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Strategic PA Network | AI Masterclass Series 2026 in collaboration with Lara Smith, The Modern VA & The Modern Ops and Panel

Wednesday 30th September 2026 3.00pm - 6.00pm - BST

Location: Online

The Strategic PA AI Masterclass Series 2026 | Learn. Apply. Lead.

 

Practical AI. Real use cases. Immediate impact.

 

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the Executive Assistant profession, yet one of the biggest themes emerging from our focus groups and roundtable discussions is that many assistants still don’t know where to begin. That’s exactly why we’ve designed this programme differently.

Created by Strategic PA Network, shaped by the feedback of our community and informed by the real challenges Executive Assistants are facing today, this exclusive three-part masterclass series has been developed with our finger firmly on the pulse of the profession.

 

We’re delighted to be partnering with Lara Smith, Founder of The Modern VA and The Modern Ops, whose practical approach to AI has helped Founders, Executive Assistants and leadership teams successfully implement AI within their organisations. Together, we’ll take the mystery out of AI and show you exactly how to use it to become more efficient, more strategic and more confident in your role.

 

This isn’t about endless theory or trying to keep up with every new AI tool. It’s about practical application, real Executive Assistant use cases and techniques that will have an immediate impact on the way you work.

 

Designed as a progressive learning journey, each session builds on the knowledge, skills and confidence gained in the previous one. Together, the three masterclasses will take you from understanding AI fundamentals, to creating powerful workflows, through to using AI as a strategic partner within your organisation.

 

By the end of the series, you won’t simply understand AI, you’ll be using it with confidence. You’ll leave with practical skills, proven prompts, reusable workflows, greater confidence, and a supportive network of like-minded professionals who are learning alongside you.

 

What Makes This Series Different?

 

  • Designed exclusively for Executive Assistants following specialised focus groups
  • Practical, hands-on learning, not theory
  • Expert-led training with Lara Smith
  • Real Executive Assistant case studies and examples
  • Interactive panel discussions with experienced AI-enabled Executive Assistants
  • Dedicated AI Success Circles during every session
  • Practical tools, prompts and workflows you can implement immediately
  • A progressive learning journey that builds confidence and capability with every session

 

How Each Masterclass Works

Every masterclass runs from 3.00pm to 6.00pm and follows the same engaging format:

 

Expert Masterclass

An interactive training session delivered by Lara Smith, focusing on practical techniques, real-world applications and actionable learning that can be implemented immediately.

 

Executive Assistant Panel Discussion

Hear from experienced Executive Assistants who are already embedding AI into their organisations. Learn how they got started, discover their favourite prompts, understand the lessons they’ve learned and ask your own questions.

 

AI Success Circles

Bring your laptop and put your learning into practice. Working in small groups, you’ll test prompts, solve real workplace challenges, share ideas and receive live support as you build confidence using AI.

 

Snacks and refreshments are included throughout each afternoon.

 


Your AI Learning Journey

 

Session 1

AI Foundations, Getting Started with Confidence

Wednesday 30th September 2026
3.00pm to 6.00pm

London TBC

 

Perfect for anyone starting their AI journey, this session builds strong foundations and ensures every delegate has the confidence to begin using AI effectively.

 

You’ll learn:

  • Setting up AI correctly, including memory, customisation and projects
  • AI security, governance and confidentiality
  • Inbox management and email summaries
  • Calendar audits and prioritisation
  • Executive briefings and meeting preparation

 

You’ll also hear from experienced Executive Assistants who will share how they introduced AI into their roles, their favourite prompts, the biggest time-saving opportunities they’ve discovered and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.


Session 2

Workflows & Productivity, Implementation

Wednesday 21st October 2026
3.00pm to 6.00pm

London TBC

 

Building on the foundations established in Session One, you’ll move beyond individual prompts and begin creating repeatable AI workflows that save valuable time every week.

 

Topics include:

  • Prompt engineering made simple
  • Creating repeatable workflows
  • Project management
  • Board preparation
  • Event planning
  • Travel planning
  • Meeting actions
  • Excel and PowerPoint support
  • Process documentation
  • Reusable workflow templates

This session concludes with another Executive Assistant panel discussion and practical AI Success Circles, giving you the opportunity to implement everything you’ve learned.


Session 3

AI as Your Strategic Partner, Driving Influence, Innovation and Long-Term Impact

Wednesday 9th December 2026
3.00pm to 6.00 pm

London TBC

 

The final masterclass focuses on elevating your role by using AI strategically, helping you become an AI champion within your organisation.

 

You’ll explore:

  • Supporting executives with AI
  • Becoming an AI ambassador
  • Embedding AI into team ways of working
  • Measuring time saved and business impact
  • Introducing AI confidently to colleagues
  • Future-proofing the Executive Assistant role
  • Creating your own personal 90-day AI Action Plan

 

The programme concludes with a final Executive Assistant panel discussion, AI Success Circles and personal action planning, ensuring you leave with a clear roadmap for continuing your AI journey.


 

Booking Options

 

Session One Only

AI Foundations, Getting Started with Confidence

£99

Ideal for Executive Assistants who want to build a solid understanding of AI and begin using practical tools straight away.

 

Click here to purchase your ticket for Masterclass Session 1 only.

 

Complete 3-Part Masterclass Series

£249

The best value option, giving you access to all three masterclasses and the complete learning journey. As each session builds on the previous one, attending the full series will provide a structured pathway from AI foundations, through practical implementation, to becoming a confident strategic AI partner within your organisation.

 

Click here to purchase your ticket for all 3 Masterclasses.

 

 

Join Us

Whether you’re taking your very first steps into AI or looking to develop your existing knowledge, this series has been designed to equip you with the confidence, practical skills and strategic mindset to thrive in an AI-enabled future.

 

If you’re ready to learn, apply and lead, we’d love to welcome you to the Strategic PA AI Masterclass Series 2026.

Speaker

Lara Smith

Lara Smith is the Founder of The Modern VA and The Modern Ops, and a passionate advocate for helping businesses and Executive Assistants embrace Artificial Intelligence with confidence.

 

Working with Founders, leadership teams and executive support professionals, Lara specialises in making AI practical, accessible and immediately impactful. Through her work, she helps organisations implement AI in meaningful ways, empowering professionals to streamline workflows, increase productivity and create lasting business value. As lead facilitator of the Strategic PA AI Masterclass Series, Lara brings a practical, hands-on approach, ensuring every delegate leaves with the confidence, skills and tools to start using AI in their role from day one.

Strategic PA Network is an active, professional networking group for Personal Assistants, Executive Assistants, Virtual Assistants, Administrators, and Office Managers. Whether based in the UK or around the world, we are proudly all-inclusive and not county-specific; anyone is welcome to attend our events and be part of our thriving community.

Over the past ten years, we have organically grown into a supportive and empowering network where Assistants come together to learn, connect, and grow. Our mission is to provide a credible platform that encourages industry awareness, meaningful connections, and shared best practices.

Learning and development are at the core of everything we do, with our events exploring essential topics that bring value, spark insight, and deliver revelatory moments.

At Strategic PA Network, we believe in the power of community - lifting each other up, celebrating every success, and inspiring Assistance to reach their full potential.

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