The Corporate PA Summit is in its 10th year this year, having started in 2005. The inaugural event was a huge success, immediately differentiating itself with standout keynote speakers and EA speakers. Over 120 delegates attended in the first year in Sydney, with almost that number in Melbourne and about 70 in Brisbane.
In 2006, the event grew by almost 50%, with Sydney and Melbourne enjoying more than 160 attendees. Brisbane meanwhile, attracted almost 100 delegates. Across all 3 cities, almost 400 attendees enjoyed the incredible presentations given by the insiprational keynote speakers and many of Australia's most accomplished EAs.
In 2007, the event again grew, with around 180 delegates in Sydney and Melbourne, and
Brisbane
attracting over 100 delegates. The EA speakers were outstanding, with a huge
variety of content covered throughout the day.
The 2008 event was the biggest in the events' history so far - attracting over 600 delegates
across the three states. Standout speakers were Peter Morrissey, providing a unique insight
into the life and challenges of a fashion icon, and Melissa Doyle, co-presenter of Channel
7's Sunrise.
2009 was the year of the 'credit crunch', which the PA Summit responded to by offering
some fantastic speakers from the fields of politics and economics in addition to our
motiviational speakers and senior EA speakers to help delegates weather the storm and
prepare for the future.
The 2010 event, in addition to its fantastic domestic speaker line-up was notable for its
international speakers. We were pleased to welcome Laura Schwartz, former Special
Assistant to President Bill Clinton, and Sue France, who travelled from the UK where she
recently won the 'Times PA of the Year' award and written a bestselling book.
In 2011, we were lucky to welcome to the summit some of the best speaking talent
Australia has to offer. Liz Ellis AM, the netballing legend was an absolute highlight, as was
Zoe Naylor the summit MC. Dr Chris Brown wowed the audiences with his down-to-earth
blend of humour, insight and inspiration.
In 2012, not only were we priviledged to hear Carrie Bickmore's extraordinary story, but we also were inspired by a huge range of incredible speakers, from Deborah Hutton and Natalie Gruzlewski to Captain Richard de Crespigny, the A380 pilot who successfully landed the crippled QF32 from Singapore.
The 2013 event featured some true heavyweights in the speaker field, including Australian of the Year Ita Buttrose, and Celebrity Apprentice's Mark Bouris. Three international EAs - including the former EA to Sir Richard Branson - and a host of incredible Australian inspirational speakers contributed to the best feedback in the event's history.
The 10th anniversary summit was a huge success, with Marie Claire editor Jackie Frank delivering a fantastic keynote presentation. 10 diverse speakers, including Red Balloon founder Naomi Simson, international emmy award winner Kathrine Switzer and Commando Steve provided attendees with a hugely inspirational day!
The 2015 event was the biggest PA Summit ever in both Sydney and Melbourne, and was headlined by Michelle Bridges and David Koch. Michelle and David were highlights in an amazing day, packed full of inspirational speakers, great sponsors and amazing networking opportunities.
The 2016 summit featured Mamamia's Jamila Rizvi, Dr Andrew Rochford and the incredible Turia Pitt, as well as inpirational keynotes from Rabia Siddique and Blythe Rowe. The summit was a great success, the largest summit to date, and we're really looking forward to building on this success in 2017!
The 2017 Summit welcomed the incredible Anna Meares to the summit program, along with a brilliant presentation from The Hon Julia Gillard, and highly energetic and impressive presentations from Amy Scott, Janine Garner and Dr Jenny Brockis. The summit welcomed over 350 attendees, the biggest event in its history.
