PA, VA and EAs descend on Office* 2016 for two days of networking, careers advice and exhibitors

Hundreds of personal, virtual and executive assistants and office managers attended Office* 2016 this week, as it took to its new home at ExCel, London.

Coinciding with National PA Day, Office* kicked off on Wednesday 11^th May, showcasing a variety of exhibitors, high-profile speakers and advice-giving seminars.

The Keynote Theatre saw American chat-show host, Oprah Winfrey’s former EA and Chief of Staff, Libby Moore take centre-stage; while WeAreTheCity’s resident bloggers Susan Heaton Wright and Lindsay Taylor discussed topics such as career development, PA career advice, and making an impact as office manager.

Samantha Cox, former EA to Richard Branson and Bianca Miller, founder and director of Bianca Miller London and finalist on BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’ drew crowds on Thursday 12^th May. Seminars covered topics from across the board including being a productivity ninja, a tongue in cheek guide to being a working mum, using LinkedIn effectively and preventing a burnout with Angela Garry, who was shortlisted for our 2015 Rising Star awards.

This year, exhibitors showcasing at Office* 2016 included Benefit Cosmetics, Breast Cancer Now, Executive PA Magazine, Fortnum & Mason, Go Ape, Miss Jones PA, PA Life and Pitman Training, amongst others.

The show also announced Victoria Darragh as winner of their PA Contributor of the Year award. Darragh, CEO of the Executive & Personal Assistants Association (EPAA), is an award winning personal assistant with over twelve years in the business. She founded EPAA as a way to champion, promote and develop the profession.

Sarah Cooper, Events Manager for the Office* Show said, “It’s been a whirlwind of a journey and now Office* 16 is open for business, and we’re delighted to welcome you to our brand new home at ExCel, London.”

“We’ve worked hard to cultivate an environment that delivers intelligent, relevant content to personally assist and empower you in your increasingly demanding roles. Of course this would not be possible without the support of our steadfast partners, exhibitors and visitors whose energy is instrumental in bringing Office* to life year after year.”

Office* was created with EA, PA, VA and office managers specifically in mind. The show brings together like-minded individuals to exhibit, train and network across two days.