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:
You grow your influence. People begin to see you as a leader—not just a doer.
You inspire others. By sharing what’s possible, you pave the way for your peers.
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Reimagined outdated procedures to create modern onboarding manuals and resources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.