Pre-Conference Workshops

The Elite EA Masterclass

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

From Support Role to Strategic Partner: Your Career Transformation Starts Here!

• The most successful Executive Assistants aren’t defined by the executives they support, but by how they transform those executives’ effectiveness through strategic partnership rather than mere support.

• The Executive Assistant who masters both human connection and technological advancement doesn’t just survive disruption—they become the indispensable bridge between the efficiency of automation and the emotional intelligence that drives organisational success. The difference between a career plateau and continued advancement for Executive Assistants isn’t technical skill—it’s the courage to step beyond your assigned role and into the strategic vacuum others haven’t yet recognised

Are you ready to be recognised as the strategic asset you truly are?

The Elite EA Masterclass isn’t just another training program—it’s your career reinvention blueprint. Designed exclusively for ambitious Executive and Personal Assistants who refuse to be boxed in by outdated perceptions, this intensive experience  transforms how you work, how you’re perceived, and where your career can go.

The Reality EAs Face in 2025:

• Expected to master AI tools without proper training
• Transitioning from administrative to strategic roles with little guidance
• Navigating unclear pathways from “assistant” to “advisor”
• Managing increasing responsibilities without corresponding compensation
• Fighting to be recognised as more than “just an Assistant”

Your 4-Session Journey to Excellence:

1. Confidence, Empowerment, and Mindset breakthrough limiting beliefs and develop the executive mindset that
commands respect

2. Executive Presence and Creating Opportunities Master the subtle art of presence that turns heads and opens doors

3. Strategic Thinking and Leadership Elevate your thinking from task execution to strategic partnership

4. Effective Partnering and Career Progression Position yourself for advancement and negotiate your true value

The 5 Essential Skills Every EA Needs in 2025:

1. Insight & Decision-Making Capabilities - Move beyond executing decisions to shaping them

2. Adaptability in Rapidly Changing Environments - Thrive amid uncertainty while others merely survive it

3. Executive-Level Communication - Speak with the clarity and influence that drives organisational outcomes

4. Critical Thinking Beyond Basic Problem-Solving - Anticipate needs and develop strategic solutions before problems arise

5. Digital Literacy, Especially AI Integration - Harness technology as a force multiplier for your effectiveness
EXCLUSIVE BONUS: Receive a custom AI prompt template designed specifically for EAs to automate routine tasks and
reclaim valuable time.

Don’t just survive your workday—learn to thrive within it. Your executives (and your peace of mind) will thank you.

Through expert-led sessions, immersive exercises, and personalised guidance, you’ll emerge with both the mindset and
practical tools to transcend the traditional boundaries of your role.

Your career evolution doesn’t have to wait. The strategic partner your executive needs is already within you—we just help bring it to the surface.

SUMMIT DAY 1 – 23rd September 2026

9:00 AM: Mihi Whakatau

9:30 AM: Opening Remarks from Emcee

Session 1:
9:30 AM: “The Trusted Partner: What Executive Level Influence Really Looks Like”

Today’s EA is no longer just a gatekeeper or organiser. The most valuable assistants operate as trusted partners, shaping conversations, anticipating risk, and influencing decisions at the highest level. In this powerful session, we explore what real executive-level influence looks like in practice. You’ll learn how to think commercially, contribute strategically, and build the kind of trust that gives you a genuine seat at the table.

Discover how to move from reactive support to proactive leadership, strengthen your executive relationship, and position yourself as indispensable in complex, high-stakes environments.

10:10 AM: Leadership Networking

10:30 AM: Morning Tea

Session 2:
11:00 AM: Executive Presence in High-Stakes Rooms

When you step into senior leadership meetings, board environments, or high-pressure discussions, how you show up matters. Executive presence is not about title or hierarchy. It’s about credibility, composure and confidence under pressure. 

In this empowering session, discover how to communicate with clarity, manage strong personalities, and contribute meaningfully in rooms where decisions are made. Learn practical techniques to strengthen your voice, project authority without overstepping, and navigate complex dynamics with professionalism and calm. Walk away with the mindset and tools to ensure that when you are in the room, your presence adds value and commands respect. 

SESSION 3
12:00 PM: The AI Smart EA: Beyond Prompts and Productivity Hacks

AI is transforming the workplace, but the real advantage lies not in knowing a few clever prompts, it lies in using these tools with judgement, responsibility and strategic intent. In this future-focused session, explore how to harness AI to elevate your impact while protecting the trust placed in you. Learn how to design smart workflows, safeguard confidential information, recognise cyber risks, and ensure your digital habits strengthen rather than expose your executive and organisation. Discover how to move beyond quick productivity wins and position yourself as a confident, cyberaware, AI- smart partner who leads with both innovation and integrity.

1:00 PM Lunch

SESSION 4
1:50 PM: Thinking Like an Executive: From Decision Support to Strategic Career Growth

The most influential EAs do more than manage logistics. They shape decisions, clarify priorities and think commercially alongside their executive. In this powerful session, learn how to approach challenges with an executive mindset, frame options clearly, anticipate risk and present information in ways that drive confident decision-making. 

At the same time, explore how mastering decision support elevates your own career trajectory. Discover how to expand your scope, strengthen your strategic credibility and position yourself for greater responsibility, influence and progression. When you think like an executive, you don’t just support leadership, you become an essential part of it.

SESSION 5
2:40 PM: From EA to Strategic Career Architect: Building Influence, Visibility and Opportunity

Career progression in today’s EA profession is rarely linear. It is shaped by resilience, visibility and the courage to step forward, even when the path is uncertain. In this inspiring and highly relatable session, Linda Bailey, Senior Executive Assistant to the Head of Recycling Victoria, shares her personal journey of navigating change, building credibility and creating opportunity within complex, high-pressure environments.

 Through lived experience, Linda will explore how mindset, self-belief and strategic action can accelerate your growth and open doors you may not have thought possible. Discover how to raise your professional profile, contribute beyond your role and position yourself as a valued, forwardthinking partner. This session will leave you feeling empowered, motivated and ready to take the next step in your career with confidence.

3:10 PM Afternoon Tea

SESSION 6
3:30 PM:  The Visibility Gap: Why Being Good Isn’t Enough

Hard work and strong performance do not always lead to recognition or progression.

This session explores the gap between capability and visibility, and why many talented leaders are overlooked despite consistently delivering results. It focuses on how to be seen, heard, and valued without feeling like you are self promoting.

You will learn practical ways to increase your visibility, position your work effectively, and build a presence that supports your progression.
Because doing great work matters. But ensuring the right people see it matters just as much.

4:20 PM Closing Reflections and Insights to Action

4:40 PM Close of Day one & Networking Drinks

Conference Day Two | 24TH September

9:00 AM: Opening Remarks from Emcee

SESSION 1
9:10 AM:  The Power Behind The Power - At What Cost

High-performing executive environments demand focus, resilience and constant adaptability. But long-term influence is not built on exhaustion. In this inspiring keynote, explores how to thrive in high-pressure roles without sacrificing your wellbeing. Drawing on the principles of The Chocolate Bar Life, she will share how to structure your work, rest and renewal with intention, set boundaries that protect your energy, and redefine ambition on your own terms. Discover how sustainable success sharpens your judgement, strengthens your presence and enhances the trust placed in you. Because at the top table, true impact comes from clarity, composure and balance, not burnout. 

SESSION 2
10:00 AM: Brave Conversations: Managing Up Without Burning Bridges 

In high-performing executive environments, avoiding difficult conversations can cost credibility, trust and results. The ability to speak up with confidence, clarity and professionalism is a defining skill of a trusted partner. In this empowering session, discover how to manage up effectively, push back with diplomacy, and navigate complex personalities without damaging relationships. Learn practical communication strategies for handling unrealistic expectations, shifting priorities and high-pressure moments. Explore how thoughtful, courageous conversations strengthen your executive partnership and position you as a respected voice in the room. Because real influence is not about staying silent, it’s about knowing how and when to speak with impact.

10:50 AM: Morning Tea

SESSION 3
11:40 PM: High-Performance Workflow in Complex Environments

Supporting senior leaders in fast-paced, high-stakes environments requires more than strong organisational skills. It demands structure, foresight and the ability to manage competing priorities with confidence. In this practical and empowering session, discover how to design workflows that bring clarity to complexity. Learn how to triage effectively, create decision rhythms, protect strategic time and manage shifting demands without losing control. Explore tools and habits that support focus, reduce reactivity and strengthen alignment with your executive’s priorities. Walk away with a refined approach to workflow that enhances performance, sharpens judgement and enables you to operate with calm authority, even in the most demanding environments.

SESSION 4
12:30 PM: Redefining Success on Your Terms

Traditional definitions of success do not always align with personal values, priorities, or long term goals.

This session challenges the idea of a one size fits all leadership path and explores how to define success in a way that is both meaningful and sustainable.

You will reflect on what matters most, reassess expectations, and gain clarity on how to shape a career that aligns with your values and ambitions.

Because real success is not just about progression. It is about building a leadership path that works for you.

SESSION 5
2:40 PM: The Power Partnership: Leading Without the Title and Shaping Culture from Within 

The most effective EA–executive relationships are built on trust, clarity and shared purpose. But true partnership goes beyond task management. It requires leadership, influence and the ability to shape culture from wherever you sit. In this powerful session, explore what makes a highperforming executive partnership thrive, from communication rhythms to aligned expectations and mutual trust. Discover how to lead without formal authority, influence team dynamics and model the standards that strengthen organisational culture. Learn how to elevate your impact, deepen your executive relationship and position yourself not just as support, but as a trusted partner and cultural force within your organisation.

3:30 PM: Bringing it all together: Final From Insights to Action

As the summit draws to a close, take a moment to reflect, reset and refocus. In this energising closing session, will guide you through the key insights of the past two days and help you turn inspiration into practical action. Identify your next steps, clarify your priorities and commit to the changes that will elevate your impact. Leave feeling focused, confident and ready to step forward as a trusted, capable and future-ready executive partner.

4:00 PM Conference Close

09:00 Goal setting, positive mindset & steps to leadership success for women