The Atlantic Conference for Administrative Professionals ended on Friday, April 27, 2018 with a fantastic party for all attendees and speakers. After such an eventful day, many were glad to indulge in some free drinks and appetizers (courtesy of conference sponsor, Corporate Traveller) while celebrating with their peers who came to Halifax in order to learn helpful tips and skills pertaining to all sorts of administrative assistant careers.
To open the event at the Westin Nova Scotian in downtown Halifax, delegates were treated to breakfast and opening remarks from conference Chair Scott Bosse, followed by a short warm-up exercise routine by Goodlife Fitness’ Michelle Ryder. Opening Keynotes were delivered by Cathy Bennett and Sheila Kelly
Throughout the day, conference goers attended a variety of different breakout sessions divided into three tracks: peer-led, tools and technologies for administrative professionals, and work-life balance and personal well-being.
Three breakouts were dedicated to helping administrative professionals sharpen their skills with lessons on managing multiple bosses, improving project management, and avoiding dependency on auto-correct or spellcheck with training on grammar and punctuation. Another three sessions, headed by speaker Jim Spellos, were assigned to showcasing fascinating new technology and applications that can be utilized by professionals for all sorts of useful purposes, as well as a course on using Google’s Search Engine to its full potential. The last three breakouts helped delegates find a path to more fulfillment and wellness in their roles, with sessions on: stress management through journaling, healthy mental exercises, and defining your own version of success in the workplace. So many great speakers came together to provide truly insightful sessions that helped delegates come away with new practices.
The day closed out with a thought-provoking Closing Keynote from speaker Sean Wiltshire who spoke about taking life head-on and achieving the right work-life balance.
After the conference, many of the attendees shared their experiences with us, saying:
“The Atlantic Conference is an incredibly well-organized event for professional Admins in HRM to find educational and networking opportunities that cannot be beat. I’ve attended two years in a row, I would recommend it to another Admin and I look forward to attending next year!“
“This was my first time attending the conference and I thoroughly enjoyed the day. Every administrative professional should have the opportunity to attend. I’ve started recruiting attendees for next year already!“
“This was my first time attending a conference. I was feeling excited and nervous not knowing what to expect. There was no need to worry! The people I met were friendly and the atmosphere was relaxed. The speakers were engaging and the breakout sessions were informative. I made new friends and became reacquainted with an old friend (bonus!). I am thrilled to come back in 2019.“
“I thought the sessions were very informative, well organized, and entertaining. I liked the flow of the event. Well organized and the food was amazing. Will definitely attend next year!! Great job by all!!“
Plans for the third annual Atlantic Conference for Administrative Professionals are already underway and we will be returning to Halifax in 2019. If you have suggestions or would like to speak at next year’s event: please email oana@oanam2.sg-host.com.