If You Were Crafting the Perfect Seminar...

[msmarieh]

If you were putting together what you consider to be a perfect seminar for administrative professionals, what kinds of topics would you have? Is there anything else you might like included (such as a vendor expo, etc.)?

[gee4]

Depends...what's the focus/aim/objective/theme for the seminar?  Is it just general or specific ideas/information you want to put across?

[Atlanta Z3]

Time or Project Management - how to successfully multitask
Methods to organize your boss's office - we all keep ourselves organized
Conflict Management - work with divas anyone?
Stress Management - count to ten much?
Work Life Balance - sounds fluffy but how many of us really leave the job at 5
Keeping up with technology - overview of upcoming IT capabilities

[gee4]

Time or Project Management - how to successfully multitask
Methods to organize your boss's office - we all keep ourselves organized
Conflict Management - work with divas anyone?
Stress Management - count to ten much?
Work Life Balance - sounds fluffy but how many of us really leave the job at 5
Keeping up with technology - overview of upcoming IT capabilities

I would have to say I have never learnt how to do any of the above by attending a seminar.  For me these aspects of being a PA/Admin Professional is common sense, stuff you can only learn on the job and through experience.

Keeping up with technology is a given if you want to progress in any job.  I was amazed when I started my company 3 years ago how many of the admin staff have very basic skills in using MS Office and other software applications.  Not only did I notice it, but it was mentioned to me personally.

IT is the main aspect I think I would focus on.  The rest comes with experience.

[gee4]

Time or Project Management
If you can mange your own life, you can replicate this in work, it's all about what takes priority and setting deadlines

Methods to organize your boss's office
Organised is my middle name, so find this comes easy

Conflict Management
Work in mostly male environment, so no time for divas

Stress Management
Again if you can manage this in your personal life you can do the same in the workplace

Work Life Balance
No problem with this, I come in early, do my hours and have no issues with balance, know when to say no

Keeping up with technology
This is personal but if you want to add to your CV, it's vital to keep up with the latest technology available to us, although difficult when you have to fund this yourself sometimes

[msmarieh]

Atlanta, thank you for the helpful suggestions.

This would be a training seminar for administrative professionals throughout the state (thus from different companies). We haven't yet chosen our theme, but it will general professional development.

[officepa]

Agree with Atlanta's suggestions - all of these come into office life on a daily basis and would certainly come under the heading of general professional development.  All these topics would be really helpful for administrative/secretarial staff either just coming into the office environment or who perhaps have been in it for some time but are becoming rusty or need a reminder.

Refresher training on any subject that helps us in our day to day duties in the office environment is always welcome, I certainly am not to precious to think that I know it all and welcome any training when circulated - always good to mix with others who do a similar job from you - especially when they work at different companies/types of business and pick up tips.

In these financial difficult times, many companies are cutting back on such training so when offered, always good to take up. Often people think they have it sorted but it is surprising how much can get forgotton.
Good luck with seminar.