AEPAC 2025 KENYA EDITION

Conference theme:

"Future-forward administration: Embracing new technologies, evolving business models, and global challenges."

A glance at the Africa Executive Assistants/Administrators Conference (AEPAC)

The Africa Executive Assistants/Administrators Conference (AEPAC), hosted annually by ABMC International, is a premier event designed to empower and elevate African administrative professionals. This gathering is dedicated to exploring the dynamic role of executive assistants, administrators, and secretaries in today's fast-evolving workplace. With a focus on the intersection of innovation, technology, and strategic leadership, AEPAC provides participants with actionable insights into leveraging new tools and techniques for enhanced organizational efficiency. Keynote sessions by top administrative professionals and experts offer a range of perspectives, allowing attendees to gain practical skills and knowledge that directly support their roles as essential drivers of business success.

AEPAC also serves as a unique networking platform, fostering connections among administrative professionals across Africa and beyond. The conference brings together participants from diverse sectors, creating an environment that celebrates the evolving contributions of administrative roles in organizational strategy.

AEPAC 2025 will feature several editions throughout the year starting with this first series of Kenya Edition. Discussions will highlight how emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence, digital collaboration tools, and data management systems—can empower executive assistants and administrators to take on more strategic responsibilities within their organizations. By bridging traditional administrative functions with cutting-edge innovation, AEPAC equips attendees with the expertise and confidence needed to excel in an increasingly complex business landscape.

Trends reshaping the executive support/administrative functions

Businesses continue to evolve into complex and fast-paced landscapes. As this takes shape, executive assistants, administrators and secretaries are also transforming into important collaborators key in driving organizational success. To solidify their strategic position as drivers of organizational success, administrative professionals ought to relentlessly strive to advance their professional growth, keep abreast of emerging industry practices such as:

Hybrid work model

This model combines the aspects of the physical and remote work environments. This dynamic work environment demands flexibility and adaptability. To offer great executive support and achieve optimal performance through hybrid work models, executive assistants need to capitalize on emerging technologies such as virtual collaboration platforms, remote communication tools and online scheduling softwares.

What is the future of hybrid work for executive assistants/administrators?

An ever-evolving and dynamic future of hybrid work is expected as more advanced technologies emerge and the needs of organizations change. As these paradigm shifts take shape, a flexible mindset will be key in providing executive support. The positive impact of a hybrid work model in executive support will largely depend on executive assistants' motivation and ability to proficiently communicate, leverage technology and achieve a balance of both physical and virtual work environments.

1. Mastering technological proficiency: Leveraging data tools

Data tools if well optimized can enable administrative professionals to provide maximum support to executives. Leveraging data tools allows executive assistants and admins to offer streamlined, data-driven support. By automating routine tasks, managing schedules, organizing data, and optimizing workflows, EAs free up time for higher-value activities.

2. Personal Finance and Re-engineering the Role of Administrators and E.A's

Incorporating data tools in administrative tasks such as:

• Task & workflow automation

Tools: Zapier, Microsoft Power Automate , Trello, Asana

Task automation tools allow EAs to automate repetitive tasks such as sending reminders, organizing files, or updating contacts. With Zapier or Microsoft Power Automate, you can set up workflows to automate things like sending weekly reports, categorizing emails, or updating CRM information.

• Travel & expense management

Tools: Concur, Expensify, TripIt, TravelPerk

These tools simplify travel planning by consolidating bookings, managing itineraries, and tracking expenses. Some tools, like Concur and Expensify, offer integration with expense management systems, making it easier to track spending and report expenses accurately.

• Document management & collaboration

Tools: Microsoft OneDrive, Google Workspace, Dropbox, Evernote, Notion

Document management tools help keep files organized, secure, and easily accessible. Collaborative tools like Google Workspace or Notion make it easy for EAs and executives to co-edit documents, track changes, and manage file permissions.

3. Adapting to global business demands

With most organizations operating on a global scale, skilled international/cross cultural communication and business etiquette become paramount for executive assistants/administrators to keep up with these global demands and in the process nurture professional relationships, support global teams and successfully oversee international projects.

4. Life long learning, flexibility and adaptability

Continuous skill development is inevitable as executive assistants need to stay abreast of emerging industry trends, technologies and global trends. Enhancing competencies such as automation tools, adapting to hybrid work settings and managing tasks across varied time zones is key. With a global environment shaped by these changing business demands, the true power of a resilient assistant is in being able to adapt and thrive in such a dynamic environment.

Who should attend

1. Executive assistants (EAs)
2. Personal assistants (PAs)
3. Office administrators
4. Administrative managers
5. Administrative assistants
6. Executive operations assistants
7. Office managers
8. Project assistants/coordinators
9. Executive secretaries
10. Business support managers
11. Customer relations officers
12. Communication officers
13. Board liaison officers
14. Public relations assistants
15. Remote/virtual assistants
16. Anyone interested in advancing their executive assistance and administrative knowledge.

Why attend AEPAC?

• Acquire hands-on training on how to leverage AI, automation, and cloud-based systems to streamline administrative processes.
• Stay ahead of evolving business models.
• Enhance skills to tackle global challenges.
• Build strong networks, gain new perspectives and interact with industry leaders and peers from across Africa.
• Enhance professional profile: Gain a competitive edge in your career.
• Explore Nairobi, the safari capital of the world.

Conference topics:

1. Evolving skill sets: Navigating the hybrid workplace and leadership demands.
2. Re-engineering the role of EAs/administrators: Aligning EA roles with organizational vision.
3. Leading innovation and change management from the executive assistant's desk.
4. AI-driven scheduling and workflow automation: Tools every EA needs to know.
5. Leveraging data tools for efficient executive support.
6. Effective time zone management: Tools and techniques for global coordination.
7. Emotional Intelligence: Enhancing assertive leadership through empathy.
8. The strategic power of networking and influence: Growing your professional brand.
9. Strategic adaptability: Embracing evolving business models and global business demands.
10. Personal finance/financial wellness for stress reduction and work-life balance.