An Introduction

Last month we wrote of our realisation that, moving forward, we need to put a significant amount of energy into sharing ideas and information and concepts we have developed that relate to the role of EAs and PAs, not just with you, but also with senior executives and other corporate managers.

As we mentioned, it has dawned on us that we can share as much information as we like with our members, but if organisation aren’t hearing the message and taking it on board, then part of the equation isn’t working.

We are still working on that initiative but have a few working plans in the pipeline, and we will detail more of that in coming months.

Part of that initiative involves our desire to find ways to visit with as many organisations as possible to discuss what we do, why we believe our vision and our concepts can add significant value to organisations, and how, by viewing EAs and PAs as assets rather than costs, executive office productivity can be increased.

This is only one part of our broader plans but we do have an article below outlining how we hope to work with as many of you as possible to get into your organisation to discuss these matters with you and also your executives.

We have an article detailing more of this plan in this edition, as well as who to contact should you wish someone to visit your organisation.

These changes in approach have also resulted in some minor structural changes at EAN.  Jonathan McIlroy, one of the founders of EAN will now take on the role as Director, Education and Training and with a dedicated team under him will that be growing not just our public courses but also our focussed corporate training solutions.

Natasha Cannon, our other founder, and to all intent and purpose the face of EAN will take over all aspects of running the day to day of member services, networking events, partnerships, exhibitions and all other event delivery.

And as if that isn’t enough, EAN will also soon be moving offices.  We are not going to be deserting our Northern Beaches of Sydney home, but we are moving a bit closer to Sydney city, Mona Vale, so we can secure larger premises.

Over the years we have worked with many dozens of partners around Australia, and hundreds of exhibitors.  What some don’t realise however is the absolutely vital part these organisations play in helping to subsidise the costs of the services we deliver. From low membership costs to ongoing research, our blogs and other member resources to regular networking events, or even the fact that flagship events like our conferences are offered at prices well below industry norms, these companies are vital to our existence.

As we contemplate our changes and what is going on at EAN, we think it important to take this time to thank all those organisations who support us, and by extension you, but also to thank all those members who in return support those businesses.  In essence, we believe our arrangements are the very definition of what a symbiotic relationship is which is very rewarding.

They are entrenched in our business and what we do, but they all have services and products that benefit a great many members, they provide awesome functions and events, they educate and enlighten, so it truly is an amazing win-win type of relationship.

Don't forget to look out for the upcoming EAN annual end of financial year membership drive. This 20% saving off full membership fees will start later in May. Last year this campaign was hugely popular with our members.  This year, we are hopeful that even more of you will be able to take advantage of this great offer – including those of you who pay for your own membership and can make a tax deduction for the amount shortly afterwards when you do your tax return. So stay tuned for more information on this great membership offer.

We hope you enjoy this edition.  By the time the next one comes out we hope to be in our new premises where we can share more information about that move, some other staff evolutions here as well as how all our plans are progressing in terms of events, conferences, education and training, and our efforts to get in and talk to more EAs and executives in their different organisations.

A new Approach to In-House Training for all your EAs and PAs

As part of a restructure in EAN, Jonathan McIlroy is moving into the role of Director, Education & Training and will have specific remit for working directly with organisations to help them address their specific learning and development requirements in regards to EAs and PAs.

This article is about how we will be approaching this, in particular in relation to working with our members to find the right people in your organisations who might take a holistic approach in relation to EA and PA development across your organisation.

As mentioned in our newsletter last month, part of this also includes developing a strategy to educate senior management levels in organisations about different ways to perceive the role of the EA and PA, focusing on the areas where you provide extensive benefit outside of the obvious task based duties and responsibilities normally focussed on, including diary, travel, meetings and communication management.

In helping executives learn how to better work with their EAs and PAs, we know that we will deliver direct knock on benefit in terms of organisations viewing the role in a more positive and enlightened way.

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How about you?

Education via training for me is a perspective, a fresh viewpoint.

It provides the capacity to look at something critically, review something objectively and build your own rational conclusions on what you have observed.

How many training courses have you been to and 24 hours later, simply forgotten all that you “learned”? How many participant certificates and handbooks do you have sitting in your bottom drawer from said courses?

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The Automate Your Success Series - Introducing Technology that Actually Works! 

Next Episode Thursday 26^th May- Register Here

Wouldn’t it be great to automate your success by having access to technology that actually works? Would knowing what technology to use and more importantly how to use it help you manage the office of your executive? This series – with episode 4 on Thursday 26^th May - is all about helping you achieve exactly that, for you, your executive and your collective team.

In this episode you will learn all about how technology can help you manage meetings- including board meetings and remote meetings.

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MINDFUL MEETINGS at Mercure Kooindah Waters Central Coast

INSPIRE YOUR DELEGATES AND DRIVE MEANINGFUL RESULTS AT MERCURE KOOINDAH WATERS CENTRAL COAST

Keeping people engaged and inspired during meetings can be hard. Mindful Meetings packages remove the hard work for you.

Spaces are dressed to inspire creativity, food is created to promote concentration and a suite of interventions have been designed to ensure the energy of your delegates is maintained throughout the day.

You can build your own program or choose from some of our pre-designed packages tailored to achieve particular outcomes.

The Team Builder: Have a new team that needs to feel more connected or want to build more energy into your existing team? The Team Builder package gives you the combined essentials for building positive team spirit based on trust and understanding. From $69pp

The Problem Buster: Have a major problem you want to solve? Need a space for creative ideation? The Problem Buster package is designed to give you the tools and the space to get those ideas rolling so you can focus on achieving that elusive breakthrough. From $69pp

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Many organisations would love to find ways to help people in need but don’t know where to start. Here’s a cracker of an idea to get your team helping others!

thevenueshop.com | Ultimate Conferences + Events has teamed with an Australian charity, the m.a.d.woman foundation, which can offer special events to enable teams to build stronger relationships with each other while making a difference to the community.

Your team will be able to help brighten the lives of people doing it tough with special m.a.d.woman hands-on Christmas for a Cause activities – it’s a great activity for mid-year Christmas in July events as well as towards the end of the year.

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This winter we’re giving you even more reason to love the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort Great House!

Set to be unveiled this July, we’re delighted to reveal a major enhancement project which will see a lavish overhaul of The Great House from its beloved parquetry flooring to all-new, beautifully hand-selected furnishings.

Designed to enrich the experience of all delegates, The Great House upper floor will welcome a brand new casual lounge and bar area, complete with high tables and elegant seating for interactive dining and drinking, making it the perfect break-out haven for all group sizes and requirements.

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Aloha!

Allow us to introduce ourselves. We are Maui Jim sunglasses, the world’s #1 premium polarised sunglass brand. Our PolarisedPlus2® lenses block 99% of glare and protect eyes from 99.9% of UV radiation. All of our lenses are polarised, which boosts colors to amazing levels to help you live life with more color, clarity and detail. Maybe you have seen our latest TV commercial.

But did you know that Maui Jim sunglasses is also the top choice for premium corporate gifts? If you are looking for a way to truly impress your clients, employees, peers, or even vendors, give them something special; The World’s Most Memorable Gift Experience™ from Maui Jim sunglasses. A luxury sunglass brand plus knowledgeable staff creates a lasting memory. Trained staff fit recipients with lenses and frames that are best suited to each person (watch our event video to see what happens during a fitting!)

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The key questions to cut your travel costs, by Astrid Richardson – General Manager Australia, Corporate Traveler

Is the cost of business travel hurting your balance sheet? If you're struggling to rein in travel spending, there's two key questions you can ask to identify the weaknesses in your program:

1. What do we currently spend? 

   If you don't know, or you have large fluctuations in costs, it's likely you're lacking the key tools that deliver visibility and cost control. Lack of cost control usually stems from a weak travel policy or non-compliance from staff. Booking without mandated limits for spending or travel class removes a vital check and balance in the booking cycle that would otherwise keep your budget in the black.

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Does your conference have all the right koala-fications? Make your strategy day r-elephant…and your family day turtlely awesome!

Are you constantly under pressure to find a good conference or business dinner venue? Are you charged with the responsibility of enhancing your work’s family day with creativity and themes?

Our Melbourne Zoo Events Team often speaks with Event Executives and PAs who call with tight deadlines to turnaround an entire conference or event. And the added pressure to make their guests’ day engaging and inspiring! We love to help and here are our four top tips on ensuring our meetings and events clients create the perfect corporate event for their guests, with minimal panda-monium!

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