Executive PA Magazine

Transcription

OFC_EPAoz_Issue6_15_final_NO SPINE v2 18/11/2015 11:07 Page 1
EXECUTIVEPA
AUSTRALIAN EDITION | THE LONGEST-ESTABLISHED & LEADING MAGAZINE BRAND FOR PROFESSIONAL PAs www.executivepa.com.au Awards Special 2015 $12.00
RECOGNISING
EXCELLENCE
Janine Turner named
PA of the Year at the
Awards 2015
INSIDE
THE PICTURES + THE PRIZES + THE ENTERTAINMENT + THE FOOD
TO ALL THE GREAT
PAS & BOSSES
CONGRATULATIONS
FROM HAYS
We would like to congratulate this year’s winners and
thank all the nominees and guests for making the 2015
Executive PA Magazine Awards such a success.
The ongoing development of new PAs is essential for
future business success. That’s why, as a results-orientated
company, we were proud to sponsor the ‘Up and Coming
PA of the Year Award’ for the third year running as we
recognise the positive impact these professionals make.
To hear about current opportunities or market information
contact your local office on the details below:
NSW
T: 02 8226 9600
E: [email protected]
ACT
T: 02 6257 3331
VIC
T: 03 9604 9650
QLD
T: 07 3243 3022
TAS
T: 03 6234 9554
SA
T: 08 8231 4777
WA
T: 08 9322 5383
NT
T: 08 8943 6000
hays.com.au
03_EPAoz_Issue6_15_final.qxp_Layout 1 18/11/2015 10:48 Page 03
FOREWORD
Awards Special 2015
EXECUTIVEPA
THE MAGAZINE FOR PROFESSIONAL PAS AND SECRETARIES
INQUIRIES
EDITORIAL
Cora Lydon
[email protected]
Kirstie Bedford
[email protected]
ADVERTISING
07 3839 4911
[email protected]
CONTACTS
CHAIRMAN
Russell Peacock
GENERAL MANAGER AUSTRALIA
James Brome
07 3839 4911
[email protected]
EDITOR
Cora Lydon
[email protected]
OFFICE MANAGER
Ella Hannah
[email protected]
FINANCE
[email protected]
ASIA
Wow – at the recent Executive PA Magazine
Awards you demonstrated just how amazing the EA community is. It was fantastic to see so many top-flight EAs
come together to honour and support their peers – some
who they may never have met, others they may know well.
At the glittering ceremony we unveiled our newest batch
of winners and runners up who will become ambassadors
for the EA profession to not only readers of this magazine
and their colleagues, but also the wider community. It really
was a celebration of the hard work, passion, excellence and
dedication that the nation’s EAs display on a daily basis.
Over on page 16 you can check out all the news from
this prestigious event and find out who won awards.
From the new year I will be handing over the editor’s
reins to Kirstie Bedford and under her capable hands we’ll
continue to bring you inspiring interviews, industry opinions and a magazine packed with everything you need to
carry out your job to the best of your ability. I’ll still be
heading up the magazine as editorial director and I hope
to work with more of our readers in the new year.
Cora Lydon, Editor, [email protected]
James Brome
[email protected]
ASIA ONLINE SALES MANAGER
[email protected]
UK & EUROPE
Stephan Pavlovic
[email protected]
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
[email protected]
READER EVENTS
[email protected]
SUBSCRIPTIONS AND MEMBERSHIP
[email protected]
PUBLISHED BY
Solutions Publish LTD
PO Box 10137, Adelaide Street
Brisbane, QLD, 4000
www.executivepa.com.au
PRINTED BY
Printgraphics
Copyright 2015 Solutions Publish
All rights reserved; no part of this publication may be
copied or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form or by any means electronic,
mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without
the prior written permission of the publishers. While
every care is taken in the compilation of this publication,
the publishers can not accept any responsibility for any
inaccuracies or changes since compilation, or for
consequential loss arising from such changes or
inaccuracies, or for any other loss, direct or consequential,
arising in connection with information in this publication.
Acceptance of advertisements does not imply
recommendation by the publisher.
LONDON | BRISBANE | SINGAPORE
Audited circulation: 12,333
AWARDS SPECIAL 2015 | WWW.EXECUTIVEPA.COM.AU
03
04,05_EPAoz_Issue6_15final.qxp_Layout 1 18/11/2015 10:48 Page 04
CONTENTS
Awards Special 2015
INTERACTIVE
16 Executive PA Magazine Awards 2015
We reveal the winners and runner ups of this year’s
glamorous Awards ceremony and hear all about the
evening that 200 plus EAs enjoyed
48 Executive PA Magazine Reader Event
Rock and roll sounds will dominate this special reader
event, being held at the Swissôtel in Sydney
49 Executive PA Magazine Reader Event
We’ll be exploring everything the Canada Bay Club, in
NSW, has to offer readers
12
50 Executive PA Magazine Reader Report
Readers who joined us at the Rydges Capital Hill reader
event report back to us on how much they enjoyed this
informative evening
Great tastes and sounds and excellent company were
the order of the day for our Sydney reader event held in
conjunction with Tourism New Zealand
Following on from the fabulous evening in Sydney,
Tourism New Zealand headed to Melbourne to delight
more readers with cultural performances and fun
16
62 Executive PA Magazine Awards gallery 2015
Check out the pictures from this year’s event, captured
by Oneill Photography
FEATURES
12 Five star PA
Life as a PA for Lucy Fraser means not only managing
the demands of her boss – but also of the guests who
visit the Four Seasons Sydney hotel where she works
31 The A-Z of business events
36
Getting business events right is a big part of what
cements an EA’s reputation – we find out from the
experts how to make every event a success
36 Are you equipped for event management?
2015 saw the launch of the Executive PA Magazine
Certificate in Event Management, in conjunction with
Australian Events Academy. Readers in Sydney,
Melbourne and Brisbane have already taken the course
and we find out why you should too
40 Overcome your training obstacles
It’s time to stop making excuses and instead get down
to learning. We look at how to overcome the challenges
that stop you from enhancing your skills
04
40
04,05_EPAoz_Issue6_15final.qxp_Layout 1 18/11/2015 10:48 Page 05
Executive PA Magazine | ExecutivePA.com.au
REGULARS
WORK
06 In tray
The latest news and market intel for the busy EA
24 EA vs EA
The two runners up of Executive PA Magazine’s Up and
Coming PA Award category tackle this issue’s questions
35
PRODUCTS
26 Technofile
Tim Stackpool takes a look at the offices of the future to
see what we might expect to find
28 Office solutions
News and essential products to make life that little bit
easier in the office
DESTINATION
35 West is best
When it comes to business there’s no place like Western
Australia. But before you send the boss off unprepared
take a look at our insight into the region
EVENTS
51
43 Ask the concierge
Peter McBrearty, chief concierge at The Langham,
Melbourne, reveals his top picks for local restaurants
44 Venue menu
Keep informed on venues across the country
54 Tradeshows
We profile the trade events you should be attending to
stay ahead in the office
CAREER
57 Reader panel
We get opinions from readers and our LinkedIn
connections – this is your page for your thoughts
59 Career PA
Career information, news and advice for top level EAs
SOCIAL MEDIA
Find out what our connected PAs are
discussing on Facebook, or keep up-todate with us through Twitter and
LinkedIn or via ExecutivePA.com.au.
ExecutivePA.com.au
62
twitter.com/
PAofTheYear
linkedin.com/
facebook.com/
executivepa
05
06,08,10_EPAoz_Issue6_15_final.qxp_Layout 1 18/11/2015 10:46 Page 06
IN TRAY
Keep up to date with the latest news and views of interest to busy EAs
South Australia PA stole
more than $470,000
A personal assistant who siphoned
more than $470,000 from her boss and
falsely claimed bikies were blackmailing her has been jailed. Leigh Isabella
Black was sentenced in the Adelaide
District Court to serve four years and
five months’ jail term for the “greedy
exploitation” of the Mitolo Corporation.
In his sentencing remarks his Honour Judge Muscat noted that the managing director “...discovered a bank
account in your name which you had
transferred money from one of the
companies your employer provided
administrative services to. When the
managing director returned from overseas, he conducted a thorough search
through his company’s business
accounts. Between January 2013 and
November 2014 you had transferred
$471,132.95 from the company’s business accounts into three accounts
belonging to you.”
He went on to tell the court she at
first denied everything and when her
boss produced the bank statements,
she claimed people were chasing her
and threatening her and her family.
Black was issued a non-parole period
of two and a half years.
So what do Executive PA Magazine readers think?
Given the time frame involved is the employer at
fault for not having the right checks in place? Let us
know at [email protected].
Want to be in
top mental
form for 2016?
IN BRIEF
RESEARCH
Hangover cure?
Hangovers cost businesses $3 billion a year in lost
productivity and there are a record 11.5 million sick
days taken every year due to alcohol, according to
Flinders University. So, Sydney-based PAs should
spread the word wisely to their colleagues about the
mobile ‘hangover clinic’ – a controversial service which
it says allows people to perform at the top of their
game and minimise time out of the office.
TRAVEL
Shaking up the
travel industry
Boutique online travel agency View Retreats, has
recently unveiled a new personalised travel planning
service to help time-poor professionals and “challenge
the strangle-hold of the international travel agencies
operating in Australia and New Zealand”. The changes
bring live rates and instant confirmation to the 150
exclusive hotels and luxury lodges featured on View
Retreats website, many with large event spaces.
Mindset trainer and speaker Alyce Pilgrim
has some tips for how:
1 Tie up loose ends from the previous
year. EAs are notoriously organised when
it comes to everyone else, so make sure
you take care of your own inbox too! Get
rid of paper work that you don’t need,
finalise and gain closure on projects that
are lingering.
1 Be sure to take time out for yourself.
You’ve spent the year looking after the
boss, now it’s time for you. Get some rest,
get away from electronics and do things
you love.
1 Clarify your intentions and goals for
2016. In order to perform at our best we
need to know what we are working towards.
Set some time aside to think about what
you want to achieve next year, and write
down your goals. If you are seeking a raise
06
rather than saying “get a raise” word your
goal as: “receive a 5% raise by July 2016”.
Knowing as much detail as possible sets
you up for success.
1 Spring clean your mindset. What we
think is often times just as important as
what we do. Your life is a reflection of
your thinking. Who you are today is the
residual of your previous thoughts. What
you believe, you become. Making small
mindset shifts can dramatically increase
your results.
1 Keep moving. If you’re not having the
best day stand up, go for a walk or get
some fresh air. Shaking up your physiology,
even if just for a moment, is the easiest way
to feel better and ensure that you’re in top
mental form.
TRAVEL
Making waves
Do you have a boss who likes to stay fit and gets
frustrated when they’re away about not having the
facilities they’d like to keep up their regime? Then
consider booking them into a Novotel hotel. The
reason? Pro-surfer Sally Fitzgibbons is the new face of
‘In Balance by Novotel Hotels & Resorts’ and on her
new in-room fitness channel showcases a programme
which requires no equipment.
CONFERENCE REWARDS
BY WYNDHAM
PARADISE LOCATIONS
FOR INNOVATIVE THINKING
Choose from over 12 locations across South East Asia and
the Pacific Rim. Book today and reward your team.
For further information visit:
wyndhamap.com/hotels/conferencerewards
*CONDITIONS APPLY
WHG10214 - CONFERENCE REWARDS AD/POSTER.indd 1
17/11/2015 2:37 pm
IN TRAY
PA PROFILE
Keep up to date with the latest news
and views of interest to busy EAs
‘Talent mismatch’ rife in
Australia and NZ
Recruiting experts Hays is seeing a
‘talent mismatch’ both in Australia and
New Zealand, with high demand for
EA and PA roles, but a shortage of
candidates with the right skills.
In what Hays says is causing frustrations on both sides of the employment
equation, both Australia and New
Zealand’s office support job market is
very active, but there is a shortage of
candidates who have the skills employers
want. Hays office support regional
director Alex Jones says jobseekers are
applying for roles they think they are
suitable for and wonder why employers
are not offering them interviews.
“In Australia, is the request from
some employers for multi-skilled professionals, such as a personal assistant
who is also required to undertake
some procurement duties. But there’s
not a lot of candidates who have such
expertise in two areas.”
VIEW FROM
MY DESK
Andrea Lawrie is Executive Assistant at
Norman Disney & Young
What have you done today?
I’ve had lots of variety: tenders, proposals, meetings,
staff training, global processes and the bonus of the
day is a catering trial as well as shopping for work
birthday gifts!
What’s the favourite part of your role?
I love that my job is different every day and I get to
deal with our staff globally.
Alex Jones
He says this is compounded by top
candidates being aware of the demand
for their skills, and therefore choosing
to be much more selective.
“Location and hourly rates are a
particular focus for candidates. At
the same time, and despite candidate
levels decreasing, employers’ expectations remain high.”
There’s never been a better time to
increase your skills base than now –
and adding additional expertise to your
CV will pay off in the future when
negotiating new roles or pay rises.
What Christmas-related job tasks do you have to
do this year?
I will have to sort out the Christmas cards (Mission)
and organise corporate lunch events.
What is in your top drawer at work?
Stationery and a pedicure voucher which was a
birthday gift from the amazing girls I work with!
Australia trails in sick leave rates
According to Direct Health Solutions,
Australia’s workforce has one of the
highest rates of sickness absence. It
revealed that Aussie workers take
almost 10 sick days per year which costs
organisations a significant $3,230 per
employee and a staggering $33bn in
payroll costs and lost productivity. Simi-
larly high is the UK and Canada, where
workers take an average of 9.1 days off
sick. On the flipside Irish workers have
unscheduled absences of 6.4 days, New
Zealanders 4.5 days, and US workers
take 4.9 days. In comparison, in Asia
hard-working employees take a miniscule
2.2 days off sick.
Lack of inclusion identified
New research by Diversity Council Australia
(DCA) has identified a lack of productivity
by organisations because they aren’t creating an ‘inclusive’ environment.
1 25% rate their current level of inclusive
leadership of senior leaders in their
organisation as a five or six out of ten.
1 17% rate the inclusion level as below five.
08
1 11% of Australian workers strongly agree
that the boss actively seeks out information and new ideas from all employees,
according to earlier DCA research.
1 Australian employees from culturally
diverse backgrounds are up to three
times less likely to view the workplace
as inclusive.
Gender pay gap
ever present
When it comes to the gender paygap in
Australia there’s good news and there’s
bad news. The good news is that in many
industries the pay gap is closing – but
when it comes to senior roles women are
still being short-changed. The current pay
gap means that a female EA would earn
just over 82 cents for every dollar a male
EA would pocket. Plus, according to
Westpac’s 2015 Women and Retirement
Readiness Report, there is a difference of
$145,000 between the median superannuation account balance of a woman and a
man – and it’s women that are losing out.
Te Puia, Rotorua
businessevents.newzealand.com
Offering world-class facilities, spectacular
landscapes, an unmatched array of
activities all within easy reach, and warm,
welcoming people, New Zealand will
take your next event from ordinary to
extraordinary. Plan the conference they’ll
never forget today.
A business event in New Zealand goes
beyond expectation.
IN TRAY
Keep up to date with the latest news and views of interest to busy EAs
And the awards for the best and worst
airports in the world go to…
The world’s best and worst airports
have been revealed in a survey by the
popular sleepinginairports.net. Surveying over 26,000 international flyers, the
survey found:
1 The worst airport in the world is
Port Harcourt International Airport in
Nigeria, with limited seating, unhelpful
staff and a tent for an arrivals hall.
1 Also being revealed as airports to
avoid are Jeddah King Abdulaziz
International Airport in Saudi Arabia
coming in second, closely followed by
Kathmandu Tribhuvan International
Airport in Nepal.
1 Unsurprisingly the best airport went
to the multi award-winning Singapore
Changi International Airport which
has held the spot for two decades and
features a sauna, spa, butterfly garden,
multi storey slide, gym and free movie
theatre.
1 Coming in second is Seoul Incheon
International Airport, South Korea –
which has large couch-like recliners,
indoor gardens, cultural performances
and impeccable service.
1 Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport
comes in third, admired by travellers
for being tidy, efficient, modern and
generally just really pleasant. It says
activities within the airport do tend to
be a little scarce, but this is all but
made up for by the outstanding food
and the attached hotels – one of which
is for humans and the other, for pets.
Changi Airport’s rooftop
swimming pool and
gardens (below)
Boss lost his passport? Never fear –
the ‘cloud’ is near
Face up to
meetings
Despite living in a digital age, business professionals still prefer face-to-face meetings according to
a recent global study by Hilton Worldwide. More
than two-thirds of professionals overwhelmingly
prefer meeting in-person to any other collaboration method.
The study also found increasingly, business
leaders agree that the most successful meetings
happen over coffee and tea, saying they are
important to contributing to a successful in-person meeting. It also found comfort is of utmost
importance with up to 76 per cent of those
participating in the study saying ambiance is
important in a successful meeting.
10
Great news for EAs who live in fear of the
boss forgetting their passport or misplacing it while away. Aussies may soon be able
to fly without this important document
thanks to a trial of technology where passport information is stored in the ‘cloud’.
The Federal Government’s new trial
idea was led by the Department of Foreign
Affairs and Trade, and would see information from Australian passports stored in the
cloud, alongside biometric identifiers, giving Australian citizens the opportunity for
“document-free travel between Australia
and New Zealand”.
Questions are however already being
asked about the security of a cloud-based
system that stores personal information,
travel history and biometric data about
every passport holder in the country.
Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop
told CNET, “we wouldn't do it if it were
not able to be secure. We are just trialling
new ideas and we are just in the early
stages of discussion.”
We’re moving to Sweden
If you want to ditch long hours then
head to Sweden. Despite the fact that
numerous research studies have
revealed the harm that long hours can
do, few employers have made any real
change to the working day. But, Sweden just topped everyone’s dream
career destination when it revealed it
was pushing forward with plans to
introduce a 6-hour work day. In return
for a shorter working day, employees
are asked to stay off social media, keep
meeting short and avoid unnecessary
distractions – and it works brilliantly.
11_EPAoz_Issue6_15_Layout 1 16/11/2015 10:54 Page 11
11
PA PROFILE
Five-star PA
Ever wonder what it’s like working in a five-star hotel overlooking
Sydney’s glistening harbour? Kirstie Bedford talks to the EA
charged with taking care of some of the most high profile
travellers who visit this world renowned city
THE PERCEPTION of life as an EA in a five star Sydney a room where there are only lavender scented candles, and a
hotel might be all marble floors, champagne, swanky events and request for a grape peeled and presented in a martini glass –
high tea – but that’s far from reality for Lucy Frazer, Executive but she’s anything but condescending.
Assistant to the most senior management at Four Seasons.
“They’re not trying to be difficult, they’re just well seasoned
In fact, she can often be found clearing tables when there’s travellers and want to stick to routine. Everyone wants name recoga ‘crunch’ (hotel lingo for when it’s super busy), and at her side nition and to be recognised, and not just be another number. They
is always general manager Rudolf van Dijk.
want the hotel to know that they’ve been a loyal customer and
“It’s literally all hands on deck
that’s really important to us too.”
when there’s a crunch. Four Seasons
She says building a relationship
feels like a big family and everyone
with
the VIP guests and exceeding
“Lucy’s had some interesting
helps out. We’ve all got the same goal...
their expectations every time is somerequests – from a bowl of
exceeding guests’ expectations, and
thing she thrives on.
‘only
blue’ M&Ms, a room
everyone just gets in and helps out.”
“We had a high profile guest who
She says it’s that fast paced envihad his 300th stay here, so we made
where there are only lavender
ronment which is one of the things she
him a cake and took it up to him to celscented candles, and a request
loves most about the role. “You never
ebrate. There are guests who just
for a grape peeled and
know what’s going to happen, every
want to come in and head straight up
presented in a martini glass”
day is really different and it’s really
to their room too and not be interchallenging. You’re rarely at your
rupted, so building a relationship
desk and if there’s a big event on, then
with them, I get to know who needs
everyone helps out because we’re a 24/7 business.”
what kind of attention and I pass that on to all of the staff to
ensure everyone is aware of their needs, whether it’s an allergy
or special request.”
KEEPING BUSY
There’s the day-to-day work too. Lucy manages four inboxes –
hers, GM Rudolf van Dijk’s, hotel manager David Macklin’s and AN EVENT-FUL ROLE
the VIP box. With confidentiality highly important in manag- Lucy’s role also has her involved in charity events – primarily
ing the VIP guests, there’s no name-dropping here, but Lucy’s the Humpty Dumpty Balmoral Burn fun run, where she helps
had some interesting requests – from a bowl of ‘only blue’ M&Ms, get a group of staff involved in the event and Four Seasons hosts t
12
13
PA PROFILE
Above Rudolf Van Dijk,
general manager, Four
Seasons Hotel Sydney
“My parents always joke that this role was
made for me. I’ve always been a pretty
organised person. I wouldn’t say anal, but
I’ve always got labels on everything and
everything has a list or a file and I love that”
sthe ‘Great Humpty Ball’ which raises money to purchase life-
saving medical equipment for children in hospital.
She also organises travel, looks after a planning committee
of eight senior directors, takes minutes and plans events for the
committee, and of course, there’s the staff Christmas party.
In addition to this Lucy takes care of all of the travel arrangements and on-the-ground itinerary for the staff from the corporate
offices in Singapore and Canada when they come to Australia.
It’s a role her mum says she’s made for. “My parents always
joke that this role was made for me. I’ve always been a pretty
organised person. I wouldn’t say anal, but I’ve always got labels
on everything and everything has a list or a file and I love that.”
FINDING HER POSITION
Lucy wasn’t however planning on a career in hotels. In fact growing up she wanted to be a chef, but a day in Year 10 cutting a
kilo of onions with goggles on put that idea to bed. She instead
went on to ‘The Hotel School Sydney’ and did an internship as
a banquet attendant at Four Seasons – and never left.
Six years on and she’s worked as an event co-ordinator in
the restaurant, and a sales co-ordinator, before taking on the role
as EA to the GM. They are roles she says have helped her
immensely in being a productive EA and understanding more
about the business as a whole.
Her main focus now is looking after Rudolf, and she says it
helps that he’s so easy going. “He chips in wherever help is
14
needed, and he eats in the staff cafeteria, so he’s always
around and available to staff and engaging with people. He’s
got a really good sense of humour too and that helps!”
Rudolf came to the hotel after spending four years at Four
Seasons in China, and having never lived in Australia, Lucy
quickly built up a relationship with his wife too. “We talk on the
phone every week. I tried to help them settle. Rudolf has twins
too so if they needed help with travel or organising where to
go and what to do, I help them out.”
So where to from here for this born and bred Sydney girl?
“I’ve only been in this role 18 months and I really love being an
EA, it’s such a varied role and such a great environment to work
in, so I want to say here for a while.”
There’s pause, and she laughs, adding, “in saying that there
are so many opportunities, the person in this role before me went
on to work on a super yacht... so you never know where the job
will take you!” E
dedesgroup.com.au
1800 EVENTS
corporate
events
by≈the
sea
JBW ≈ pyrmont
the dock ≈ woolwich
At a stunning dedes
Waterfront group Venue
With breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour
and flexible spaces to suit every need,
Dedes Waterfront Group events are both
convenient and inspiring. Whether you
prefer an elegant cocktail party, a day
delegate gathering, conference or a large
scale fine dining gala, our venues will create
the perfect backdrop for your next event.
Let our specialised events team tailor a
unique package for your organisation and
we will ensure every detail is attended to
with care and expertise.
« Let us tie it all
together for you »
pier 2 ≈ walsh bay
src ≈ abbotsford
16,17,18,20,22_EPAoz_Issue6_15_final.qxp_Layout 1 18/11/2015 10:44 Page 16
EAs shine
brightly
It’s the night every EA wants to be part of.
Sarah Friggieri joined them at Le Montage,
as the Executive PA Magazine Awards
2015 recognised the shining stars of the
EA industry Images by Oneill Photographics
IT SEEMED LIKE a normal Wednesday in Sydney. Traffic was the usual
nightmare, but for some top flight executive assistants, what sat at the end of the
jam was their proverbial pot of gold.
Dressed to the nines, they were heading
to the night of nights for those who
share their job title: the Executive PA
Magazine Awards for 2015.
Some of our finalists were lucky
enough to be heading to the Awards gala
dinner in style too. Courtesy of Royale
Limousines, the finalists for Up and
Coming PA of the Year and PA of the
Year, as well as the winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Your Profession,
were driven to the awards venue by limousines – there was no public transport
for these hard-working PAs who ultimately deserved this extra-special treat.
And where else could we hold the most
important night in the EA calendar but
Sydney’s Le Montage – a suitably prestigious venue for these highly-respected
industry-leading awards.
DRESSED TO THE NINES
One of Sydney’s premier venues, Le
16
Montage, owned by Navarra Venues, is in
a world of its own in the events realm. It
can host 2,500 guests – and certainly lives
up to its reputation for modern glamour,
as our guests were about to find out.
Once inside a spacious room on the
lower level of the vicinity, a stream of
colourful canapes began flowing out of the
kitchen while a pianist set the tone with
light notes from a grand piano. As part of
the new menu that’s set to be finalised in
the next few months (guests were the outsiders to have first taste), the flavours were
just as spectacular as the presentation.
Freshly shucked oysters were paired with
eschalots and champagne vinaigrette and
mini pancake-like grated zucchini fritters
were topped with crème fraîche.
Elated chatter and laughter filled the
room as more and more guests filed in
and noticed familiar faces. You could cut
the confidence with a knife – but, of
course, since all were colleagues, that kind
of treachery wasn’t to be called upon
tonight. This evening was all about standing united, as one, to support the winners
and cheer for an event that puts the
hard work of all assistants in the spotlight. t
17
sA REWARDING ROLE
Being recognised and appreciated for what you do – is there any
better feeling? For the winners of the six award categories, the
answer to that question was a resounding ‘no’.
The formalities began with a haka, a traditional Maori war
cry you’d often see at the beginning of major sporting matches
involving New Zealand teams. But tonight it was portrayed in
its lighter form – a dance, involving men covered with cloth and
women in seashell-beaded skirts. The surprise performance,
which came courtesy of major sponsors Tourism New Zealand,
transported everybody to another world. There’s no doubt New
Zealand was added to guests’ bucket lists after that performance.
MEMORABLE MENU
Atop the elaborately decorated tables was a basket of fresh bread,
quenelles of butter and shallow dipping bowls containing balsamic vinaigrette with olive oil and rosemary and roasted garlic oil. Soon after the entertaining Price Is Right-style introduction
by MC Tim Stackpool, the entrees were served – impeccable timing, too, as some guests hadn’t eaten all day, too nervous with
anticipation! It is fair to say that Le Montage’s culinary team
pulled out all the stops to create a menu bursting with freshness,
lightness and extraordinary flavours.
Mains came in the form of Angus beef cheeks that melted
apart with the touch of a fork and chicken breast rolled with
spinach and mozzarella. And for dessert? A degustation trio of
deconstructed pavlova, chocolate almond gateau decorated with
shiny edible gold leaves, and a mini crème brulee that would
sit comfortably among the very best in Sydney.
WORDS OF WISDOM
Before the big announcement of the awards James Brome, GM
of Solutions Publish Asia Pacific took to the stage to explain
just what is required of a 2016 winner. “This year we’re looking
for winners who are capable of being great ambassadors
through leading by example,” he told the audience. “Over and
18
above good communication and social skills, a full understanding and ability to fulfil their role as an EA to an outstanding
level will be required from the winner. We are looking for a career
Executive Assistant, who will be able to use the opportunity that
comes from this award to communicate, and just as importantly,
demonstrate to the broader EA community and outside it, what
it takes to be an award-winning EA,” he finished.
When last year’s PA of the Year winner, Larissa Auditore, took
to the stage, she served up a hotbed of advice for those wanting to be a great assistant, not just a good one. “Being an executive assistant is an extraordinary career,” she began, “and
increasingly we are becoming some of the most important key
players in today’s organisations.”
True, and something many of the guests could relate to. But
the real gem of the night was to be found later in Larissa’s speech,
when she went on to explain “the factors that create a successful business partnership are similar to those you would find in
a marriage. First and foremost, it takes trust. Without trust, there
is no foundation. Secondly, you must realise that you are bettert
Arrive revived after enjoying a good night’s sleep on one of the longest fully
OLHÀDWEHGVLQWKHVN\([SHULHQFHRXUDZDUGZLQQLQJVHUYLFHZKHQ\RXÀ\
Business PremierTM ZLWK$LU1HZ=HDODQG
visit airnewzealand.com.au
stogether than you are apart, and you rely on one another for your
success. Thirdly, when you go through a challenge and help each
other get through it, your bond becomes stronger than ever.”
Drawing upon the words of Henry Ford, Larissa drove her point
home. “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is
progress; working together is success. When asked our role, we
should not say ‘I’m just an executive assistant’, but rather ‘I am an
executive assistant who works in partnership with their manager.”
THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL
Her advice to this year’s winner? “Be the person you want to
look up to” – something Janine Turner, Executive Assistant to
the Chief Executive Officer of Health Services at Mercy
Health, took on board with pride. Though speechless and taken
by complete surprise, Janine was completely inspiring – and
it was soon obvious why she was given this year’s crown.
These awards aren’t about rewarding those who are highly visible – it’s about shining a light on those who are highly proficient
in their roles. Choosing the finalists and the winners from hundreds of entries is an extensive, well-thought-out process that
involves background checks, case studies and face-to-face interviews with a panel of judges – all to figure out who lives up to
their promise of not just walking the walk, but talking the talk,
too; someone who is determined to demonstrate the best attributes of an assistant. This year’s judging panel was a highly
respected team of five: Denise Keen, EA to CEO/Chair, Arup Australasia; Gayle Smith, EA, A&K Consultants; Jill Bamforth, Program Manager Graduate Certificates, Swinburne University; Alex
Jones, Regional Director, Hays Office Support; and Patricia
Glabes, Chair and Treasurer, Expand.
20
POLISHED PA
The judges look for passion, dedication and authenticity – the
fact that Janine is highly approachable and sets a high standard,
along with having impeccable organisation, professionalism and
interpersonal skills, are what set her apart.
“I sort of fell into the role, to be honest,” she explained. “I was
supporting a chief financial officer and he said to me on my very
first day – I was young and naïve, I didn’t really know what I was
doing – he told me to accompany him to an awkward conversation he had to have with a staff member who hadn’t met their
budget. And as I was walking in, he looked down at me as I
walked and he said ‘If you’re going to support me, you need to
walk more confidently and you need to own the room and never
let anyone intimidate you’. And I like to think that I still live to
that mantra today. We can all be whatever we want to be.”
AND THE NIGHT CONTINUES...
With all of our finalists finally able to relax now that the awards
had been announced, it was time for everyone to let their hair
down and hit the dancefloor – and what a way to do it. On hand
was Song Division, a live band who pumped out hit after hit as
PAs mingled, danced, celebrated and commiserated.
While not everyone who attended was lucky enough to be
a winner, everyone at Le Montage that evening was part of something big – the opportunity to recognise the invaluable role that
they all play in Australia’s business. Winners, runners ups and
finalists should all be extremely proud of how far they came.
And as Song Division’s final number played out and
weary PAs headed home... it was time for the Executive PA
Magazine Awards to get started over in the UK!
t
Call today to lock in your 2016 Event Calender
CONFERENCES | EXHIBITIONS | GALA DINNERS | PRODUCT LAUNCHES | SEMINARS | CHRISTMAS PARTIES
Official host of the
EXECUTIVE PA MAGAZINE
AWARD SPONSORS
AWARDS 2015
MEET THE WINNERS
s
PA of the Year
Up and Coming PA
Sponsored by: Tourism New Zealand
Sponsored by: Hays Sydney
Prize: 3 nights at The Langham, Auckland, business class flights
with Air New Zealand, tour of Waiheke Island from Ananda Tours
Prize: Scholarship to the Graduate Certificate of Business
Management (executive administration) with Swinburne University
WINNER
WINNER
Janine Turner
Chelsea Willoughby
Executive Assistant to Chief Executive – Health Services, Mercy Health
Executive Assistant,
Mt Isa Mines, Glencore
Outstanding Contribution
to your Profession
Sponsored by: FcM Travel Solutions
Prize: A night’s accommodation in the Presidential Suite at the
Brisbane Marriott, with access to the Executive Lounge
RUNNER UPS
RUNNER UPS
Jenni Lanfear
Emma Cheung
Personal Assistant to the Director, Cardiovascular Health
Programs, National Heart Foundation of Victoria
Personal Assistant to Head of Trade, British American Tobacco Australia
WINNER
Candice Ward
Nic Russ
Denise Keen
Executive Assistant (Group Company Secretary) & Board Liaison
Officer, Westpac Banking Corporation – North Sydney
Personal Assistant to GM, Brand & Marketing and GM,
Distribution & E-Commerce, Virgin Australia
Executive Assistant to the CEO/Chair,
Arup Australasia
Best Organised Event by a PA
Employer of the Year
Boss of the Year
Sponsored by: Navarra Venues
Sponsored by: Executive PA Magazine
Sponsored by: Cherryhill Orchards
Prize: A complimentary lunch at Le Montage
Prize: Three nights at the Coral Sea Resort, QLD
Prize: A premium gift hamper from Cherryhill Orchards for both
the boss and their nominator plus a 2-night stay at Pullman Hotels
WINNER
WINNER
WINNER
Keryn Walsh
PwC
David Gall
Sanitarium Health & Wellbeing
Nominated by Sue Tritt and India Jolly
Nominated by Elle Southward, NAB
RUNNER UPS
RUNNER UPS
RUNNER UPS
Suzie Kemp
Sanitarium, Health & Wellbeing
Adam Koch
Minor DKL Group
Nominated by Peta Pettit
Nominated by Abbey Cooke, Travelex
Melissa Macri
Virgin Australia
Megan Lawton
NRMA Motoring & Services
Nominated by Linda Jansen
Nominated by Lily North, Law Society Northern Territory
E
22
V2 OCT Full Page Exec PA for print21115.pdf 1 2/11/2015 3:21:28 PM
WE WISH YOU A
CHERRY CHRISTMAS!
C
M
Y
CM
GIVE THEM SOMETHING DIFFERENT THIS CHRISTMAS
MY
CY
CMY
K
Corporate gift giving is the perfect way of keeping in touch with your clients and
customers at Christmas. Creating your own premium personalised gift will
ensure that your recipients know that you care.
Cherryhill Orchards’ newly launched Christmas corporate gifts will give
you a fresh and unique way to say "Thank You" this Christmas.
Cherryhill's gift range starts with 2kg of their biggest cherries handpicked from
their Victorian orchards. For clients and colleagues you really want to treat,
Cherryhill's larger cherry gift boxes include delicious local produce as well as
red, white and sparkling wine from their favourite vineyards in the Yarra Valley.
Each gift is delivered in a beautiful handcrafted wooden box, wrapped with a
Cherryhill ribbon and includes a personalised gift card.
To take a look at the gift guide or for more information please email
Rachel: [email protected] or visit www.cherryhill.com.au
cherryhill.com.au
24,25_EPAoz_Issue6_15_final.qxp_Layout 1 18/11/2015 10:41 Page 24
four organisers on the ground, and so many little elements to
organise and execute over the three days. Challenges included
lack of time, many last minute requests, access to resources, a
small team and definitely lack of sleep! In this instance,
proper planning, time management, teamwork and keeping calm
were an absolute must to achieving a great result. What do you do in a typical day?
There really is no typical day in the office for me. It usually happens that you think everything is sorted out, and then just one
thing will change everything! It's the nature of the job and so
I just ‘roll with it’. I could be doing anything from coffee and
breakfast runs to planning and arranging international travel
while coordinating and organising upcoming events. In
between re-negotiating meeting schedules (which is definitely a skill in itself!), I could be chasing up purchase orders
and distributing the minutes I took at the morning's leadership
meeting. In my role it's all about always staying one step ahead
of my boss.
How much autonomy do you have in your role? EMMA CHEUNG PA to Head of Trade,
British American Tobacco Australia
How did you land your current role? I met with my recruiter at Hays. I’d heard great things about
working at BATA and knew it would be a fantastic opportunity
to work for a global organisation. What's been your career highlight? I have been really lucky in my career to have had many amazing experiences. An absolute highlight would have to be
attending and participating in a conference in Fiji. I learnt so
much about the business and got to engage with and learn from
some really amazing people. I am lucky to work quite autonomously and I believe it is a result
of having a good relationship with my boss, where he trusts me
and what I do. What do you love most about being a PA? I love the relationships that I have created in my role. I have been
so fortunate to meet some lifelong friends and it would definitely
be what I value most in my job. I also think this job works well
with my personality – I am a natural organiser and I find this
kind of work is almost therapeutic!
How did it feel to hear your name read out at the
2015 awards ceremony? I certainly wasn’t expecting to hear my name read out but when
it was I felt so excited! My boss and a few friends from work had
come to support me so I was really glad I got to experience it
with them. What do you think makes for an award-winning EA?
What challenges have you faced and how have you
overcome them? I have had the opportunity to coordinate some amazing
events and naturally, they have their challenges! One that comes
to mind was a three-day event held at a hotel in Sydney for about
30 VIP delegates flown in from around the world. We had about
I have worked with some absolutely amazing PAs and I have
taken many tips from them that I use on a daily basis! I believe
you should be flexible, driven, self-motivated, proactive, efficient
and most importantly, love your job. I always try to see the bigger picture in a business and I rarely say no but instead try to
work out a suitable solution.
“There really is no typical day in the office. It usually happens that
you think everything is sorted out, and then one thing will change
everything! It’s the nature of the job and so I just ‘roll with it’.”
24
This issue we hear from two PAs who are at the start of their EA careers
and were runners up in the Up and Coming PA of the Year category at the
Executive PA Magazine Awards 2015
INTERVIEW
row or even next year as our business is operating 24/7, 365 days
and the truth is you just can’t predict absolutely everything. You
can, however, be prepared and be a leader in responding to
change and challenges, in which I’ve been able to develop, being
resilient and rising to challenges in this area of the business.
What do you do in a typical day?
I usually wake at about 7am and immediately check my phone
and emails, and address what has happened in the business
overnight, actioning as required. Each day can vary working in
the face paced, ever-changing environment that is aviation. I
get set up at work, grab my list of action items and do a quick
check-in with my managers. We catch up on anything that needs
attention in addition to a sense check of the day ahead before
working on anything and everything from complex diary
management, organising travel itineraries, expense reconciliation, problem solving and providing additional support to our
teams based in both Sydney and Brisbane – to name a few.
How much autonomy do you have in your role?
NIC RUSS
Personal Assistant to GM, Brand & Marketing and
GM, Distribution & E-Commerce, Virgin Australia
To me autonomy is about trust and being treated as an equal leader
in the business. I have the opportunity to make decisions and on
occasion making decisions on behalf of my managers. This is supported by them based on my knowledge and understanding of
the importance of those decisions with the bigger picture in mind.
What do you love most about being a PA?
How did you land your current role?
I began my career as a flight attendant with Virgin Australia
in 2010 but after an injury I reassessed my career options as I
wasn’t able to fly anymore, yet still loved working for Virgin Australia. Prior to flying I had worked in administration and I was
offered developmental opportunities in our head office. At this
time I realised my skills from flying translated well; in being
organised, effective communication skills and working to
strict deadlines. While supporting the Chief Customer Officer
and his Executive Assistant I learnt a lot and found I had a natural ability to interpret the needs of our leaders and make decisions that would best help achieve their goals. After some time
an opportunity came up as a PA to two General Managers.
What's been your career highlight?
In the last 12 months there have been so many highlights and exciting opportunities I never thought were possible in my flying career.
It is having the opportunity to see our business from behind the
scenes and the chance to play even small parts in the success of
our Marketing and Commercial teams that is a highlight and that
continues to drive me to learn and develop within the business.
What challenges have you faced and how have you
overcome them?
In my role as a PA, the challenges are what attracted me to the
role. It’s exciting not knowing what is going to happen tomor-
I love the opportunity to represent a team and be part of a team.
This is in addition to a close personal relationship and partnership with my managers. The journey in getting to know them,
interpreting their needs and priorities to allow them to be successful in achieving their objectives is a huge responsibility, one
that I love and am proud of. It is a busy environment and I am
constantly managing change which I find exciting.
How did it feel to hear your name read out?
I came across Executive PA Magazine early on when I started
working and found it a really wonderful resource for PAs. I chose
to apply as a great opportunity to get involved in our industry
and recognise fellow colleagues’ successes. When my name was
called I was shocked. I was so humbled to have been successful
as a top six nominee and to have met and been interviewed by
such well-respected judges on the day. That was enough for me.
Being recognised as a runner up was the icing on the cake in what
has been an exciting journey into this industry.
What do you think makes for an award-winning PA?
I think every PA is an award-winning PA. It is extremely challenging and sometimes (not always!) a thankless role. That’s why
I think the awards are important to recognise our fellow peers
in this field. The ingredients to an award-winning PA for me are
professionalism and passion for what you do, commitment to
looking after yourself and to have energy with an enthusiastic
can-do attitude. I believe anything is possible. E
25
Meet the office of the future
We asked technology developers and thought leaders about their view
of the office in the future. There are common themes, and some thinking might
already be in forward transition at your workplace by Tim Stackpool
TECHNOFILE
“Personal Assistants will no longer be
bound to the office. If their manager is
mobile, they will be too. Office systems
and documents that can be accessed
from anywhere will mean that both Manager and PA will be able to connect and
work wherever it suits them best.”
Nitya Padman, Canon Australia
“Advances in machine intelligence will
mean that Siri and her competitors will
be able to ‘think for themselves.’ At
present, this technology is not yet a threat
to the role of the EA, but with the rate of
progress doubling every two years, by 2017
this technology will be twice as powerful
as it is today. To remain relevant, PAs must
continue to learn and build on their skills.”
Rob Davidson, Davidson HR
“You’ll be working in an office where
you’re able to adjust the lighting directly
above you with just a tap of an app on
your smartphone. This lighting technology for the office, introduced by
Philips, allows you to change the light setting above your desk. In the future, the
app could even be able to adjust the temperature of your workspace, be directed
26
to the nearest empty meeting room or
locate a colleague in the building.”
Marcin Wilinski, Philips Lighting
“Today’s powerful, cloud-based business
apps mean you can be productive wherever you are. Dropbox lets you save and
share important documents from any
device. Invoice2go lets you invoice on the
spot. Google’s calendar app lets you
schedule meetings from everywhere. It’s
exciting to know the days of being tethered to a desk will soon be behind us.”
Chris Strode, Invoice2go
“The rise of cloud computing will contribute to new, faster and more convenient workspaces. ‘Thin client’ processors,
such as our IGEL UD6, will replace the
traditional PC, with all applications and
files stored in the cloud. Thin clients are
cheaper to buy, allow for more desk
space and provide a more flexible workplace experience.”
Ward Nash, IGEL Technology
“Office spaces will get smaller, there will
be less need for people to work from a set
location each day. Co-located offices and
business hubs will become increasingly
popular and people will become much
more comfortable with networking and
working cooperatively with the support of
technology, as distinct from face to face.”
Cian McLoughlin, Trinity Perspectives
“Automation will take over some of the
office tasks, however not all decisions
can be automated. These grey-areas are
where humans excel. People are used to
collectively deal with complexity to arrive
at a course of action, and their creativity
can make the difference between drawing
a competitive advantage from data and
missing the chance to do so.”
Donald Farmer, Qlik
“Video conferencing and collaboration
tools such as Polycom and Microsoft,
will be accessible to employees throughout the organisation, enabling employees the freedom and choice to work from
anywhere, not just the ability. True mobility will require trust between a manager
and team member, intuitive collaboration
amongst colleagues and discipline and
accountability from a remote worker.”
Mei Lin Low, Polycom E
EPAoz_HouseAd_Aug_Cover_Layout 1 10/08/2015 14:09 Page 1
OFFICE ESSENTIALS
Tim Stackpool showcases all that
is new and useful in the office
HARDWARE
Big sound for the boardroom
tAttached to your laptop or tablet, the Logitech z533
Multimedia Speakers deliver powerful acoustics with rich
bass and detailed highs for robust, room-filling sound. The
speakers take your presentation to the next level thanks to
the dynamic front-facing subwoofer with 2.25-inch full
range drivers. They also feature a wired control pod that
you can put in a convenient spot on the board table for
easy access to essential speaker controls, such as power,
volume and bass, along with a headphone jack and extra
3.5mm input. Multiple connectivity inputs, including 3.5mm
and RCA, lets you connect and listen to almost any device
with an audio output, such as a computer, tablet,
smartphone or even a TV.
INFO
www.logitech.com
FURNITURE
HEADPHONES
The office trainer
Sound on
sThis is the strength trainer that enables you to build
vThe Beats urBeats 2 Earphones are
and tone muscles while sitting in an office chair. The
unit’s dual Velcro straps attach to a backrest and the
elastic bands and pulley system provide resistance as
you perform traditional weightlifting movements. The
three included sets of elastic bands interchange to
provide four, eight, and 12 pounds of resistance for the
more than 20 possible exercises, including bicep curls,
shoulder presses, and bench presses. The strength
trainer helps relieve muscle tension that accumulates
during long periods of sitting and the elastic bands build
strength without putting undue stress on joints.
small but pack a big sound. Featuring
great audio reproduction without
sacrificing style, urBeats deliver pure
audio in an ultra-lightweight and
durable package. The tangle-free cable
with built-in-microphone means you can
easily switch between music and phone
call without having to unplug to make a
call. Also works with VOIP voice and
video chat apps.
INFO
INFO
www.officeworks.com.au
www.hammacher.com
BOOKS
The right space
tThe right balance of space, layout and location when
seeking a new base for business could positively affect the
accelerated growth of business, attract the best and
brightest to the workplace, directly contribute to reducing
staff turnover and improve your workplace productivity.
There are few resources available to assist with matching the
needs of the businesses to a process for evaluating the
various workplace options. Darren Bilsborough’s book Don’t
Worry About the Rent: Choosing New Office Space to Boost
Business Performance provides valuable insights.
INFO
28
www.newofficeadviser.com
STAR
APP
HARDWARE
GuestDay
Smaller is better
uBrydge has added to its stable of popular
wireless keyboards with the BrydgeMini for
iPad mini 1, 2 and 3. The perfect fit for the iPad
mini, this keyboard delivers a MacBook-like
experience for every user, and is sure to please
any Apple aficionado. With a sleek Appleinspired design and high quality construction
that fits perfectly with the curves of the iPad
mini, the keyboard is available in three
fashionable colours which match the iPad –
gold, silver, and space grey. Lightweight,
practical, and stylish, this sleek 100%
aluminium keyboard offers you functionality,
productivity, portability and power that can
rival any entry-level laptop. It’s perfect for iPad
mini users on the go – there’s no need to fiddle
with the fussy on-screen keypad anymore.
INFO
FROM $300
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
This iPad-based service is a guest registration
app and backend, designed to facilitate a
smooth and efficient check-in process for
events. Forget the messy printed guest lists,
flustered receptionists, and long lines at
reception counters. GuestDay has already been
successful at events held in conjunction with
corporate brand names such as BlackRock, Coca
Cola, and UOB.
INFO
www.guestday.com
www.brydgekeyboards.com.au
TRAVEL
Luggage life
sB’Lite Samsonite Mobile Office is the perfect interstate
travel buddy, being durable, spacious, and fitting in the
overhead luggage compartment. B-Lite 3 is made from
highly resistant trim material and triple 360° injected corner
protection, helping to increase durability. The ‘Smart
Sleeve’ across the top allows you to stabilise the mobile
office on top of another suitcase, and also includes
compartments for files, a mobile phone and a 17˝ laptop.
INFO
www.samsonite.com.au
HARDWARE
Freedom for all
t
Designed with the mobile worker in mind, the
Toshiba Canvio AeroCast Wireless Portable Hard
Drive is a portable wireless device that blends highcapacity external storage with complete wireless
freedom. As the ultimate computing companion, the
device is also complete with a rechargeable battery that
lasts up to 5 hours and a built-in SD memory card slot to
help you back up images stored on your camera quickly and
easily. With 1TB of back-up space as just the beginning, it
features its own WiFi connection so the lack of an internet
connection will never stop the busy office pro.
INFO
FURNITURE
Jelly tank
uThe latest trend is to move away
from the fishtank in reception, and
install a tank of jellyfish instead.
Graceful and just as relaxing to watch,
mesmerising jellyfish do need a strict
environment for captive survival, so
merely adding them to your existing
aquarium will lead to disappointment.
Available in a number of designs, the
installation of jellyfish tanks in Australia
is slowly on the increase, but suppliers
and installers are somewhat rare.
INFO
www.marineboutique.com.au
www.mytoshiba.com.au
29
Certificate in
Event Management
2016 dates and locations in
planning now.
For further details email
[email protected]
T
E
W
30
07 3839 4911
[email protected]
www.bit.ly/Executive-PA-Training
The
A to Z guide
to event
planning
There are so many elements
to planning an event and just one
going wrong could spark a domino
effect, risking the whole occasion.
Sarah Friggieri finds the key
ingredients for the best outcome
EVENTS
A
is for AV
Audiovisual elements, when implemented correctly,
add an extra dimension to events. As Michael Magafa, manager of venues at Staging Connections explains, the key
to successfully doing so is by understanding the objectives of
your event. “Understanding what your event needs to achieve
is imperative,” he says.
“Different elements consciously or subconsciously inspire
a reaction from the audience and enhance their experience. For
example, lighting, design, music, multimedia, food and beverages can all bring your theme to life. Setting the objectives your
event needs to achieve, will help you chose which event services you need in order to bring your message to life.”
B
is for budget
Almost everything in life revolves around a budget
– from birthday gifts to multimillion-dollar investments. Set yours, account for everything, be realistic and
monitor every expense – which could include, but is not limited to, location costs (space rental, permits, security guards,
maintenance, insurance, decorations), promotion (invitations
and postage, graphic designer, photographer, programs, external publicists and staff), production (lighting and sound), travel
(for guest speakers, performers and the like), food and beverages (check to see if you need a permit to serve alcohol) and,
if applicable, prizes and award costs.
It may even be worth investing in a professional event man-t
31
need to stay true to the company’s brand, but that doesn’t mean
you can’t seek inspiration elsewhere (Pinterest, for example).
Flowers are a simple, affordable decoration that will add elegance to any venue. When briefing your florist, Barbara Pollack,
director of Pearsons Florist, recommends being clear with your
vision, but leaving it to the designer to come up with the creative ideas to meet your brief. “Let your florist know the colours,
that you’ll be using on the tables and who your audience is,” she
says. “Consider the mood of the event. Is it an elegant soiree
for clients or a team awards night?”
If your budget doesn’t allow for too many decorations, Barbara has a tip for that situation too. “Have a few focal displays
that really make an impact, rather than smaller designs everywhere, such as an amazing floral display on stage and something little on each table.”
Rachel Chivers of Cherryhill Orchards thinks along the same
fresh lines. “Make sure your event is always as exciting, unique
and interesting as it can possibly be. If you are able to create
a new experience for guests, your event will really stand out and
be the one they remember.”
sager, says Dwain Richardson, managing director of Corporate
Challenge Events, “to provide that specialist advice or service
for a first-class event. After all, most of the hard work is actually done before the event is delivered, and involves a lot more
detail than people think.”
Leigh Weller, BridgeClimb business development manager,
agrees. “Investing in the right resources and hiring specialists
who understand and take the time to research event objectives
and the difference between target audience is the key.”
Someone who knows better than anyone how unglamorous
event management can be is Lauren Fairall, head of events at
Deckhouse. “It is hard work and long hours – but, in my opinion, it’s completely rewarding.”
If your event is one that will help the company profit, don’t
allow yourself to go over the budget because ‘money we make
on the night will cover extra costs’; borrowing from projected
profits is never a successful business move.
C
is for contracts
D
is for decoration
Read the ins and outs to make sure it works for you
and the company. Take note of the lock-out time of the
venue (will everybody realistically be out by then?). This also
extends to any external staff hired – be they bartenders, waiters
or publicists. As the saying goes, dot every ‘i’ and cross every ‘t’.
32
The easiest way to decorate is to choose a theme –
and make sure it’s an appropriate one. Sure, you’ll
F
is for food
G
is for guests
K
is for kids
N
is for necessities
Remember, advises Esra Kaya, corporate sales director for Navarra Venues: “Food – along with service
and entertainment – are the key parts to a successful event –
choose your venue and suppliers with this in mind.”
A competent, confident venue will organise a tasting
before any booking needs to take place. This is their time to woo
you away from the competition. Take the tasting – it will give
you a chance to get a feel for the food and the ambience.
Will yours be a breakfast function, a cocktail canapé do, or
a black-tie dinner? For most people, dinner is the main meal of
the day. The last thing you want is for guests to stop by a 24hour fast-food joint to fill their stomachs up on the way home.
Be sure to ask if your guests have any dietary requirements.
Some common ones are lactose-intolerant (no dairy) and
coeliac/gluten-intolerant (no wheat, rye, barley or malt) as well
as allergies to nuts – and any venue or catering company worth
their salt (pun intended) will be able to cater for any of these,
and ensure there’ll be no risk of cross-contamination.
Discuss all this with the caterers and get everything in writing, so everybody is on the same page.
Consider the people who will be attending. What
makes them tick? What are they likely to frown upon?
Research to answer these questions and build your event around
your guests. Understanding who you’re catering for will make
all the difference. Make a note of your audience at the beginning of the planning stage, and leave notes that remind you of
them as time goes on.
Will your event be child-friendly? If so allow room
in your budget – and at the venue – for a qualified
childcare worker offering crèche. If yours is more of a business
or formal event, it may not be a good idea to allow kids, and most
guests will understand this. Knowing your audience will allow
you to nicely inform anybody who may have an issue with it.
If you’ve booked a self-catered venue, such as a hall,
you’ll need to make sure you’ve got more than
enough supplies to get you through. We’re talking handwash,
toilet paper, hand towels and even toilet spray. In fact, it may
be a good idea to place an automatic air freshener in each area.
Unpleasant odours are the quickest way to clear a crowd. If your
budget allows, it’s a good idea to hire a cleaner to work their
magic after the event. Not only will this help secure the return
of your bond, it will make a good impression for the next time
you enquire about a booking.
O
is for organised
P
is for publicity
R
is for RSVP
According to the events team at TFE Hotels, the early
bird really does catch the worm. “The secret to planning any event is to be organised and, where possible, book your
venue early,” they reveal. “Whether it is a boardroom meeting,
Christmas party or team celebration, most venues will reward
you with discounts or value-add inclusions when booking early,
so timing is crucial.”
Is the reason for your event important enough that
the public needs to know about it? Does it have a
charity connection? Take this opportunity to shine a positive
spotlight on your company. Invite a few key players in the media;
don’t underestimate journalists from the local papers – they’re
always looking for a feel-good story.
Carly Gilbert of Draculas Cabaret Restaurant recommends setting the RSVP date two weeks earlier
than the venue confirmation date – “that will allow you to get
the most accurate idea of numbers”.
Carly also advises making the booking for the largest number of guests you could possibly be inviting. “For catering purposes – it’s harder to increase numbers at the last minute.”
EVENT PLANNING
THE VENUE:
When researching venues always start by checking out the
room guides and specs to see if on paper it will suit your
needs. When you meet with a venue’s rep always err on the
side of caution when communicating numbers – it’s easy to
invite more people later – but if a room is too small you
can’t squeeze more in. As a rough guide each guest needs
approx 35 square foot so factor this in to your calculations.
THE BUZZ:
No matter how spectacular your plans are if no one is there
to see them it doesn’t mean a thing – so you need to build
a buzz pre-event and keep it buzzing long after the event
closes its doors. Social media is your friend, regardless of
whether you’re organising a conference, small meeting or a
gala dinner you need to give people a compelling reason to
attend. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, regular
emails and so on will all help build the hype.
THE EXPERIENCE:
Make sure your event is one that is truly interactive. Forget
sitting delegates on chairs in front of a guest speaker for
hours on end. Shake it up with break-out sessions,
discussion groups, live voting, role plays – anything to get
people engaged and onboard with your message.
T
is for tickets
Is your company covering the cost of tickets, or will
you be charging guests? If it’s the latter, knowing the
cost per head will help you determine the price of tickets. Guests
can’t be expected to cover all the establishment costs of the event
(décor, security, venue hire), but it is reasonable to have them
cover the cost of their meal, with a small charge included in the
price if you’ve hired entertainment. This is, after all, a huge networking opportunity, not a money-making scheme.
W
is for when, where and why
Though these are at the end of the list, they’re actually the most basic, yet important, factors. When will
you be having the event: daytime, nighttime, summer, winter?
Where will it be: indoors, outdoors (if it’s the latter, you’ll need
to organise a wet-weather plan)? Why is it being held? Is it to
raise money, increase knowledge of something, or simply as a
networking tool?
“Whether it’s an incentive, annual conference or product
launch, effectiveness will always come back to whether the objectives of the event were met,” explains Cate Carpenter of
cievents. “Have specific objectives and assessable goals.
Ensure that your event strategy will contribute to increasing
awareness of your product or service, spark the interest of new
customers or result in the feedback you need to keep your business moving forward.”
Once you’ve answered these three Ws, you’ll find everything
else will fall into place so much more easily. E
33
“
Bringing Meetings to Life with Music
Where You Write the hits
A great Company,
helping connect
employees and
customers using
the power of music
Sir Richard Branson
Virgin Founder
About US
Music is the universal language. It will help you emotionally connect with your audience.
Since 2003, leading organisations such as Microsoft, Pfizer and PwC have called on us
to engage, entertain and educate their people in over 20 countries. Groups from 10 to
10,000+ write and perform original songs with musicians who’ve worked with the likes of
INXS, Kylie Minogue and Jimmy Barnes.
Testimonials
“Thanks for helping
make our event a huge
success. The evening
was very interactive, high
energy, and built a real
sense of community. You
did an amazing job of
engaging our group!”
KPMG
“SongDivision rocked
our world. They sent
us out from our event in
very high spirits, I really
recommend these guys!”
Microsoft
TEAM BUILDING - SONG SLAM
Teams undertake the challenge of writing original songs with the assistance of an all-star band, then
perform them in a in a ‘battle of the bands’! No musical experience required…
TEAM ANTHEM
Perfect for plenary sessions, your audience will help create a song that captures your program’s
key messages.
KEYNOTES
Choose from two fabulous programs: “Building A Culture Of Innovation - Communication, Creativity
& Collaboration” or “CSR Storytelling With Songs”.
ROCK & ROLL GAME SHOW
Highlight key event objectives whilst putting your attendees’ music knowledge and skills to the test
with this fun and interactive activity led by SongDivision’s world class musicians!
LIP SYNC BATTLE & LIVE BAND KARAOKE
Lip syncing is all the rage, and you haven’t lived until you’ve done karaoke backed by a live band of
amazing musicians!
“You helped us bring our
meeting to life. You guys
are the BEST!”
American Express
“What you accomplished
was absolutely fabulous.
You kicked off our
journey into a new culture
and I’m so grateful for
your support.”
Bayer
OFFICIAL PARTNERS
ENTERTAINMENT
From party bands, DJ’s, live band karaoke and other interactive musical entertainment,
SongDivision can help you take your event to the next level. Ask about our Gala Awards packages...
Call now for a proposal!
SAM MCNEILL
+61 (0)403 700 047 • [email protected]
www.songdivision.com
SongDivision_1Sheet_AUS_111715.indd 1
[email protected]
@songdivision
facebook.com/songdivision
11/17/15 7:20 PM
West is best
High-rise steel-and-glass structures line Perth’s main drag,
St Georges’ Terrace – reminders that the world’s second most isolated state
capital (after Honolulu) is an economic powerhouse By Chris Pritchard
DESTINATION
While an export-driven mining boom
has slowed, locals remind visitors that, historically, demand for key products – including iron ore, gold and liquefied natural
gas – is cyclical. Construction, property and
financial services industries continue to
thrive – along with an agricultural sector
producing wheat (half of Australia’s output), wool, beef, lamb and wine.
A plus for business visitors: prices
have moderated. Additional hotels and
reduced mining mean lower room rates.
Perth – Australia’s sunniest city with a
daily sunshine average of eight hours –
is no longer perceived as expensive.
Ditto regional centres.
Main attraction
Perth is typically Australian in terms of rules
and regulations: drive rental cars on the left,
alcohol breath-testing is commonplace,
smoking is taboo in bars, restaurants and
malls. Free public transport (look for CAT
buses) covers downtown with plentiful
taxis at hotel ranks (or hailed).
Home to 1.85 million of WA’s 2.6 million residents, Perth is closer to Singapore
(3905kms) than Sydney (4127kms). In this
enormous, sparsely-populated state –
roughly one-third of Australia’s land
area –outposts such as Broome are more
than 2000kms from Perth.
Public holidays are mostly the same
as in other states, except for Western Australia Day (June 6) and moveable Labour
Day and Queen’s Birthday (March 7 and
September 26, respectively, in 2016).
Doing business
Business etiquette here is the world’s most
relaxed, a pitfall for travellers confusing
informality and inefficiency. Visitors from
elsewhere in Australia encounter no quirky
WA customs. No behavioural adjustments are
required – but EAs should remind westwardbound bosses not to lighten up too much.
Exciting developments
Business travel and small-to-medium
conferences are strong in Kalgoorlie,
Broome and other regional centres but
heavily skewed towards Perth, which is
well-supplied with hotels. Perth’s hotels
currently offer close to 5,000 four and fivestar rooms with another 2,500 coming on
stream by 2018. Projects include 500-room
Crown Towers, opening in December
2016 and boosting Crown’s presence to
1,200 rooms in Western Australia’s largest
complex. According to Barry Felstead,
Crown Australian Resorts CEO, the new
property will “help keep Western Australia’s economy growing and stimulate
international and interstate events.”
Also prominent is Australia’s largest
hotel group, Accor (with Novotel, Mercure
and Ibis brands). Gillian Millar, Accor’s
WA operations vice-president, notes
“Perth is an increasingly popular business
destination – encouraging in light of the
mining slowdown. Perth continues to
modernise with major infrastructure and
hotel projects underway.”
Number crunching
Alongside the Swan River in the CBD is the
main conference venue, Perth Convention
and Exhibition Centre with 25 event spaces
totalling 16,600sq m of exhibition space, a
2,500-seat theatre and banquet capacity of
3,630. Cocktail options include the Summer
Garden, holding 1,250 for cocktails.
The restaurant scene is ever-changing.
The Northbridge entertainment zone is a
10-minute walk from St Georges Terrace
hotels, as is the formerly dowdy but now
hip and ritzy West End. Cottesloe ranks
highly among inner beach suburbs.
Free time? EAs should suggest convict-built Fremantle (now a Perth suburb)
– or day-trips to Rottnest Island (with hiking and cycling) or Swan Valley visiting
wineries by river cruise. E
35
Are you set for event
success? If not read on...
With increasing numbers of EAs organising events, there was
always going to be interest in the industry’s first Event Management
certification, created by Executive PA Magazine – but did it hit the mark?
Kirstie Bedford explains why you can benefit from this course, and lets you
hear from those who were the first in the industry to be certified
CAREER
EVENTS ARE BIG BUSINESS. A report released earlier
this year by the Business Events Council of Australia shows for
the financial year 2013 – 2014, more than 37 million people
attended 412,000 business events across Australia.
Of those, 391,000 were meetings and conferences, attracting 26.5 million people with direct expenditure of $23.2 billion
– the majority of which are organised by EAs and PAs.
EAs are tasked with big budgets too, two per cent of our readers alone have recorded budgets in excess of $200,000 to organise an event, and via nominations to our annual awards we have
some PAs who have officially registered their events budget as
being in excess of $500,000.
So, chances are, you’ve come up against the trials and tribulations of conceiving, planning and executing an event in some
form or another at some point in your career. Despite this
though, the business of event planning usually has to be done
alongside your day job, it’s rare for an EA to be able to focus
solely on planning an event. This can make the task in hand
difficult and while practice does make perfect, so too can having the right skills to hand.
insight from event industry experts. It also needed to be suitable for busy PAs who could only take a limited time away from
their work.”
He says to ensure this, they engaged Meeting & Events Australia’s educational arm – the Australian Events Academy – to
deliver the course.
Expert delivery
He says the key was making sure EAs have the skills they need,
and are able to take them from the classroom to the boardroom.
“There’s no point just providing information about how events
run without practical tips and advice to ensure it is easily translated to your actual day-to-day work. We’ve worked hard to ensure
this course provides valuable insights which will actually work
and change the way events are currently run, and importantly,
provide a genuine return on investment for the business.”
The result was a two-day course specifically for PAs, which provides a recognised qualification, which can be used to contribute
to an industry Diploma in Event Management covering everything
from project management and budgets to ways to secure successful
partnerships and methods to gauge your success.
Big budgets
The average EA has a healthy budget of between $10,000 to
$50,000 purely for events – and the numbers of events, ranging from Christmas parties to conferences, are on the rise.
Barry Neame, of the Business Events Council of Australia
(BECA) says it’s not surprising given the value they add to a
business, "providing the platform for close education, training,
interaction, sharing experiences, building networks and opportunities to collaborate."
What was surprising was that there was not one official
accreditation for EAs to manage these events. So after research
and consultation the publishers of Executive PA Magazine
decided to create the first Certificate in Event Management
specifically for EAs and PAs.
Executive PA Magazine chairman Russell Peacock says having worked with office support staff in Australia, the UK and
Asia for the past two decades gave the magazine a valuable
insight into what they need, and how to deliver it. “We wanted
a course of value that didn’t use industry jargon and acronyms,
instead using plain language, but nevertheless providing a real
36
“We wanted a course of value that didn’t
use industry jargon and acronyms,
instead using plain language, but
nevertheless providing a real insight
from event industry experts.”
Whether you’re a seasoned event planner or have yet to be
in charge of an important date, there’s always room for
improvement – after all when it comes to meetings, conferences,
or a corporate dinner, the little mistakes can be costly, both to
your business and your reputation. It’s also important to be able
to keep up-to-date with current thinking and methods of organising events to stay one step ahead of the crowd.
Until now there’s been little assistance for PAs looking to
improve their skills, but thanks to this certification you can armt
What you’ll learn
on the course:
Where do events come from – an
overview of the industry
How to create innovative event
concepts which are focused on
achieving objectives
How to effectively manage the project –
using the right process and resources
Managing event budgets and cash flows
How to stage your events – guidelines
to managing an event onsite
Methods to gauge the success of your
event
37
Certificate in
Event Management
What you had to say
“The course taught me how to
estimate and manage the event
budget, and how to set the objectives
and write a event plan to get approval
from management for the go ahead,
which is important to make sure we
have the backing of our managers and are able to obtain
the required funds to run a successful event.”
Peta Sharman, EA, News Corp Australia
“I found the tools and templates provided during the course
were extremely useful and something you could use in any
role to assist with event management. They are definitely
something I will keep and use in the future. I gained so much
from the two day course and would highly recommend it.”
Renee Cunningham, EA, Australia Investment Banking Asia
www.bit.ly/Executive-PA-Training
“We really wanted to make sure those
coming out of it could plan better events
and when we asked that one question,
100% of respondents said yes. You can’t
ask for more than that.”
syourself with a useful set of tools, the industry insight and the
know-how to ensure that every event you work on is the
outstanding success it deserves to be.
Facilitated by Simon Shaw of the Australian Events Academy, the very first courses ran in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane between August and November this year and were
exceptionally well received by our first batch of students.
Rave reviews
The 2015 courses attracted EAs from the education sector, banking, IT, finance, council, airline, media, recruitment, building/architecture and aged care – to name a few.
Simon says that this diversity reflects the shift in mindset
of many businesses, which are starting to see the real value in
hosting events. “Events are becoming more vital for many reasons, building relationships, marketing and as a networking
channel, and they are being taken more seriously.”
Simon says it was humbling to get the feedback and see the
inaugural courses far exceeded all expectations.
“We wanted to make sure those coming out of it could plan
better events and when we asked that one question, 100 per cent
of respondents said yes. You can’t ask for more than that.”
Planning for the 2016 courses is underway and the dates will
be announced via Executive PA Magazine. E
INFO Executive PA Magazine will be developing its training programme for Executive Assistants
across several disciplines. Organisations interested in working with the magazine should contact
Russell Peacock: [email protected]
38
“I enrolled in the course to gain tips
and tools that would make the event
planning part of my role more efficient.
What I gained from the course was not
only tips and tools, but also a subject
on forecasting budgets and obtaining
sponsorships. Both these extra subjects will be of great value
for my role as EA to the CEO/Volunteer Coordinator.”
Sally Dunlop, EA, Masonic Care Queensland
“One of the learning outcomes for me was the event
concept brief and how the fundamentals get easily lost if
you don’t have a clear scope of what you are achieving, the
objectives and how you will go about defining roles.”
Debbie Aitchison, Office Manager, Wyong Shire Council
“I liked how it categorised techniques
to enable you to fill in the gaps for
events, and the finances section was
invaluable to make sure you had
every aspect covered. Working in
groups was also beneficial as you
gained ideas and ways other people would run an event
which made you think outside the box to how you would
usually attack it.”
Franki Evans, Investec Australia Limited
“I found the course to be incredibly helpful, it helped me to
understand the importance of setting objectives so that I
can make sure all the requirements of the event are met. I
was also given some very useful spreadsheets for budgeting
and organisation and I learnt how to target industry specific
sponsors that may like to be involved in my events and to
contribute to them. I highly recommend it!”
Jacqui Norgan, Executive Assistant, The WorkPac Group
We don’t
make
shoes for
monkeys.
We make hand crafted screen content for
the events industry.
We’ve been in the business for over 11 years
and have been the secret creative partner
behind hundreds of successful events, large
and small.
If you haven’t heard of us it’s because we are
always busy behind the scenes perfecting
our shows, videos, brand experiences and
interactive content. Which doesn’t leave much
time for print ads or shoe making.
Want to see how we measure up? Get in touch
with Nigel for an obligation free chat about
your next project.
+61 2 9114 8670
[email protected]
www.themonkeyscobbler.com.au
TMC_adconcepts.indd 1
28/09/2015 12:11 pm
40,41,42_EPAoz_Issue6_15final.qxp_Layout 1 18/11/2015 10:35 Page 40
r
u
o
y
e
m
o
g
c
r
n
i
e
n
v
ı
a
O
tr
EAs are in the business of business management – including
recognising when your own skills could do with a boost says Cora Lydon
CAREER
“As a career Executive Assistant, it makes sense that a lot
of your work time is spent supporting others,” explains Kelly
Magowan, a career strategist. “Too often those in support roles
spend all their time giving to others and find that they have no
energy or time left for themselves. The only person that loses
out in this scenario is them.”
“The key to having a successful and personally fulfilling career
is to make sure you are working in the job while also working
on your career,” she continues. “Without carving out time for yourself to develop new skills, network internally and externally, build
40
relationships with others in the field and complementary
fields, attending training programs, conferences, lunches, working on projects and the like, your career will plateau.”
According to the 2015 Hays Salary Guide, 57 per cent of
employers say that the skills shortage Australia is currently experiencing has the potential to hamper the effective operation of
their business or department. So, there’s never been a better time
to add a new string – or strings – to your bow. It’s crucial you
take charge of your own career and that means identifying what
areas you need to strengthen, looking into how you do this and
A lack of funds is one of the key reasons why many EAs fail
to upskill and while money issues may be limiting you can think
around them. “Look at how you allocate your funds,” advises
Kelly. “Instead of buying that new outfit or pair of shoes for work,
spend the money on a short course or online training program
– the return is likely to be higher. There are so many options
these days for inexpensive and sometimes free training from
MOOCs (massive open online courses) to sites like Udemy.”
You should also have a frank and honest conversation with
your manager to see whether the company may fully or part fund
your training ambitions. Make sure you can demonstrate
what they will gain by assisting you to upskill: a better EA, more
varied skills, a happy, engaged and loyal worker.
Also be sure to remember that working on your career is about
actively managing your career. According to Kelly: “It may involve
you making financial investments in your own development at
times, and other times it will be employer funded. It is about tradeoffs, give and take. The key is to be doing the job well that you’re
paid to do, while also having time in your work week for career
enhancing activities. In the end it is a win win.”
THE HURDLE
s
e
l
c
a
t
s
b
o
then actually undertaking training where needed.
Finally, once you’ve committed to the idea of training and
even gone as far as taking a course make sure you remain committed to what you’ve learnt. As Alex Jones, regional director
of Hays Office Support, says, “It’s all very well being the star
of a training course, but it’s what happens when you return to
your desk that really matters.” Put theory into practice as soon
as you’re back at your desk, by making a list of four or five key
points from your training and using them at every opportunity.
THE HURDLE
I can’t afford the course
“While your employer will no doubt provide some training and
development opportunities the onus is also on us to be
actively seeking out opportunities to develop our skill set and
ensure we remain marketable,” says Kelly.
It won’t enhance my career
“Everyone benefits from continuous development, and it certainly does enhance your career,” says Alex, and he’s absolutely
right. Not only will suitable training make you more employable and more valuable to your current employer – and who doesn’t want to be in demand – but it will also help you be better at
your role. Always struggled with budgeting? There’s a course
for that! Don’t know where to start with keeping records? It’s
time to go back to school! Learning new skills will make you
more efficient now and in the future. To determine the training
and development that will fit your career long term, Alex suggests creating a career map.
1 Firstly, examine your current role. Write down your job title,
salary and benefits, key responsibilities, existing skills, future
prospects and potential for skill development.
1 Then, use this to consider your long-term goals. List at least
five goals and a date by which to achieve each. Make sure each
goal is specific, challenging, realistically achievable, actionable
and measurable.
1 Next, plan for your career future. For each of the next one,
three and five years list the job title, responsibilities and skills
you need in order to achieve your goals.
1 Then you can create a detailed action plan. Determine how
you will go about successfully achieving each goal. For example, could you chair meetings, manage projects or train others
in an area of proficiency? Could you seek a mentor, attend short
courses or workshops or learn by watching the high-performers in your company or industry?
THE HURDLE
I don’t want to go back to school
Once you’ve recognised the need to upskill you might start to
dread the thought of returning to the classroom, but it’s time
to banish all thoughts of your school days, as Kathi Rogers, learning & development consultant for ATI-Mirage Training & Business Solutions explains: “Chalk boards, rules, dusty classrooms
– they can bring back negative memories from your childhood.
Many adults hate the thought of going back to ‘school’ and being
forced to learn,” she says. The first thing you need to remember is that you’re not obliged to undertake training – but if you
want to stay ahead of the game then we’d strongly advise you
to do so. Fear not though, the classrooms of today have come
a long way: “Training organisations have become more diverset
41
sthan ever these days; offering environments that are designed
to encourage, nurture and engage participants for their
different learning styles. Allowing individuals to identify their
specific learning outcomes gives them ownership and control
of their experience,” explains Kathi.
If it suits you better you could find an online training course –
there’s plenty to chose from or get a trainer to come to you.
Thirst for knowledge
THE HURDLE
BUILD A STUDY GROUP WITH COLLEAGUES
This doesn’t have to be formal but is a great way to share
your new-found knowledge and ensure you keep up to date
with the key skills you may need. Meeting just once a week
for lunch with a group of like-minded, eager-to-progress
colleagues will give you a focus and the support you need.
My job doesn’t require it
Perhaps you’ve got your job down pat – you know what you’re
doing and how to do it. And that’s great, but what happens if
it all changes; if the boss leaves and you have to work with a
new manager in a different way? Or if you decide to find a new
job but are under-skilled compared to today’s highly proficient
PA workforce? Alex also points out that: “When you look for a
job in the future, employers think highly of an EA who has made
their own continuous learning a priority. It shows you are committed to your profession and have the drive to keep on top of
the latest developments and technology.”
If you’re not keen to launch into a specific training course,
think about how else you can keep your skills in shape. “Training is as much about your ability to see a clear path of
progress and know exactly what you need to do to achieve it,”
believes Alex. “Set your expectations for your professional development pathway, then identify training opportunities. If you
want to avoid the classroom you could find a mentor or volunteer
to work on a project with another team member who is an expert
in a skill you’d like to learn?”
THE HURDLE
I don’t have support from the boss
“While you may be in a support role as an EA, your role is crucial to those that you support. It is up to you to regularly document your achievements, to make those you support aware of all
the wonderful things you do to make their work lives seamless.
From here you then have leverage to negotiate,” recommends Kelly.
Don’t be afraid to value yourself and the work you do and to
have your needs met. If your boss isn’t behind you, then look to
who else in the company can be a support: other EAs, other managers, and outside of work look to partners, friends and family.
Combining training with a job can be tough so it’s always good
Make it a joint effort
Why not think about upskilling the whole department, or
getting all of the EAs together to learn a new skill? You could
book a training session for everyone at a venue suited to your
needs; from a purpose-built centre to a hotel’s facilities or
even a unique venue with rooms for hire. Here are our some
of our favourite training venues to foster a sense of learning:
SMC Conference & Function Centre, NSW
INFO
www.smcfc.com.au
Deakin Management Centre, Victoria
INFO
www.managementcentre.com.au
Hilton South Wharf, Victoria
INFO
www.hilton.com
Taronga Centre, NSW
INFO
www.tarongacentre.com.au
ATI-Mirage Training and Business Solutions, WA
INFO
42
www.ati-mirage.com.au
Once you’ve done the training here’s how to
make the most of it:
1
2
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE
Put your newly developed skills into practice by seeing
how they can translate into the EA role you’re doing. Could
you take a more stream-lined approach to organising
events, or perhaps use what you learnt from a computer
training course to bring to life presentations? The point of
learning is to improve our working lives so make sure you
apply what you learn for maximum benefits and retention.
3
KEEP TRACK OF YOUR PROGRESS
Set yourself a target of undertaking some training
every single year and keep a note of what you’ve already
done and what you’d like to do. If you want to stay streets
ahead in the office you’ll need to show a passion for moving
forwards and a desire to continually be improving yourself.
Being able to refer back to this and show an employer your
dedication can also help land you a new role or payrise.
to know you have someone you can turn to when you need to
let off steam, celebrate your successes or compare notes with.
And post-training make sure you fill the boss in on just how
beneficial you found the opportunity to train was – not only will
it pave the way for future opportunities but also help those colleagues who would also like to upskill. “You may like to book a
session with your manager,” says Alex. “It needn't be more than
half an hour but you can go through action points you’ve taken
from the training and discuss how you are going to implement
them at work.”
THE HURDLE
I don’t have the time
Unfortunately there’s no magic wand to create an extra hour in
every day – so if you don’t have the time something has to give.
Training really can make the difference to your career and so isn’t
that worth carving out a little extra time for? You could try:
1 Use your commute to work to listen to audio books or podcasts that can enhance your career.
1 Speak to the boss to see what support they can offer you –
they may not be able to help financially but perhaps they can
allow you some time out of the office when necessary.
1 Get the support of friends and family. When you need to
attend a lecture, get someone else to cook dinner or clean.
1 Assess just how much time you spend idly on Facebook or
Twitter – couldn’t you put those hours (and we’re sure they’re
hours not minutes) to better use? Also true for TV viewing.
1 Look out for short learning opportunities in your area – local
lectures at universities, one-off volunteering roles, networking
events at work? They all help expand your knowledge. E
Ask the concierge
Chief Concierge at The Langham,
Melbourne and President of Les Clefs d’Or Australia,
Peter McBrearty reveals his top picks for Melbourne
dining destinations
CORPORATE DINING
1
Pure South
Located at Southbank just 100 metres from
The Langham, Pure South sources premium produce
from Tasmania, including King Island, and also has an
extensive wine and beer list well stocked with labels from
the same region. A chef with a Michelin starred pedigree and a riverside terrace which is particularly in
demand on warmer evenings only add to Pure South’s
appeal for restaurant dining.
INFO
4
www.puresouth.com.au
2
Lume
While perhaps not best suited to the culinary
faint of heart, more adventurous diners who are willing
to throw the dice and take a chance on an adventurous
and creative tasting menu are likely to enjoy the experience at Lume. Not many other Melbourne venues
include cow’s udder on the list of ingredients but bold
diners won’t forget a meal here, particularly should they
elect for the option of matched wines.
INFO
Combining an intimate setting, a small outdoor terrace, welcoming and unfailingly professional owners and staff, and a menu which attracts may local theatre goers
from the nearby Arts Centre along with a legion of devoted regulars, The Deck is a small
restaurant which quickly endears itself to diners. Many regulars are in the habit of dropping in for an early dinner or Campari and blood orange juice before the evening session of the Australian Open, or for post-show dessert and coffee.
INFO
www.thedeckrestaurant.com.au
5
Taxi Kitchen
With magnificent views over the Yarra River
to the Botanic Gardens and Southgate, Taxi Kitchen is
equally popular for lunch or dinner. The menu is balanced
between modern Asian dishes and some with a more
classical European flavour such as the popular (and tender) slow cooked lamb. After dinner diners may choose
to head upstairs to the Transit rooftop bar to enjoy the
view and a cocktail or two on the open deck.
INFO
www.restaurantlume.com
The Deck
3
www.taxikitchen.com.au
Rubira’s
Hidden away opposite a park in Port Melbourne, this unassuming temple to the
freshest of seafood has played host to rock stars and local diners alike, but equally some
guests have returned to say that from the outside they had initially wondered whether it
was open – or even a restaurant at all, so low key is the external décor. Nonetheless this humble little gastro pub swiftly converts diners to owner John Rubira’s recipe of providing a relaxed
and enjoyable venue where those in the know enjoy some of Australia’s best seafood.
INFO
www.rubiras.com.au
E Our thanks to Peter and The Langham, Melbourne www.langhamhotels.com
43
44,45_EPAoz_Issue6_15_v2_final.qxp_Layout 1 18/11/2015 10:33 Page 44
VENUE MENU
MELBOURNE
New Southbank hotel another
step closer to completion
The proposed Queensbridge Hotel Tower
in Melbourne’s Southbank has taken
another step closer to becoming a reality
as Crown announces British architects,
Wilkinson Eyre, has won the right to design
the tower. Situated in one of Australia’s
prime business events hotspots, the new
hotel tower will comprise a 388-room, six–
star hotel; approximately 680 apartments;
an event space; and a publicly accesible
SYDNEY
restaurant, lounge and garden terrace
located at the top of the tower. Crown says
the new hotel addition, along with the
recently announced expansion of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre,
will reinforce the Southbank precinct’s
position as Victoria’s leading meetings,
exhibitions and event destination. This is
one to add to your must-check out list.
INFO
www.crownhotels.com.au
NEW SOUTH WALES
Blond wins Caterer of the Year New conference
Looking for on-site catering in Sydney? If
you want to keep the boss and colleagues
happy then you’ll know you have to use the
best – so local corporate catering company, Blond Catering, might just be the ticket. Chef and owner Jesper Hansen has just
taken out the title of ‘Caterer of the Year’
and ‘Best Venue Caterer’ at this year’s
Savour AustraliaTM Restaurant & Catering
HostPlus National Awards for Excellence.
Blond offers a new take on catering bringing together the traditional Danish ‘smørrebrød’ and Australian modern cuisine, using
fresh ingredients, careful preparation and
quality presentation.
centre in NSW
INFO
www.blondcatering.com.au
One of the biggest conference and function
centres in Port Stephens, in the Hunter Region of
New South Wales, has opened its doors. A former
restaurant, ‘Broughton’ has been named after the
biggest island off New South Wales, and is now a
multi-purpose corporate and entertainment centre
in the heart of Port Stephens. Able to accommodate
240 seated and 300 standing guests, with spaces
available for smaller groups, the centre also comes
with a ‘waterscape’ floating pontoon at the marina
below for outdoor cocktail parties for up to 80
people. The function centre and its open terraces
offer sweeping views over the marina and the
waters of Port Stephens.
INFO
ADELAIDE
Six million dollar refurb for
Stamford Grand Adelaide
One of Adelaide’s most iconic hotels, the
Stamford Grand Adelaide, will undergo a
$6 million refurbishment of its 220 guest
rooms and suites. Stamford Grand Adelaide General Manager Russell Cool says
the refurbishment would see a complete
revitalisation of rooms to offer business
travellers a world-class experience. The
upgrades include new state-of-the-art
44
technology and connectivity and an
upgrade of the 1,300 square metre
conference facilities, where $350,000 of
audio-visual infrastructure will be installed.
The Stamford Grand Adelaide refurbishment comes off the back of its sister
hotel, Stamford Plaza Adelaide’s recent
$7.7 million refurbishment of 335 rooms.
INFO
www.stamford.com.au
www.broughtonsatthebay.com.au
44,45_EPAoz_Issue6_15_v2_final.qxp_Layout 1 18/11/2015 10:33 Page 45
Want to keep abreast of the latest hotel opening, or award win for a
restaurant? Kirstie Bedford brings you all the venue news for busy EAs
SYDNEY
Meriton opens first
hotel in Sydney’s north
Australia’s fastest growing serviced apartments operator Meriton
has opened its 14th apartment hotel and the first in Sydney’s north.
Located in Chatswood, the tower is 33 stories high, featuring one-,
two- and three-bedroom suites, plus recreational facilities. All
suites have views of Sydney’s central business district and harbour.
Later this year a retail promenade will open at the foot of the hotel
offering an open pathway to access Chatswood’s transport interchange. Meriton is set to open another four brand new apartment
hotels over the next 12 months.
INFO
www.meritonapartments.com.au
IN-BRIEF
MELBOURNE
Grand Hyatt Melbourne awarded
leading business hotel
Grand Hyatt Melbourne has been
awarded Australia’s Leading Business
Hotel at the 2015 Annual World Travel
Awards. Travel and tourism professionals
vote in the annual awards, which recognise
the commitment to excellence in providing a premier business events destination
during the last twelve months. Positioned
in the central business district, Grand
Hyatt has cemented itself as a leading
business hotel, with complimentary WiFi
and the soon to be introduced web checkin service to ensure an efficient and convenient travelling experience. There’s also
a ‘Grand Club Lounge’, enabling guests to
enjoy 180-degree panoramic views of the
Melbourne metropolis complete with personalised check-in and checkout, boardroom facilities and concierge services.
INFO
www.melbourne.grand.hyatt.com
Hobart to feel ‘Vibe’
Construction is to start on the first Vibe hotel in Tasmania.
The 15-storey development will be in Hobart's CBD with
10 floors dedicated to 120 rooms and conferencing space.
Meanwhile, Vibe Hotel Canberra Airport has just opened
50 metres from the airport terminal, and includes onsite
conference and event spaces for up to 200 guests.
INFO
Little National
The nation’s capital has a new affordable luxury hotel with
the opening of Little National Hotel, Barton. In the heart
of Canberra’s Parliamentary Triangle, Little National has
120 rooms with super-king beds, HD Smart TVs, play-yourown smart devices direct, in-room safe, and free WiFi.
INFO
BRISBANE
Multi-million dollar conference
centre opens in Brissie
Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane has
opened its multi-million dollar conference
centre. With more than 1,000 square metres
of floor space and 11 function rooms over two
levels, each function room has state-of-the
art audio visual equipment installed and managed by an expert AV company. In addition
to the construction of the conference centre
was the expansion of the existing lobby and
the transformation of offices and function
rooms, to make way for 36 additional hotel
rooms. Situated in the Brisbane central
business district, Hotel Grand Chancellor
www.tfehotels.com
www.littlenationalhotel.com.au
Peppers for Adelaide
Peppers Waymouth has opened in Adelaide. Formerly the
Rendezvous Hotel, it offers 202 five-star hotel rooms and
suites, two food and beverage outlets and a 120 square
metre conference room catering for up to 150 guests
which can be divided into two smaller rooms.
INFO
www.peppers.com.au
Mantra converts
office in Canberra
Brisbane is a 4.5 star rated property, providing
194 guest rooms. Opposite the Roma Street
Parklands, all rooms feature views of the city,
mountains or Brisbane River.
INFO
Mantra Group has secured the leasehold for a new Mantra
hotel in Canberra city to open late 2016. An existing 10
level office tower will be converted into a 176 room hotel.
The hotel facilities will include a restaurant and bar,
conference rooms, gym, and car parking.
INFO
www.mantra.com.au
www.grandchancellorhotels.com
45
READER RECOMMENDED
Properties, products and services
that get the nod from our readers
VENUE
Navarra Venues
Overlooking the sparkling waters of Iron Cove Bay stands the
exquisite Le Montage; a sophisticated yet contemporary events
centre that offers the very best in quality cuisine, professional
services and memorable event experiences.
Located only minutes from Sydney’s CBD and situated on
water’s edge, Le Montage is the perfect destination for all styles of
events. Complimentary onsite parking makes Le Montage easily
accessible and convenient.
Boasting six newly refurbished event rooms over 2 floors, Le
Montage has ample capacity to cater for both intimate and grand
scale events for up to 2500 guests. All rooms come complete with
dance floors, private foyers and bars, amenities and more.
State of the art AV equipment is built into each custom designed
room. And when it is time to dine our team of executive chefs are
here to serve the freshest produce prepared in our industrial
kitchens.
Le Montage, home to the 2015 Executive PA
Magazine Awards night!
On an evening set with an unforgettable sunset across the Iron Cove
Bay, Le Montage welcomed over 400 key Executive Assistants.
The evening commenced with guests arriving on a luxurious boat,
followed by mouth-watering canapes & champagne in the exclusive
Marquee Room.
Our guests were then ushered to the renowned Montage
Ballroom where they were served a four course banquet menu
designed by the Executive Chefs of Le Montage.
What we loved about the evening the most – was the inspiration
we saw in all finalists and the winner Janine Turner, Executive
Assistant to Chief Executive – Health Services, Mercy Health.
These ladies and gents of the industry are responsible to not only
manage day to day planning of CEO’s & Directors, but to inspire
them, create ease ability in their days and be their back bone…
Congratulations to everyone in the room that evening! You are
all amazing at what to do!
We look forward to seeing you again in 2016!
INFO
www.navarravenues.com.au
WHAT OUR READERS SAY...
“This year’s Executive PA Magazine Awards were held at
Le Montage, Navarra Venues; a spectacular location and
venue. From stepping onto the red carpet, through the
beautiful courtyard and into the reception room, the stage
was set for an amazing night. The function room and tables
were stunningly decorated, the staff attentively providing
impeccable service and the meal itself was first class.”
Keryn Walsh, Retails Services Coordinator, Sanitarium Health & Wellbeing
46
READER RECOMMENDED
Properties, products and services
that get the nod from our readers
ENTERTAINMENT
Vavachi Entertainment
Featured as part of the entertainment with our Surprise by Disguise
at last year’s Executive PA Magazine Awards dinner in Sydney,
finding fresh ideas for your next corporate or special event can be a
challenge, which is why at Vavachi Entertainment, we provide a wide
range of corporate entertainment Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane
packages to suit any kind of corporate gathering you are hosting.
There will never be a dull moment with our amazing team of
professional singers, instrumentalists and entertainers. We have
different packages from instrumental, jazz and swing, Broadway,
masquerade, opera, Pavarotti tribute shows, Surprise by Disguise
(singing waiters and chefs) and Christmas entertainment for you
to choose from. We can create a unique corporate entertainment
program for you should you wish to host a highly customised
event for you and your guests. We have professional dancers you
can hire as well as staging and production equipment you can rent
such as channel mixers, speakers, microphones, dimmers, and
stage panels just to name a few.
Vavachi can tailor entertainment packages for your event in
Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and across Australia and beyond.
Contact Vavachi for a unique and special kind of entertainment
you will remember long after the event, Australia wide. For more
information email [email protected] or call 0414 725097. INFO
www.vavachi.com.au
VENUE
Bond University
Events Centre
With sandstone arches, lakeside settings and landscaped grounds,
Bond University’s Events Centre is the ideal venue for your next
event.
Bond University’s function facilities are flexible and are designed
to cater for events of all sizes.
From large conventions, seminars and new product launches
through to more intimate meetings, social functions and corporate
programs. Indoor to outdoor events.
There are a number of different exciting venues to choose
from.
The Events Centre has a strong support team who ensures that
each event is managed individually to provide a unique experience
for all guests. They will assist you from the initial planning stages
through to the execution of your event.
INFO
bond.edu.au/about-bond/facilities-services/events-centre
WHAT OUR READERS SAY...
“Thanks for a fabulous night! Surprise By Disguise were
brilliant. I was responsible for booking the act, but even I
thought the Chef had come out of the kitchen to see what
was going on – he then burst into song and I realised how
engrossed I was in the performance. The guests sang along
and danced in their chairs – perfect entertainment option
for any event Fabulous and highly recommended.” WHAT OUR READERS SAY...
Sai Global Conference, Melbourne, Australia
Anne Dalton, Executive Assistant to CEO and Director, QLD Museum Network
“Bond’s superb facilities and menu make them our first and
only choice of venue for any future events on the Gold
Coast. At an Executive PA Reader Event earlier this year I
experienced one of the most enjoyable evenings thanks to
their warm hospitality.” AWARDS SPECIAL 2015 | WWW.EXECUTIVEPA.COM.AU
47
READER EVENTS
Your invitation to network at our exclusive reader events
Rock out at the Swissôtel Sydney
Add legendary status to a night of canapés and cocktails at Swissôtel Sydney, in the company of
INXS lead singer Ciaran Gribbin
JANUARY 28
Here at Executive PA Magazine we aim to try and bring you
invitations to a wide range of events – and here is one that
we’re sure will be hugely popular with readers. It’s not every
day that PAs get to end the work day on a high note, but on
the 28th January you’re invited to do just that!
Held at the Swissôtel Sydney hotel readers have the
chance to experience a brand-new service for the corporate
events market in the form of Rock and Roll Team Building,
as well as explore the results of the hotel’s multi-million
dollar make-over, all while enjoying canapés and cocktails
courtesy of head chef Joshua Askew.
With over 900m2 of flexible and modern conference and
meeting spaces, the five star Swissôtel Sydney offers the perfect location for your next event. Amongst its eight meeting
rooms and boardrooms is the Blaxland Ballroom, a heritagelisted pillar-less ballroom which can cater up to 450 people
and is our venue for this special evening; the spacious
Maple Room; and four dedicated meeting rooms. As part of
its superior events package, a Swiss Meeting specialist will
always be on hand for PAs to help with all aspects of the
event to guarantee its success.
Its recent refurbishment programme has seen the wellequipped conference facilities been improved even further
and Executive PA Magazine readers are invited for an
exclusive look at the results. You’ll also get to see two key
48
partnerships of the Swissôtel Sydney.
Staging Connections is Australia’s only integrated event
services provider offering technical production, digital
styling and design services. Thanks to its team’s technical
knowhow and creative flair it can turn the ordinary into the
extraordinary – so when you’re after a show stopping event
you want these guys on your team!
And bringing together event audiences through the
power of music is Rock and Roll Team Building. New to the
market, it delivers a high-energy experience to promote
leadership and creativity skills while opening the lines of
communications. Injecting a huge amount of excitement into
corporate events it promises real energy, real rock stars and
real fun! For this special reader event Ciaran Gribbin, lead
singer of Australia’s iconic rock band INXS, will be taking
readers on a journey into the world of music with his team.
HOW TO REGISTER
This event is free for individual readers or groups. To apply to
attend please register via the reader events section of our website:
www.executivepa.com.au. This event is exclusive to EAs and PAs
and readers are very welcome to encourage colleagues to apply.
The event is being held at Swissôtel Sydney from 5.30-7.30pm on
Thursday 28 January 2016.
INFO
www.swissotel.com/sydney
READER EVENTS
Your invitation to network at our exclusive reader events
Warm welcome awaits readers
Executive PA Magazine readers are invited to see
for themselves the stunning transformation that has been
taking place at Canada Bay Club, in NSW
MAY 19
At the heart of its community, Canada Bay Club is located in
Five Dock in Sydney’s Inner West – just 10km from Sydney’s
CBD. For more than 40 years it has been a key part of the
local area and a leader in providing first class events, and
now a refurbishment programme has enhanced its offerings.
Its five function rooms have all benefited from a considerable investment, with a refurb that has created event space
that is stylish, modern and elegant and suitable for a wide
range of corporate events and special occasions. Some of the
rooms feature concertina doors which enables spaces to be
combined to create a larger area for your event and each
room includes a professional coffee machine to produce
bean-to-cup coffee at the push of a button.
Whatever type of event you’re planning Canada Bay Club
has a room for you: with rooms featuring plenty of natural
daylight for those all-important meetings, and small boardrooms for as few as 10 delegates through to a large banquet
for up to 300 guests – the only limitation is your imagination.
The space includes state-of-the-art audio-visual capabilities
and contemporary designer furnishings to complete the
experience for guests and planner alike.
And the finer details have been equally considered with
complimentary WiFi for all attendees, more than 260 free
parking spaces onsite and a choice of two on-site caterers
who can deliver outstanding menu options at affordable
price points. And of course, an experienced team heads up
the offering to ensure that successful events are delivered on
a daily basis that exceed everyone’s expectations.
On the evening of Thursday 19 of May readers are
invited to explore this special venue for themselves. Guests
will be entertained throughout with a full site inspection to
showcase the AV facilities and rooms available while enjoying a tempting array of canapés and food stations.
HOW TO REGISTER
This event is free for individual readers or groups. To apply to
attend please register via the reader events section of our website:
www.executivepa.com.au. This event is exclusive to EAs and PAs
and readers are very welcome to encourage colleagues to apply.
The event is being held at Canada Bay Club on the evening of
Thursday 19 May 2016.
INFO
www.canadabayclub.com.au
49
READER REVIEWS
Every issue we report back on reader events—
were you there and captured on camera?
Two for one at Rydges
hotel showcase
Executive PA Magazine readers had the opportunity to learn all
about two great Rydges hotels all from one handy location
EAs know the importance of suitably
theming your event and the readers who
attended the Executive PA Magazine
reader event at Rydges Capital Hill in
Canberra were suitably impressed by
the tasteful Halloween scheme.
Not only was its Halloween-esque
sweet trolley groaning under the weight
of decadent desserts but there was also
an excellent selection of canapés, dips,
cheese and biscuits and flavoursome
cuts of meat.
And while our host for the evening
was located in the nation’s capital – it was
also Rydges Sydney Airport that was
under the spotlight. This evening was a
chance for Executive PA Magazine readers to learn more about the Sydneybased hotel which boasts a great location
and fabulous facilities, as well as exploring the Canberra hotel.
The team at Rydges were keen to
demonstrate just how ideal the Sydneybased hotel is for a fly-in, fly-out style
events – not only is it located close to the
airport but there’s even a complimentary
shuttle service running to the domestic
terminal from the hotel.
Of course, as this event was happening at the Canberra location we also got
a peek at its own event spaces. Set in the
heart of the thriving CBD, Rydges Capital Hill’s varied and spacious event areas
were well showcased with a site tour
that helped readers envisage future
events.
Upon arrival at 5.30pm EAs were
warmly greeted with a cocktail so they
could start to unwind for the evening
after a busy day in the office. Nearby was
a well stocked antipasto station brimming with nibbles for readers to help
themselves to.
50
Shortly after, the first rate hospitality
team at the hotel commenced a drink and
canapés service to ensure that EAs were
suitably well fed and watered in preparation for the presentations and guest
speaker.
After a short welcome by Tish Nyar,
short presentations for both the Rydges
Sydney Airport hotel and Rydges Capital Hill were made. Short and sweet
though these presentations were, EAs got
to find out exactly how they could get help
with their event organising plans from
Rydges’ expert team.
Next up was Jim Roy, from Hays
Canberra who spoke to the assembled
PAs about the importance of social media
for career planning, networking, learning
and development. Jim also outlined to our
guests how to create an online presence, how to network online and how to
build connections in order to enhance
your career and reputation.
As the evening drew to a close there
was just time for a business card draw
with lucky door prizes including six bottles of wine and a Movie Magic Package
courtesy of Rydges Capital Hill.
The lucky Executive PA Magazine
reader who went home with the Movie
Magic Package will enjoy a pre- or
post-movie meal to the value of $50
served at Figtree Restaurant, overnight
accommodation for two guests in a
superior room, two adult tickets for
Event Cinemas, full buffet breakfast
for both guests and complimentary car
parking for one car.
But no-one went home empty handed
as everyone attending received a complimentary six-month subscription to
Executive PA Magazine.
INFO
www.rydges.com
HERE’S WHAT OUR READERS
HAVE TO SAY…
“I attended the evening event last Thursday and it was
very pleasant. The Halloween theme was tastefully done
(and some of it tasted very good!). The walk through
the function rooms and the accommodation rooms was
very interesting. Thank you for the invitation.”
Donna Hume, EA, Department of Education
“This was the first Executive PA Magazine reader event I
have been to and it was an enjoyable night. It was great to
meet and network with the other EAs on the night, as the
only EA in our organisation I like to attend as many of
these as I can. I also caught up with some former
colleagues I hadn’t seen for a while. Thank you for a great
event, I hope to attend another Canberra event soon!”
Geraldine Rossiter, EA,
Canberra Southern Cross Club
READER REVIEWS
Welcome to New Zealand
In a wonderful showcase of all things New Zealand, readers were
invited to Cell Block Theatre – National Art School, Sydney
The aim was to put New Zealand top of
attendees’ minds when it comes to booking a destination conference and we
think this was certainly achieved. As
soon as they arrived guests were wowed
by what was in place. The Cell Block Theatre had been transformed into a contemporary yet rustic setting to recreate
the idea of New Zealand’s outstanding
natural environment.
And scattered around the room were
various stations – each manned by a representative from a business events region
in New Zealand. This gave readers the
opportunity to learn more about the different regions – their activities, accommodation, conference venues, as well as a
product originating from their area. The
Auckland station – showcasing Storm
and India Tea Sisters, Earl Grey and Gin
infused cocktails – was a popular one, as
was Nelson, where readers could sample
Pic’s peanut butter satay chicken skewers.
The New Zealand-inspired canapés
menu was also very well received, perfectly showcasing the best of the country’s
fresh produce, and teamed with fine New
Zealand wines, vodka, beer and soft
drinks. And to really make readers feel
that they’d been transported to beautiful
and vibrant New Zealand, a traditional
Maori cultural performance was carried
out – including the legendary Haka.
Bringing the whole event together was
Channel Seven TV presenter James
Tobin – a friend of Air New Zealand and
Tourism New Zealand. He spoke passionately about the ease of travel from
Australia to New Zealand, the superb conferencing facilities scattered around the
country, the exceptional four- and five-star
accommodation as well as the activities
available to delegates in their downtime
or for team building.
The focus was on doing business in this
culturally exciting spot and so with the help
of an interactive map guests were able to
explore where they might like to take
their next conference. It was also an opportunity for Tourism New Zealand to tell
guests more about its Conference Assistance Programme – a marketing fund
available to associations and organisations.
Finally there were plenty of prizes up
for grabs on the night, including a Quick
Brown Fox liquor gift box, a Linden
Leaves gift basket and an exciting main
prize. That main prize was won by Alisha
Malhotra from KPMG who will be enjoying two economy return tickets on board
Air New Zealand to either Auckland,
Christchurch, Wellington, Queenstown or
Dunedin plus two night’s stay with breakfast in a fantastic hotel. And everyone got
to take home a packed showbag with
some welcome reminders of what New
Zealand has to offer.
INFO
www.businessevents.newzealand.com
HAVE TO SAY…
“The location leant itself to the New Zealand theme,
which seemed beautiful, tranquil and exciting at the same
time. The event gave me an up close and personal
experience of New Zealand and opened my eyes to new
possibilities for future events. The event was memorable.”
Juliet Petrone, Team Assistant, Lend Lease
“This was one of the best corporate events I think I have
ever been to. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was very well
run. I can’t praise it enough!” Felicity Woodward, PA, Zurich Financial Services
Australia
“Thank you ever so much for such an amazing night. It
was perfect on every level. A massive thank you for
showing me a venue in Sydney that I knew nothing
about… at last! You could not have made the night any
better. It was a fabulous, informative and a fun showcase.”
Doriette McIvor-Stone, EA, FremantleMedia
“It was one of the most professional, but friendly, events
that I have attended. The quality of the exhibitors was
fantastic and on par with what I would be looking for
when deciding on venues or services to use for office
functions.”
Nikki Sherman, Specialist Legal Assistant, Corrs
“Tourism NZ went to great lengths to show us the
corporate conferencing possibilities, as well as some of
the amazing produce New Zealand has to offer. To round
off the event, a dance group showed us how the haka is
done, with a helping hand from some of the guests!
Definitely an evening I’ll remember for a long time!”
Angela McCloy, EA, Westpac Banking Corporation
51
READER REVIEWS
New Zealand tour continues
Making its way to Melbourne was the second of our memorable
showcases of everything New Zealand has to offer
On the 24 September Executive PA Magazine readers flocked to The Cargo Hall,
South Wharf to get a little taste of what
Australia’s next door neighbour has to
offer when it comes to booking business
events.
The focus of the evening was to demonstrate to readers just how diverse New
Zealand can be for conferences, meetings
and other business events, and organisers
Tourism New Zealand had ensured that our
readers were transported to the country –
without even having to set foot on a plane.
Tourism New Zealand worked in partnership with Air New Zealand and regional
Convention Bureaus to bring the event to
life. Representatives from different bureaus
were on hand to discuss their unique
offerings and also showcase some of their
area’s most exciting exports. Over on the
Wellington stand the Whittakers chocolate
– some of which isn’t available in Australia
– was popular with readers, as were the Linden Leaves hand creams showcased on the
Christchurch and Canterbury stand.
The MC for the occasion was Channel
Seven personality James Tobin, who as
well as talking about the country in
glowing terms was also keen to inform
readers about Tourism New Zealand’s
Conference Assistance Programme. Providing funds, expertise and support to
associations and organisations to help
52
win conferences – as well as ongoing support once the conference is confirmed –
the only criteria is conferences must
attract at least 200 international delegates.
With natural timber, ferns and floral
displays transforming the room and transporting readers to the natural environment
of New Zealand the stage was all set for
the Maori cultural performance. As well
as demonstrating the Haka, the dancers
also encouraged readers to try their hand
at carrying out this famous dance.
Readers got to taste some delicious
New Zealand-inspired dishes and sample
the very best in wines, beers, vodka and
soft drinks from the region and guests
could also use a Greenscreen photo booth
to superimpose themself on a region of
New Zealand of their choice. An interactive map enabled readers to find out more
about the different areas of the country.
Finally, before the evening finished
there was just time to hand out some
prizes focusing on New Zealand’s finest
produce and announce that Margaret
Miller from Phosphagenics had won herself two economy flights to New Zealand
plus two nights’ stay in a great hotel once
she arrives. And as they left everyone was
handed a goody bag to ensure their
memories of this destination showcase
were fully cemented.
INFO
www.businessevents.newzealand.com
HAVE TO SAY…
“The evening was fantastic! Loved the Haka Dance. The
singing was magical and gracious. Food was divine so
also was the wine. Loved the Whittaker Chocolate and
hand cream. Enjoyed the sights of NZ via the video.
Many thanks for introducing me to New Zealand.”
Joyce Menezes, EA, V/Line Pty Ltd
“I had the best time at the event and confirmed my love
for New Zealand! I will make every effort to organise an
event (business or private) in NZ as it offers everything I
need – serene environs, awe-inspiring surrounds, activities
galore and the most enticing and fresh produce.
Maricel Bello, EA, KPMG
“My colleagues and I are still talking about it! What a
fabulous night. The venue was perfect, it was dressed
beautifully, the food and wine was lovely, the staff were
so accommodating, the entertainment was great, the
MC was fabulous, the stands were interesting and
interactive, and the generous goodie bag was such a
treat. I really appreciated the smaller details, background
music, imagery, fern motifs etc., they really thought of
everything to showcase the area and helped others
understand the different characters of the region.”
Kelly Connell, EA, ANZ
“It was a fun and informative night. I spoke with lots of
suppliers and enjoyed the entertainment and have a
lovely take-home photo of me in New Zealand. I also had
the opportunity to chat with the staff and management
of the Cargo Hall and hope to work with them soon too!”
Pauline Taylor, Australasian Podiatry Council
GROW YOUR BUSINESS
The Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) is the leading business
events and meetings exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region. It’s where 4,500 suppliers
and buyers unite for two powerful days of business, knowledge and networking.
Join us at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre on the 23-24 February 2016.
For more information about attending as a Hosted Buyer visit www.aime.com.au/hosted-buyers
AIME is owned by
Organised by
AIME is organised by
AIME is part of
ibtm events global partner
The ibtm® trademark is owned and protected by Elsevier Properties SA and Reed Exhibitions Ltd uses such trademark
under licence. Hosted Buyer® is a trademark of Reed Exhibitions Ltd. Reed Travel Exhibitions® is a registered trademark of RELX Group Plc.
TRADE SHOWS
New dates
for ITB Asia
revealed
AIME’s hosted buyer
programme opens
With the arrival of a new Event Director,
next year’s Asia-Pacific Incentives and
Meetings (AIME) expo is set to deliver a
first class event. Ian Wainwright has
been tasked with continuing the high
standards that attendees have come to
expect and to lead the team in delivering
an inspirational trade show for the business events industry.
Applications for the show’s hosted
buyer scheme – which is taking place 2324 February 2016 at the Melbourne Conventional and Exhibition Centre – are now
open. AIME’s hosted buyer programme
gives attendees the opportunity to meet
with more than 600 Australian and international suppliers, build networks and be
inspired to deliver outstanding meetings and events.
Readers who are responsible for managing, organising or influencing business
events, travel, conferences, meetings,
exhibitions or incentives are welcome to
apply and if accepted will be able to
access a number of benefits. A dedicated and exclusive diary means you
54
can organise your appointments with
exhibitors prior to the show, while social
events, Victoria pre-touring options,
flights and accommodation, plus access
to the Hosted Buyer Lounge all make the
experience of attending AIME that little
bit more useful.
Following feedback from previous
years, changes to the Hosted Buyer programme will mean attendees can get even
more from it. “Pre-touring has been re-introduced to the weekend prior to the event (20
- 21 February 2016), to save valuable time
out of the office,” explains Melissa Casey,
AIME hosted buyer manager, Reed Travel
Exhibitions. “And a new look welcome function, hosted by Melbourne Convention
Bureau on Monday 22 February, will offer
networking before AIME officially kicks off
on Tuesday 23 February.”
Other added extras include a breakfast
hosted by each buyer’s hotel and a new
and exclusive education program which
will take place on the Monday prior to the
show’s opening.
INFO
www.aime.com.au
ITB Asia came to a close on the 23 October and
over the course of its three days it welcomed 760
exhibitors from 73 countries, 880 buyers and more
than 10,300 attendees. It was the eighth edition of
this popular trade event and the organisers have
already got grand plans in place for future editions
of ITB Asia.
Most importantly, organisers have confirmed
that the next four editions of ITB Asia will continue
to take place at the Sands Expo and Convention
Centre, Marina Bay Sands: from 19-21 October
2016, 25-27 October 2017, 17-19 October 2018 and
16-18 October 2019.
Over the last two years, ITB Asia has worked
closely with Marina Bay Sands to help reduce the
show’s carbon footprint and ensure the show is as
eco-friendly as possible. Measures include choosing locally sourced items, using the newly-installed
in-room motion sensors to guarantee lighting efficiency in the meeting rooms and setting the
room temperature for optimal energy useage.
The 2016 show is expected to be bigger and
better; as well as continuing the successful elements
such as the on-floor Travel & Technology Showcase, new features will be introduced, including a
Destination Showcase, where exhibiting destinations can highlight their unique offerings.
And despite the 2015 show only just finishing,
ITB Asia has already announced Finland as partner country for the 2016 show. The news comes
off the back of the launch of Stopover Finland –
an initiative to encourage travellers heading to
Europe from Asia to travel via Helsinki.
INFO
www.itb-asia.com
Previews and reviews of national and
international business event shows
IT & CMA
goes big
IT & CM China
celebrates its 10th year
Taking place at the Shanghai Convention
& Exhibition Center of International
Sourcing, in Shanghai, will be the 10th
instalment of the leading international
Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and
Exhibitions (MICE) IT & CM China.
The three-day event is taking place
next year on the 6-8 April and offers delegates a host of opportunities including
structured business appointments, exhibition showcases, seminar sessions, official networking functions and tours.
Serving as a prelude to the main
event in April, it has rolled out its
2015/2016 BT-MICE Forum engagement
series, which is designed to engage
China’s business travel and MICE industry on the latest trends and challenges it
faces. The forum’s first successful event
was held at the Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel, where 30 professionals in the
industry met to discuss their company’s
travel, meetings and incentives policies,
planning and procurement.
The roundtable discussions gathered
first-hand experience as well as recom-
mendations. One such valuable take away
was that the advantages of a consolidated
management approach to business meetings, incentive travel and business travel
include: cost savings, improvement to
data security, increase in procurement
efficiency, and better management of suppliers. It was also widely agreed that new
online companies that are trying to provide
solutions for the industry need to understand the essence and idiosyncrasies of the
market to find a better and more relevant
solution to integrate internet technology
with the needs of the industry.
The Forum also met in September in
Suzhou and more episodes are planned
prior to IT & CM China taking place.
INFO
IT & CMA 2015 has been hailed a stand-out success by both those who attended and the organisers. When the Bangkok-based show drew to a
close on the 1st October more than 100 business,
education and networking sessions had been
successfully concluded with highly satisfactory outcomes acknowledged across the board.
The event is the world’s only double-bill event
in MICE and corporate travel. This year’s event took
place from 29 September through to 1 October and
was held at the Bangkok Convention Centre at
CentralWorld, Thailand. The co-location with
Corporate Travel World (CTW) – which has been
in place since 2004 – offers delegates an unrivalled
platform to do business, learn and network.
Its education programme featured a stellar lineup of topics and speakers and proved to be popular with attendees. Overall the 2015 event saw a
growth of 14 per cent in exhibitors’ participation
and has ensured a truly global showcase of Convention Visitor Bureaus. Making their international
presence felt was the entrance of new European,
Middle Eastern and North Asian bureaus like Berlin,
Geneva, Lucerne, Zurich, Dubai and Jeju, while
returning destinations Switzerland, Philippines,
Macau and India made a statement with an even
bigger showing this year.
The first day of the event was rounded off
nicely with the Opening Ceremony and Welcome
Reception hosted by Thailand Convention &
Exhibition Bureau, with an evening function
theme of ‘Heaven Unveiled. A Night in Paradise.’
INFO
www.itcma.com
www.itcmchina.com
55
6 to 8 April 2016
2016年4月6日至8日
Shanghai, China | 中国上海
Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Center
of International Sourcing 上海跨国采购会展中心
The Leading Corporate Travel Management
Conference for China
中国首屈一指的商务旅行管理大会
80
“I now better understand
the Chinese culture
and how to effectively
handle corporate travel
management matters
relating to this market.”
% of
Corporate Travel Buyers Agreed
That The Event Delivered A High
Quality Conference Programme
80%的商务旅行管理精英非常满意
大会论坛质量
Credit Suisse AG Singapore
Lena Khoo, Regional Head
of Travel
29
Quality
Speakers
From World Renown
Brands Covering 10
Conference Sessions
来自世界知名品牌的29位高
品质演讲嘉宾领衔10场大会论坛
“首届中国国际商旅大会更
贴近公司差旅采购和差旅管
理者的需求，我总是能在那
些大数据、实时访谈和专业
演讲嘉宾的分享中获得我所
需要的讯息。”
GE中国
Jason Sun, 采购经理
Each Corporate Travel Buyer Valued
On-Site Procurement Opportunities
Between USD 50,000 and
Over
USD
1Million
为商旅管理精英制造绝佳现场采购商机，
价值从50,000美元至超过1,000,000美元不等。
Hosting Benefits Available
For Eligible Corporate Travel Buyers
Scan To Register Your Interest 扫描此二维码
or register online at www.itcmchina.com/hostme/executivepa
Corporate Travel Buyer Profiles Include 欢迎以下商务旅行管理专业人士参加
差旅经理 | 差旅专员 | 间接采购/采购经理 | 财务经理 | 人事/行政经理 | 办公室经理
Travel Managers | Travel Specialists | Indirect Procurement / Purchasing Managers | Finance Managers |
HR / Administration Managers | Office Managers
www.corporatetravelworld.com/china
Contact 联络方式: [email protected] | Tel 电话: (65) 6395 7575
Organiser:
Official Media 官方媒体:
Industry Partner:
CTW China 2016 is proud to be part of the Shanghai Business Events Week.
2016中国国际商旅大会有幸成为上海会议周的合作伙伴。
Where The MICE Industry Comes Together in Shanghai. An Exciting Week of Business, Education And Networking Events.
会奖旅游行业精英齐聚上海，共同参与为期一周的商务、教育与交流的盛会。
READER PANEL
Your opinions are important—join our interactive panel by
sending your details to [email protected]
Check out the Executive PA Magazine official page on
DISCUSSION
What changes do
you predict for the
profession over the
next five years?
By 2020 will EAs still be desk-bound and reliant on technology? We
find out from readers what they think the future of work looks like
Candice Ward
EA,
Westpac
“Executive Assistants will have more
involvement in the content side of their
executive’s work, not just the logistic side.
The EA’s role will span from diary
management through to drafting briefing
notes and board papers. They will become
synonymous with the executive and the
executive’s role. With this evolution comes a
real opportunity for EAs to leverage their
specific skills and expertise for the mutual
success of them and their manager.”
Brenda Patterson
EA,
Urban Growth NSW
“I believe with technology moving so quickly
there will be fewer demands on EAs to
perform traditional tasks and more executive
skills required, ie writing reports, assisting
with strategic planning, financial reporting
etc. There also seems to be a growing trend
of employers looking to expand the EA role
to include office management, HR,
marketing etc. Many roles advertised of late
are three roles in one yet still labelled
Executive Assistant.”
Katherine Thomas
Strategic Assistant,
Soho Flordis International
“The assistant role will be more focused on
providing structure, accountability and
managing multiple inputs coming to their
executive in a project management style.
Assistants will be expected to be fluid in a
number of tongues – finance, marketing and HR
and step in and support those departments as
required to facilitate work proceeding through
bottlenecks; with anything from PR support (i.e.
the voice of the CEO) to branding, to team
management and budget preparation.”
Jenni Lanfear
EA, National Heart
Foundation
“EAs are in a unique position to work so
closely with management. We can focus on
developing our ideas, making valuable
contributions and diversifying our skills. By
developing a solid understanding of the core
business, we can not only provide the
administrative support required but also
contribute to the functions and outcomes of
the organisation we work for.”
Kelly Wilson
Senior PA,
KPMG
Denise Keen
EA to CEO/Chair,
Arup Australasia
“The next five years brings the world closer to
2025 when 50 per cent of the population will
be under 30 with 75 per cent of the workforce
millennial. Younger people will hold more
power to bring about change and drive their
ideas. Keeping up, striving to be in front,
learning from younger professionals will be as
important as sharing knowledge and experience.
Digital skills will be imperative, as well as the
‘soft’ skills our profession needs to excel.”
Linda Janson
PA
Virgin Australia
“Ever increasing technological capabilities will
truly advance the concept of the mobile
office over the next five years. With cloud
connectivity, a physical office will become of
less importance. Video conferencing will
become more common and reliance on the
printed document will drop with tablets
becoming the new interactive paper of the
day. Working remotely and flexible work
hours will become the new norm.”
“In recent years the EA industry has rapidly
evolved into the realm of proactive business
partner and change manager. As these
changes progress, I believe that there will be
more responsibility on EAs to be leaders, role
models and to be an extension of their boss(s).
With this, there will be an expectation to be
proactive, hands on and involved with all
levels of management and the business. On
the upside of technological progress, our
roles are also providing us with more
flexibility which is by far the biggest change
in the industry now and in years to come.”
57
READER PANEL
Your opinions are important—join our interactive panel by
sending your details to [email protected]
Check out the Executive PA Magazine official page on
SOCIAL
MEDIA
How do you manage
your manager’s inbox?
1 Melissa Carle:
I use a colour coded flag system in my
executive’s inbox and check mark the ones I’ve
dealt with. As long as your executive knows
what the colors mean you can effectively
manage the inbox together. I also start draft
reply emails so when we sit down together he
just needs to review the emails then hit send.
1 Julie Crisp:
I find that using technology to organise
overwhelming technology problems only
overwhelms. If you are in sync with your exec
you should know what his priorities are at any
given time. I print the emails that he needs to
address personally, highlighting the key points
throughout each email.
1 Melanie Johnson:
When I started my role, I had a frank and open
discussion on how they like to work, how they
would like their inboxes managed etc. I keep
an open communication channel with them
verbally and remind them every so often
about items that need their attention.
1 Robin Seaholm:
Being able to edit an email is the greatest
Outlook invention ever. I leave notes, if
needed, inside a sender’s email. I change the
font color of my text and sign it so that the
exec knows I wrote it. I then make sure to
mark the message as unread.
1 Minerva Sanchez Rudman:
I am automatically cc’d on every email my
boss sends out. It is incredibly helpful. I asked
IT to set it up from the server.
Join the conversation at:
www.facebook.com/executivepa
www.twitter.com/PAofTheYear
www.linkedin.com/Executive PA Magazine
58
Larissa wows UK crowd
Executive PA Magazine PA of the Year
2014 Larissa Auditore had a starring
role at the UK’s leading exhibition for
the PA profession – Office*, which took
place at London’s Olympia on the 13
and 14 of October.
Through the power of technology
Larissa was able to join the Executive
PA Magazine UK team on stage to
share the highlights of winning her
award and what it’s meant for her career.
Not only was she able to inspire the
PAs who joined us for this keynote but
it also gave her one final opportunity to
share her story of success, as the next
day our 2015 winner was crowned.
Change is right around the corner
We all know the world of work is changing
– as our readers discuss opposite, but what
do the experts see for the future? Hay
Group has identified six mega-trends
which will prove to be game changers:
1 Digitisation: The fact that employees
can publicly (and often anonymously)
discredit a company’s reputation means
businesses will become more responsive,
accountable and engaged with their workers.
1 Individualism: Workers are expecting
their personal needs to be met and will
resign from a company if this doesn’t happen.
1 Globalisation: The shift of economic
power to emerging markets in Latin
America, Eastern Europe and Asia will lead
to severe shortages in talent elsewhere.
1 Demographic change: The next 5-10
years will see baby boomers retiring so
companies must invest time and money in
succession planning.
1 Environmental crisis: Companies must
find sustainable solutions to the depletion
of raw materials. Half of millennials
consider a company’s social causes before
accepting a job.
1 Technology convergence: Thanks to
cloud computing, portable devices,
nanotechnology and other emerging
technologies, we’ll be working in more
collaborative environments.
CAREER PA
All the career news and advice top PAs need
Four ways to be more
mindful at work
You may think that mindfulness has no
place in the boardroom but you’d be
wrong. Major companies like Google,
Facebook and Apple use it to help get
the best from their employees, while
the US Marine Corps taught mindfulness meditation to their troops to help
deal with stressful situations. So, how
can mindfulness at work help you –
and how on earth do you do it?!
1
Observe
One of the key benefits of being
more mindful in the office is a reduction
in your stress levels and this exercise is
a brilliant way to feel more relaxed at
work. Pick a natural item that’s within
reach, it could be a pebble you keep by
your computer, a plant or even a cloud
you can see. Really pay attention to
what you’re seeing – explore everything
about the item you’re looking at – its
shape, its colour, how it might feel, how
it’s moving. Allow nothing else to enter
into your mindset, just focus on this one
item for a minute or two.
2
Touch points
EAs carry out a lot of repetitive
tasks throughout the day – but you can
use these to your advantage with an exercise that encourages you to think
about things differently and snap out of
auto-pilot. Consider a couple of things
you do every single day – it could be
opening the boss’s post, switching on
your computer or hopping in the lift.
Next, develop the habit of every time
you do the routine task to take a few
moments to be more mindful of your
surroundings. Use the routine task as a
prompt to spend just a few moments
emptying your mind.
3
Mindful listening
EAs have to be great communicators and that means both listening
and speaking. An easy technique will
encourage you to be in the now when
speaking to colleagues and not be influenced by past experiences. Download a
song that you’ve never heard before and
listen to it – with no interruptions or
expectations. Allow the song to wash
over you without focusing on any one
element – just enjoy and listen. This
technique translates well when you’re in
a difficult meeting and have to listen to
someone give their side of an argument
– listen without prejudice or judgement.
4
Take five
Research repeatedly finds that
being more mindful in the office leads
to more creative employees and here’s
a great way to enhance your creative
thinking. During the day take the time
to notice five things that normally
would go unnoticed – perhaps a sign
up on the noticeboard, or the noise
your colleague’s printer makes. Now,
really focus on this new thing – how
does it make you feel, how could you
describe it, check out the finer intricate
details of it. Let your creative mind and
imagination wander for a few minutes
as you ponder this item.
CAREER INSPIRATION
Do it today...
revamp your
cover letter
Once upon a time writing a strong cover
letter was essential to your job application.
But today recruiters and hiring managers
glance over your cover letter and move
quickly to your CV, where they focus on
your skills and experience to determine
your suitability to the role.
Does this mean the cover letter is dead?
Not at all; it just needs a revamp.
In your email or online application write
a succinct two or three paragraph – no
more – summary of your unique selling
points that are most relevant to the job.
Start by stating the role you are
applying for and then – keeping in mind the
need to be succinct and relevant – explain
the skills and experience you possess that
are most suited to the role. You can find
these out by pulling the keywords from the
job advertisement. For example the
advertisement might say: “This position
requires an outgoing person with
demonstrated capacity to work in a team.”
The keywords here are “outgoing”,
“demonstrated” and “team”.
Next, search through your own career
history for specific examples to show you
have what the employer is looking for. Use
one or two recent examples or successful
outcomes to demonstrate your suitability.
That’s it. You don’t need to show flair or
personality, say why you are attracted to the
role, list your career ambitions or describe
your background or hobbies. Instead, pique
the reader’s interest so that they want to
read your CV to find out more. That means
sticking to a concise summary of your most
relevant unique selling points, and then
giving way to your CV.
59
60,61_EPAoz_Issue6_15_NEW_final.qxp_Layout 1 18/11/2015 10:17 Page 60
RECOGNISING
& REWARDING
ACHIEVEMENT
SINCE 1991
60
60,61_EPAoz_Issue6_15_NEW_final.qxp_Layout 1 18/11/2015 10:17 Page 61
A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS:
Tourism New Zealand
“Tourism New Zealand was thrilled to sponsor the 2015 PA of
the Year award at the recent awards night in Sydney. Our goal
is to attract more conferences and incentive groups to New
Zealand. PAs are key influencers in this process and we see
these individuals as an influential gateway who have the ability
to impact decision makers across a broad range of industries.
We want to congratulate all the finalists and a special
congratulations to the winner Janine Turner, Executive
Assistant to Chief Executive – Health Services, Mercy Health.
The awards are a valuable platform that provide career and
personal development opportunities.”
— Lisa Gardiner, Manager, International Business Events and Premium
Hays Sydney
“All of us at Hays Office Support extend warm congratulations
to the winners and runners up in this year’s Executive PA
Magazine awards. You deserve the recognition for your
outstanding professional attitude and performance, and for
having a positive impact in your world of work. We wish you all
the best for your ongoing career success.”
— Alex Jones, Regional Director
FcM Travel Solutions
“We understand the significance and pressures of the EA role
in the business environment and therefore the importance of
recognising these individuals. I would like to take this
opportunity to personally congratulate all of the award winners
and thank you for your hard work and dedication.”
THANKS!
This evening couldn’t have been
the success it was without the
help of our supporters. So we’d
like to extend a massive thank
you to everyone who contributed:
Tim Stackpool
Larissa Auditore
Air New Zealand
All Occasion Cruises
Ananda Tours
Four Points by Sheraton
The Monkey’s Cobbler
Oneill Photographics
Pearsons Florists
Pullman Hotels and Resorts
— James Kavanagh, General Manager
Radisson
Navarra Venues
“What we loved about the evening the most was the inspiration
we saw in all the finalists and winners. These ladies and gents
are responsible for not only managing the day-to-day planning
of CEOs and directors, but also inspiring them, creating ease
and ability in their days and being their back bone. You are all
amazing at what to do!”
Royale Limousines
Song Division
Swinburne University
— Esra Kaya, Corporate Events Director
The Langham Auckland
Cherryhill Orchards
“Once again we want to congratulate David Gall from NAB on
winning Boss of the Year and also congratulate the runners up
of the category too. We believe a great bond between a boss
and their staff members creates a friendly and inspiring work
environment and inevitably a very successful business.”
Yourmc.com.au
Coral Sea Resort
— Rachel Chivers, Marketing Coordinator
61
62,IBC_EPAoz_Issue6_15_final_Layout 1 16/11/2015 17:35 Page 62
EXECUTIVE PA
MAGAZINE
AWARDS 2015
ON CAMERA
Oneill Photographics was on hand to
capture all the action from our awards
evening – can you spot yourself?
62
© All images courtesy of Oneill Photographics
62,IBC_EPAoz_Issue6_15_final_Layout 1 16/11/2015 17:35 Page 63
63

Executive PA Magazine

Transcription

Similar documents

Sayidaty Awards Presentation KSA

expose - Mallorca Immobilien 24

Business Outreach

File

Overview of Student External Award Opportunities

BURJ AL ARAB

Know Before You Go Sydney

TIME FOR THE EXTRAORDINARY

A000657 . Managers Specials_Dec

Holidays for Couple February 2016