Persuasive Tactics to Help You Get to that Conference!

There is probably at least one conference a year that we, as office professionals, would like to attend. For some of us, it's nice to have a day away from the office. For others, it's a great opportunity for professional development. Exploring the latest and greatest in your industry is essential to your success, so why wouldn't your boss let you go? These days with the rising cost of travel, bosses aren't exactly begging to spend the extra cash for you to attend one of these gatherings. But, with a little research finesse and persuasion, it could be simpler than you think.

Prepare

Once you've found a conference you want to attend, prepare materials to present to your boss. You should know the ins and outs of who will be presenting, what vendors will be there, as well as all networking opportunities. Highlight each presentation that will be of benefit to you and your company. Compile a complete list of topics and how they will help you do your job.

There will likely be a few vendors there that are of great interest to your boss. Prepare print outs of who these vendors are and share the interest you have in visiting their booths. You should also establish what you want to discuss with these vendors.

Prepare a list of goals you wish to attain by attending the conference. This should include issues you are currently experiencing in your position and how this conference will address them. This might be included in your presentation list, but be sure to be thorough in setting specific goals.

You might also include any information on your competitors visiting the same conference. Sometimes a little healthy competition is just enough to push your boss over the edge.

Present

You should compile an entire presentation for your boss. This should include all the materials stated above, but also prepare a comprehensive oral presentation. Be sure to include your list of current job issues and the possible solutions you will find at the conference.

You should also formulate a plan for networking opportunities and elaborate on the way to make your attempts successful. Networking is going to be a key value to attending this conference, so if you need help with deciding how to go about networking with others, ask your boss for input and do your research.

If you're concerned that your boss will have objections simply because of the price tag, make sacrifices. If the conference is not local, suggest cheap hotels and get quotes on room rates to present to him/her. If you can find a hotel that is cheap enough and close enough, you can eliminate a rental car. Be sure to bring that up. If a flight is involved, you'll also need to do the necessary research to find cheap fares. Present all of these items.

If your boss is still hesitant, you might offer to travel over the weekend or to use a vacation day rather than a regular work day. You might also offer to split the cost. It really all depends on how badly you want to go and what you're willing to give up in order to do so.

Another fantastic idea is to become a presenter yourself. It will take a lot of extra time, research and preparation, but the experience could prove invaluable for both you and your company. To get on the speaker's list, you'll need some connections with the conference organizers. If you're unable to do it this time around, you can always offer to be put on their list for the future.

Convincing your boss to let you attend a conference is as simple as preparation and information. You must educate yourself on everything that will be going on at the conference and prepare a persuasive presentation for your boss. Explore every piece of the event that may help your company grow and that will help you do your job better and faster. Make your boss an offer he or she can't refuse and they likely won't.