Public Sector EA/PA Summit 2026

Pre-Conference Workshops

09:00AM – 05:00PM

The Elite EA Masterclass

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 Designed exclusively for ambitious Executive and Personal Assistants who refuse to be boxed in by outdated perceptions, this intensive experience transforms how you work, how you’re perceived, and where your career can go.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.

Conference Day One

09:05 Welcome to country + Opening Remarks from Chair

SESSION 1: OPENING KEYNOTE 9:20 AM: The Trusted Partner: What Executive Level Influence Looks Like in Government

The role of the executive assistant in the public sector has evolved significantly. Today’s EA is not simply coordinating diaries and managing logistics. The most effective assistants operate as trusted partners who support senior leaders in navigating complex priorities, managing risk, and ensuring decisions are supported by the right information at the right time. This session explores what true executive level partnership looks like within government environments. Discover how to strengthen trust with your executive, anticipate challenges before they arise, and contribute to leadership effectiveness across departments and agencies.

SESSION 2 11:00 AM: Executive Presence in High Stakes Public Sector Environments

Supporting senior leaders often means operating in environments where decisions carry significant organisational and public impact. Whether contributing to executive meetings, coordinating complex discussions, or supporting leaders during critical moments, how you communicate and present yourself matters. In this empowering session, discover how to strengthen your executive presence, communicate with clarity and confidence, and contribute meaningfully in rooms where important decisions are made. Learn practical techniques to navigate complex personalities, maintain professionalism under pressure, and ensure your presence strengthens the leadership environment.

SESSION 3 12:00 PM: Building Influence Without Formal Authority The AI Smart EA in Government: Innovation, Responsibility and Trust

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming workplaces across the public sector. However, the real opportunity lies not simply in using new tools, but in applying them responsibly within environments that demand strong governance, confidentiality, and public accountability. This session explores how executive assistants can harness AI to improve workflows, support decision making, and enhance efficiency while safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining trust. Discover how to build smarter systems, manage digital risks, and position yourself as a confident and capable partner in a rapidly evolving digital environment.

12:50 PM LUNCH

SESSION 5 2:40 PM: Designing a Strategic Career in the Public Sector

The most successful executive assistants take ownership of their professional growth and deliberately shape their career path. In government environments where roles continue to evolve, there are increasing opportunities for assistants to expand their influence and responsibility. This session explores how to move beyond task execution and position yourself as a strategic contributor within your organisation. Learn how to build credibility, advocate for greater responsibility, and identify pathways for career development within the public sector.

3:30 PM AFTERNOON TEA

SESSION 6:  CELEBRITY KEYNOTE 3:30 PM:  KEYNOTE + EXTENDED Q&A The Courage to Be Yourself in Rooms That Expect You Not To Be 

 Many professionals spend years learning how to fit into environments where expectations around behaviour, confidence, and credibility are constantly shifting. For women in leadership roles, the pressure to appear composed, certain, and endlessly capable can be particularly intense.

In this refreshingly honest keynote, acclaimed comedian, writer and broadcaster Judith Lucy reflects on what it takes to remain authentic in spaces that often reward conformity over individuality. Through humour, personal stories and sharp insight, Judith explores confidence, vulnerability and the courage it takes to show up as yourself in professional environments that can sometimes feel anything but human.

Following the keynote, Judith will take part in an extended audience Q&A, offering a candid and entertaining conversation with delegates about confidence, pressure, reinvention and navigating life in the public eye. 

4:30 PM: REFLECTION, FROM INSIGHT TO ACTION DAY CLOSE, MEET & GREET

Conference Day Two

9:00 AM: Day 1 Recap & Opening Remarks

Session 1: 9:10 AM: Shifting From Hustle & Grind to Empowered Achievement

Join Danielle for an inspiring keynote on transcending relentless hustle to embrace empowered achievement. Discover actionable strategies to break free from the grind and attain balanced  success. Learn to conquer past challenges, energize your present, and shape a future where ambition and ease thrive together.

• Liberate yourself from the hustle and grind mentality.
• Cultivate inner peace while chasing your goals.
• Achieve professional success without sacrificing personal fulfillment.
• Prioritize self-care and build emotional resilience.
• The 7 essential truths for empowered excellence

Step into a journey of empowerment and holistic success with Danielle’s guidance. Equip yourself with practical tools and insights to thrive in your career while safeguarding your wellbeing.

10:15 AM MORNING TEA

SESSION 2 10:45 AM: Brave Conversations: Managing Up in Complex Public Sector Environments

Working closely with senior leaders requires the ability to communicate openly and constructively, even when conversations become difficult. Whether managing expectations, raising concerns, or addressing competing priorities, the ability to manage up effectively is a critical leadership skill. In this practical session, explore how to approach challenging conversations with professionalism and confidence while maintaining trust and strong working relationships.

SESSION 3: EXCLUSIVE KEYNOTE 11:50 AM: EXTENDED Q&A Reinvention and Resilience: Rebuilding After Life Changes Course

Leadership journeys rarely follow a straight path. Careers evolve, unexpected challenges arise, and sometimes life forces us to start again. Drawing on her remarkable personal and professional journey, Indira Naidoo reflects on resilience, reinvention and the courage required to rebuild after adversity. Through powerful storytelling and honest reflection, she explores how setbacks can become turning points and how resilience is often forged through life’s most difficult moments.

This inspiring session invites leaders to rethink failure, embrace change and recognise the strength that can emerge when life does not unfold as planned.

12:50 PM: From Insight to Action

1:10 PM LUNCH

SESSION 4 12:10 PM: Mastering Workflow in High Accountability Environments

Supporting senior leaders in government requires exceptional organisation, judgement and foresight. Executive assistants often manage competing priorities, urgent requests, and rapidly changing schedules. This session explores practical strategies for managing workflow in high accountability environments. Learn how to structure priorities, protect strategic time, and bring clarity to complex demands.

SESSION 5 3:00 PM: The Power Partnership: Strengthening the EA Executive Relationship

The most effective executive assistant and leader relationships are built on trust, communication and shared purpose. When these partnerships are strong, both individuals operate more effectively and the organisation benefits. This session explores what makes high performing EA executive partnerships thrive. Discover how to strengthen alignment, build mutual trust, and elevate your role as a strategic partner within your organisation.

3:50 PM AFTERNOON TEA

SESSION 6 4:10 PM: Bringing it all together - From Insight to Action

As the summit draws to a close, take a moment to reflect, reset and refocus. In this energising closing session, Danielle 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.

4:30 PM CLOSE OF CONFERENCE

Post-Conference Workshop

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM: The Practical Leadership Playbook: Leading with Clarity & Courage

Step into the next level of leadership.

This masterclass equips you with practical tools, advanced strategies and confidence to lead with clarity, courage, and impact.

You’ll walk away with a comprehensive toolkit—including proven templates, practical techniques and conversation guides—that you can immediately apply in your workplace and return to throughout your leadership journey.

“I wish I had done this workshop two years ago when I started as a manager”
 
What You’ll Learn:

Grounded in research and tested in practice, this masterclass will help you to:

• Strengthen self-awareness and emotional regulation: 
  Understand your personal leadership style, manage emotional responses and build lasting resilience.
• Set clear expectations for behaviour, performance, and working relationships: 
  Create a culture of accountability and psychological safety through clear boundaries and shared commitments.
• Provide advanced support to your team: 
  Recognise and respond to what your team members need to succeed and grow and manage in challenging times.
• Deliver feedback that drives performance and development: 
  Learn how to give confident, constructive feedback that supports good behaviour, addresses concerns early and
  strengthens your team.
• Navigate brave conversations with clarity and care
  Use the Correction Continuum to prepare for and engage in the conversations that matter—early, effectively and with integrity.

What You’ll Take Away:

Grounded in research and tested in practice, this masterclass will help you to:

• A practical leadership workbook packed with tools, templates, conversation scripts, and frameworks you can use for years to come.
  
  

“Every time I need to have a brave conversation, I go back to the templates and scripts. They give me the support and confidence I need to prepare well"

• A peer learning experience that connects you with like-minded leaders navigating similar challenges.
• The confidence and capability to immediately apply what you’ve learned in your leadership role.
  
  

“This is the most practical workshop I’ve ever attended.”