Celebrate Your Work as an Administrative Professional: Enter the Joan Burge Innovation Award Contest

2024 Joan Burge Innovation Award Contest winner Andrea Jones-Pascoe holds her award.

There’s a quiet power in what you do every day.

You juggle schedules and personalities. You lead behind the scenes. You catch the details no one else sees. You’re the steady presence that keeps your team on track and your executive one step ahead.

And yet—like so many women in support roles—you may struggle to talk about just how much you do, let alone celebrate it.

It’s time to change that.

Let’s Talk About Recognition

Recognition isn’t about being flashy or self-serving—it’s about visibility, growth, and impact. When you speak up about what you’ve achieved, three powerful things happen:

  1. You grow your influence. People begin to see you as a leader—not just a doer.

  2. You inspire others. By sharing what’s possible, you pave the way for your peers.

  3. You open doors. Visibility often leads to opportunities—projects, promotions, partnerships—you may not have accessed otherwise.

That’s why we believe every administrative and executive assistant should have a platform to be recognized. And that’s why we created the Joan Burge Innovation Award.

Introducing the Joan Burge Innovation Award Contest

Now in its 7th year, the Joan Burge Innovation Award celebrates the creative, impactful, and often unsung projects led by administrative professionals. This award was designed specifically for you—to shine a light on the difference you make in your company, your team, and your community.

The winning project is announced at the Annual Conference for Administrative Excellence, and the recipient presents their work on stage in front of hundreds of peers.

Whether you’ve launched a new internal resource, improved a process, mentored others, or led a meaningful cultural change, we want to hear about it.

The 2025 Innovation Award trophy could be yours!

Enter your project in the Joan Burge Innovation Award contest by September 20. 

You’re Doing Innovative Work—Yes, You

We’ve heard assistants say they hesitate to enter because they’re “not sure it counts as innovation.” But here’s the truth: innovation doesn’t have to be high-tech or high-budget.

It just needs to make a difference.

Past winners have:

  • Reimagined outdated procedures to create modern onboarding manuals and resources

  • Built development plans to help their admin teams grow with structure and intention

  • Created collaborative platforms to improve communication between support staff

  • Launched internal learning programs to bring assistants together for peer education

  • Co-developed software that enhances workflows between assistants and executives

  • Opened intergenerational childcare centers to support employees across life stages

Some entries are digital. Some are hands-on. Some are solo. Others are team efforts.
All of them made work better for someone—and that’s what matters.

If you’ve launched or led a project you’re proud of, no matter how big or small, this award is your moment to step into the spotlight.

A Conference Where You’re Truly Seen

At the Office Dynamics Conference, recognition isn’t reserved for a few high-level titles. Here, every assistant is valued. Every story matters.

It’s a place where your ambition is welcomed. Your voice is heard. And your contributions are celebrated—not just tolerated.

Surrounded by peers who “get” you, you’ll leave with more than just skills—you’ll leave with confidence, community, and the clarity to pursue what’s next.

Whether you’re presenting on stage, cheering on a colleague, or soaking up inspiration, the Innovation Award celebration is a conference highlight. It’s about lifting each other up—and realizing that yes, you belong here too.

Ready to Share What You’ve Built?

2024 winner Andrea Jones-Pascoe initiated an intergenerational daycare

bringing together seniors, children, and students from the college where she works.

Watch Andrea’s story.

If you’ve been quietly doing exceptional work, we hope this is your sign to step forward.

Enter the Joan Burge Innovation Award Contest and let us celebrate YOU.

Submit your entry now.

The DEADLINE to enter is September 20, 2025

You’ve earned this. And we can’t wait to cheer you on.

Note: Award finalists must attend the Conference for Administrative Excellence in Las Vegas, October 2025.

Share this post

YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY THESE ARTICLES

Office Dynamics International
5575 S. Durango Dr. Ste. 106
Las Vegas, NV 89113

Not Sure?

Want to see some samples of the amazing content you'll experience?

Sign Up for 4 Free Sample Sessions!

Priscilla Pfeiffer

Priscilla Pfeiffer

Speaker | Entertainer | Trainer | TEDx Speaker

You Don’t Matter, Or Do You?

In today’s fast-paced business world, the role of administrative and executive assistants is more crucial than ever in driving innovation and positive change within organizations. However, a common pitfall is that many organizations dive headfirst into radical change without first understanding the heart of the people responsible for implementing it. This dynamic keynote, which includes mesmerizing entertainment elements, will shine a light on the transformative power of seemingly insignificant actions, inspiring you to take the first step towards positioning yourself as a key catalyst to SPARK success.

In this session, you will…

  • Discover how small, intentional actions can have a ripple effect. 
  • Gain strategies for positioning yourself for success within your teams and organizations.
  • Feel empowered to become a catalyst for positive change within your respective spheres, without the burnout.
  • Be inspired to initiate bold actions that can lead to significant personal and professional growth.

Priscilla Pfeiffer, a seasoned professional, boasts a two-decade career in entertainment and business. Her unique show business background allows her to craft mesmerizing performances, leaving enduring memories. Focused on delivering resonant and empowering messages that inspire audiences to make an impact in the world, she illuminates individuals to unlock their full potential in both personal and professional lives.

Renowned for creating “wow factor” moments, Priscilla has an esteemed clientele, including brands like BMW, LinkedIn, iHeart Radio, Michael Jordan’s Air Jordans, Pfizer, Bacardi, Cosmo Latina Magazine, and Zappos. Her impressive credits include sharing the stage with Joan Jett, Will-i-am, Pitbull, Enrique Iglesias, and Marc Anthony, as well as performances on America’s Got Talent, The Latin Grammy Awards, The NHL Awards, Comic Relief, and Celebrity Cruises. Priscilla has also graced the prestigious TEDx stage, where she delivered a compelling talk that resonated with audiences, showcasing her ability to captivate and inspire on a global platform.

In addition, Priscilla hosts the podcast “Spark Your Inner Fire” which delves into the creative mind, torching the inner critic, and reigniting purpose. Through interviews with world-renowned creatives, she shares stories and wisdom, illuminating listeners on their journeys.

In essence, Priscilla Pfeiffer is not only a veteran but a trailblazer whose performances consistently inspire, motivate, and create lasting impressions.