Convincing the Boss: Why Should You Attend the 2018 AAACE Conference?
Here are some talking points to help you secure the boss's approval:
- AAACE provides over 250 presentations throughout the three day conference.
- The knowledge and training that you will gain is a return on investment. You can also share your new knowledge and training with your colleagues. This way, everyone in your workplace can benefit from your attendance. Here’s what you’ll have to share:
- Session handouts and powerpoint slide decks
- Exhibit Hall with the latest educational products for companies to work with Adult Education.
- Find a colleague who will cover for you during your time away. Your supervisor will appreciate your initiative and will see you as very responsible.
- By arriving early or during our conference, you can take advantage of full and half day pre- and co-conference workshops. These opportunities have an additional cost, but offer a way to get even more shareable professional development during your time away.
- It’s a bargain!! Register by August 1 and enjoy early bird discounts. Members save $150 (student members save $125).
Ways to Save: AAACE on a Budget
Although your boss might see attending the convention as an expense, you can show him/her how you can help minimize the costs.
Use the tables below to figure out how much you’ll spend to attend AAACE 2018 and how to explain how that expense will benefit your employer and your colleagues.
Expense
|
Cost
|
Convention registration
|
$360 (early bird member until 8/1)
|
Ticketed events (CIAE, CDLT, CPAE)
|
$
|
Flight
|
$
|
Lodging
|
$174.02 per night
|
Transportation (airport to hotel)
|
$
|
Transportation (hotel to airport)
|
$
|
Mileage reimbursement (if driving to conference)
|
$
|
Parking reimbursement (at airport or hotel)
|
$
|
Food per diem for Myrtle Beach
|
$59.00 per day
|
Total Expense
|
$
|
After you fill in the above information which will show the actual costs in attending, help your boss understand that your attendance will benefit not only you but your colleagues as well.
Benefits of Attending AAACE
|
Employer Needs?
|
Networking
|
|
New knowledge, training, enhanced expertise
|
|
New knowledge or training to share with colleagues
|
|
Team-building (if sending a group)
|
|
Learning about new technology and tools
|
|
Learning new workplace processes
|
|
Learning about the latest research
|
|
Exposure to useful new products and services (Exhibit Hall)
|
|
It might help to write out your answers before you talk to your boss. You need to be able to answer all of his / her questions. Their decision will likely depend on the information you provide and how well you sell the benefits of attending the conference. Good luck!