Administrative Professionals Week® ―Always observed annually during the last full week in April, standard Sunday through Saturday calendar week.
April 18-24, 2010
April 24-30, 2011
April 22-28, 2012 Administrative Professionals Day® ―Observed annually on the Wednesday of Administrative Professionals Week.
April 21, 2010
April 27, 2011
April 25, 2012 |
 |
Event History and Objectives
This annual event was originally organized in 1952 as "National Secretaries Week" by the National Secretaries Association (now known as the International Association of Administrative Professionals) in conjunction with public relations executive Harry Klemfuss and a consortium of office product manufacturers. It was established as an effort to recognize secretaries for their contributions in the workplace, and to attract people to secretarial/administrative careers.
In the year 2000, IAAP announced a name change for Professional Secretaries Week and Professional Secretaries Day. The names were changed to Administrative Professionals Week and Administrative Professionals Day to keep pace with changing job titles and expanding responsibilities of today’s administrative workforce.
Over the years, Administrative Professionals Week has become one of the largest workplace observances. The event is celebrated worldwide, bringing together millions of people for community events, educational seminars, and individual corporate activities recognizing support staff with gifts of appreciation.
IAAP suggests that employers observe Administrative
Professionals Week by providing training for their administrative staff through seminars, continuing education or self-study materials. Another suggestion is to make a commitment toward delegating responsibilities that better utilize the skills of administrative professionals.
Click here for a more detailed history.
Today, there are more than 4.1 million secretaries and administrative assistants working in the United States, according to U.S. Department
of Labor statistics, and 8.9 million people working in various administrative support roles. More than 475,000 administrative professionals are employed in Canada. Millions more administrative professionals work in offices all over the world.
Employers/Managers:
Click here for observance suggestions
2008 Administrative Professionals Week Theme: FORWARD MOVING
The "Forward Moving" theme denotes how career-minded administrative professionals are positioning themselves for success in today's ever-changing business environment by mastering advanced office technology, continually honing their communication skills, forging collaborative relationships with managers and coworkers, and taking charge of their own career development.
Administrative Professionals Week Commemorative Pin
Each year, the Host Committee for the annual IAAP International Convention and Education Forum offers a special Administrative Professionals Week commemorative lapel pin for sale as a fundraiser to offset expenses involved in hosting our international convention. The lapel pins are $5 each (U.S. funds only; shipping and handling extra-- see link to order form below). Wearing this pin during Administrative Professionals Week is an excellent "conversation starter" and a great way to support your profession and association. A printable order form is available here
Local IAAP Chapter
Administrative Professionals Week Events
Many chapters of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) conduct special activities in their communities during Administrative Professionals Week, including:
- Workshops and seminars on topics such as workplace trends, evolving technology and management skills for the administrative professional;
- Networking events and/or special breakfasts/luncheons;
- Presentations of “Administrative Professional of the Year” awards;
- Co-sponsored events between IAAP chapters, educational institutions, and other business organizations; and
- Proclamation signings by county and city government officials.
NEWS RELEASES
Administrative Professionals Week 2008
2008 Administrative Professionals Week Observed Around the Globe
Job Outlook Bright for Administrative Professionals
History of Administrative Professionals Week
Focus on Professionalism in observing APW - suggestions for employers and managers
Fast Facts for 2008