Empowering Executive Support Professionals to Lead, Adapt, and Thrive in the AI Era
Where EAs, PAs, business support specialists, workplace coordinators, and administrative professionals gather to learn, grow, lead and connect.
The world of work is changing and so is the role of the people who power it. As AI becomes embedded in everyday working life, the conversation has shifted. It’s no longer about whether to adopt new tools, but how to use them with intention, precision, and strategic purpose.
This show explores what that evolution looks like in practice, how the scope of support roles are expanding, driving greater influence, and what it takes to remain effective when the pace of change doesn’t slow down.
Technology is only part of the story. The capabilities that will define the next generation of workplace professionals are deeply human: the clarity to cut through complexity, the resilience to lead through uncertainty, the judgement to prioritise what matters, and the confidence to shape outcomes through the conversations that count.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding how AI is reshaping roles, expectations, and ways of working
- Learning how to use AI practically to improve efficiency, focus, and output quality
- Strengthening prioritisation and decision-making in fast-moving environments
- Building resilience and adaptability in the face of constant organisational change
- Developing confidence in difficult, high-impact conversations
- Shifting from operational support to strategic partnership with executives
- Increasing influence, credibility, and organisational impact
Master the modern workplace
Navigate trends, hone advanced skills, and build resilience for success in the evolving office environment.
Become an efficiency expert
Sharpen your administrative toolkit, leverage technology & innovation, and master project & event management.
Cultivate strong relationships
Gain insights into workplace dynamics and build powerful networks to elevate your career.
Promote well-being & growth
Discover strategies to manage stress, maintain work-life balance, and thrive both personally and professionally.
BE IN TO WIN
The Grand by SkyCity
Book a 1-day Show Pass or 2-day VIP Pass before 20 February 2026 & be in to win!
- 1 nights stay for two at the Grand by SkyCity in a harbour view room
- Breakfast for two at The Terrace restaurant
- 2 Sky Tower tickets
Work
Master the modern workplace
Learn to navigate innovation, leverage digital skills, and future-proof your career with insights on AI and automation.
Boost Efficiency & Productivity
Develop smarter scheduling, master time management, and refine your event and project management skills.
Life
Thrive Professionally & Personally
Embrace a balanced approach to your career and personal life, focusing on growth beyond your desk.
Build Your Influence
Gain the confidence to lead without formal authority and expand your professional network through effective strategies.
Wellbeing
Cultivate Resilience
Nurture your well-being with practical tips on managing stress and thriving under pressure.
Master Energy & Mindfulness
Learn to work with your natural rhythms and incorporate simple mindfulness practices into your busy day.
KEY SPEAKERS
We have one great key speaker confirmed, with more to come, be sure to book your spot as to not miss out.
Steve Griffin
Leadership Trainer, Author and Coach
Claire Barnes
CEO, ECOYA
Kate Mason
Communications coach, world-champion debater and author
A WORLD-CLASS VENUE FIRST
Held at the brand new NZICC
Celebrate the highly anticipated opening of the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), a landmark venue that will redefine business events in New Zealand. The Office, PA & Event Planner Show is proud to be one of the first to be held at this state-of-the-art facility, offering a unique opportunity to experience New Zealand’s largest conference space just weeks after its official launch.
PLAY AND WIN
Join in on our leaderboard competition – Engage with exhibitors to earn points and work your way up the leaderboard for awesome prizes
1 of 4 Giftbox Boutique Gift Boxes
(Valued from $75- $400)
1 night stay at the Mayfair King Room
(Valued at $380)
Auckland Bridge Climb for 2
(Valued at $310)
Auckland Bridge Bungy for 2
(Valued at $420)
Add Your Heading Text Here
We are currently working on the programme and agenda.
If you would like to have input into our research programme please email xxxx@brightstar.co.nz
Venue
The location and how you can get there
Address
Grand Millennium Auckland,
71 Mayoral Drive, Cnr Vincent Street Auckland 1010
2027 Agenda:
8:30 | Registration and Coffee |
9:00 | Welcome from the Chair Mandy Dague, Business Support Executive, GSK NZ |
9:10 | The future workforce
|
9:40 | C-suit panel discussion: Becoming a strategic partner
Colin Albert, VP/GM, GSK Ankit Gupta, Group Chief Data and AI Officer, The Warehouse Group Ben Dakers, Chief Digital Officer, Awanui Group Vicki Caisley, Chief People & Transformation Officer, The New Zealand Automobile Association Incorporated Nicola Teal, National Strategic Growth & Partnerships Manager, Orbit World Travel NZ |
10:30 | Morning break |
11:00 | Preparing for the future of work and building long term AI capabilities
Sarah Bellett, Head of People Experience, One NZ |
11:40 | AI QuickFire: AI and Safety
|
12.00 | AI QuickFire: From information to action
Ghizlane Chebitou, EA Operations Coordinator - Bayleys Building Consultancy, Bayleys Real Estate |
12.20 | AI QuickFire: When AI gets it wrong in the office
Pouria Asghari, Head of GTM Ecosystems & AI, Halter |
12:40 | Lunch |
1:40 | Navigating difficult conversations with influence
Robyn Hill, Founder, Courageous Conversations NZ |
2:20 | Roundtable networking: Peer-to-Peer problem solving
|
3.00 | Afternoon break |
3:30 | Panel discussion: Collaborating across neurodiversity and generational difference
Kayla Oughtou, EA / Practice Manager, Angus Jenkins Leadership, Founder, Dopamine & Co NZ Dr. Shireen Chua, Director | Intercultural Coach | Facilitator, Third Culture Solutions Shyamini Szeko, Head of Organisational Capability, Tegel Foods Ltd |
4:10 | Sustaining performance and protecting wellbeing in high-demand environment
Adele Saunders, Head of Psychosocial Safety & Wellbeing, Fonterra |
5:00 | Chair's summary remarks and end of conference followed by networking reception |
8:50 | Registration and coffee Participants on a 2-day VIP pass will be able to attend both of these workshops. Each workshop will be run twice so all VIP pass participants will be able to attend both. Session 1: 9.00 – 12.30 Session 2: 13.30 – 17.00 |
AI in the workplace from essential skills to advanced practice
| |
Navigating difficult conversation and influencing with professionalism
Robyn Hill, Founder, Courageous Conversations NZ |
2027 Speakers
KEY SPEAKERS FROM 2026
Steve Griffin
Leadership Trainer, Author and Coach
Claire Barnes
CEO, ECOYA
Kate Mason
Communications coach, world-champion debater and author
Marise Winthrop
Read bio
Robyn Hill
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Jane Lindsay
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Vicki Caisley
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Kayla Oughtou
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Dr. Shireen Chua
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Pouria Asghari
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Ghizlane Chebitou
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Sarah Bellett
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Ankit Gupta
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Colin Albert
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Nicola Teal
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Loren Tomlinson
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Shyamini Szeko
Read bio
Ben Dakers
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Gold Sponsor
Exhibitors
Don't miss out on the connections and credibility boost!
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This exclusive event puts you in front of a highly skilled audience hungry for insights. Get ready for meaningful engagement that drives results.
Plus, we have some unique opportunities to put your company, products, and services in the spotlight.
Ready to take your brand to the next level? Contact us today to learn more or secure your spot at this leading event.
Workshops (4 March 2027)
AI in the workplace from essential skills to advanced practice
Speaker to be confirmed
- Understanding what AI is (and isn’t) in a modern workplace context
- Building confidence in using AI safely, responsibly and effectively
- Writing clear and effective prompts for emails, briefs, summaries and agendas
- Using AI to speed up every day administrative and coordination tasks
- Improving tone, clarity and structure in workplace communication
- Applying AI to executive support tasks such as meeting prep and follow-ups
- Turning complex or unstructured information into clear, usable outputs
- Identifying opportunities to improve workflows through AI support
- Moving from task-based use to designing simple AI-powered systems
Navigating difficult conversation and influencing with professionalism
Robyn Hill
Founder, Courageous Conversations NZ
- Building confidence to prepare for and lead difficult conversations with executives, stakeholders and colleagues
- Communicating clearly and assertively while maintaining trust, professionalism and strong working relationships
- Managing competing priorities, pushing back constructively, and setting boundaries with confidence
- Giving and receiving feedback effectively, turning feedback into a tool for growth, influence, and stronger working relationships
- Shifting from support to strategic assets, strengthening your impact by contributing insight, judgement and value beyond task execution
- Navigating sensitive conversations in complex environments, including exposure to governance settings such as boards, Chairs and senior leadership teams
- Applying practical techniques through realistic workplace scenarios to strengthen communication under pressure
Register your interest below:
Want to join this conference?
Register your interest, we will be in touch when tickets are available.
BE IN TO WIN
The Grand by SkyCity
Book a 1-day Show Pass or 2-day VIP Pass before 20 February 2026 & be in to win!
- 1 nights stay for two at the Grand by SkyCity in a harbour view room
- Breakfast for two at The Terrace restaurant
- 2 Sky Tower tickets
Tickets
2-day VIP Pass
Super Early Brird-
Full Show Access
-
Networking Function
-
2 deep dive workshops (3 March)
-
For valid ticket, payment by # month 2026.
2-day VIP Pass
Early Bird-
Full Show Access
-
Networking function
-
2 deep dive workshops (3 March)
-
For valid ticket/s, payment by # month, 202#.
2-day VIP Pass
Full Price-
Full Show Access
-
Networking Function
-
2 deep dive workshops (3 March)
-
For valid ticket, payment by # month 2026.
2-day VIP Pass
Last Minute-
Full Show Access
-
Networking Function
-
2 deep dive workshops (3 March)
-
For valid ticket, payment by # month 2026.
1-day Show Pass
Super Early Bird-
Full Show Access
-
Networking Function
-
For valid ticket, payment by # month 2026.
1-Day Show Pass
Early Bird-
Full Show Access
-
Networking function
-
For valid ticket, payment by # month, 202#.
1-Day Show Pass
Full Price-
Full Show Access
-
Networking function
-
For valid ticket, payment by # month, 202#.
1-Day Show Pass
Last Minute-
Full Show Access
-
Networking function
-
For valid ticket, payment by # month, 202#.
Double Pass - come with a colleague!
1-Day Show
Double Pass
-
Full Show Access
-
Networking function
-
For valid ticket, payment by # month, 202#.
2-day VIP
Double Pass
-
Full Show Access
-
Networking Function
-
2 deep dive workshops (3 March)
-
For valid ticket, payment by # month 2026.
Registration Conditions
Ticket Terms
All prices are in New Zealand dollars ($NZD)
A surcharge of 2.5% + GST applies to credit card payments on top of the total amount.
Pre-Sale Tickets are valid only for the specific event for which they were purchased and cannot be transferred to other events. To remain valid, Super Saver and Early Bird tickets must be paid by date quoted.
Group ticket options are valid for registrations from the same organisation, booked at the same time.
By selecting any special pricing offer for classes of organisation, sector, or individuals or using any promotion code, you are asserting to the organiser your right to claim any such pricing offer, and acknowledge the organiser’s right to audit such claim and, if in the opinion of the organiser using its sole discretion the conditions for special pricing are not met, reject any registration.
For full terms & conditions, please visit https://www.brightstar.co.nz/terms-and-conditions
Make an enquiry
Got questions? Write to us.