#StrategicPASeries | Reflecting on an Incredible 2024 with Strategic PA Network ??

Welcome to our 2024 highlights edition of the #StrategicPASeries newsletter - your go-to update on everything happening in our vibrant community!

As the year comes to a close, we’re celebrating the standout moments that made 2024 unforgettable. From winning big at the PA Show Awards to hosting inspiring events like our inaugural Strategic PA Development Summit, this year has been nothing short of amazing.

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to each of you in the Strategic PA Network community. Your support, enthusiasm and engagement have been the driving force behind our successes this year. Together, we’ve achieved so much, and it’s time to celebrate our top 10 highlights of an incredible 2024!

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1. Celebrating Excellence at the Strategic PA Network Awards????

Our 2024 Awards were a true celebration of the outstanding talent within our community. From recognising trailblazing Assistants to honouring teams driving innovation and impact, the evening was filled with inspiration, laughter and well-deserved applause.

A special thank you to Bonnie Low-Kramen , our keynote speaker, for her empowering address that set the tone for an unforgettable night. Here's to everyone who made the event a shining success – you are the heart of our network! ?

Plans are well underway for 2025's Awards... for anyone who'd like to know more about nominations, be involved, sponsor an Award... please ensure you are signed up to our mailing list (we promise we don't spam you at all!)... ?? LINK IS HERE ??

2. Launching Our Inaugural Strategic PA Network Learning & Development Summit at Great Fosters ????

This year marked the debut of our Learning & Development Summit, a day dedicated to growth, connection and empowerment for Business Support Professionals. Hosted at the stunning Great Fosters Hotel & Restaurants , the event featured thought-provoking sessions on Emotional Intelligence, Imposter Syndrome and even the evolving role of AI. We had Strategic PA Network favourite speakers join us such as Lucy Brazier OBE , Toni Kent , Fiona Young , Mike Ford , Dannielle Haig (HCPC, MBPsS) , Amanda Johnson , Jo Brianti to name but a few incredible speakers. It was fantastic to see our community come together to learn, share, and inspire one another – setting the stage for even more impactful events in the future.

We are excited to partner with Group Sales Director Claire Bewers again for our 2025 Summit!

??? Tickets for this event are available HERE. ???

“I just wanted to say thank you and congratulations to all of you for a fantastic event yesterday. So much care and attention went into planning the day. You must all be exhausted and buzzing too.”

3. Winning 'Best Recruitment Company for Assistants’ at The PA Show 2024 Supplier Awards ??

We were absolutely thrilled and humbled to win the prestigious ‘Best Recruitment Company for Assistants’ award at The PA Show Supplier Awards 2024! The recognition meant so much to us as it aligns with our mission to champion Executive Assistants as true leaders and integral strategic business partners. A massive thank you to everyone who supports, attends and cheers us on. From Day 1 to now... we couldn’t do it without you! ????

4. Collaborating with Lucy Brazier OBE ???

This year, we had the privilege of collaborating with Lucy Brazier OBE , the global authority on business support, CEO of Executive Support Media and long-time supporter of Strategic PA Network. During an inspiring brainstorming session in sunny Javea, we shared ideas, laughter and plans for an exciting series of exclusive events in 2025 - including roundtable dinners, breakfasts and more... A huge thank you goes to Lucy's EA Germaine Knight ACEA? for making this happen, we love working with Germaine!

As we gear up to celebrate our 10-year anniversary, we’re thrilled to bring even more value and opportunities to our incredible community! We have an exclusive event with Lucy coming to London in March 2025 and can't wait to share plans about it! ??

5. Hosting the PA Show’s 2024 Summer Summit ????

We were thrilled to be asked to host The PA Show ’s 2024 Summer Summit back in July, bringing together an incredible community of Business Support professionals. The event was a perfect example of what Strategic PA Network stands for - creating opportunities for growth, learning from inspiring keynote speakers and fostering meaningful connections. It was an honour to support the PA Show and to say YES to new experiences that push us beyond our comfort zones!?A huge thank you to Lisa Farnfield , Charlotte Fewlass , Jack Belcher & Liz Agostini for putting your trust in us!

6. Shattering Gender Stereotypes in the Business Support Industry ????

This year, we proudly hosted the Strategic PA Network Roundtable Diversity Series: 'Shattering Gender Stereotypes' at Bentley's Oyster Bar and Grill . The evening sparked powerful conversations about breaking barriers and embracing diversity within the business support profession. Key takeaways included celebrating inclusivity, using language that shapes perceptions and uplifting younger male assistants by understanding their journeys. With inspiring contributions from Toni Kent and exceptional hosting by Kathryn Williams , this thought-provoking event reminded us of the collective impact we can make as a profession. It was a truly memorable evening, paving the way for more important discussions in the future. ???

7. Empowering & Open Conversations at Our 'Diversity & Inclusion' Roundtable Dinner ??

Across 2024 our Strategic PA Diversity & Inclusion series has been truly inspiring! Our 3rd event in the series was a standout highlight - held at Bentley's Oyster Bar and Grill , the discussion emphasised how Executive Assistants are a core part of organisational talent. It was a powerful reminder that inclusivity is key, and the EA role is on a transformative path. Here’s to standing tall together and using our voices for change!?

8. Celebrating Admin Professionals Day ??

Admin Professionals Day was a true celebration of the amazing work our Business Support Professionals do every day! We took to social media to shine a spotlight on the incredible Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants and Office Managers in our network. With inspiring posts and shout-outs, we honoured their dedication, skills, and the vital role they play in driving success. Thank you to all the amazing Admins who continue to lead with strength, creativity, and resilience. Here's to you! ??

9. Our Successful Breakfast Events Series ??

This year, we've had the pleasure of hosting a series of insightful breakfast events across some of the most prestigious venues, including Meliá Hotels International Whitehouse, Beaverbrook , Fortnum & Mason , The Ritz London , Cliveden House and Spa and Vintry & Mercer Hotel (Est . 2019) . These mornings have been invaluable for fostering connections, sharing knowledge and learning from industry leaders.

Each event brought together Business Support Professionals from across various industries to discuss key topics, from leadership development to navigating the future of the EA role. It’s been a fantastic opportunity for networking and growth and we’re thrilled with the positive feedback and meaningful relationships that have come from these gatherings.

Stay tuned for more breakfast events coming in 2025!

10. Welcoming Savanna to the Team! ??

One of the standout moments of 2024 for Strategic PA Network & Strategic PA Recruitment - SPECIALIST EA/PA AGENCY was the recruitment of Savanna Skeath as our Executive Assistant! Savanna’s passion, dedication, huge smile and drive have already made a significant impact on the team.?

Since joining, she has seamlessly embraced the role and contributed to the continued growth of Strategic PA Network . Her commitment to empowering the Business Support Profession and fostering meaningful relationships perfectly aligns with our values.?

We’ve been beyond thrilled to have Savanna on board as part of our incredible team and look forward to the many exciting contributions she’ll make in the years ahead. ??

As we reflect on the highlights of 2024, we’re filled with gratitude for the incredible support and collaboration within our network. From thought-provoking events to ground-breaking conversations and moments of celebration, it’s been quite the year. What was your favourite moment of 2024? Is there someone you met, a venue you saw or perhaps a speaker that resonated with you? We’d love to hear from you!

We are excited to continue building on these achievements and can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store for our vibrant community. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us - together, we’re shaping the future of business support. Here's to another year of success, inspiration and collaboration! ?

Happy New Year!

Sarah & Marianne xx

P.S. - Our network is open to everyone, and we’d love to discuss membership options with you, whether for individuals or organisations. If you’re currently facing challenges, are out of work or struggling with funds, please know that you’re always welcome. We are committed to ensuring you can attend our events - online or face-to-face - and will always find a way to support you!

At the heart of our network is a commitment to bringing people together, celebrating the profession and supporting one another through both good times and hard times. If you’re considering joining or attending, don’t hesitate to reach out, we’d love to hear from you.

Networking can feel daunting, but with an ethos centred around inclusion and ensuring no one stands on their own, our friendly committee members are here to connect, introduce and make you feel part of our community from the moment you arrive.