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The PA Show has become an essential fixture in the UK calendar for assistants, PAs, EAs, and office managers. Each year, it brings together thousands of professionals who support leaders, manage complexity, and keep organisations running behind the scenes.
It is not just another event. It is one of the few spaces designed specifically for the administrative profession, with learning, development, and connection at its core.
But as anyone who has attended before will tell you, the real value of the PA Show is not automatic. How you approach it matters.
During our recent PA Show Sneak Peek panel, speakers and attendees shared practical, honest advice on how to get the most from the experience. What follows are just a few of the insights that stood out.
Understanding What the PA Show Is Really For
One of the first things discussed was the importance of understanding what the PA Show actually is.
As Max Agostini, Chief Communications Office at Mash Media hosts of The PA Show, explained, “The PA Show is designed as a space where assistants can learn from global trainers, discover tools that genuinely support their roles, and connect with others who understand the work without explanation.”
Seeing The PA Show as a professional development opportunity, rather than just a busy conference, changes how you plan your time and what you prioritise once you are there.
Plan Early So You Can Be Intentional
Planning came up repeatedly during the conversation, particularly around registering early and reviewing the programme in advance.
Claudine Martin, Senior Executive Assistant and PA Show speaker, shared a simple but important reminder, “Register as soon as you can and book onto the sessions you really want, because they go very quickly. Once they’re gone, that’s it.”
Planning early allows you to be intentional. Instead of rushing between sessions on the day, you can choose learning that aligns with your role, your goals, and where you want to grow. Planning is not about filling every gap in your schedule. It is about making the day work for you.
Rethink Networking as Connection, Not Performance
Networking is often the part of The PA Show that makes people most nervous, especially when attending alone.
Winnie King, Senior EA and PA Show speaker, offered a helpful reframe, explaining that networking does not need to feel forced or transactional. “It’s not about working the room,” Winnie said. “It’s about having real conversations and connecting with people who understand what you do.”
You do not need to meet everyone. One or two genuine conversations can be enough. For many assistants, simply being in a space where people share similar challenges and experiences is powerful in itself.
Think Beyond Your Current Role
Some of the most valuable sessions at the PA Show may not feel immediately relevant, and that is often where the real value lies.
Phyllida Casey, Senior EA and PA Show attendee, reflected on this, sharing, “Some of the sessions that helped me most were ones I didn’t think applied to my role at the time. Later on, they became incredibly relevant.”
The assistant role continues to evolve. Attending sessions that stretch your thinking or expose you to new perspectives can quietly shape the next stage of your career.
Look After Your Energy on the Day
Practical advice also featured heavily in the discussion.
Susana Montiero, Executive Assistant and PA Show attendee, spoke about the importance of pacing yourself. “It’s a long day,” Susana said. “Comfortable shoes, using the cloakroom, and not trying to do back-to-back sessions in different areas makes a huge difference.”
Simple choices like planning breaks, allowing time to eat, and building in breathing space help you stay present and engaged throughout the day. Looking after your energy is not indulgent. It is strategic.
Bringing It All Together
Lauren Bradley, Founder of The Officials and PA Show speaker, closed the discussion by bringing everything back to intention. “The PA Show isn’t about doing everything,” Lauren said. “It’s about making intentional choices that support your role, your confidence, and your growth.”
The advice shared during the panel covered far more than can be included here. These are just a few highlights.
That is why we have brought everything together into a single Planning Pack to help you prepare properly.
Inside the PA Show Planning Pack, you will find:
- a practical survival guide
- a ready-to-use justification letter
- access to the full Sneak Peek replay
Everything is designed to help you approach the PA Show with clarity and confidence.
The PA Show is an essential event. With the right preparation, it can also be one of the most valuable professional experiences you invest in.
Get the PA Show Planning Pack
To make preparing easier, we have created a PA Show Planning Pack that brings everything together in one place.
When you sign up, you will receive the PA Show Survival Guide, a ready-to-use justification letter to support approval conversations, and access to the PA Show Sneak Peek replay where this advice was shared.
Everything in the Planning Pack is practical, assistant-led, and designed to help you feel prepared and confident as you plan your PA Show experience.
👉 Get the PA Show Planning Pack
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