Every year on May 5, we hit pause to give a big virtual (or in-person) hug to the unsung superheroes of the event world: meeting planners. Also known as Meeting Planners Appreciation Day, this holiday recognizes the dedication, precision, patience, and ninja-level multitasking skills it takes to pull off smooth-running events of all shapes and sizes.
History
Let’s rewind way back to the Industrial Revolution—yes, that far back. As businesses grew, so did the need for organized events like trade shows and formal meetings. At first, the work fell to secretaries, personal assistants, or whoever had the neatest handwriting and the fastest speedy typing.
But then came The Original Meeting Planner, a term often associated with trailblazers who turned event organizing into a legit profession by the mid-20th century. From business retreats in the '60s to massive conventions in the '80s, the role grew more demanding—and more vital.
Now, in the era of The Rise of Social Media and Online Events, meeting planners have evolved into tech-savvy magicians who can pivot from in-person to virtual faster than you can say "Zoom breakout room.
How To Celebrate
1. Give a Thoughtful Gift
No need to go overboard—a simple, thoughtful gift goes a long way. A personalized notebook, a nice pen, or even a Starbucks gift card can make their day. If you want to go big, spa vouchers or noise-canceling headphones are a dream come true.
2. Shout Them Out on Social Media
Jump on your favorite platform and post a photo or a story about how a meeting planner saved your event (or your sanity). Use hashtags like #MeetingPlannersAppreciation and #NationalMeetingPlannersDay to spread the love.
3. Organize a Surprise Celebration
Planning a celebration for the planner? Now that’s poetic justice. A surprise lunch, cupcakes in the breakroom, or even a Zoom call full of thank-yous can make their heart melt.
4. Write a Handwritten Note
Yes, we live in a digital age, but a good old-fashioned thank-you card still holds magic. Mention specific things they’ve done that impressed you—it means the world.
5. Learn About the Profession
If you’ve ever thought, “Hey, I could do that,” this is a great time to dive into what meeting planning is really about. Spoiler: it’s way more than picking tablecloths.
Amazing Facts
The average event planner manages 10–20 events per year. That’s a whole lot of logistics.
Event planning consistently ranks in the top 10 most stressful jobs, alongside firefighters and surgeons.
Meeting planners are excellent at speedy typing, because emails, texts, and schedules don’t write themselves.
Thanks to online events, many planners now work remotely and manage global conferences from their kitchen table.
The event planning industry is worth over $1 trillion globally—yep, that’s trillion with a T!
Why We Love
They think of everything—literally. From the color of the napkins to emergency weather plans, they’ve got it covered.
They save your time by handling the logistics you didn’t even know existed.
They reduce stress. Instead of running around with a clipboard, you can just enjoy the event.
They make you look good. If you're hosting the event, trust us—they're your best friend.
They adapt like pros. Tech glitch? Catering issue? Missing guest? They fix it without breaking a sweat.
Faq's
1. Who came up with National Meeting Planners Appreciation Day?
While there’s no official “founder,” the day likely grew out of industry recognition for a job that had gone unnoticed for too long. Meeting professionals wanted a moment to say, “Hey, we matter too!”
2. What if I’m a meeting planner? Can I celebrate myself?
Absolutely! You deserve it. Treat yourself to something nice, brag a little online, and maybe even take the day off (if that’s allowed!).
3. What exactly does a meeting planner do?
A meeting planner organizes events, from small board meetings to massive conventions. They handle logistics, budgets, vendors, schedules, and emergencies.
4. Is this just for corporate planners?
Not at all! National Meeting Planners Appreciation Day – May 5 celebrates all types of planners—corporate, wedding, nonprofit, freelance, hybrid event coordinators, and even volunteer organizers.
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