Catch up on recent events and see what's planned over the next couple of months. No Images? Click here Ho ho ho Our last newsletter of 2017 - where has the year gone? Whilst reflecting on the year as it comes to a close, and looking forward to making exciting plans for the New Year, I wanted to take a moment to say a really big thank you to everyone who has supported the Network during this amazing year. We've done such a lot - we've grown massively, we've put on some fantastic events, we've connected with employers, we've re-branded and really stepped it up a gear, and we've partnered with some brilliant sponsors. None of this would have happened without our members, our sponsors, our speakers, our venues, and our providers of marketing, web and design support - THANK YOU, YOU UTTERLY AWESOME PEEPS....! I'm looking forward to what 2018 has in store for us - I'm sure there will be lots of exciting times ahead. So, without further ado, let's catch up on what's been happening... This little PA went to.............. Munich! When I was at high school, I was expelled from PE (apparently for being disruptive), and I was sent off to the school office to do typing instead. I guess they thought it was some form of punishment.. Little did they know how that would shape my future. Wind forward *ahem* years, and I've not only enjoyed a successful career as a PA, but have founded a network which promotes the PA profession and supports PAs in their development and career progression. I've also been fortunate enough to sit on the Regional Advisory Board for our profession's national association, representing PAs across the South West. To top that all off, I was recently invited to present at a conference for EAs and PAs - in Munich! - organised by the Vonlanthen Group, and chaired by Lucy Brazier of Executive Secretary Magazine. The delegates represented 20 different countries, and I had a 45 minute slot in which to share my thoughts on why we as Assistants need to get more strategic, how technology will impact our roles, and how we can future proof our careers by enhancing our networking and relationship building skills. I was able to spend time with some incredible Assistants, including John Shaw, Assistant to the CEO at Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, as well as world renowned speaker Bonnie Low-Kramen (formerly Assistant to Olympia Dukakis). I do wonder what Mrs Greenwood, my PE teacher, would make of it all.. Post Conference Survey Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our survey and provide us with feedback In rating our conference, the options were poor, below average, average, good or excellent - 100% of respondents rated our speakers/topics as good or excellent (71% rated them as excellent), and 100% of our respondents rated the conference as good or excellent value for money (62% rated it as excellent). Plus, 93% of respondents said they would attend a future conference. What a creative bunch you are! A good number of us took advantage of the invite to visit Buckfast Abbey on Saturday, 18 November, and we were rewarded with a tour of their refurbished and very modern meeting facilities, a table decoration workshop hosted by one of the Head Gardeners, and a delicious lunch - check out the finished decorations! We all had a lovely time - a big thank you to Carin Hawkey at Buckfast for being such a great host! Breakfast / Th 18.01 / 7.30amFor our first breakfast of 2018, our speaker will be Alexander Technique Teacher Jenny Skinner Other Events:
more information at: www.exeterpanetwork.com/eventsStay in touch: Had a successful year? Thank those who helped the most this Christmas!Give your most valued clients and staff a real taste of the Westcountry this Christmas, with a delicious cheese selection box or hamper from The Cheese Shed, Devon. Their limited edition gifts & hampers are a real ‘foodies’ treat. You can choose from either 3, 4 or 5 delicious cheeses all made by small artisan producers in the South West, which are then packaged up beautifully with biscuits, chutneys and wines, ready to send anywhere in the UK. You can order today and select the delivery date of your choice before Christmas. Prices start from £29.99 so order yours today at www.thecheeseshed.com. While you are browsing take peak at their new meeting box range too! SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE PA NETWORK: If you’re looking to place an order for your team or more than five chosen clients, call Ian today on 01626 835599 and he will personally help you with a package deal. One of the freshest Wine Merchants in the South West, Jaded Palates is fast making a name for itself in the region. Led by qualified Winemaker Ian Renwick, the entire range at both stores in Chagford & Ashburton, as well as the online shop www.jadedpalates.com has been hand personally selected based on taste and quality. SPECIAL OFFER TO PA NETWORK: Jaded Palates has created a range of Christmas Special Offers which is available to view on their website at www.jadedpalates.com. But if you are looking to bring together an extra special selection for your most valued clients, give the team a call on 0333 370 1355 and they will bring together a bespoke package deal just for you. Sponsorship opportunities We have a range of sponsorship packages available. If you or your organisation would like to learn more about the opportunity to engage with our vibrant network, and to take a leading role in supporting Exeter's PA community, please do get in touch. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and look forward to seeing you in the New YearIn the meantime, please do share ♥ this newsletter with colleagues and contacts who you think would enjoy being part of our network - or encourage them to subscribe to our updates through our website (www.exeterpanetwork.com). Take care y'all and enjoy the festive season Kim Glover |