The Future Executive Assistants 2026 Summit is a premier two-day leadership and professional development conference designed for today’s and tomorrow’s Executive Assistants. As AI, automation and digital
transformation rapidly reshape executive workplaces, this summit brings together senior EAs, Chiefs of Staff, business leaders and industry experts to explore how the EA role is evolving from traditional support to strategic partnership.
Through a dynamic mix of keynote presentations, panel discussions, fireside chats and interactive roundtables, the summit will deliver practical insights, real-world case studies and future-focused strategies to help EAs thrive in an AI-enabled executive environment.
Early Invited Key Opinion Leaders Includes:
Speakers of The Annual Future EA & AI 2026 Summit - Empowering & Redefining the Modern AI-Driven World 2026 Summit.
PR Manager, Australia & New Zealand, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Executive Assistant to Chief Executive Officer & Communications Manager, Bingo Industries
Former Head of Executive Office at the Australian Chamber Orchestra
EA Educator
Head of AI Learning, Time Under Tension
Executive Assistant and Business Operations Manager, M&C Saatchi Group
Founder and Director, Optimise AI
President, West Ryde Chamber of Commerce
Leadership Trainer. Success Coach. People Skills Consultant. Think Learn Succeed
AI Risk Leader, Oceania Risk Management, EY
Communications and Marketing Manager, Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Gardens
Speaker | Author | AI Advisor, The Digital Guide
Counsellor & Mental Health Clinician | Relationships Australia
Executive Assistant to the CEO, Team Super
Former EA Australian Government
Event Schedule
Learn schedule, program and topics of the Annual Future EA & AI 2026 Summit - Empowering & Redefining the Modern AI-Driven World 2026 Summit
Delegate Registration & Coffee
THE EVOLVING EA ROLE: AI, LEADERSHIP & HUMAN CAPABILITY
Day One explores the changing nature of executive support, the opportunities and challenges created by AI, and the increasing importance of judgement, adaptability and leadership
Welcome by Summit Chair
Conference introduction and framing of the evolving EA landscape.
MAGGIE VIDEAN
EA Educator
Speakers:
Exploring AI disruption, changing expectations, opportunities, strengths and the future of work.
Discussion topics
• What is changing, and what remains essential
• Where AI is improving workflow, productivity and decision-making
• The limitations of AI and where human judgement becomes critical
• How expectations of Executive Assistants are shifting
• What high-performing EAs are doing differently in modern workplaces
• The increasing importance of communication, influence and adaptability
• How organisations are redefining executive support and operational partnership
• What skills and mindset will matter most over the next five years
PANEL MEMBER:
MARNIE GRAHAM-PINCHES
Executive Assistant to the CEO, Team Super
OTHER PANEL MEMBERS TBA
The role of the Executive Assistant is shifting from doing the work… to orchestrating how the work gets done. As AI tools, automations and digital assistants rapidly evolve, EAs are uniquely positioned to coordinate workflows, manage priorities and support smarter executive decision-making.
Discussion areas include:
• How emerging AI tools, agents, and automations are reshaping the EA role and modern workplaces
• Managing priorities across people, platforms, systems and AI-enabled workflows
• Understanding next-generation tools, including ChatGPT, Co-Pilot, Gemini, Claude and evolving digital co-workers
• Why EA skills in prioritising tasks, clear communication, judgement and delegation position them perfectly to lead AI-supported workflows
• Moving from being an “AI user” to becoming a strategic “orchestrator” supporting executive performance, communication and decision-making
The future EA is not simply managing tasks — they are helping orchestrate people, technology and performance across increasingly connected workplaces.
SIMON HILLIER
AI Strategist, Educator & Founder, W3 Digital
10:30 MORNING COFFEE AND NETWORKING
As technology powers ahead, so does the need to focus on human capability. In a workplace increasingly shaped by AI and
automation, the real advantage for Executive Assistants lies not in competing with technology, but in strengthening the human
skills AI cannot replicate.
Discussion areas include:
• Communicating with clarity, confidence and executive presence in rapidly changing environments
• Navigating complex stakeholder dynamics with professionalism, tact and emotional intelligence
• Applying critical thinking, judgement and political awareness in an age of increasingly automated decision-making
• Strengthening influence and helping executives and teams adapt confidently to technological change
• Maintaining authenticity, trust and meaningful human connection in highly digital workplaces
In a world powered by AI, your human skills are your greatest advantage, and the EAs who learn to harness them will lead the change, not simply respond to it.
ELEANOR SHAKIBA
Leadership Communication Consultant | Tutor University of Sydney
10:50 Morning Coffee & Networking
The EA role is evolving, and the most successful forward-thinking Executive Assistants are thinking beyond tasks and positioning themselves as strategic business partners. In increasingly fast-moving workplaces, adaptability, visibility and long-term thinking are becoming essential career strengths.
Discussion areas include:
• Developing a future-ready mindset and building long-term career confidence
• Expanding influence, visibility and professional networks
• Positioning yourself strategically within the right organisations and leadership environments
• Continuing learning and staying relevant as workplace expectations evolve
• Setting long-term goals while remaining adaptable to change and opportunity
The future belongs to EAs who are curious, adaptable and willing to evolve alongside the changing workplace.
ESTELLE HAMILTON
Senior Executive Assistant
Drawing on experience in fast-paced, high-profile environments, this session explores adaptability, professionalism, executive
presence, and confidence under pressure.
Discussion areas include:
• Working effectively in complex and rapidly changing environments
• Building confidence and executive presence as part of your executive brand
• Supporting leaders in visible, high-performance organisations
• Remaining adaptable, calm and solutions-focused under pressure
• Recognising opportunities for growth and stepping into new challenges by sharing her real-life story
ANIA KONOPKA
Executive Assistant to CEO | World Rugby / Rugby World Cup 2027
12:40 Lunch break
As technology accelerates, so does the pressure on the people behind the scenes. Today’s Executive Assistants are navigating
constant change, increasing complexity, emotional labour and the expectation to always be available. In increasingly
ambiguous and demanding workplaces, resilience, communication and emotional awareness have become essential professional skills
Discussion areas include:
• Recognising the signs of burnout, stress and cognitive overload
• Managing emotional overload, invisible responsibility and decision fatigue
• Setting healthy boundaries
• Building practical resilience strategies for fast-paced workplaces
• Maintaining confidence, energy and perspective during periods of change
• Strengthening communication and emotional awareness during difficult situations
• Developing a personal wellbeing toolkit to stay calm, grounded and effective under pressure
The ability to remain resilient, adaptable and emotionally grounded is becoming one of the most important capabilities in modern executive support roles
PATRIZIA RAVALICO
Counsellor & Mental Health Clinician | Relationships Australia
Executive Assistants sit at the centre of communication, access, information and decision-making, which also makes them one
of the most targeted points of vulnerability within organisations. As AI tools become more embedded in everyday workflows, the
ability to identify risk quickly and respond with sound judgement has never been more important.
Discussion areas include:
• Recognising real-world cyber threats, suspicious requests and pressure tactics
• Identifying unusual communication patterns, fake urgency and phishing attempts
• Verifying sensitive requests, payment changes and confidential information safely
• Using AI tools responsibly without increasing organisational risk
• Understanding what information should, and should not, be entered into AI platforms
• Recognising increasingly convincing AI-generated messages and scams
• Applying practical decision-making frameworks in fast-paced environments
In an increasingly digital workplace, strong judgement, awareness and the ability to pause before reacting are becoming essential professional skills
JERRY YESSAEIAN
Managing Director & Cybersecurity Advisor | DC Encompass President | West Ryde Chamber of Commerce
14:40 Afternoon Tea
An honest and practical conversation about navigating relationships, managing competing expectations and communicating effectively across all levels of an organisation with diverse stakeholders.
LUCY GREIG
Stakeholder Relations Specialist
A collaborative session focused on practical decision-making and peer-to-peer learning.
Discussion areas include:
• Working through real-world executive support scenarios
• Applying AI tools alongside human judgement
• Decision-making under pressure
• Peer collaboration and practical problem-solving
17:00- 18:00 1 Hour Networking Drinks
Delegate Registration & Coffee
LEADERSHIP, WORKFLOW & INFLUENCE IN THE AI AGE
Day Two focuses on practical AI applications, executive partnerships, leadership, communication, influence, and the future-facing capabilities modern EAs need to thrive.
Welcome by Summit Chair
Applying the mindset and insights from Day One
MAGGIE VIDEAN
EA Educator
Speakers:
Behind every high-performing executive is a trusted partner who understands not just the work, but the person. In
increasingly fast-paced and AI-driven workplaces, emotional intelligence, communication and human connection are
becoming some of the most valuable skills an Executive Assistant can bring to an organisation.
This session explores how EAs can use emotional intelligence to build trust, strengthen executive partnerships, navigate
complex workplace dynamics and become a calm, influential presence within high-performing teams.
Discussion areas include:
• Building trust and credibility at the highest levels
• Reading the room and understanding different communication styles
• Using emotional intelligence to strengthen executive partnerships
• Balancing operational delivery with relationship-building and culture
• Knowing when to step forward, when to step back, and how to influence effectively
• Leveraging AI as a tool while maintaining the human connection that technology cannot replace
In a world increasingly shaped by AI, emotional intelligence may become the EA’s greatest professional advantage.
MADELEINE ALLAN
Senior Executive Assistant | Saatchi & SaatchiDigital
AI tools are only valuable when they genuinely improve the way we work. This practical masterclass explores how Executive
Assistants can move beyond basic AI use and meaningfully integrate Microsoft Co-Pilot into everyday workflows, communication
and executive support. Through real EA scenarios and practical demonstrations, this session focuses on helping EAs work more
efficiently while maintaining judgement, oversight and professionalism.
Discussion areas include:
• Applying Microsoft Co-Pilot meaningfully in day-to-day EA work
• Using AI across Outlook, Teams, Word and Excel to improve workflow and productivity
• Managing complex email threads, executive briefings and meeting outcomes more efficiently
• Coordinating stakeholders and streamlining communication processes
• Supporting executives and teams through AI-enabled workplace changes
• Realising common adoption gaps and why many teams struggle to unlock real value from AI tools
The future of AI in executive support is not about replacing people — it is about helping capable professionals work more strategically, efficiently and effectively
YIA SUN
Founder & AI Educator | Optimise AI
10:40 Morning Coffee and Networking
• How executives’ expectations of EAs are changing
• Redefining trust, confidentiality and influence
• What great EA partnerships look like in modern organisations
• Lessons from long-standing executive–EA relationships
We are operating in a world where anyone can create, publish and amplify content instantly — and increasingly, not all of it isreal. AI is accelerating this shift, making it easier than ever to produce polished, convincing communication at speed. For Executive Assistants, this doesn’t just change how content is created. It changes how decisions are made. This session explores how the communication landscape is evolving, where things are going wrong, and why judgement — not just tools — is becoming one of the most valuable skills in fast-moving, high-visibility environments.
Discussion areas include:
• How AI and social media are reshaping what is real, trusted and believable
• Understanding communication risk in fast-moving digital environments
• Recognising tone-deaf messaging, over-reliance on AI and reputational blind spots
• Why speed and automation can create risk if not balanced with sound judgement
• The growing importance of being a sense-check and communication filter for executives and organisations
• Practical ways to assess what should — and should not — be published online
In a world where anyone can publish instantly, strong judgement may become one of the most important professional skills of all.
TED ROSE
Marketing Manager | Royal Botanic Garden Sydney & Marketing Lecturer | UNSW Sydney
As AI tools become part of everyday workplace practice, Executive Assistants are increasingly navigating issues of confidentiality,
judgement, privacy and organisational risk. This session provides a practical and accessible framework for using AI responsibly in real-world executive support environments. Through practical examples and interactive scenarios, Denise explores how EAs can
confidently apply sound judgement, recognise potential risks and understand where existing professional safeguards still matter.
Discussion areas include:
• Understanding AI governance and ethics in practical workplace settings
• Managing confidentiality, sensitive information and responsible AI use
• Recognising emerging risks, including AI-generated errors, bias and deepfake fraud
• Understanding where traditional safeguards still apply in AI-enabled environments
• Applying practical decision-making frameworks before using AI tools
• Building confidence to pause, question or raise concerns when something does not feel right
• Working through realistic EA scenarios and everyday workplace challenges
As AI becomes more embedded in daily workflows, strong judgement, awareness and responsible decision-making are becoming essential workplace capabilities.
DENISE SCHALET
AI Governance & Ethics Specialist | EY
12:40 NETWORKING LUNCH
A grounded and practical look at where AI is genuinely adding value, what is not working, and how to avoid overwhelm while integrating AI into everyday work.
Discussion areas include:
• Where AI is genuinely adding value
• What’s not working — and why
• Avoiding overwhelm and overcomplication
• Practical approaches to AI adoption
• Building digital capability with confidence
TRACY SHEEN
AI Advisor, Author & Digital Strategist
Senior Executive Assistants share reflections on leadership, communication, workplace culture and the often unseen influence Eas have across organisations.
Key discussion areas
• Supporting culture through communication and nurturing relationships
• Navigating diversity, inclusion and communication across modern workplaces
• Supporting inclusive leadership and psychologically safe workplaces
PAMELA HARRIS
Former Executive Assistant to John Coates & Senior Olympic Movement Executive Support Professional (TBA)
EMMA BORG
Senior Executive Assistant & Leadership Professional (TBA)
A final session bringing together the key themes of leadership, adaptability, technology,
resilience and influence
• Reflecting on two days of insights
• Defining your future EA value proposition
• Creating a practical professional development roadmap
• Final audience Q&A and conference reflections
Panel Members TBA
FINAL REFLECTIONS & CONFERENCE CLOSE
AFTERNOON TEA AND NETWORKING
