How to Ask Your Boss to Attend EntreCon® 2021 [Email Template Included]


  • August 4, 2021
  • /   Morgan Milbradt
  • /   entrecon,EntreCon Pensacola,leadership-development,leadership
Asking your boss to attend this year's business, leadership and entrepreneurship conference.

Now in its 7th year, EntreCon® (Northwest Florida's premier business conference) will take place on November 17th and 18th, bringing incredible speakers, content and tools from all over the country to our business community.

During this two-day event, attendees will be inspired by fresh ideas, learn the latest tactics, make meaningful connections, and join in the BIG reset to tackle the future of work.

We know that many attendees aren’t purchasing their own tickets and are in a situation where they need to persuade their supervisor to buy in and support this valuable investment.

In this article, we'll go over everything you need to know to demonstrate the value of attending EntreCon® 2021.

Step 1: Know Your Why

Do your research on EntreCon® before you approach your boss for approval. What is it that you are looking for from the event? There is a lot to choose from, so make a list. For example, networking opportunities, professional development, process improvement, work-life balance, sales opportunities.

Now that you know why you want to attend, consider why your company should want to send you. Is there a specific return they want to see from sending employees to conferences? Would you need to present back information you learned to your team? Is there a specific topic they would like help with (eg: hiring or diversity and inclusion)? Check out our keynotes and breakout sessions for this year and see how their expertise might benefit your organization and its unique challenges.


Step 2: Know the Value

There are great conferences all over the country. The best part of EntreCon® is that you don’t have to leave our community to hear nationally renowned speakers. Keep in mind the value of EntreCon® when approaching your supervisor, and remember these key points:

EntreCon® is local. If you wanted to attend a conference in another city, there would be travel arrangements, hotel and food reimbursements, and time away from your family. This makes EntreCon® a great option for small businesses looking to invest in their employees without breaking the bank.

EntreCon® is not industry-specific. We are community-centric instead of industry-specific. This means that we truly have something for everyone. Our keynotes and breakout sessions are relevant to anyone in the business community. Plus, you'll be networking with other leaders that are your potential clients, not your competitors!

EntreCon® is for leaders of all levels. As John Maxwell once said, “Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.” People of all titles come to EntreCon® to be inspired, including students, owners and even front-line workers.

EntreCon® is accessible and affordable. Instead of asking your company to shell out thousands of dollars to fly you to a big city to attend a conference, you’ll be asking for $399 for this two-day event. We also have $99 tickets for students and our new Flex Pass. With a Flex Pass you can share one badge between multiple team members in your organization (great if you're a busy team and want to maximize the number of people that attend). In addition, there are so many freebies that come along with attending, including swag, networking events and a NEW headshot courtesy of Salz Studio. Think about it; a new headshot would cost you around $300 to get anyway (plus, when is the last time you had yours updated?).

EntreCon® is purposeful. Beneficial and practical take-aways are provided, meaning you’ll have tangible tactics to bring back to your office upon your return that you can use to grow and revive your organization for years to come!


Step 3: Make the Ask

We find that the best way to be influential and make a compelling argument for permission to attend EntreCon® is to start with the “why”. Watch Simon Sinek's “Start With the Why – How Great Leaders Inspire Action” video if you need convincing.

When you do ask, remember that timing is key. Needless to say, EntreCon® is fast approaching, meaning the time to get with your boss is now. By giving yourself a little bit of extra time, you’ll be able to figure out not only how your job duties will be covered while you are at the conference, but also how you will share what you have learned once you return.

When meeting with your supervisor, tell him or her that you have considered the investment the company is making and that in order to save the company money, you’d like to sign up before October 31st — this is when prices increase again.

Remember to play to your boss’ interests! Is there a topic he or she has been really into lately? Is it building up your teams' emotional intelligence? Maybe it’s hiring the right people? Highlight how EntreCon® will teach you how to make a difference in these areas.

The bottom line is, only you know why EntreCon® is a great fit for you. Find the best way to communicate that to your boss using the tips we’ve provided. Also, feel free to use the email template below to get consideration, then book an in-person meeting to go through the details. We hope to see you there!


Use this handy email template below to get EntreCon® on your boss’ radar now: 


Subject: EntreCon® 2021 Conference Proposal

Good morning [Insert Supervisor’s Name],

I wanted to get with you early to ask for permission to attend Studer Community Institute’s annual business, leadership and entrepreneurship conference, EntreCon®, on Nov. 17-18 in downtown Pensacola.

[Insert Why Statement] Ex: As we have discussed previously, I am looking to grow my leadership skills and I am in need of training.

EntreCon® offers practical tools and actionable information that I can take back and apply to our current [Insert Your Department] and overall company efforts. The keynote speakers will leave me energized with the information needed to build my leadership skill set. I’ll join hundreds of local thought-leaders and professionals to learn how linking purpose and profit will drive our organization to the next level.

Attending EntreCon® will specifically help me with the following projects:
– [Insert Project or Initiative]
– [Insert Project or Initiative]
– [Insert Project or Initiative]

I recognize the investment the company is making and that in order to save the company money, I'd like to get signed up before October 31st if possible — this is when prices increase again.

I will happily submit a post-conference report or write a blog post that will include an executive summary, major takeaways, tips and pictures from the conference to benefit our team.

Thank you for considering this request. I look forward to your response.

Regards,
[Insert Your Name] 


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