PA Life at 15: Celebrating the people behind the profession

As PA Life celebrates its 15th anniversary year, the focus is firmly on the community that has shaped the brand from the very beginning: Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants, Virtual Assistants and Office Managers.

For a decade and a half, PA Life has championed the executive support profession through industry news, events, networking, professional development and trusted supplier partnerships. Now, to mark this milestone year, we’re turning the spotlight onto the individuals whose expertise, resilience and leadership keep organisations running every day.

Amazing Assistants: 15 Years of Excellence

At the heart of the anniversary celebrations is a new editorial series, Amazing Assistants: 15 Years of Excellence. Across a series of interviews and profile features, PA Life will highlight 15 outstanding professionals from across the executive support world, each bringing a different perspective on career progression, influence and the evolving nature of the role.

“Today’s assistants are strategic partners, problem-solvers and trusted advisers,” says PA Life editor Marja-Leena Toseland. “Through this series, we want to celebrate not only individual achievements, but also the transformation of the profession itself over the past 15 years.”

The features will explore career-defining moments, lessons learned, challenges overcome and the practical skills that have helped these professionals thrive in demanding, fast-changing environments.

Investing in the profession’s future

While the anniversary is a chance to reflect, it’s also about looking ahead. Professional development remains central to PA Life’s mission, which is why our long-standing media partnership with The Meetings Show continues to be so important.

As one of the UK’s leading events industry gatherings, The Meetings Show offers EAs and PAs direct access to venues, suppliers, education sessions and networking opportunities that can genuinely elevate their roles. At PA Life, we see attending the show not simply as a day out of the office, but as a valuable investment in professional development — particularly for assistants responsible for meetings, events, travel and stakeholder engagement.

The show’s education programme, supplier access and peer networking opportunities reflect the increasingly strategic nature of the EA and PA profession, helping assistants stay ahead of industry trends while building confidence and influence in their roles.

A community worth celebrating

To mark the anniversary in true PA Life style, we’ll also be hosting a special reception this September, bringing together executive support professionals, suppliers and event partners for an evening of celebration and connection. Full details will be announced soon via our Upcoming Events calendar and PA Life social channels.

The reception will reflect what PA Life has always aimed to create: a welcoming, supportive community where assistants can share ideas, build relationships and recognise the impact of their profession.

The role has changed — and so has the recognition

Over the past 15 years, the assistant role has evolved dramatically. What was once viewed primarily as administrative support is now recognised as a strategic business function. EAs and PAs are leading projects, managing complex stakeholder relationships, shaping company culture and driving operational success at the highest levels.

PA Life has been proud to document and support that journey — and we remain committed to doing so for the next 15 years and beyond.

As we celebrate this milestone year, we invite our readers to follow the Amazing Assistants series, join us at our anniversary events, and continue being part of a profession that is more influential, connected and respected than ever before.

For more information about PA Life, upcoming events and free membership of the PA Life Club, visit palife.co.uk.