Why Your Professional Development Budget Should Be Non-Negotiable
By Uncategorised

Lets do some real talk. Professional development is one of those things everyone says is important, but too often, it gets pushed to the bottom of the list. We’re busy. Budgets are tight. The business has “other priorities.”

But here’s the truth – if you don’t advocate for your own growth, no one else will. Your Professional Development Budget Is There For a Reason

Whether you have a set allowance or it’s more of an “ask and you shall (hopefully) receive” situation, your PD budget exists to keep you ahead of the curve. Admin and office support roles have evolved faster in the last decade than almost any other profession – and the pace isn’t slowing.

AI, hybrid workplaces, strategic business partnering… this is not the time to be stagnant. It’s the time to invest in skills, network with your peers, and future-proof your career!

Let me tell you why the Admin Avenues Conference Is the Best Use of It.

On Monday 20 October 2025, at the beautiful InterContinental Double Bay in Sydney, we’re bringing together incredible speakers, sharing the most practical strategies, and the most inspiring conversations in our profession.It’s not an inspirational “love-fest”. 

This conference has real ROIs that you can bring back and use in your job. It’s built by admins, for admins. You can expect:

  • Inspiring keynotes from Executive and Leadership Coach Suzy Miller, Strategic EA Trainer and Founder, Elite EA Academy Rachael Bonetti, Imposter Syndrome Expert Alison Shamir, Former EA to Sir Richard Branson Samantha Cox & Chairman of Screen Australia Michael Ebeid AM. 
  • A session on AI for admins and the future of work for admin roles by Microsoft
  • A leading admin panel with Kiara Filardi, Gisele Karame-Kemp, Sarah Nomanbhoy, and Rachel Hall – current and former admin professionals sharing career lessons, leadership insights, and practical strategies for building trust, navigating challenges, finding mentors, and mastering influence –  all while celebrating the resilience and impact of our profession.
  • Networking that’s actually valuable. The people who are attending this conference are people you will want to know and be connected with for the future so get your LinkedIn up to date
  • You will have practical, ready-to-use strategies to take straight back to the office

This is a purpose-built day to give you tools, confidence, and connections that will keep paying off long after the conference ends. Full details of the event HERE.

 

Stay for the 2025 AIOP Admin Awards

And when the day wraps up? We’re rolling straight into the AIOP Admin Awards – a celebration of the best in our profession.

Picture this:
A room full of admin professionals being recognised, applauded, and celebrated. Stories that make you proud to be part of this profession. Connections that could turn into your next opportunity. And a night that reminds you just how valuable you are to your organisation.

If your company is serious about valuing its admin team, this is the event they’ll want you at. And if they’re not sure yet, here’s your moment to make the case.

Don’t wait for someone else to put your name forward –  the AIOP Awards are your chance to recognise your own impact, celebrate your achievements, and inspire others by self-nominating. Nominate yourself or an admin peer HERE.Nominations close 5PM AEST, Fri 19 September 2025.

 

How to Ask for Approval (and Get a Yes)

  1. Link it to business outcomes – show how what you’ll learn will save time, improve processes, or boost productivity.
  2. Show the ROI – one new tool or strategy could save hours every week, easily paying back the ticket cost.
  3. Highlight the networking – connections often lead to solutions you can’t find online.
  4. Be specific – outline the sessions you’ll attend and how they apply to your role.

 

Use Our Business Case Template:

We have a Business Case Template for you to use HERE.

 

Your professional development budget isn’t a “nice to have.” It’s there to keep you relevant, confident, and ahead of change. The Admin Avenues Conference and AIOP Admin Awards are your opportunity to make that happen in one incredible day.

Book your ticket. Bring your team. Stay for the awards!

Your future self will thank you – and so will your employer!