The PA Show Spring is nearly here, and if youโre attending, chances are your diary is already full, your inbox never stops, and youโre juggling priorities before youโve even left the office. Thatโs exactly why preparing properly for your two days at the show can make such a difference…
With the right mindset and a little forward planning, the event can become not just another busy date in the calendar, but a genuinely valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and refocus on you.
Here are top tips for how to prepare for your visit to The PA Show Spring:
1. Be clear on what you want to get out of the show
Before you arrive, take a moment to think about why youโre attending. Not just what your organisation might expect, but what you personally need right now in your role. Whether youโre looking for new suppliers to make your working life easier, seeking confidence and professional development, or simply craving time with people who truly understand the executive support role, having one or two clear intentions will help guide your choices across the two days and ensure your time is well spent.
2. Plan your schedule, but leave room to breathe
With multiple content streams, zones, exhibitors and networking opportunities, it can be tempting to focus only on one area or rush between sessions. Try not to overlook any part of the experience. The PA Show Spring is designed as a whole, with learning, networking, suppliers and quieter moments all playing an important role. Reviewing the agenda in advance and identifying sessions that resonate with your current challenges is helpful, but allow yourself the freedom to explore, wander the floor, listen in on unexpected conversations and take breaks when you need them. Often, itโs the combination of experiences that delivers the greatest value, not just one single part.
3. Use the show as CPD and career investment time
The PA Show Spring isnโt only about discovering products and services. Itโs also a chance to invest in your growth, confidence and future career. With a wide range of CPD-accredited learning available, the sessions you attend can be taken straight back to your organisation as recognised professional development. For many PAs and EAs, prioritising their own learning can feel difficult, but this is time set aside specifically for you, and it matters more than ever as roles continue to evolve and expand.
4. Prepare practically so you can stay comfortable and confident
While it may sound simple, how you prepare physically can have a huge impact on how much you enjoy and absorb over the two days. Comfortable shoes, a bag youโre happy to carry, something to take notes with, and remembering to stay hydrated can all make a difference. When youโre comfortable, youโre more present, more confident, and more open to conversations and learning.
5. Network in a way that feels right for you
Networking doesnโt have to mean working the room or forcing conversations. Donโt be afraid to remind yourself that youโre in a room full of people just like you. These arenโt really strangers. You already share common ground through your role, your challenges and your ambitions. Whether itโs a meaningful one-to-one chat, a conversation sparked by sitting next to someone in a session, or reconnecting with familiar faces from previous shows, networking can be as natural and relaxed as you choose to make it. Showing up as yourself and starting from shared experience is more than enough.
6.Plan your follow-up before you leave
Before you head home, take a few minutes to reflect on your experience. Review the contacts youโve made, the suppliers or sessions that stood out, and identify one or two actions you can take back to work. This small step helps turn inspiration into practical outcomes and ensures the value of your two days at The PA Show Spring lasts long after the event ends.
Ultimately, The PA Show Spring exists to support you, your challenges, your ambitions, and the vital role you play within your organisation. Itโs a rare opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, connect with people who truly understand your role, and invest in yourself without guilt. Prepare thoughtfully, arrive curious, take what you need, and leave knowing that prioritising your own development is not a luxury, but an essential part of your success.
๐๐ผRegister for your free entry to the Showย
PA Life will be at the Show with our own stand, and as a media partner we will also moderate two education sessions on Day 2:
- Leading Upwards: The Art of Managing Your Executive – our editor will be discussing the topic with Caroline Barnard, EA at Cambridge University Press and Assessment, and winner of PA Life PA Star of the Year Award 2025ย
- Empowering Assistants Through Mentoring Networks – details tbc soon
