Resounding success for Exeter PA event
Organizers of the latest Exeter PA Network seminar are expressing their delight at the resounding success of the event which attracted over 60 delegates to the Mercure Southgate Hotel in Exeter.
The evening was styled as a ‘celebratory event’ aimed at raising awareness amongst the regional personal assistant community of the various awards that are open to them and encouraging them to put themselves forward for recognition.
High profile speakers included Leanne Graham, Executive PA Magazine/HAYS PA of the Year winner 2013 and Lucy Brazier, the CEO of Executive Secretary Magazine.
The event was organized, opened and facilitated by Rebecca Eccles, an early career PA at Michelmores Solicitors in Exeter.
She said: “It was a fantastic and inspirational evening. Leanne gave a very open, honest and, at times, emotional presentation about her difficult childhood and how this had affected her confidence to the point where she could either give up or fight back. She fought back, built a career and used the award process to reaffirm how far she'd come and how her confidence had been massively boosted by the process.
“Lucy’s presentation focussed on being the best you can be, setting out the importance of striving for excellence, committing to learn something every day and how the role of the PA has evolved from being typists to more like strategic business partners to their bosses.”
The evening, which culminated with dinner and some fantastic raffle prizes, attracted some positive feedback.
Dita Dixon from the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office said: “What a marvellous event. The highlight of the evening was the selection of speakers. Well done for organising such a cracking line up. They were all inspirational in their own way - the best PA event to date.”
Caron Winter from leadership training specialists Sampson Hall, added: ”It was the first time that I have attended such event and it was certainly inspirational and thought provoking listening to the speakers and their experiences.”
Kim Glover PA to the managing partner at Michelmores commented: “Rebecca did a remarkable job organizing this important event which was part of her personal development programme. This further demonstrates Michelmores' commitment to developing talent and enabling individuals to flourish. Her contribution has been significant in growing the momentum that the PA Network movement in the South West is currently enjoying.”
It was also announced that the Bristol PA Network launched on 1 July and will forge links with the existing Networks in Exeter and Plymouth.
The next Exeter PA Network event will be held on 9 July followed by a Plymouth event on 22 October.
