I like to get out and about, as regular readers of this blog will know, but usually I confine my travels to zones 1-6 of the TFL network. Last week, however, I was invited by the lovely people at Malaysia Airlines to jet off to Kuala Lumpur with a select group of other lucky PAs. We were fortunate enough to…
read moreI have been out and about on the town again this week. First up, was a shindig for Ascott serviced apartments – they’re a Singapore-based company that has literally oodles of properties in all sorts of far-flung and exotic-sounding places, like Doha, Bangkok and Tokyo. Personally, I liked the sound of the new Citadines Suites Louvre Paris, situated right in…
read moreNormally when your boss asks you to do something, you’ll unquestioningly fall into line and carry out their request. After all, they’re the ones paying your salary, carrying out your appraisal and the person you need to keep on the right side of – plus, they’d never do anything untoward, surely. Alas, this blind faith in our employers doesn’t always…
read moreFull Information The course will provide attendees with an insight into the mechanisms behind managing a successful event. From planning to implementation we will understand how to professionally channel the motivation and objectives behind an event into effective results Strategy and pre-event planning: Meetings strategy Return on investment Budgeting and financial planning Meeting architecture Hybrid v. Virtual events – complementary…
read more“All organisations run because of good teams and people in support roles are a major part of those teams. The job is always varied, so PAs have to be able to anticipate as well as react and personal PAs have to do so on an emotional and professional level.” This is just some of the advice Hamish Jenkinson, (pictured)…
read moreFree attendance to special networking events and PA Life Club sponsored events Throughout the year, and around the country, the PA Life Club will host free receptions, drinks and networking evenings at top class venues. Here you can mix and chat with other PAs and meet the PA Life magazine editor, all in relaxed, comfortable surroundings. 50% off the…
read moreOxfordshire is known for its rolling countryside, historic architecture and academic facilities. This, alongside fully equipped modern facilities, provides the ideal backdrop to any conference or event. Oxford has so many famous attractions that visiting delegates will be spoilt for choice. Alongside the 38 colleges and countless gardens, halls, chapels and museums, which are ideal settings for business events, you can…
read moreA unique venue can embody your brand, be a great draw for delegates and could even cost less than you think. Nicole Holgate talks to those in the know. If your company hasn’t yet ventured beyond the hotel chains in order to host its events, it may be high time to think about it. “It’s about making the venue part…
read moreCommunications technology in the modern age is advancing at an exponential rate and changing the way we communicate, both personally and professionally. With social networking and the ability to communicate with anyone anywhere in the world at our fingertips, the need for face-to-face communication would appear to be diminishing. However, the value of meeting in person looks set to continue…
read moreLuxury travel operator Orient-Express has launched a new portal that can be used by PAs booking events to find information on each of the company’s 45 hotel, train, cruise and restaurant ventures. The website, orient-express.com/events, has specifically been designed for corporate clients seeking inspiration in order to create bespoke events and incentive experiences with a difference.Regularly updated with the most…
read moreLiverpool’s venues and hotels are supported by an impressive collection of museums and attractions that provide organisers with plenty of options for gala dinners, social iteneraries or unique experiences. Alongside business travellers, it is estimated that more than two million people a year who plan to visit Liverpool are influenced to do so by The Beatles. One of the city’s…
read moreIf you’re trying to find somewhere suitable for a secluded board meeting away from the city, or even fancy recharging your batteries by the seaside, then Beachspoke’s luxury Cornwall venues have it covered. The properties, Black Moon, Blue Moon and Moon Shadow (pictured), are all designed as an alternative to whitewashed Cornwall cottages and bring a bit of glamour to…
read moreIt may sound like an oxymoron, but it’s an imperative part of day-to-day work that will help you excel in your current role. Vanessa Vallely offers insight into how PAs can manage their managers more effectively. 1. BE PREPARED If you are invited to join a meeting with your boss, always turn up fully prepared. Be on time, look the…
read moreIf team-building conjures up images of raft building or orienteering in the middle of a windswept field, think again. Charlie Berry looks at the alternatives. A recent survey carried out by Vodafone UK and YouGov suggests workers feel that some old-fashioned team-building exercises can be a waste of time, and are toe-curlingly embarrassing. The research among 1,000 British employees uncovered excruciating…
read moreWherever you are in the UK, you can find an array of open-air event venues suitable for hosting a corporate celebration that makes the best of the British summertime. PA Life presents a selection from around the country. 41 PORTLAND PLACE, LONDON Type of outdoor space: A spacious roof terrace in central London adjoined by the Ann Rylands Terrace Room.…
read moreIf you are looking for a meeting or function room to really wow your boss and his or her guests, Conference Search provides a bespoke venue-finding service perfect for corporate events. By using its Strictly Boardroom service, you can make use of luxury private estates, exclusive-use country houses, residential stately homes, Scottish castles, iconic city centre hotels and other boutique…
read moreLocated at the heart of England, Staffordshire is a county of contrasts that make it a cultured business destination centred on the bustling city of Stoke-on-Trent. Known locally as the potteries, Stoke-on-Trent’s industrial heritage earned it the title World Capital of Ceramics. Visitors can view much of its history at The Potteries Museum and Gallery in Hanley, which runs after-dark torchlit…
read moreYou may be used to organising functions in the UK, but planning events abroad can be incredibly daunting. Claire Higgins provides a few pointers to help you get started. Be preparedThe most important thing to do is gather as much information as you can from your marketing and events teams. Askto participate in the event planning meetings and let them know…
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