Introduction

pa-assist has built a reputation for excellence in these events and this one will be no exception. The pa-assist Spring into Summer Networking Event 2008 will be a great day, combining inspiring workshops with networking and entertainment. We have been particularly careful to create a balance between learning and networking so that the day will be both of benefit to you in your work and a social occasion. Above all, the event is designed to be informative, to add value and to be memorable.

The Programme

* 09.30 - 10.00 - Registration and Coffee
* 10.00 - 10.05 - Welcome and Introductions
* 10.05 - 10.55 - Workshop 1 - Taking the Fear out of Finance
* 10.55 - 11.15 - Coffee and Networking
* 11.15 - 12.05 - Workshop 2 - Marketing for the Non Marketer
* 12.05 - 12.55 - Workshop 3 - The Insiders Guide to Event Organising
* 12.55 - 14.15 - Lunch -and Networking
* 14:15 - 15.05 - Workshop 4 - Refine your communication style to achieve the results you require
* 15.05 - 15:20 - Comfort Break
* 15.20 - 16.10 - Entertainment from Alex Crow
* 16.10 - 17.00 - Prize Draw, Tea and Networking
* 17.00 - Event close

The Workshops

Workshop 1: TAKING THE FEAR OUT OF FINANCE- presented by Carolyn Gilligan

Carolyn's workshop will give an insight into finance in the business environment. Carolyn will cover:

- The the jargon - understanding the acronyms and abbreviations that finance people talk in
- The different types of accounts
- Statutory and Management Financial Statements explained and their function
- The importance of business planning and budgets

Carolyn Gilligan has over 20 years experience in the corporate sector in senior management teams. Her last EA role was to Chairman of international FTSE 100 company. Carolyn is a regular speaker at The Créme in London, author of 'The Role of the Executive Personal Assistant and since 1996 has been a Consultant specialising in development and training. She is a BA(Hons) - Politics, a member of the Institute of Leadership and Management and has a BTec level 3 in Coaching Practice and Skills.

Workshop 2: MARKETING FOR THE NON MARKETER - presented by Rick Pullan

Rick’s workshop is designed to take the mystery and hype out of marketing and give a greater understanding of its role in business – Rick will cover:

- The principals of Marketing
- The difference between Marketing and Sales
- Then way to acquire basic marketing skills - SmarterMarketing
- A 3-stage programme that enables organisations to create effective marketing communication and measure its effect on   their profitability.

Rick Pullan is Managing Director of TBDA Ltd, The Business Development Agency, an established UK marketing company now in its 15th year and a founder member of the DMA (Direct Marketing Association). Rick has 28 years business experience including 12 years in sales, marketing and general management for Pedigree, Beecham (now Glaxo SmithKline), Pedro Domecq and Alberto Culver VO5 and 16 years in agency management. He is also a member of the Marketing Society.

Workshop 3: THE INSIDERS GUIDE TO EVENT ORGANISATION - presented by Nigel Alden

Most of us have horror stories to tell and frustrations to recall about booking events. They can be time-consuming, involve a huge amount of work and it can be a real minefield. This informative session will guide you through some of the pitfalls, potential problems and things to watch out for when you or your colleagues are booking events for your organisation. You are encouraged to bring along some of your own experiences, previous problems and areas that you would like to discuss. Whether you are involved in events or not, this promises to be an interesting and useful session for PAs of all levels.

Nigel Alden is Managing Director of Complete Event Solutions, the free venue-finding and event services partner of pa-assist. Having worked for two major hotel groups, two of the country's leading hotel booking agencies, a major conference agency and a team-building company, he can speak with authority about the trials and tribulations of event organising from all sides of the equation.

Session 4: REFINE YOUR COMMUNICATION STYLE TO ACHIEVE THE RESULTS YOU REQUIRE - presented by Susie Stubley

The art of communication is an elemental tool for you to achieve success in your role. Personal Assistants are repeatedly required to operate effectively at Executive level; negotiate with, and influence, some of the most powerful business leaders in the UK and all around the globe. This can be an intimidating and overwhelming prospect at times, and knowing your own communication style and refining this skill will greatly increase your chances of shinning, in the eyes of your colleagues and of your boss. Not to mention achieving the results and gaining the respect you deserve.

Pas are the hub of any office, managing the flow of information between a diverse range of staff throughout the organisation. Refining how you communicate and adapting your style to suit those you are communicating with will enable you to manage your own workloads and relationships fluidly and pleasurably.

During this workshop you will:

- Identify and clarify your key contacts, internally and externally by creating your own personal "Map of Influence"
- Confidently manage and develop these key relationships.
- Develop your negotiation skills to reach your business objectives whilst obtaining the information you require.
- Proactively influence the business relationship you have with your Executive through effective communication.

Susie Baron Stubley is a highly respected and sort after coach and trainer and has worked with some of the highest level and influential Executive Pas and Assistants in the corporate world. She is a regular speaker at international PA conferences and regularly writes articles for national publications on the professional development of Executive Pas Susie herself spent 10 years as a PA and Executive Assistant before retraining as an Executive Coach in order to use her extensive experience to support others to reach their highest potential in this difficult and complex role. She has supported high profile public figures and corporate leaders and has liaised with institutions from British Royal Households to global business executives.

Entertainment from Alex Crow

Alex Crow is renowned as the Psychic Entertainer and has entertained audiences both nationally and internationally. Alex's session is not to be missed - his very special talent will bring something completely different to the event and leave you talking about it, long after the event has finished!

Prize Draw

All delegates who attend will be entered into a prize draw for some great prizes including Champagne, a Weekend Break for two at a London Hotel, two tickets to 'The Sound of Music' and much more. The draw will take place before the event closes.

Accommodation

Should you wish to arrive the night before, or stay over on the evening of the event, we have negotiated a special rate with the Marriott Kensington Hotel of £160.00 room only (plus VAT) for Thursday 5th, which is a £50.00 reduction on their standard rate. If you want to stay on Friday night, it's £109.00 (down from £129.00). To book the hotel, you can e~mail tracy.wood@marriotthotels.com quoting "pa-assist.com Event". There is also a wealth of other Hotels in the area offering good accommodation at varying rates.

Booking your place

The price for the event is only £160.00 (including VAT) and covers everything (except alcoholic beverages!).

To book for this event