You work hard all year supporting your school.  

Now your school has the opportunity to support you and your professional development.

Join your NWAIS colleagues for a two-day conference this March for administrative and executive assistants in independent schools for a two-day conference

"It's a great opportunity to recharge your batteries and reflect on ways to improve your work environment." - 2019 Attendee

Who Should Attend:

• Executive Assistant and Head’s Assistant
• Assistant to the Development Office, Business Office, or Division Offices  
• School Registrar
• Administrative Assistant
• Receptionist
• School Secretary
• Office Manager

"It is a wonderful way to gain perspective about the job and learn from your peers."-  2019 Attendee

Tentative Agenda

March 6, 2025

1:30-2:00  Registration

2:00-2:30  Welcome and Introductions

2:30-4:00  Keynote: Five Strategies for Navigating Tricky Workplace Dynamics with Lori Cohen

3:45-5:00  Round Tables

5:00-7:00  Reception & Dinner

March 7, 2025

8:00-9:00 Breakfast

9:00-10:30 AI Productivity Tools to Support Administrative Efficiency with Jim Dunnigan

10:45-11:45  Leadership Styles: Recognizing and Adapting Your Approach with Danielle N. Adams-Wiltshire 

12:00-1:00 Lunch

1:00-2:00 The Power of Feedback: Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement with Danielle N. Adams-Wiltshire

2:00-2:45 Book / Article Club

2:45-3:00  Wrap up and Goodbyes

 "Since administrative assistants/receptionists/office assistants are often the only people in their schools with their specific jobs, a conference like this is a much-needed opportunity for them to connect with people who are aware of their unique issues and can provide advice, support and encouragement!" - 2019 Attendee

"Absolutely attend! This conference is a must for all admin and support staff". -2023 Attendee

Session and Speaker Information

Sessions will feature guest speakers, workshop leaders as well as time to connect and share ideas with other attendees. Participants will learn about other schools and how they approach common problems, as well as build their own skill sets.  Learn More About Speakers and Sessions Here

Learn More About Speakers and Sessions Here

"The content is very good, but the opportunity to network with colleagues, get afresh perspective, and re-energize is priceless." - 2023 Attendee

Pricing and Registration

Conference Fees Will Include Programming as well as a Reception and Dinner on March 6, and Breakfast and Lunch on March 7.

To receive the early bird or regular discount, your registration must be complete and payment must be postmarked or received by the stated deadline.

• For registrations with payment by check, payment must be postmarked by the stated deadline
• Online registrations completed by credit card must be completed by 11:59pm on the stated deadline.

"This is the one conference that caters specifically to people in our positions at independent schools. That's hard to come by!" - 2023 Attendee

Registration is Now Open for This Event.

Sign Up Today!

"You will not regret the connections that you will make, and the content you will receive!" - 2019 Attendee

Location 

Marriott Tacoma Downtown - 1538 Commerce Street - Tacoma, WA 98402

"This is the perfect opportunity to connect with others in your role and to collect new ideas and resources!" - 2023 Attendee

Accommodations

You are encouraged to consider joining the many attendees who stay on-site. The residential experience maximizes the opportunity to connect with colleagues and immerse yourself in the professional development.

NWAIS has arranged for a special rate of $154 per night to stay at the Marriott Downtown Tacoma. To take advantage of this rate, reservations must be made by February 12, 2025.

You can make your reservation by calling (253) 294-9200 and identifying yourself a a part of the NWAIS Administrative Support Conference.

You can also make your reservation directly using this link.

"Admin Assistants in schools do not have many opportunities for professional development, nor are there many people at our schools who understand the scope of our jobs. Not only does this conference allow for professional growth, but it gives us the opportunity to connect with our peers from other schools, recharge, and brain storm solutions to problems that are unique to schools." - 2019 Attendee

Substitutions and Cancellation

Substitutions may be made any time prior to the conference. Written cancellations received by February 24, 2025 are eligible for a refund after a $50 cancellation fee. Cancellations received after February 24, 2025 are ineligible for any refund.

NWAIS May Help Cover Travel Costs

The NWAIS travel reimbursement policy is designed to reimburse candidate and accredited member schools for some travel costs. This policy applies to a school’s total travel expenses (not the cost of rooms and meals), no matter how many people the school sends to the workshop. If your school spends more than $150 dollars on travel for this event and is traveling a distance greater than 250 miles you will be reimbursed a percentage of your expenses. 

"I think it's worth attending to be in a cohort of other people who do similar work. Often times our job is very isolating and the stress level is high so having to spend time with others who also feel the same way makes feel like our job is valuable and unique."                    - 2019 Attendee