Prevue Meetings + Incentives and presenting sponsor Caesars Entertainment Meetings & Events invite the global industry to #ThankAPlanner throughout September
Today, Sept. 1, marks the beginning of the inaugural Meeting Planner Appreciation Month, a new global initiative recognizing the meeting and incentive professionals whose work connects people, strengthens organizations and creates meaningful economic impact around the world.
Spearheaded by Prevue Meetings + Incentives, published by Worth International Media, in collaboration with industry partners and presenting sponsor Caesars Entertainment Meetings & Events, the month-long observance invites the meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions, hospitality, travel and tourism communities to turn appreciation into action throughout September.
Supporting the inaugural initiative are Gold Sponsors Visit Orlando, Hilton Incentive Collaborative and New Orleans & Company; Silver Sponsors Riverside Luxury Cruises, Melia Hotels International and Destination DC; and partners including SITE Florida & Caribbean and TUMI.
“Meeting and incentive planners spend their careers creating experiences that connect people, strengthen organizations and move industries forward, often while working behind the scenes,” said Laurel Herman, President and Editorial Director of Worth International Media, publisher of Prevue Meetings + Incentives. “Meeting Planner Appreciation Month is an opportunity for our global industry to come together and give these extraordinary professionals the recognition they deserve, while establishing a tradition we hope will continue for generations.”
In addition, Reina Herschdorfer, Director of Marketing, National Meetings & Events, Caesars Entertainment, noted that “Planners have an incredible ability to bring people together, create connection and turn an idea into an experience that people remember long after the meeting ends. At Caesars Entertainment, we are fortunate to work alongside these talented professionals every day, and we understand the passion, creativity and countless hours that go into making their events successful. Meeting Planner Appreciation Month is a wonderful opportunity for our entire industry to pause and recognize the people who make so much of what we do possible,” she continued, adding, “We are honored to be the presenting sponsor and proud to help make this inaugural celebration one that planners will remember. They bring the world together all year long. Now it’s our turn to celebrate them.”
Remember to #ThankAPlanner
Meeting and incentive planners do far more than coordinate events. They are strategists, negotiators, marketers, experience designers, problem-solvers and innovators whose work influences organizational success, attendee experience and the communities and destinations their events touch.
Throughout September, organizations and individuals are encouraged to make the celebration their own—recognize a planner or planning team, share a story, host an appreciation event, offer professional development, spotlight planners on social media or simply take the time to say thank you.
The month will feature thank-you videos, planner recognition opportunities, the inaugural Meeting Planner Appreciation Month Yearbook, giveaways and voting for Prevue’s 2026 Planner of the Year, who will be announced at IMEX America in October.
The initiative was officially unveiled in August during The Next-Gen Experience Summit at Caesars New Orleans, where Prevue and Caesars Entertainment invited the industry to help establish the observance as an annual tradition.
“This initiative may have been spearheaded by Prevue, but Meeting Planner Appreciation Month was never intended to belong to us,” said Lisa Simundson, Editor of Prevue Meetings + Incentives. “It belongs to every planner, destination, hotel, venue, supplier, association and organization that understands the extraordinary value these professionals bring to our industry and our world. Our hope is simple: that every September becomes a time when our industry comes together to celebrate them.”
One Month. One Industry. Countless Ways to Say Thank You.
Visit MeetingPlannerAppreciationMonth.com for participation ideas, downloadable materials and social media resources. Throughout September, share how you’re celebrating using #ThankAPlanner and help create a visible global expression of appreciation for the people behind the meetings.
There will only ever be one inaugural Meeting Planner Appreciation Month. Prevue Meetings + Incentives and Caesars Entertainment Meetings & Events invite the global industry to help make the first one count.
For years, planners have brought the world together. This September, let’s come together for them.
ABOUT PREVUE MEETINGS + INCENTIVES
Prevue Meetings + Incentives, published by Worth International Media, is a trusted resource for meeting and incentive professionals, providing industry news, destination insights, education, research and experiences that help planners stay ahead. Learn more at PrevueMeetings.com.
ABOUT CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT MEETINGS & EVENTS
Caesars Entertainment Meetings & Events connects planners with more than 50 properties nationwide, offering more than 2.1 million square feet of meeting space and 50,000+ guest rooms through one dedicated team. Learn more at Caesars Means Business.
