noun
thank-you party; appreciation event
A party or gathering held to express gratitude, often for teachers, mentors, or organizers. Common at graduations, retirement, or after a project.
卒業式の後、先生方をお招きして謝恩会を開きました。
After the graduation ceremony, we held a thank-you party for the teachers.
送別会 is a farewell party, focusing on saying goodbye, whereas 謝恩会 emphasizes expressing thanks.
Compound of 謝恩 (しゃおん, 'expression of gratitude') + 会 (かい, 'gathering').