be a perfect fit for you.

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EAN are pleased to welcome UNSW as our Newest NSW Regional Partner.


UNSW Venues and Events manage a portfolio of over 400+ impressive venues, located in Sydney’s eastern suburbs and CBD; ideal for conferences, exhibitions, gala dinners, staff development days, executive meetings and corporate events. 

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Chances are it was probably at Crown Melbourne. The entertainment precinct stretches two city blocks and is the most visited integrated resort in Australia. Premium dining, boutique shopping and an endless array of entertainment are all on your doorstep. The experience can further be enhanced by access to three award-winning hotels all offering complete luxury.

As dedicated event specialists, Crown offers an unparalleled combination of the most accessible and central locations, exceptional professional facilities and flexible onsite expertise. Our exemplary standards and service are at your disposal to make your next business event an outstanding success. Crown provides a bespoke service that takes responsibility for every detail of your event, including food and beverage requirements, planning, logistics, and all aspects of technical support.

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Look what you can do with a Shipping Label

Need to send parcels but running short on time? With Avery® Shipping Labels with TrueBlock™ Technology, it’s quick and easy to take old cardboard boxes and make them look like new again. These bright, white labels with a unique silver backing are guaranteed to cover up anything underneath, so you won’t have to scratch off old labels or worry about distracting marks showing through on your labelling. An added benefit with Avery is our FREE and easy-to-use online software. You can create customised and branded shipping labels for all of your packages, keeping your look professional from label to product!

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5 Simple Strategies to Organise Successful Business Meetings

By Leola Small, Cliftons Marketing and Inside Sales Manager

Think about it. How many productive meetings do you actually have? Often poorly prepared, business meetings have developed a reputation for being ineffective, daunting and even a waste of time. However, when meetings are thought-through beforehand, they can become an undeniably powerful tool to broadcast important messages or solve business problems.

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EA’s & PA’s - help is on the way!!!

At the EAN Sydney Congress held at Luna Park last month, some of the team were excited to speak to you about how we can assist you when booking conferences, events and functions. We heard a number of times over the two days that the staff Christmas or EOY function is on your minds and the thought of having to research/contact venues can be a rather frustrating and time-consuming process.

Don’t despair, we are here to help! We can assist in providing options and details for FREE for any function, in any location and of any size! Your one and only needed first point of call to make your life so much easier this Christmas and beyond. "In the know" with all the best places, best deals and who still has spaces available over those sought after prime dates in the lead up to the end of the year.

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Where the cooler weather inspires cool ideas.

When it comes time to plan your next big event, think outside the city. Whilst winter might seem like the perfect time to bunker down, a coastal destination can provide a fresh location for fresh ideas. Let us show you a couple of our favourite reasons why our beachside venue is the perfect location for your winter conference.

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BYO at OTTO Sydney

Area 8, 6 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo

Gather at the table with shared Italian fare and BYO wine to celebrate your next big event with friends and family.

Enjoy a three course shared menu with BYO for $89 per person at OTTO Sydney. This includes shared entrees, mains & dessert, BYO wine & champagne and service charge.

Available only for groups of 13 or more on Monday – Sunday lunch, Sunday – Thursday dinner.

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Top 5 meeting room essentials.

Meetings are more than simply a gathering of people. It’s where ideas are shared, futures are decided, and important decisions are made. At DEXUS Place, it’s our job to create environments for great meetings to happen.

So what are our top 5 essentials for a meeting space?

1 - Let there be (natural) light.

It goes without saying that natural light is much better for people in an office setting. It can improve moods, reduce stress and positively impact on our overall health and wellbeing. But importantly, it’s better for our concentration and productivity, which can go a long way towards creating ideal outcomes for your meetings.

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