Catch up on recent events and see what's planned over the next couple of months. No Images? Click here The sun's still shining here at EPAN HQ..We're determined to eke out every last drop of this amazing summer. We're grateful for the popularity of the forthcoming Summer Party and Conference, which we're very much looking forward to - it will be a wonderful opportunity to catch up with lots of you.A moment of reflectionHaving attended a fantastic #NatWestBoost seminar with @ScottGould on the subject of engagement, our original September newsletter intro has been rewritten! Scott reminded us this morning that people don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it. We (the Network) regularly share what we're doing - all our events, etc - but we're not sure we share often enough why we do it. So, here goes... In essence, we do this because we passionately believe that upskilled, motivated and connected PAs can improve both the productivity and profitability of local businesses; we've shown time and time again how PAs can connect businesses enabling everyone to prosper. Yet, businesses all too often overlook their support teams when it comes to training and development budgets. We have some incredible - world class - businesses in Exeter, and to really thrive businesses need a strong, up to date support structure - which we can help to deliver. And there's still lots to do as we head into the final quarter of the year. We encourage you to put plans in place to get the most out of the last quarter of the year, to make sure you achieve everything you wanted to before we hit the festive season.So, whether you're looking for more personal development, a bit of self-care, or ideas for the team's Christmas party, the Network can help! A big thank you ♡The Network aims to provide high quality, low-cost networking and development opportunities for our members, to promote and raise the profile of the PA profession, and, wherever possible, that of our individual members. We want to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors and corporate partners for all their support in ensuring the ongoing operation of the Network so that we can continue to deliver benefit to our members and the broader business community. Coming up:PA Network Development Conference / 12 October 2018We're very much looking forward to this year's conference. More than 50% of last year's delegates have booked again this year, and we've sold two-thirds of our tickets - so we only have a limited number of tickets left! This year's speakers: As ever, in addition to our fabulous speakers, we've got some awesome exhibitors for you to meet:
And what did our delegates say about the last year?“It was great fun and I am pleased I took the time to attend” “Amazing day, can’t wait for next year!” “Fantastic conference, can't wait for the next one” “It will be difficult to top the 2017 conference as it was excellent” “I very much enjoyed the variety of topics on offer, all of which proved interesting and relevant.” Tickets are £149 for the full day, to include lunch and refreshments. Limited number of tickets left. Summer Party / Wed 19.09. / 6pm - 8pmJoin us for fun evening at the beautiful Deer Park Hotel - simply an opportunity to catch up over some fizz, enjoy some food and look around the venue. Breakfast / Th 20.9. / 7.30amOur regular networking breakfast. This time we'll hear from Polly Wilton, a freelance Close Protection Operator working with UHNW clients. Other Events:
more information at: www.exeterpanetwork.com/eventsStay tuned in for the latest info: Dragon's Den @ NCS ExeterIt was wonderful to be asked to be a 'Dragon' at the National Citizen Service hosted by Exeter City Football Club recently. The young people who took part in this year's scheme were incredibly inspiring, and did a fantastic job of researching, presenting and then implementing a variety of social action plans, some highlighting the issues around homelessness, whilst others looked to raise funds for and awareness of defibrillators around the city, and others aimed to support the crucial work of organisations such as Hospiscare. It was a privilege to be part of the event, and to be able to provide feedback, connections and a little bit of support to the teams in terms of profile raising. We're delighted that the organisers of this initiative will be telling us more about the work they do, as well as their plans for next year, at our October business breakfast. If you have teenage children - you might not want to miss it! Vehicle Maintenance Workshop OfferA number of us had a fabulous time at Exminster Garage when owner, Jo Strachan, ran through the various dashboard warning lights and showed us how to check levels and tyres, as well as how to change a wheel. There were some invaluable nuggets included. For example, did you know that if you only top up your washer bottle with water, rather than windscreen wash, you risk catching legionnaires disease! Windscreen wash contains antibacterial chemicals which will prevent this. Jo has offered to run another workshop in the spring if there's sufficient interest. Let us know if you would like to attend! In the meantime, don't forget the Garage's offer of ★ 15% off first visit ★ for our members ★ ! Quote PA Network. Southernhay Pop UpWe've enjoyed having our pop up networking tent on Southernhay Lawns, alongside Exeter Street Food and Granny Garbutt's Gin Palace. This takes place on the last Friday of the month between 12 noon and 8pm during the summer. We will be there again in September - so please do swing by and join us for a cheeky G&T! ★ Party Bookings / PA Rewards ★ Granny Garbutt's Gin Palace is now taking bookings! Whether you want an indoor or outdoor event, they can provide a bespoke party experience. Exeter PA Network members are offered a 'Booker Reward' of a 70cl bottle of either Exeter Gin or Granny Garbutt's gin. Quote Exeter PA Network. For more information - email Karen @ Exeter Gin. ★ Like Minds Ideas Festival / 20% OFF ★ This year's Like Minds Ideas Festival will be taking place in Exeter over two days - 27 and 28 September. The organisers have offered Exeter PA Network members a 20% discount off full ticket price - use code EXETERPANET. Check out the full event schedule: Watch out for our next newsletterIn 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 hope to see you at an event soon! Kim Glover |