From the desk of Penelope Alice, Britain’s most fabulous PA: ExecSec Summit 2014

With all the demands on my time made by Mr P (“Book me on an early morning flight to Frankfurt, Penelope”, “Can you arrange to send my wife a nice birthday present, Penelope?”, “Where on earth are my glasses, Penelope?”) it’s not often I get the chance to get out of the office. I’m so glad I made the effort though to attend this year’s ExecSec at the stunning Heythrop Park resort set in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside.

For those of you unlucky enough to be unfamiliar with the event, allow me to explain. The kind folk at PA Life magazine (AKA the industry bible) put on an annual summit where admin professionals like moi can meet in peace and comfort with all manner of suppliers – in fact you have your own cosy little booth and they come to you, so-o-o much easier than schlepping round a trade show for hours. Plus, I was able to score brownie points with the boss, as I negotiated some really good deals with a few of the companies I met.

Alongside the appointments, there was a fantastic seminar programme with tips from well-known faces like Susie Barron-Stubley on influence and leadership, Sue France on how to resolve conflict in the workplace and Deborah Shaw on the secret of dressing for success, to name just a few.

Then in the evening they laid on a gala dinner, giving me the perfect excuse to get dolled up in my posh frock and listen to some amazing singers, including an Adele tribute act that you’d be hard pushed to tell apart from the real thing.

All in all, it was a great couple of days, with just the right mix of education, entertainment and networking opportunities. Hopefully, Mr P will agree and let me cut loose again in time for next year’s event.

For more information on ExecSec 2015, visit forumevents.co.uk/forum/ExecSec-Summit/upcoming-events-execsec-summit.html

This blog originally appeared on the PA Life Club site. To read more of Penelope Alice’s blog entries and get access to a range of fantastic benefits, including discounts and special deals at dozens of selected retailers and venues, as well as exclusive monthly competitions, networking events and 50% off PA Life’s new training courses, click here: palife.co.uk/pa-life-club