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.
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.
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.