BACKGROUND -------------------------------------------------------------------------

What do executives want from their EAs? This is obviously a very complex question because the answer will vary from executive to executive, but at the broadest level, they ALL want to be able to develop a working relationship with their EA that enables them to be their most effective and achieve all their various objectives in business.

Simply put, executives want to be successful and most now realise that how they work with their EA is a key determinant of how productive and effective they can be. Technical skills, knowledge and abilities are all essential components that will affect the ability of the EA and executive to develop a strong working relationship, as will the EAs communication, negotiation, influencing and even sales skills.

Great EAs have these skills and traits, but unless the EA and the executive form a good partnership and have the ability to work well as a team, then these skills and traits can mean nothing.

What changes this situation is trust and, most importantly, whether the executive can see the EA as a key trusted partner and adviser in business.

Trust comes from a few key things, including belief in the abilities of a person to be able to do what they are trying to do, belief in the honourable intentions of a person to be driven by mutual interest rather than self-interest and historical factors that influence a person’s ability to trust others.

Over the past six years we have heard many executives outline how developing trust in a relationship can take a very long period of time thus meaning that their relationship with their EA ultimately has no chance of becoming as efficient as it needs to be during that period. This conference is designed to help EAs and their executives find ways to speed up this process through a better and clearer understanding of how this happens, a clearer understanding of how what this will look like.

The program will still cover hard skills, soft skills knowledge and technical abilities in the context of a newly developed role are essential to the role of the EA and in addition

ABOUT EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT NETWORK -------------------------------------------------------------------------

EAN is Australia’s only national membership organisation for Executive Assistants and Personal Assistants, currently with some 3,500 members across the country. We have two main objectives, namely to provide support services to our members that will enable them to become both more efficient and proficient in their roles, therefore enabling them to better support the executives they work alongside.

These objectives are met through a combination of web based tools, guides, directories, chat rooms, member to member communication tools, networking functions and literally hundreds of educational initiatives including courses, retreats, mentor programs, discussions groups and our flagship conferences.

As a result of the many incredible corporate, government and public sector executives and EAs who have worked with us over the years within our conferences and our other training initiatives, we believe that we have an unrivalled understanding of the demands of modern executives vis-à-vis their assistants as well as in regards to how the role of the EA or PA is evolving.

Hundreds of glowing testimonials attest to this point, as likewise does the ever increasing demand we are receiving from some of Australia’s largest businesses or government bodies for us to deliver in-house training for their EAs and PAs.

Please encourage your peers and colleagues to join the Network and please also encourage them to attend our incredibly popular conferences or other educational events. We know you and they will not be disappointed.

Why are EAN's conferences now rated as the most significant educational events for EAs and PAs in Australia - here's what past attendees have said...

Quotes from attendees at our conference in Melbourne in November 2011 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The EAN Melbourne Congress was brilliant. My first time attending and I will definitely be back next year. Well done to all the organisers, speakers and attendees in making this a worthwhile event! - Danielle Gray, Port of Melbourne Corporation

Professionally planned with unbelievable attention to detail, this well organized conference offered the unique experience of great networking, excellent speakers with the added bonus of inspirational panel sessions. All of this was delivered by supportive and motivational presenters – such empowerment and quality is rare… - Kelly Keritz, GS1 Australia

It was so uplifting to have such successful business people on the panels reinforcing their expectations of an EA and exchanging such valuable information. - Sharon Camm, Haileybury

This was my first EAN Congress, and as a very experienced and mature EA, I was very impressed with the high quality of information shared collectively by the panellists', presenters and other EA's. This EAN event is a truly excellent networking forum for all EA's, and I highly recommend that EA's new to the job, and especially the upcoming younger generation of EA's actively work towards attending and participating at this event in their location. This is an information-sharing event not to be missed. - Elizabeth Bowman, Electrical Distribution & Transmission Pty Ltd

I felt spoiled to be part of a network which truly meets the needs of its stakeholders in the form of such a brilliant conference. - Sharon Lukua, Centre for Health Economics, Monash Uni

EA conferences have been the bane of my existence over the years. I am extremely pleased to be able to say the EAN Congress offered completely the opposite experience. From networking opportunities to the full synergy relationship of Executive/EA – I came away feeling energised and enthused. Thank you. - Cathie Lacey, Department of Transport

A critical component to professional and personal development for all EA's and PA's. I look forward to it each year. - Emily Osborne, Ducon Pty Ltd Although we all know that Executive Assistants are far more than support staff, they still need to feel valued and appreciated. This need was genuinely fulfilled through the testimonies of the Executives present – if only all bosses could be so forthcoming with their praise. - Helen Johnston, Gunnedah Shire Council

I felt so motivated and inspired after the final presentation that I couldn't wait to get back to work to implement at least one initiative that I took away with me! - Heather Falkiner, Transport Friendly Society

Fantastic conference and well worth attending. Huge congratulations to the organisers – a job very well done! I am inspired and motivated to be a better version of my current self in the future!!! - Sharon Stolz, Australian Taxation Office

My thanks to EAN, and to the speakers, exhibitors, entertainers and to the Grand Hyatt…I have learned some great tips, met some wonderful people and re-energised my thirst for learning! - Cheryl Geels, Beyondblue

My sparkle is alive!!! - Julie Dodd, Metricon Homes Attending this course has reignited my passion for what I do and given me the confidence to make the changes required to become the best PA I can be. - Peter Bartlett, Port of Melbourne Corporation

Quotes from attendees at our conference in Brisbane in October 2011 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thoroughly enjoyed the event and am looking forward to next year's Congress! - Melissa Schneider, ANZ

The EAN Conference was very inspiring and motivating. All the speakers were excellent with each one adding something of significant value that we could take back to the office and apply. - Kathryn Smith, PricewaterhouseCoopers

The EAN conference exceeded my expectations. The high level of guest panellists, presenters and content provided a range of information and challenges to me both on a professional and personal level. - Catherine Leather, CSIRO Sustainable Agriculture Flagship

A really enjoyable conference with vibrant speakers who provided up to date information for EA's and PA's! - Kathy Fyson, Queensland Catholic Education Commission

A fantastic event! I was very impressed by the calibre of speakers, the relevance of the presentations and the content of the programme. - Danielle Milos, Brisbane City Council

The EAN is the best support for Assistants in Australia to date. The training and congress provide practical, useful information we as assistants will ever need in our careers. It's wonderful to be a part of this awesome Network! - Jacky Birkett, Abigroup Contractors

Inspiring, empowering, replenishing and innovative. - Rebekah Shaw, CSIRO Food and Nutritional Sciences A fantastic two days of networking and knowledge sharing which left me empowered and equipped with practical solutions to deal with real life situations. - Louise Burton, CSIRO Plant Industry

Quotes from attendees at our conference in Canberra in September 2011 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I came away from the conference feeling that I was able to achieve anything! - Renee Fleming, Office of the Prime Minster & Cabinet, Australian Federal Government If you would like to be a more dynamic networked Executive Assistant, then the EA Network Congress is a must... - Wendy Signorini, IBM Australia

This is a fantastic opportunity for EAs to meet and learn from each other and from experts in their fields in a way that is not often available to the EAs of Canberra. Please keep up the great work. - Michelle Giannis, Women and Children's Policy Group, FAHCSIA

Informative and Inspirational. Thank you EAN for bringing us a Conference that has opened doors and created ideas. - Jodie Pickard, Austrade

Attending the Inaugural EAN Canberra Congress was an opportunity I almost missed - but it was the most fantastic and inspiring platform for obtaining a professional development perspective I've all too often overlooked: me! - Ree Murnane, CSIRO

I thoroughly enjoyed the Congress. I was especially surprised with the entertainment at the Gala Dinner. - Joy Barac-Heath, Department of Human Services

My executive and senior team mates attended a different conference in Sydney at the same time as I was at EAN. Upon our return, they all voiced dismay that they didn't get to attend 'my conference' as I had more fun, learned more and came home with better contacts and goodies! - Lou Catlin, NSW Health

I did not want the conference to end - inspiring stories and a waterfall of knowledge. - Tamara James, Break Thru People Solutions

Very positive energy and everyone was there to learn - simple yet powerful messages from the presenters. - Julie Smith, St George Bank

A chance to meet like-minded people and change your life, armed with the knowledge you obtain by attending the EAN Congress. - Rosalind Richards, EA to Director General Occupational Health, Safety & Compensation

Quotes from attendees at our conference in Sydney in March 2011 -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Again, another great congress. I came away buzzing and full of ideas... Looking forward to the 2012 Congress! - Wendy Swift, KONE Elevators

The EAN Congress is inspirational, supportive, encouraging and professional and a warm inviting learning experience...It's the highlight of my working year!!! - Margaret Jones, UNSW Foundation

An excellent two days with great speakers and valuable, usable content. Thank you. I'm already looking forward to next year's congress! - Phyllis McGee, Johnson & Johnson Medical

I attended the 2011 EA Congress and really enjoyed the two days. I met some amazing EAs and walked away from day 2 feeling inspired and ready to tackle anything. - Trudi Cartisano, The Royal Bank of Scotland

This was the first EAN Congress I've attended and I will defiantly be back next year. It was motivating & inspiring as well as being very informative. I would highly recommend it to anyone... - Nina Hoven, CBHS Health Fund

The EAN congress was a fantastic tool to learn new skills and meet other EAs in public and private enterprise. I would highly recommend all EAs become involved in these programs to expand their knowledge and learn how to improve their skills and working relationships. - Kylie Brook, Queensland Health

I found the conference to be valuable....if given the opportunity I will attend next year. - Sonja Kelly, Transport Construction Authority

Wow! EAN delivered yet another high quality, professional Congress! Loved being able to participate in all the sessions - Well done EAN! - Roniece Dawson-Bruce, Leading Edge Group Limited

The presenters were of the highest caliber - so motivational and inspirational. I was absolutely thrilled and felt privileged to be given the opportunity to take part in the event. - Robyn Kozjak, Hawkesbury City Council

This EAN Congress was one of the best experiences of my career. I left feeling so motivated. I highly recommend this to everyone. Thank you! - Yolanda Daewoud, Taylors Wines

Great learning experience, great networking, great speakers, great entertainment, great chat, great venue, great time! - Rachel Gaffney, Hollard Insurance Company

Quotes from attendees at previous EAN Conferences -----------------------------------------------------------

The most relevant training for our profession I have ever had the pleasure of attending. -Pamela Wastell, National Australia Bank

The 2010 Congress was very inspirational and has me feeling reaffirmed, renewed and ready to go! I will definitely be recommending it to my colleagues. - Lindsay Berger, BT Financial Group

I had a fabulous time getting to know the other EA's and look forward to attending the Networking functions during the year. Well done team. - Christine Robinson, Goodman Fielder

Overall it was slick, and I know that is a result of careful planning and keen attention to detail. The Congress worked very well. So, keep up the good work EAN team! - Rachel Stafford-Gaffney, Hollard Insurance Company

The EAN Conference for 2010 was so professionally organised by the EAN Team and was truly an outstanding two days. My recommendations to all work colleagues and networking groups. Thank you EAN, looking forward to next years' conference. - Pam Clerici, Palomar Medical

EAN has gone the second mile in ensuring that delegates were "fed" emotionally, spiritually and physically. This has been the best conference I've attended in the past three years and has energised me to reach new heights, both professionally and personally. Well done EAN. - Margaret Rae, Downer EDI Rail

The speakers were very inspirational, personally, as well as professionally. - Debbie Hanson, Children's Medical Research Centre

Well done to Jonathan, Katrena and the EAN Team - a Congress well worth attending. I will be encouraging the PA's in our office to attend the next one! - Bonnie-Rae Anglish, Nestle Australia

Very Empowering...... - Helen Valassis, BT Financial Group

A great experience - a wonderful opportunity to meet and learn from other EA's, as well as recognising my own achievements and capabilities. - Joanne Bambagiotti, Qantas Airways

Without a doubt, the EAN Conference challenged, motivated and inspired me! The value of attending this conference cannot be underestimated. - Belinda Peuser, Sanitarium

Nothing is ever gained by sitting back and waiting for your break.....no one's going to hand you the gold, you have to go out and work for it, but never forget the plan and strategies. - Veronica Laubscher, Capricorn Society

This was the first EAN Conference I have attended and I'll definitely be back for more. - Lyndall Schuhmier, Downer EDI Rail

An absolute delight to finally see high calibre training programs and networking opportunities targeted towards Senior EA's. This has been achieved by the continued dedication and commitment of the EAN Team. Definitely a network worth joining. - Lee Karolidis, CSIRO

Food for the mind - variety of choices & ideas. - Erika Frankin, TressCox Lawyers

The EAN Conference allows all viewpoints to be addressed and does get everyone discussing the issues that matter to the individuals. - Vive Black, Hitatchi Data Systems

A great way to reflect and improve current ideas and perceptions and also very motivational. - Natalie Edwards, Roche Products

The best yet! Looking forward to next year! - Rachel Stafford-Gaffney, The Hollard Insurance Company

Excellent, it is the best EA conference around. I have attended most other EA conferences and seminars only to be disappointed. EAN have created the most professional and informative presentations that are a must for every EA. - Trish Coltan, Executive Personal Assistant

The EAN Team are truly fantastic and I believe their passion for what they do. It transcends other EA events. - Vive Black, Hitachi Data Systems

"There is so much more to an EA than people can see or know. Executive Assistant Network is pure genius and I will be sharing my knowledge gained from them." - Megan Mulcahy,

EA to Directors, Cardinal Project Services Fantastic event! Well done! - Suzanne Palmer, Fdcconstruction & Fitout

Loved the whole conference and will definitely be recommending it to my work colleagues for next year! - Hailey Napper, PricewaterhouseCoopers

This was my first EAN Congress and I returned to the office on the Monday feeling empowered and enthusiastic! I need to get this 'fix' a lot more often! - Valerie Pontikakos, Commonwealth Bank of Australia

I highly recommend that you attend the next conference. Make sure you don't miss out on an exceptional opportunity. - Suzette Viljoen, Human Synergistics Australia

Very entertaining, motivating and inspiring! - Meg Johnson, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia

I was very impressed by the calibre of presentations and the content of the programme....such a positive, reaffirming experience for the EA community. - Lynne Scanlan-Lamb, GE Australia & New Zealand

This experience has made me even more determined to be the best professional I can be. - Stephanie Lorens, Wesley Mission

The EAN Congress was highly motivating. Thanks for the wonderful event! - Jill Taylor, CSS Group Administrator, Microsoft

The Conference was fantastic! Inspirational; Engaging; Reaffirming. - Alison Bagdon, Fairfax Media

It was by far the best conference targeted at our profession I have been to. - Karen Taylor, Zurich Financial Services Australia Ltd

Congratulations on a very informative and excellent EA conference - Stella Bakouris, Telstra International

Everyone I spoke to during the congress...said 'this is the best conference I've attended' because it was aimed at a higher level and was so informative. - Janine Jongebloed, Dla Phillips Fox

Congratulations...for an amazing conference. It was an incredible two days of learning and discovery. - Kathie Taylor, EA to Group Executive Operations, ASX Limited Thank you for a wonderful conference. I left feeling inspired.... Other people I have spoken to since have felt the exact same way. - Emma Peachey, Mckinsey & Company

Thank you so much for the EAN Congress last week. I found the calibre over the two days a lot higher than anything else that seems to be offered elsewhere. - Annie Macneil, Grain Pool Pty Ltd

A BIG THANK YOU for organising a wonderful 2 day conference. - Margaret Toms, Resmed Limited

I'd like to congratulate you on doing such a fabulous job of planning, setting up & executing this conference. We all look forward to next year's conference! - Dena Whitehouse, MBF Australia

Thank you very much for a wonderful conference. I loved it. It was the best EA conference I have ever been to. - Katrina Cartwright, Zurich Financial Services

Well done...It was a great conference, both informative and interesting. - Wendy Swift, Volvo Trucks Thanks for a wonderful conference. - Stephanie Paulissen, The Pharmacy Guild Of Australia