Student Louis Snelleksz attended this year’s Learning & Development Conference while on work experience at marketing company, CMA Media with Adam Snelleksz.  As an aspiring journalist, Louis wrote an article of his observations and experience from his first time visiting a conference like this.

My experience of the Learning and Development conference by Louis Snelleksz

Around 200 delegates, speakers and exhibitors came for the 10th PA Forum learning and development conference, organised by Daniel Skermer and the organising committee at the National Conference Centre, part of the National Motorcycle Museum venue near to the NEC and Birmingham Airport. The day began with a 45 minute talk from Lucy Brazier, one of the world’s leading authorities on administrative and assistant skills.  Her talk on the main stage included information about the Global Skills matrix, the first globally recognised capability framework for the administrative profession.  It’s very much relevant to PAs EAs and office staff and proved to be the perfect way to open up the conference to get the delegates enthused and ready for the day.

The conference featured different themed theatres throughout the day where delegates could choose to listen to the speakers.  This included the Future Skills theatre, AI & Tech theatre and the Strategic Influence theatre.  I was drawn to the future skills stage and saw an inspiring seminar from Olympian and Commonwealth gold boxing champion, Delicious Orie, who spoke about the importance of resilience and staying true to yourself and your own goals. Delicious delivered some inspirational soundbites for the audience, however his message that stuck with me most in an exclusive interview was his comment, “Do what you want to do with yourself 100%” further reinforcing the importance of taking action for the benefit of yourself and not for external opinions people may have. He then spoke further in his talk about his decision to step away from boxing which he felt he had already given everything he could.  With many young people in the audience, it was a talk that was very well received and the students went back to their schools and colleges with a real insight into the mindset of a professional athlete.

After my own experience of one of the seminars, I asked some of the other delegates at the conference for their thoughts on the day and its impact on their respective job roles. Hannah Smith from the Royal Shakespeare company shared that the event is perfect for “Learning new skills” and to “Network with likeminded people”. The conference was a brilliant opportunity to expand personal skills from experienced and successful people and to take your career to the next level through the learning networking opportunities that the day provided.

Executive Assistant Claire Haye described the conference as a place to “invest in your own development”, perfectly describing the purpose of the event and the opportunities available along with the opportunity to meet with relatable people who were all there for the same purpose.

The day was eventually rounded off with Helen Seymour and Rosie Stevenson, both inspirational female personalties and they delivered a hugely motivating speech. Helen Seymour being the first female Eurofighter typhoon pilot talked about her challengeds and achievements while Rosie Stevenson talked about not letting setbacks to becoming a pilot define her. Instead she explained how adapting her strengths and becoming a navigator as a pair, enabled them to become one of the few all female crews to fly around the world and remain a fascinating inspiration to young women across the country.

Overall, my first experience of a conference like this was really enjoyable and inspirational.  The range of speakers gave a really broad option to learn from some inspiring names in their industries.  Anyone looking to develop their career, network with peers and learn from speakers who have achieved so much in their respective roles, this is the conference for you.