Midlands VA Conference 2025

Midlands VA Conference 2025

Friday 14 March 2025, 8.30am-5pm

Conference Aston, Aston University, Birmingham

🎊 We are excited to announce that PA Forum will be hosting its Midlands VA Conference 2025 at Conference Aston in Birmingham on Friday 14 March 2025 🎊

The conference will be hosted by the legendary Amanda Johnson and we also have an incredible lineup of speakers to cover a variety of content and topics through the day, as well as opportunities to meet fellow VAs, potentially find that Associate you’ve been looking for and have a chat with our speakers, most of which will be there throughout the day, and we will be inviting several key exhibitors.

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OUR VA CONFERENCE SPEAKERS

“The Missing Link to your Success"

Dawn Owen, Business & Life Coach of Dawn Owen Coaching

In this session, we're diving deep into the crucial mindset shifts that are secretly keeping you stuck and stopping you from reaching your full potential in both your life and business.

These hidden mental barriers might be holding you back from achieving the level of success you've been chasing, but don’t worry - we’re breaking them down and showing you exactly how to overcome them!

We’ll explore why these sneaky beliefs can be so damaging, how they show up in everyday situations, and the steps you can take to shift your thinking and start creating the results you want.

Get ready for some hard truths, practical tips, and a whole load of ‘aha!’ moments as we shine a light on what’s really going on beneath the surface.

By the end of this session you'll be armed with the insights and strategies you need to rewire these outdated beliefs and finally start moving the needle on your goals.

If you're ready to break free from what’s been holding you back and take your life and business to the next level, then this session is for you!

“The Business of YOU! How To Build A Brilliant Personal Brand in 2025”

Belinda Furneaux-Harris, Brand Consultant, Branded & Unstoppable

What comes to mind when you hear the words ‘personal brand’? Is it just for influencers, well known entrepreneurs or CEOs? What if I told you that as a VA, your personal brand could be your greatest career asset? That it’s your ticket to becoming a game-changer in your field and will help build your confidence, showcase your indispensable skills and truly stand out from the crowd.

In this session, we’re diving deep into the art of brand building to show you exactly what it takes to build and manage your own personal brand. To lift the lid on what a personal brand is, what the benefits are and why it matters more than ever. That it’s not a luxury, but a necessity for VAs in today’s competitive market.

We’ll be breaking down the exact steps to defining your own personal brand so you come away with dazzling clarity on what you want to be known for, your core strengths, superpower and personality, the ‘magic’ you bring to your role and what uniquely sets you apart. So no more feeling stuck, stifled, confused or overwhelmed.

More than anything this session is going to take you on a journey to becoming more YOU and help you find your edge. It’s about giving you the tips and tools to show the world the best version of who you already are so you can show up and shine in a really intentional and powerful way – visually, verbally, viscerally. If you’re ready to take control of your personal brand, take things to a whole new level and really get known and noticed, then this session is for you!

“Stay Safe Online: Essential Cyber Security Tips for Virtual Assistants”

Sunny Vara, CEO & Founder, Cybercy Group

As a Virtual Assistant, your clients trust you with sensitive information – but are you equipped to protect it? In this session, you'll learn essential cybersecurity practices, tailored specifically for Virtual Assistants.

Discover how to safeguard client data, recognise phishing scams, secure your devices and set up strong passwords and authentication processes, along with “top tips” to help you protect you both in business and at home!

Whether you're tech-savvy or just starting out, this session will empower you with practical tips to navigate the online world confidently and responsibly. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your digital defence and build trust with your clients!

ANNOUNCING TWO MORE OF OUR SPEAKERS…

Heather Murray, Founder & CEO, AI for Non-Techies

Grace Marshall, Chief Encourager, Productivity Ninja

PLUS one more speaker to be confirmed!

MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!

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OUR CONFERENCE HOST – THE Amanda Johnson

“Hello I’m Amanda Johnson, the proud founder of VACT Limited, and I’m excited to share my journey from a dedicated Royal Navy junior rate, through to officer to now a thought leader in the Virtual Assistant (VA) industry.

My career began at the young age of 17 when I joined the Royal Navy, filled with aspirations of climbing the ranks and making a significant impact. Over 23 years, I embraced the challenges and opportunities that came with military life, which shaped my resilience and leadership skills. My tenure in the Navy was not just a job; it was a formative experience that prepared me for the complexities of the business world.

In 2008 my husband and I had a life changing event, which led to me leaving the Royal Navy in 2012, after two decades of naval service. I ventured into the burgeoning field of virtual assistance, a domain I was drawn to because of its flexibility and the potential to support professionals remotely. I wanted to make a difference to those I supported.

Initially, I launched Your Executive Secretary before taking over and buying VACT Limited in 2014. This first step was crucial as it laid the groundwork for what was to come.

Taking over VACT was a pivotal moment in my career. Under my leadership, VACT has flourished, becoming the UK and Europe’s leading Virtual Assistant Training Company, recognised for its high-quality training and mentorship programs.

We are all about helping people find great, flexible work they can do from anywhere. We know life can be tricky, with all sorts of challenges popping up and for those of you are in full time or part time employment with flexible working patterns changing we can share tools and help you to further grow your skillset so you can build a business that will allow you to work on your own terms.

Our training isn’t just about business – it’s about making your life better. We’ve designed our courses to fit around your busy schedule, whether you’re juggling family life, moving house, or dealing with any other of life’s curveballs. We’re here for everyone, perhaps you are considering launching your very own VA Business, you may have just started your journey as a virtual assistant and looking for guidance, a community and support. We welcome experienced VAs who are looking to brush up on their skills, revisit their business plans and find opportunity and ways to grow their businesses.

Our courses are easy to follow, and you can learn at your own pace. Plus, we offer one-to-one support and a friendly online group where you can chat with other VAs.

We’re chuffed that our work’s been noticed. Our founder was even shortlisted for an award as a Champion of Women in the 2019 British Ex-Forces In Business Awards. This recognition shows we’re on the right track and pushes us to keep doing our best for our students.”

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OUR VENUE – CONFERENCE ASTON

Conference Aston sits at the heart of the Aston University Campus in Birmingham City Centre.

The conference centre is a bright, spacious, warm and welcoming venue and can host meetings and events from intimate meetings to large conferences, through its choice of meeting rooms, conference suites and event spaces. It is also designed with the latest technology and sustainability running throughout.

Conference Aston also has an on-site hotel, which provides the perfect place to stay when attending events at the conference centre and boasts 163 hotel rooms, a restaurant and bar, free WiFi and a nearby gym and pool.

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TICKETS

Conference Day Only – £149 plus VAT

Friday 14 March 2025

Your ticket includes all speaker sessions, access to networking opportunities and exhibitors, arrival refreshments, a delicious buffet-style 3-course lunch, tea/coffee throughout the day.

Pre-Conference Dinner & Conference Day – £174 plus VAT

Thursday 13 & Friday 14 March 2025

Your ticket includes a pre-dinner drinks reception and 2-course dinner at Conference Aston, as well as all the above included in the Conference Day Only ticket.

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TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION

Conference Aston

The link to Conference Aston Hotel is https://www.conferenceaston.co.uk/leisure

There are 29 rooms held for Midlands VA Conference delegates at £110 per night.

NOTE: Once you have booked your ticket, please contact Mel Bates at [email protected] to register your interest in booking a hotel room for Thursday 13 March.

Alternative Hotels

Premier Inn Birmingham City Centre (Exchange Square) – 10 minute walk

Clayton Hotel Birmingham – 10 minute walk

Aloft Birmingham Eastside – 3 minute walk

Travelling by Train

The nearest train stations to Conference Aston are Birmingham Moor Street, Birmingham Snow Hill and Birmingham New Street (Grand Central), all of which are a 10-15 minute walk or 5 minute taxi journey.

Travelling by Car

Conference Aston is located less than a mile from Junction 6 of the M6.

Car Parking

There is very limited car parking on-site at Conference Aston itself and this MUST be pre-booked by visiting their website (https://www.conferenceaston.co.uk/find-us).

The nearest alternative car park is Millennium Point Multi-Storey Car Park, which is an easy 2 minute walk from Conference Aston.

Host or Publisher Daniel Skermer