www.iaap-hq.org
International Association of Administrative Professionals
World Headquarters, Kansas City, Missouri
E-mail: prcommunications@iaap-hq.org
Phone (816) 891-6600 ext. 2239

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Administrative Professionals Week 

The International Association of Administrative Professionals answers to frequently asked questions about Administrative Professionals Week.

Q. Why was Administrative Professionals Week started?

A.  Administrative Professionals Week (and Day), formerly known as Professional Secretaries Week, was created by The International Association of Administrative Professionals, formally called the National Secretaries Association, as an annual event to recognize the valuable contributions of office support staff in business and government, and to encourage students to consider careers as administrative professionals. 

Q. How did it begin?
A. IAAP started the commemoration in 1952. APW is sponsored solely by IAAP. A common public misconception is that APW was created by flower distributors, candy companies, or greeting card manufacturers so they could sell more products. The truth, however, is that IAAP started the event as a way to recognize administrative professionals.

Q. When is it held?

A. Administrative Professionals Week is always held annually during the last full week in April. Administrative Professionals Day is always held the Wednesday of that week.

Q. Who qualifies as an administrative professional?
A. Many people who contribute to the workplace in a variety of settings. IAAP defines administrative professionals as “individuals who are responsible for administrative tasks and coordination of information in support of an office-related environment and who are dedicated to furthering their personal and professional growth in their chosen profession.”

Research shows that many workers around the world still hold the “secretary” job title; however, many alternative titles have become more popular, such as administrative assistant, office coordinator, administrative specialist, executive assistant, and office manager.

Q. What is the best way to celebrate Administrative Professionals Week?

A. According to IAAP members, administrative support personnel prefer observances that recognize and provide opportunities for learning and growth. Employers can facilitate professional development for admins by supporting:

·         Tuition reimbursement to attend college classes and work toward a degree.

·         Membership and participation in professional organizations.

·         Reimbursement for online training programs in technology, administrative, and management skills.

·         Registration for appropriate conferences, seminars, and continuing education workshops.

      ·         Attainment of professional certification. IAAP’s Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) or Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) programs are widely recognized standards of excellence.

·         Supporting IAAP chapter events. Events are listed at the IAAP Web site at www.iaap-hq.org/APW/apwindex.htm.

Additional gift suggestions include business-related items, such as personalized business cards, desktop name-plate, gift certificate, ergonomically correct accessories, computer hardware/software upgrade, or monetary bonus for exemplary performance.

IAAP is the world’s leading association for administrative professionals, with 600 chapters and more than 40,000 members and affiliates worldwide. IAAP sponsors Administrative Professionals Week April 20-26, 2008 and Administrative Professionals Day on Wednesday, April 23. For further information contact:

Emily Hoffman, Communications Specialist
International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP)
10502 N.W. Ambassador Drive, PO Box 20404
Kansas City, Missouri 64195-0404
Phone (816) 891-6600 extension 2239
Fax: (816) 891-9118
E-mail: prcommunications@iaap-hq.org
IAAP Web site: www.iaap-hq.org

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