Some will know I spent two full days out of the office last week (4-5 May) to attend the Australian VA Conference (AVAC). It was my first but the third AVAC held and each has been hosted here in Melbourne. However, that looks like that might be about to change for AVAC 2013. I was not in the position to attend the past two but so pleased I could make it this year and it was everything I had hoped for and more!
I left the two day event feeling inspired and pumped. The line up of speakers was excellent. They all offered something different and something to take away to implement in our businesses. There were certainly a couple of ‘Ah-Ha’ moments and plenty of laughs also. It really was a fantastic two days which I highly, highly, highly (does that indicate how great it was?) recommend to all the VAs who may be reading this blog. Although, any business owner would have benefitted from the topics covered, as the information was very transportable to any business.
The MC, Sandi Givens was exceptional. Not only did she ensure the event rolled along at the pace required but she was truly involved. She listened and summarised each speaker and asked questions but she also was an amazing bundle of energy and fun. I don’t think there could possibly be one attendee who didn’t have fun at AVAC.
View HERE the good looking group of Aussie VAs who attended AVAC!
Here are some gems I took away from the two days:
Find one thing to delight a client/customer that will make you stand out from your competitors. Danielle Storey
Take what you know; take what you learn and make something great beyond this room. Renee Mayne
Your energy is your currency. Don’t settle for ‘OK’. Be ‘Great’. Warwick Merry
The networking opportunities was also fantastic. To finally meet virtual colleagues (friends) in-real-life which further cemented the connection. There were virtual assistants who flew in from Perth, Darwin, Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane. What a great effort by them! The photos below are a small collection of my virtual assistant friends I managed to bail up for their photo to be taken.
From left: Kylie Short, Tilda Virtual; Maree Carroll, Your Everyday Virtual PA; Rosie Shilo, Virtually Yours
From left: Paula Wynyard, Wynyard Business Solutions and Monika Newman, Absolutely Virtual
From left: Chris Crowe, C Squared Virtual Admin and Brigette Garland, Bridgeland Administration Services
Wonderful Kirsty!
So lovely to see the real life pictures of the people we collaborate and work with virtually. Wish I’d been there to share in the sharing!
I’m sure you’ll try and make it every year now 🙂
Shelley x
It was a fantastic 2 days Shelley & so much that was presented could have been absorbed by any business owner. Next year the organisers are planning for Sydney. I will do my best to be there but it will depend if someone (Mr PA) is working by then! 😉
Looks like it was a wonderful event, thanks Kirsty. I was so disappointed not to have made it down this year, but I already have 2013 in the calendar! Looking forward to meeting you all in person at the next one!
I think they’re planning for AVAC to be in Sydney next year Emily. That will be easy for you. I’m hoping to be there next year. A great opportunity to meet lots more NSW VAs.
Perfect, can’t wait!