Conference Agenda

All times U.S. Eastern Daylight.

Thursday, May 20

12:30 – 1:05 PM

KICKOFF ADDRESS – IT’S 2021. YOU’RE NOT JUST AN ADMIN! by Peggy Vasquez

Have you ever heard someone say – or said yourself – “I’m just an admin”? You are more than “just” anything. The truth is, as an administrative professional you are part of a powerful force that has tremendous influence and are crucial to the success of your organization. After this powerful kickoff presentation, you’ll never ever, ever say “I’m just an admin” again!

1:05 – 2:00 PM

PROJECT MANAGEMENT FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL

Wondering how to leverage your admin skills for a better position and to advance your career? Project management just might be the opportunity. You might already be managing projects and just don’t realize it! Gain confidence by learning the terms and identifying the steps of this sought-after discipline. With Ayanna Castro

2:00 – 2:15  PM     Break

2:15 – 3:00 PM

MANAGING EVENTS IN A NEW ERA

The digital transformation of the business world means organizing events has become more complex. Lucy Brazier has run events all over the world, and she’ll share her battle-tested tips for how to negotiate the best deals … bring vivid life to online and live gatherings … and know when to scrimp and when never to cut corners. With Lucy Brazier

3:00 – 3:45 PM

WORK-FROM-HOME GOTCHAS: SAFE AND SECURE TELECOMMUTING

Whether you do it full-time or part-time, working from home isn’t as simple as keeping your bunny slippers on and turning on your computer. How do you avoid tech glitches, file sharing disasters, identity theft? Some of the easiest things to do will make the most difference. Become the most trusted and effective telecommuter your company has.  With Melissa Esquibel

3:45 – 3:55 PM     Break

3:55 – 4:30 PM

Panel Discussion – STRESS MANAGEMENT: THE UNDERVALUED JOB SKILL

How do they do it—the admins who endure crazy deadlines, irrational people, and day-to-day pressures without stressing out? Our panel of trainers will draw upon decades of experience to offer tips on how to prolong your career by making it through the workday calm and centered enough to always rise above the chaos, and then sleep soundly at night.

4:30 – 5:00 PM

THE OFFICE TECH YOU MUST EMBRACE NOW … AND IN THE NEAR FUTURE

Artificial intelligence … real-time collaboration … the end of email … 100% cloud storage. Facility with these and other emerging office technologies may soon make the difference between a good admin and a superstar who teaches others instead of being confused by changes in the workplace. What’s coming next that will make your job more challenging … and your résumé more outstanding? With Corinne Hoisington

 

Friday, May 21

12:30 – 1:05 PM

KEYNOTE ADDRESS – NAVIGATING A NEW WORLD: THE TOP RESET SKILLS FOR ASSISTANTS by Joan Burge

The way assistants work has changed. Many assistants have found themselves dealing with mass chaos, lack of information, remote working, and new trends shaping the way they were used to working. As we transition through the different phases of returning to a new kind of workplace, we need coping mechanisms.

1:05 – 2:00 PM

HOW TO QUICKLY MOVE FROM OVERWHELMED TO ORGANIZED AND IMPROVE YOUR PRODUCTIVITY

Are you wasting valuable time searching for messages, files or important information? Are you stressed about forgetting another important task because it got lost in a stack of stuff? Are you ready to create an organized workspace that fits your unique organizing style? With Julie Perrine

2:00 – 2:15 PM     Break

2:15 – 3:00 PM

BRINGING WORKERS TOGETHER WITH MICROSOFT TEAMS

Learn to use Microsoft Teams optimally to keep groups efficient, focused and connected. This session on Teams reveals the features that make fast work of sharing information and resources without sending dozens of email messages, and includes teleconferencing hacks that make even scheduling and follow-up a breeze. With Melissa Esquibel

3:00 – 3:45 PM

THE KEYS TO PERSUASIVE BUSINESS WRITING

Nothing reveals more about your personal brand—and causes people to judge your qualities faster—than the way you write. Every piece of business correspondence, from your Slack messages to your meeting minutes, makes a difference. Master the art of getting people to do what you need through great phrasing and making others feel valued. With Heather Baker

3:45 – 3:55 PM     Break

3:55 – 4:30 PM

CONFRONTATION SKILLS FOR CONSCIENTIOUS ADMINS

Acquire control, confidence and composure in the most highly charged situations. Learning to confront someone can be done easily and quickly: No more panic, no more holding back from saying what you want to say. Here are the professional confrontation skills that will assert the best part of yourself and gain you the respect you deserve. With Rhonda Scharf

4:30 – 5:00 PM

THE ADMIN IN THE BOARDROOM: EXPECTATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

One of the significant responsibilities many administrative professionals may face at some point in their career is involvement in corporate or community boards. What is the admin’s role in the boardroom and what are the expectations and responsibilities that assistants should know in order to be successful? With Lisa Olsen

 

Topics and speakers subject to change.