Claim Your Throne: Redefining Influence in the Administrative Profession
Discover how administrative professionals can embrace influence, shape strategy, and own their leadership role with Joan Burge’s empowering insights.
The 31st Annual Conference for Administrative Excellence – The Influential Assistant
Ashley Kim
On October 8-11, Office Dynamics International hosted the 31st Annual Conference for Administrative Excellence. Since 1993, Joan Burge, Founder and CEO, has diligently brought together administrative professionals to foster a community of collaboration and continued education. The result was a conference exceeding all expectations. This year’s theme, “The Influential Assistant: Shaping Strategy, Steering Success,” featured sessions, networking opportunities, and workshops that embraced this concept.
We were eager to share our conference experience with the entire Office Dynamics community. Whether you attended the conference in person or virtually or did not have the chance to attend this year, we’re excited to provide you with an insider’s view so you can understand its transformative power for administrative professionals.
Day 1: Elite Assistant Certification and The Social Fusion Mixer
The conference kicked off with our inaugural Elite Assistant Certification Program, a course created by Joan Burge and designed and taught by Lisa Olsen and Peggy Vasquez. Both of these tenured EAs and administrative professionals led the day-long course, culminating in the first Elite Assistant Graduates.
Then, it was time to welcome the rest of this year’s conference attendees at The Social Fusion Mixer, a welcome event with food, drinks, and live music by Cali Tucker and saxophonists Sid the Kid.
Day 2: The Conference Commences And The VIP Event
The conference opened with energy and was led by Director of Entertainment JJ Villar, who encouraged attendees to step outside their comfort zones and make a few dance moves. Lisa Olsen then started on leading all three days of sessions by emceeing the event as she always brilliantly (and hilariously) does.
Joan Burge set the tone with a powerful talk about the influence administrative professionals wield. She emphasized how these professionals serve as the conduits for delivering vital messages. Joan reminded attendees that being concise and choosing the appropriate communication medium are vital components influencing the flow of information. She also brought in an actual throne, which attendees posed on throughout the conference. She discussed the symbolism a throne has regarding influence and how to apply that metaphor to our lives.
Next, Chrissy Scivicque explored decision-making, urging participants to avoid cognitive traps like being swayed by others’ opinions or getting stuck in analysis paralysis. She quoted her father’s advice: “You are one decision away from a completely different life.” Chrissy also reminded everyone that excellent decision-making often requires accepting ambiguity and that growth comes from making mistakes. Chrissy also guided the Career Coaching Corner throughout the conference, giving expert advice to each attendee who signed up for a personal, one-on-one career coaching session.
Cherron Castillo followed with a session on influence in leadership, highlighting that good and bad individuals can have power. She outlined three key traits that set influential leaders apart: communication, emotional intelligence, and persuasiveness. Her powerful statement, “Leadership is all about influence—nothing more, nothing less,” resonated deeply with the audience.
The day’s interactive highlight was the team-building session featuring the MeetMax games. Attendees participated in a virtual horse race, fostering collaboration and showcasing team-building strategies in a fun and competitive environment.
Madelyn Mackie took the stage to discuss how the administrative profession rapidly evolves, particularly with the rise of AI and virtual meetings. Her message was clear: to remain valuable in the workforce, administrative professionals must continuously develop their strategic plans, personal brands, and networks. She encouraged attendees to embrace the changes coming their way.
Maureen Zappala wrapped up the day with a powerful talk on overcoming imposter syndrome, especially during times of transition. She reminded the audience that it’s not a lack of confidence that holds them back but rather a limit of confidence. She described the different types of imposter syndrome and emphasized that growth happens in small steps, not giant leaps.
The evening, they concluded with Joan’s VIP event, a special gathering for attendees who had attended the conference five or more times. This intimate, fireside gathering at Joan’s home fostered deep connections, allowing VIPs to share personal stories and strengthen relationships that will last a lifetime.
Day 3: Sessions Continue And The Joan Burge Gala: Illuminating Influence
Dr. Chrissy Roth-Francis opened the third day by challenging attendees to think about their primary ways of influencing others. She introduced the “platinum rule”—treating others the way they want to be treated—and emphasized the importance of clear, concise communication and active listening.
Abigail Barnes delivered a deeply personal and emotional talk, recounting a medical crisis that shifted her perspective on time. She urged the audience to take control of their time and life, sharing eight limiting beliefs that often hold people back. Her message was clear: time is precious, and what we do with it defines our lives.
Mike Song, instructor of Digital Efficiency for Administrative Excellence, then brought a practical angle to the day, sharing tech tips for mastering Microsoft Office. His insights on boosting efficiency were followed by Joan’s reminder that building skills and certifications are essential for staying competitive in the ever-changing administrative landscape.
Alexandra Von Tiergarten discussed the state of the administrative profession, urging attendees to embrace technology—particularly Excel—and take advantage of hybrid and in-person opportunities to stay ahead in their careers. Her Q&A session highlighted the critical need for admins to be tech-savvy and adaptable.
Priscilla Pfieffer closed the day’s sessions with an inspiring talk on vision and persistence. As someone with a daredevil mindset, she encouraged attendees to dream big, reminding them that feeling discouraged is normal but quitting is never an option.
The evening concluded with the much-anticipated Joan Burge Gala, themed “Illuminating Influence.” This glamorous event celebrated the power of influence in the administrative profession, allowing attendees to network, celebrate, and feel glamerous as we danced the night away. We celebrated Melia Amira, Joan’s EA and Strategic Partner, and her birthday bringing a huge cake and surprising her a with a guest appearance from her husband.
Day 4: The Grand Finale and The Joan Burge Innovation Award Winner
Joan kicked off the final day by awarding The Joan Burge Innovation Award 2024 award to Andrea Jones-Pascoe, and a new award The Heart Award, which was given to Derecia D. Walters.
Kayla Hutchens, author of Incompatible Leadership: Strategies for Dealing with Toxic or Misaligned Managers, started the sessions on the final day by reminding attendees of the hidden influence they already possess. She noted that administrative professionals often see and hear things their executives don’t, making them invaluable assets within their organizations.
Hilani Ellis followed with a session on personal branding, urging attendees to showcase their unique strengths. “It’s always a presentation,” she said, reminding everyone that how they carry themselves is crucial to building a powerful personal brand.
Dan Moriarty and Terry Bond took the stage next to talk about the importance of engagement. Their advice was simple but profound: bring energy to every interaction and always go deeper in conversations. “Perfect is not your friend,” they advised, encouraging attendees to strive for continuous improvement rather than perfection.
Vital Germaine closed the conference by challenging the audience to rethink what it means to be an admin. He emphasized that administrative professionals, much like Bentley or Starbucks, are in the business of creating emotional experiences and human connections. By recognizing their role in the ripple effect of influence, attendees ended the conference with a renewed sense of purpose and potential.
The 31st Conference for Administrative Excellence showcased the immense power of influence that administrative professionals hold, offering invaluable insights and practical tools to enhance their careers. From decision-making to personal branding, attendees left equipped to make a lasting impact in their organizations. Don’t miss your chance to elevate your own career—register now for the next administrative conference and join a community of forward-thinking professionals shaping the future of the administrative field!
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