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.

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.

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.

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!

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.