Strategic Empowerment
The PA Show Summer Summit & Supplier Awards is back for 2025, bringing together the UK’s top executive support elite for a day of learning, networking, and celebration.
Taking place on 09 July at The HAC in London, this year’s theme, Strategic Empowerment, is all about enabling senior-level assistants to step confidently into more influential roles, with the mindset, tools, and strategies to lead with impact.
As the business support landscape evolves, the Summer Summit will deliver expert-led sessions focused on empowering attendees to elevate their performance, embrace innovation, and take control of their career trajectory. Expect actionable takeaways, future-focused learning, and a fresh perspective on what it means to be a truly strategic assistant.
09:00 - 10:00 Registration & Breakfast
10:10 - 10:45 Session 1: Culture Architects: How Assistants Shape Organisational DNA
Speaker: Ruth Creely, Group EA & Head of Culture at Nineteen Group
Executive support professionals are at the heart of company culture. This session will explore how you can be a culture catalyst - fostering inclusion, driving engagement, and becoming a trusted ambassador of company values.
10:50 - 11:20 Session 2: Empowerment Keynote
Speaker: Nicole Bearne, Founder & Director of The Comms Exchange
In this talk, Nicole will share her personal career journey - from supporting senior leaders in Formula 1 to shaping internal culture at a championship-winning team. With over two decades in high-performance environments, she’ll offer behind-the-scenes insights into what drives success, along with practical tips on personal development and thriving in fast-paced professional settings.
11:25 - 11:40 Coffee Break
11:45 - 12:20 Session 3: AI Tools for the Modern Assistant
How AI is liberating business support professionals and elevating their roles. This practical session explores the latest AI tools revolutionising the business support world. Learn how to harness automation, boost productivity, and elevate your role with confidence in a tech-powered workplace.
12:25 - 13:00 Session 4: Amplify Your Influence
Explore how to step into a more proactive, strategic role within your organisation. Learn how to expand your impact beyond traditional responsibilities and position yourself as a key player in business success.
13:00 - 14:00 Lunch
14:00 - 14:35 Session 5: Navigating the C-Suite
Discover how to confidently engage with senior leaders, communicate with clarity, and align your messaging to executive priorities. From boardroom presence to influencing decisions, this session empowers you to speak their language and be heard.
14:40 - 15:15 Session 6: Leading Through Their Eyes: Understanding the CEO Mindset
Speaker: Lauren Bradley, Founder/Lead Trainer, The Officials
Get a rare glimpse into the thought processes of executive leaders. This session will unpack what CEOs value in their support teams, what drives their decisions, and how you can anticipate their needs to stay one step ahead.
15:15 - 15:40 Tea Break
15:45 - 16:20 Session 7: Burnout to Brilliance: How to Thrive & Inspire as a Senior Support Professional
Speaker: Jayne Morris, Co-founder, Balanceology
In this empowering and practical session, Jayne Morris, the UK's leading executive coach and author of Burnout to Brilliance - shines a light on the unseen stressors facing senior support professionals and offers a toolkit for sustainable success. Discover how to spot the early signs of burnout, understand the neuroscience behind stress, and walk away with evidence-based strategies to recharge your energy and protect your wellbeing. With her trademark warmth and insight, Jayne emphasises that cultivating nervous system intelligence is not just beneficial - it’s essential for leading with resilience and inspiring those around you.
16:25 - 17:00 Session 8: Becoming a Strategic EA: The 6 Key Skills
Speaker: Marianne Whitlock, Director, Strategic PA Recruitment & Network
Speaker: Sarah Howson, Founder and Director of BBO PA Network & Co-Founder & Director - Specialist PA Recruitment
Join Marianne Whitlock and Sarah Howson at The Summer PA Show for an inspiring and practical session designed to empower Executive and Personal Assistants. In "Becoming a Strategic EA: The 6 Key Skills," you'll gain valuable insight into the core competencies that elevate an EA from reactive support to a proactive, strategic business partner. Marianne and Sarah will draw from their combined experience in high-level support, recruitment and leadership to explore the essential skills that high performing EAs need - ranging from critical thinking and commercial awareness to emotional intelligence. Expect real-world examples, actionable takeaways and an energising conversation that will leave you feeling confident and capable. Whether you're just starting out or looking to step up your impact, this session is your roadmap and inspiration to becoming a truly influential EA.
17:00 - 18:15 Drinks Reception and Canapés
18:15 - 20:00 Supplier Awards & Post Awards Networking
