Presented by Private Service Alliance
Speakers
keynote

Nicole Middendorf
CEO of Prosperwell Financial and Wealth Advisor with RJFS
Nicole is a money maven, a knowledge junkie, and a born coach. Nicole became an entrepreneur in 2003 when she launched her wealth management firm. She is the author of five books, the mother of two phenomenal children, a world traveler, a philanthropist, and an accomplished public speaker.

Nicole Middendorf
CEO of Prosperwell Financial and Wealth Advisor with RJFS
Nicole is a money maven, a knowledge junkie, and a born coach. Nicole became an entrepreneur in 2003 when she launched her wealth management firm. She is the author of five books, the mother of two phenomenal children, a world traveler, a philanthropist, and an accomplished public speaker.

Prosperwell Financial provides personalized wealth management advice to effectively guide you through every stage of life. Our advisors help to plan your way toward true financial happiness, including financial retirement planning, college education savings, estate planning, asset management, insurance, and financial divorce planning. Founded by Wealth Advisor and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst Nicole Middendorf, Prosperwell Financial serves individuals and executives all across the U.S. We help you gain the confidence needed to be in control of your financial happiness.
Conference Speakers
Schedule
Thursday | Time | Activity |
11:30-11:45 | Check-In + Mingle | |
11:45-11:50 | Welcome | |
12-2:30 | Masterclass part 1 | |
2:30-3 | Break | |
3-5:30 | Masterclass part 2 | |
Evening | Local Meet-Ups! | |
Friday | Time | Activity |
11-11:15 | Check-In + Mingle | |
11:15-11:20 | Welcome | |
11:30-12:30 | Session 1 | |
12:30-1:30 | Session 2 | |
1:30-2 | Break | |
2-3 | Keynote | |
3-4 | Session 3 | |
4-5 | Session 4 | |
5-6 | Session 5 | |
Evening | Local Meet-Ups! | |
Saturday | Time | Activity |
11-11:15 | Check-In + Mingle | |
11:15-11:20 | Welcome | |
11:30-12:30 | Session 6 | |
12:30-1:30 | Session 7 | |
1:30-2 | Break | |
2-3 | TEDx Talks | |
3-4 | Session 8 | |
4-5 | Session 9 | |
5-6 | Session 10 | |
Evening | Local Meet-Ups! | |
Sunday | Time | Activity |
Varies | Local Meet-Ups! | |
Times Listed: | EDT | (UTC-4, New York, USA) |
Why Is PSA Coordinating Networking Activities During A Virtual Conference?
Because You Asked!
The entire Private Service industry is built around authentic and trusted professional relationships. A Private Service Professional (PSP) is twice as likely to include you or your company in an interview or bidding process simply because they know you. And that same PSP is 10x more likely to recommend your application or bid as the preferred candidate because they trust you. Even if they don’t have a need to hire you today, they might next week, next month, or with their next employer!
Some of the TOP ways to create and build authentic and meaningful professional relationships:
- Shared experiences: Participating in activities or events together can help foster a stronger bond between individuals.
- Networking: Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and participate in online communities to meet new people and build your professional network.
- Giving back: Look for opportunities to help others and contribute to their success. This can help establish mutual respect and foster strong relationships.
Other personal advantages include:
- Professional Growth: Networking with industry professionals can provide new perspectives and knowledge sharing and may help you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry.
- Collaboration Opportunities: Networking with industry professionals can lead to potential project collaboration and open new business opportunities.
- Career Advancement: Building relationships with industry professionals can help you expand your network and open new job or career opportunities.
- Support System: Networking with industry professionals can provide a sense of community and can offer emotional and professional support.
- Skill Development: Interacting with peers in a professional setting can help you improve your communication and interpersonal skills, which can be valuable in both personal and professional life.
Thursday, April 20
masterclasses
Learn how long-lasting professional relationships will position you for success in your career and in life. Create enduring bonds with people at all levels, communicate more effectively, and develop your personal brand with a simple, common-sense approach.
Fractional luxury household and estate management are a rapidly growing niche of the private service industry. As more ultra-high-net-worth individuals invest in properties, the demand for professional household/estate management services increases. This discussion aims to explore the business opportunities and challenges for private service professionals.
It’s no secret that job hunting in the modern age has experienced a major shift in the last few years. In private service, resumes are more streamlined. LinkedIn is the standard instead of the outlier. References are still key, but their usage has shifted. Even interviewing tactics changed. In this four-hour master class, career coach Donna Shannon will help you navigate the new employment landscape to land a job you love. Topic include:
- Resume Best Practices
- LinkedIn Tactics
- References
- 5 Ways to Ace Your Interview
This masterclass will give attendees an in-depth look at the tools and information needed to draft an Estate Manual. Estate Manuals, also known as Pantry Books and Household Manuals, have been used for centuries to guide staff and document the history of a family and its estate. The session will include a detailed explanation of the policies, procedures, and responsibilities that should be included in the manual, along with the methods for implementing industry tools such as Daily Graces™, a Service Matrix™, and Technical Skills Matrix™. Household and Estate Managers will gain the knowledge and resources to create a comprehensive and modern Estate Manual when they leave the masterclass with a working outline for their first draft. Once finished, attendees may opt to implement their Estate Manual through any paper or digital platform.
Friday, April 21 and Saturday, April 22
Sessions For All Attendees
Living your best life seems obvious, but let’s talk about confidence, success, goals, and living your fullest, happiest, and most authentic life. What is it that makes you truly happy? What does success mean to you? Where do you see yourself in 10 years? What motivates you? Nicole will help you tackle all these questions in this interactive workshop, leaving you with strategies for how you can take control of your life, career, and finances to truly live your best life.
Let’s talk! The importance of meeting professionals from diverse sectors and how continued practice helps us communicate more effectively.
Easy steps you can take to protect your reputation, your identity, and your network
- Learn the six secrets of the world’s most successful individuals and discover how to effectively implement them to achieve significant progress.
- Discover the six P’s of high performance that are integrated into the lifestyles of successful individuals, and learn how to utilize these methods to enhance productivity, find purpose, and attain better outcomes.
- Explore the three hidden factors that impede your advancement towards the life you desire, and discover how to steer clear of these three perpetrators that undermine success.
- Understand why Fear, Fatigue, and Frustration hinder numerous diligent individuals from achieving the success they merit, and also discover effective ways to overcome these obstacles, enabling you to experience elevated levels of motivation, empowerment, and contentment on a daily basis.
Learn tips and strategies for creating and managing a thriving local chapter with Jennifer Laurence. Jen was one of DEMA’s longest-serving local chapter board members, with over ten years of leadership for the Chicagoland chapter. Anyone interested in chapter leadership is encouraged to attend.
The shared wisdom of a retired butler.
Are you ready to retire? The question is more complicated than it first appears because it demands consideration on two levels. First, there is the emotional component. Second, there is the financial component. 401k. IRA. SEP. Simple. All these terms can make retirement planning feel overwhelming. If you want to learn all the options available for retirement and how much you should save, you will want to attend this breakout session. Learn some tips and tricks about retirement and simple action items you can do today to change your future.
In this TEDx talk, I will share my reflections on this conference, my personal takeaways from the event, and how they relate to my professional and personal goals. Through my anecdotes and observations, I hope to provide valuable insights into the conference and inspire others to attend professional development conferences in the future.
This session will explore the unique challenges private service professionals face when it comes to succession planning. Attendees will learn how to develop a comprehensive plan that ensures continuity and stability for the family’s assets, lifestyle, and needs. The session will cover topics such as creating a method for transferring knowledge and expertise, identifying key roles and responsibilities, and preparing for unexpected changes in personnel or the loss of a Principal employer. Additionally, attendees will learn a few ideas on navigating the sensitive dynamics of discussions surrounding dismissals and death. Attendees will leave with a practical understanding of the steps necessary to plan a smooth transition of leadership, ensuring continuity and stability, in the context of private estates.
Old and experienced, but young and energetic; fit and healthy, but you don’t need time off to exercise; friendly and likable, but no personal life to interfere with a 24/7 schedule – sound familiar?
Discover the Two Sacred Words that hold immense power in the Private Service industry. In this thought-provoking TEDx session, we will explore how these fundamental principles are pivotal to the success of private service professionals.
Sessions for Businesses
Through the evolution of the Private Service industry, there have been varying levels of cooperation and respect between PSPs and Domestic Placement Agencies during the placement process for employment in HNW estates. This round table discussion seeks to solve some barriers to entry in the hiring process while elevating standards and best practices for everyone. Please join us for this lively round-table discussion, where we will collectively share ideas and join forces to raise the standards for all parties.
A forum on how to leverage your PSA membership.
Learn the tips for winning every bid you send to a luxury estate with these must-follow strategies! A conversation for businesses who sell their services to HNW individuals. This session will show you how this process is different in these circumstances, even for bids of a similar size. Learn the nuance of navigating this world of sales. Open dialog and participant questions are encouraged throughout this presentation.
Sessions for Private Service Professionals
Many educational options for Private Service professionals have gone virtual, but not always to the long-term benefit of the student. How is a PSP to choose just one? This panel discussion will explore current Foundational and Continuing Education options for several roles within the mansion, including Butler, Household Manager, Housekeeper, Yacht Crew, Nanny, and Newborn Care Specialist.
Through the evolution of the Private Service industry, there have been varying levels of cooperation and respect between PSPs and Domestic Placement Agencies during the placement process for employment in HNW estates. This round table discussion seeks to solve some barriers to entry in the hiring process while elevating standards and best practices for everyone. Please join us for this lively round-table discussion, where we will collectively share ideas and join forces to raise the standards for all parties.
How to manage estate interiors and interior designers.
Navigating the Changing Needs of an Elderly Employer.
As Estate Managers, we are often tasked with handling a wide range of
responsibilities, from managing schedules and organizing travel arrangements to overseeing household operations and personal care needs. When we work with the same employer for 20+ years, we become intimately familiar with their routines, preferences, and quirks.
But what happens when our employer ages and their needs change? How do we navigate the transition from Estate Manager to the caregiver? In this session, we will explore the challenges and opportunities that arise when working with an aging employer, particularly when that employer is in their 90s. We will examine how the Estate Manager role may need to adapt to support the employer’s changing needs, such as providing more hands-on care, navigating family dynamics, and prioritizing household tasks to fit the moment. We will also discuss the challenges and opportunities that arise when caring for an elderly employer, including changes in physical abilities, communication styles, and legal and ethical considerations, to navigate the changes that come with caring for someone in their twilight years.
It’s a pressing issue for most private service professionals: How do you know if you are receiving a fair wage? Finding reliable salary data in a hidden, niche industry like estate management can be a significant challenge. Even more importantly, how can you negotiate to ensure you earn what you are worth? Career coach Donna Shannon dives deep into the strategies behind calculating your true worth – and the salary negotiation tactics to make sure you get it!
Our expert will provide insights and advice on what to look for when choosing a luxury travel experience, from the best destinations and hotels to insider tips on creating unique experiences. This session will provide valuable insights to help you make the most of any luxury travel experience.
Private staff play a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable, organized, and harmonious living environment. In addition to possessing the fundamental skills required for their particular role, all private staff must develop professional polish, or grace, to navigate various scenarios that can arise when working in a private household. Professional polish is the art of handling difficult situations with tact, diplomacy, and empathy.
In this session, we will explore real-life scenarios and provide practical guidance on how to develop and apply professional polish in challenging situations. Participants will learn valuable skills for managing conflicts, dealing with difficult conversations, and building long-lasting relationships with their employers and colleagues.
Key takeaways from the session include:
- Understanding the importance of professional polish when working with wealthy individuals and families in private homes
- Developing essential skills such as active listening, effective communication, and emotional intelligence
- Identifying and managing challenging situations that can arise when working in a private household, including managing conflicts and difficult conversations
- Strategies for building strong relationships with employers and colleagues, including managing expectations and communicating effectively
- Maintaining a positive attitude and managing stress when working in a demanding and high-pressure environment
The art of Protocol and Etiquette is a powerful tool when working with and for HNW individuals. Learning these standards will help you navigate their world with distinction and allow the principal you serve to shine in various circumstances as you guide interactions on their behalf with guests. This protocol and etiquette primer is a beneficial introduction for all PSA members.
When you recommend someone, your reputation is on the line. After all, is it even possible to really know anyone? How can you find out everything you need to know about a potential employee, repair person, or gardener BEFORE they arrive on site? What are the red flags? This session will explore potential issues and how to vet any outsider properly.
Explore various methods to set your team up for success and maximize their potential while fostering loyalty and longevity on the estate. Find tips and tricks to elevate the team’s morale and excitement in daily duties.
Join this panel discussion for an interactive conversation about the latest technology used to run the modern estate. The right tools can organize your operation, enhance efficiency, automate your residences, and hold your team accountable. Please come with your questions and favorite resources as we share and swap ideas in the ever-changing technology landscape.
In this riveting discussion with Daniel Wood, Founder of Domestic | Match, and Jenni Vaughan, Estate Staffing Director of Domestic | Match, you will hear valuable perspectives on the importance of clear, concise communication when seeking new job opportunities.
Domestic | Match will explore the definition and significance of clear and concise communication and the possible negative impacts of poor communication in job-seeking processes. They will provide helpful tips for effective communication with agencies, such as customizing communication for the agency and job, using professional language, using appropriate technological devices, and providing necessary information.
Additionally, they will discuss common communication mistakes that job seekers should avoid and provide best practices for clear and concise communication. The goal of the discussion is to encourage job seekers to apply these communication tips in their future job-seeking endeavors and partner successfully with agencies to achieve their career goals. At Domestic | Match, we understand that our candidates are the backbone of our organization, and our ultimate goal is to equip them with the tools for success, enabling them to find their ideal long-term employment match.
Local Meet-Ups!
Careers in Private Service are generally quite isolating, with rare opportunities to meet PSP peers and even less time to build professional relationships with business reps who provide high-quality goods and services. Whether in person or virtual, attending a conference to learn the latest trends is great for one’s career but limits most conversations to elevator speeches. What better way to meet a new Professional BFF than working together to solve a challenge at an escape room, sip afternoon tea, share a meal, play a round of mini-golf, clink glasses over happy hour, or race go-karts?
Want to Meet Other PSA Members in Your Local Area?
Don’t See Something Nearby?
Email PSA* to Plan and Coordinate an Official Conference Meet-Up!
If you wish to coordinate a local Meet-Up, choose an activity. Then Email PSA with the details: include your name, contact information, chosen activity, date, time, location name, address, parking, and activity details (like estimated cost per attendee, menu link, suggested attire, etcetera).
*Note: Meet-Ups should be scheduled the weekend of the conference (April 20-23), after 7 pm EDT, on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday evening, or anytime on Sunday!
PSA will list the Meet-up, with you as the contact person, inside Whova’s Meet-Up space and within PSA’s private online community (in the PSA Conference space) and create an ad for you to share on social media!
Check Back Often For Updated Conference Meet-Up Locations!
Eastern USA MEET-UP LOCATIONS
CANCELED: Join us for an enchanting evening of networking under the stars in a secluded courtyard while tasting wine and caviar (indoor space available for rainy weather).
Date: Thursday, April 20
Coordinator: Natalie Hudson
Time: Evening
City: Palm Beach
Parking: Street
Estimated Cost: Free
Attire: Dressy Casual
Registration Required
*Canceled if fewer than 10 RSVPs by 12 Noon EDT on 4/18
Details are available starting April 1 to registered attendees inside Whova and the PSA Member Community. Reservations required.
Join us for a super casual meal with award-worthy Craft BBQ and laughs!
Date: Friday, April 21
Coordinator: Natalie Hudson
Time: Evening
City: West Palm Beach
Estimated Cost: Varies by what you order
Parking: Free parking lot and street options
Attire: Casual
*Canceled if fewer than 4 RSVPs by 12 Noon EDT
Details are available starting April 1 to registered attendees inside Whova and the PSA Member Community. Reservations required.
Join conference attendees and PSA members at an upscale bar overlooking the ocean for an evening of networking and laughs!
Date: Saturday, April 22
Coordinator: Natalie Hudson
Time: Evening
City: Palm Beach
Estimated Cost: Varies By What You Order
*Canceled if fewer than 4 RSVPs by 12 Noon EDT
Details are available starting April 1 to registered attendees inside Whova and the PSA Member Community. Reservations required.
Don your Sunday best and join us for Afternoon Tea, networking, and laughs overlooking West Palm Beach’s inter-coastal waterway and marina.
Date: Sunday, April 23
Coordinator: Natalie Hudson
FriTime: Mid-Late Afternoon
City: West Palm Beach
Estimated Cost: $70
Registration and Payment are Required by Noon EDT on Friday, 4/21
*Canceled if fewer than 4 RSVPs by Noon EDT on Friday, 4/21
Details are available starting April 1 to registered attendees inside Whova and the PSA Member Community. Reservations required.
CENTRAL USA MEET-UP LOCATIONS
Date:
Coordinator:
Time:
City:
Estimated Cost:
Additional information is available to registered attendees inside Whova and the PSA Member Community
Western USA MEET-UP LOCATIONS
Join us for an evening of networking and laughs at a rooftop restaurant featuring a wood-burning Italian grill and views of the Hollywood Hills.
Date: Saturday, April 22
Coordinator: Audrey Wang
Time: Evening
City: Los Angeles
Estimated Cost: Varies by what you order
*Canceled if fewer than 4 RSVPs by 12 Noon PDT
Additional information is available to registered attendees inside Whova and the PSA Member Community
International MEET-UP LOCATIONS
Date:
Coordinator:
Time:
City:
Estimated Cost:
Additional information is available to registered attendees inside Whova and the PSA Member Community