Anyone who’s been to Studer Community Institute’s EntreCon will tell you it’s an awesome event.  

Those who attend are inspired by fresh ideas, learn the latest tactics and strategies to bring those big ideas to life, and make meaningful connections to help support professional growth and the success of their organizations.

However, we know that many attendees don't buy their own tickets. Most need to persuade someone else (their boss) of the value. So, to make that process easier, we’ve developed a plan to help you demonstrate how attending EntreCon will benefit your entire company:

Getting your supervisor to say “yes” means you’ll need to know all the details about EntreCon and how it will impact you and your organization. 

First, consider why you would like to attend. Are you looking for networking opportunities, sales opportunities, professional development, process improvement ideas? Or something else?

Then, think about how attending EntreCon will benefit not just you, but the entire company: What’s the ROI? What can you bring back and who will you share it with? What speakers or breakout tracks/sessions will there be to tackle specific needs within your organization?

To gather up ammo to back your proposition, visit the EntreCon website at www.EntreConPensacola.com. 

Beyond your “why,” don’t forget to explain the other added benefits of attending a local conference like EntreCon. Here are a few that might intrigue your boss:

— EntreCon is local. Meaning the event cost is much lower than out-of-state conferences. And you won’t need a hotel or food reimbursements.

— EntreCon is only two days. Attending EntreCon puts you into a different headspace and allows you to focus on the business rather than in the business. Some of the best ideas happen outside of your everyday work environment.

— EntreCon is purposeful. Beneficial take-aways are provided, meaning you’ll have tangible tactics to bring back to your office upon your return.

— EntreCon is for leaders of all levels. Don’t let the name fool you – EntreCon is not just for entrepreneurs and business owners. As John Maxwell once said, “Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.”  People of all industries and titles come to EntreCon to be inspired. They come to influence and be influenced by others. They are professionals who care not just about profit, but about purpose.  

— EntreCon is a great value. If you’re looking for a conference that packs a punch but won’t break your budget, EntreCon is the place to be. Early bird tickets are on sale through July 31 at $299.99 (ticket prices jump to $349 on August 1). If you’re a nonprofit organization, a military service member, or a student, you get an additional 10 percent off.

If you’re looking to bring multiple members from your organization, email Morgan Milbradt to get hooked up with a group discount (Small Group = 5-9 people, Large Group = 10+ people). There are still opportunities to help sponsor EntreCon, which comes with included seats to attend. If you’re interested in sponsorship opportunities, email Rachael Gillette.  

To make a compelling argument, lead your conversation with “the why.” Need proof that starting with the “why” works? Watch Simon Sineck’s “Start With the Why – How Great Leaders Inspire Action” video. 

When asking your boss about attending, remember that timing is key. Be sure to give your employer ample time to review your request. EntreCon is in November, which means you and your team have three months of lead time to figure out not only how your 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 Tuesday, July 31 — this is when Early Bird ticket sales end and the price goes up by $50.

Remember to play to your boss’ interests! Is there a topic he or she has been really into lately? Is it building a great onboarding system? Maybe it’s hiring the right people? Highlight how EntreCon will help tackle those dreams they've been thinking about. 

It also helps to know your boss’ “what.” What’s the “what,” you ask?  Every boss has a few things that mean more to them than anything else. Ex: Getting right to the point, quick turnarounds, etc. Keep these things in mind when making the ask to attend.

The bottom line is, only you know why EntreCon is a great fit for you and the best practices for communicating that to your boss. 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!

Subject: EntreCon 2018 Conference Proposal

Good morning [Insert Supervisor’s Name],

I’m writing to ask for approval to attend Studer Community Institute’s annual business and leadership conference, EntreCon, on Nov. 14-15 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 do have one request: If you approve, I would like to purchase tickets before Tuesday, July 31 (Early Bird tickets are $299 vs. $349 regular). 

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

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

Regards,

[Insert Your Name] 

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