How to Get the Most Out of Your Upcoming Administrative Conference

July 30, 2019May 24, 2018 by Joan Burge

Conference_For_Administrative_ Professionals

I just attended the ATD International Conference and Expo in San Diego to further my education. My head was swarming after reading through what seemed like a never-ending website, each page loaded with tons of information. This is a training-industry conference and is one of the big ones. This is the second time I attended this particular training industry event which is mostly focused on learning technologies and leadership. But it’s not that simple. It is a massive arena.

I wanted to plan which sessions I was going to attend. Quite honestly, I felt more confused than ever. On the first day alone, there were 70 sessions to choose from. Yikes, I only had 7 hours at the conference including lunch, exhibit halls, and breaks. How am I supposed to choose? The second day of the conference offers 65 sessions. Really? How can anyone person make a decision as to which sessions are the best?

Joan Burge, founder and CEO, Interviews JJ Villar

July 30, 2019May 22, 2018 by Guest Blogger

STOP. READ. This special interview is not just about a Gala night. This interview is about being pulled into an experience that will leave you breathless for months to come through experiential learning.

Joan Burge interviewed JJ Villar, owner of Feel the Music Entertainment in Las Vegas. JJ has been an entertainer for 20 years and is a long-time performer in the MJ One show. Every year, Joan enlists JJ Villar to co-create aspects of the Annual Conference for Administrative Excellence.

The 2018 Conference Theme is The Stellar Assistant. Office Dynamics’ goal is to make every attendee feel like a star from the time their feet hit the Red Rock Resort until the finale on Friday. This interview took place right after Joan Burge and JJ Villar had their concept meeting.

How to Choose the Right Administrative Conference to Attend

July 30, 2019May 19, 2018 by Joan Burge

Since there are so many administrative conferences being offered I would like to walk you through a series of questions to ask yourself when considering your options.

A conference should feed your brain and soul!

1. Start with the end in mind. What is your goal or goals for going to a conference?

Education wise? What skills do you need to grow? What new skills do you need to learn/develop? The problem with this is sometimes we don’t know what we need to develop. It’s called our blind spot.
To network and meet new people?
Learn best practices from peers?
Learn best practices from subject matter experts?
What is the value of the program? In other words, what are you getting for your money? Any extra events such as a welcome dinner?

Networking at Administrative Conference Receptions

July 30, 2019May 8, 2018 by Joan Burge

Do you dread going to the welcome reception at a conference? Or the opening night get together? A lot of people do, especially if they attend the conference alone or are a first-timer. However, going to the first night’s event when attending an administrative conference is a great way to start meeting the people with whom you will spend the next 3 or 4 days. It’s also a great opportunity to meet the associates at the company hosting the conference.

Persuading Your Manager

July 30, 2019April 26, 2018 by Joan Burge

Getting to the “yes”

You know the scenario. You read about a great seminar, workshop, or conference for administrative office professionals. The topics are of interest to you and will help you in your job. You walk into your executive’s office to request his or her approval only to hear “no”. You walk out. End of story.

1. Start with the end in mind. What is your goal or goals for going to a conference?

Getting to the “yes”

#ADMINCONF