We get it - it’s early, and you probably rushed to get here. We know you’ll need your caffeine fix for a big day of learning and networking! Thanks to our friends at GroupTogether, guests will be fully caffeinated and ready to go ☕
You can then connect with fellow admin professionals, swap traffic stories, and start the event on a warm, welcoming note!
Coffee made easy, just like GroupTogether – group cards & gifts made easy!

We will be welcomed by Candice Burningham, Founder of Admin Avenues as she officially kicks off the event with a heartfelt welcome and a dose of inspiration. With over 20 years of experience supporting senior executives and building global admin communities, Candice brings unmatched passion, purpose, advocacy, and a deep understanding of what makes this profession so powerful.

What does it take to step into your leadership potential as an admin professional? In this empowering session, Suzy Miller will guide you through the mindset, behaviours and strategies needed to evolve from behind-the-scenes contributor to influential leader. Drawing on decades of leadership coaching and team development, Suzy will help you uncover your leadership strengths, communicate with impact, and build the confidence to lead, no matter your job title. If you’ve ever felt like you’re capable of more, this session is your permission slip to own it.

Take a well-earned pause to recharge, grab a tea or coffee, and enjoy some light refreshments. It’s the perfect time to stretch your legs, say hello to the vendors who are looking forward to meeting you and connect with fellow attendees. It's a time to reflect on the insights from the morning so far. See you back soon - we’ve got plenty more to come! 

What does it take to thrive behind the scenes of some of the world’s most dynamic, high-profile leaders and clients? In this candid and inspiring conversation, Samantha Cox shares lessons from her time as Executive Assistant to Sir Richard Branson, as well as her career leading VIP experiences as Director of VIP Services at Hard Rock Hotels, Corporate Director of VIP Guest Services at Seminole Gaming, and Director of Guest Experience for The Point Group.

From navigating constant change, last-minute requests, VIP global travel, and unexpected crises, Samantha offers a rare and honest look into the world of high-pressure executive and guest support. You’ll walk away with practical strategies, real-world insights, and the mindset needed to lead from behind with confidence, clarity, and calm - no matter how fast the pace.

Join Alison Shamir, an Imposter Syndrome Expert, International Speaker, Author, and Certified Coach, as she shares her transformative journey from battling Imposter Syndrome to becoming a renowned speaker and coach.

In this keynote, Alison will provide neuroscience-based tools and insights to help you overcome Imposter Syndrome, embrace your authentic strengths, and achieve the success you deserve. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this session will empower you to control your inner narrative and know you belong at any table or in any room you find yourself.

We know, you’ll probably sneak in a quick inbox check (we get it, no judgement). But remember, today is about you and your professional development. So once you’ve cleared that urgent email or two, come and enjoy lunch, connect with fellow attendees, and chat with our incredible vendors and sponsors. It’s the perfect moment to expand your network, swap ideas, and spend time with a community just as invested as you are in making the most of the day.

As the workplace transforms and the Frontier Firm emerges, the role of executive support is evolving from reactive to radically strategic. In this keynote, Jayne Papaleo and Blake Burningham, from Microsoft, will explore what it takes to thrive in this new era, where adaptability, foresight, and tech fluency are essential.

Hear how Executive Assistants at Microsoft are leveraging AI to deepen their partnerships with leaders, streamline operations, and drive impact. Walk away with practical prompts, real-world examples, and fresh inspiration to elevate your role in the future of work.

We've curated a dynamic panel of current and former admin professionals to share real insights from their career journeys. Welcome Kiara Filardi, Gisele Karame-Kemp, Sarah Nomanbhoy and Rachel Hall FAIOP.

This session dives into what it really takes to succeed in the role, including building trust, navigating the unexpected, finding mentors, and mastering the art of influence. With honest stories, practical strategies, and a few well-earned relatable laughs, this conversation celebrates the power, resilience, and adaptability of admin professionals.

Afternoon tea might seem like a simple break in the day, but it actually has aristocratic roots. It all started in the 1840s when Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, got peckish between lunch and dinner and began inviting friends for tea, bread, and cake - thus sparking a tradition. Fast forward to today, and it’s still the perfect excuse to pause, chat, and debate the truly important things… like whether the lamington is Australia’s greatest afternoon tea invention (we think yes). So grab a treat, find a seat, and enjoy the moment - no royal title required.

Dom Price knows a thing or two about growth. He joined Atlassian back when it was a scrappy little team of 600, stuck around for 12 years, and waved goodbye when the company had exploded to over 16,000 people and a cool AUD $60 billion valuation. That’s the kind of ride most people only see on Netflix.

As Atlassian’s resident Work Futurist, Dom didn’t spend his days staring into a crystal ball. Instead, he split his time - literally 50/50 - between experimenting with how Atlassian worked internally and rolling up his sleeves with customers around the globe. His mission? Helping teams change, adapt, and actually thrive in the chaos of modern work.

Along the way, he built a reputation for challenging old-school leadership thinking, championing ways of working that don’t suck, and turning “future of work” from a boring buzzword into something useful (and occasionally fun).

Now, armed with a decade-plus of battle scars, customer war stories, and a cheeky grin, Dom’s on a mission to help people everywhere stop falling into “leadershit” and start building workplaces that work - for humans.

It wouldn’t be an Admin Avenues event without a little fun (and a few giveaways!). We’re celebrating the incredible brands that support our community with a round of prizes you’ll actually want. Be in the room, be ready, and you might just walk away with something special.

A huge thank you to all of our sponsors for helping us make events like this possible. We couldn’t do it without you - and we wouldn’t want to!

As we wrap up an incredible day, Candice returns to the stage with a few last closing reflections and a whole lot of gratitude for this amazing admin community. We’ll celebrate the people in the room, the stories shared, and the connections made.

Then it’s time to exhale! Enjoy drinks and canapés, thanks to our wonderful hosts - and sponsors of these networking drinks at the InterContinental Double Bay.

Whether you're catching up with new friends or recapping everything you’ve taken in today, this is your moment to relax and enjoy. You’ve earned it!

The Australian Institute of Office Professionals (AIOP) will be hosting the 2025 AIOP Gala Dinner & Awards following the conference. This event is also SOLD OUT and we cannot wait to celebrate with admins from all over Australia!