Here is our 6-step framework to help make it easier for you
The Shor Version:

Step 1: Learn About The Event & It's Details.

Before you talk about the event with your manager, you’ll want to be sure you’ve explored the event agenda, speakers, and what you will learn.

Think about all the options available and start considering which sessions align best with your company’s objectives and aspirations.
Don’t forget to ask yourself: what are our short-term and long-term goals? Will this event help me get there faster?

You May also want to find out these key details:
o Attendee and speaker demographics
o Dates and times to make sure that it will not conflict with any current responsibilities.
o Event format. Virtual vs. in-person, types of sessions, etc.

Step 2: Build a schedule!

Create an outline of you’re your favorite sessions and what you expect to get from them. Don’t hesitate to be specific.

Here’s an example we came up with for one of our Goal Setting Sessions:

You could say something like “Attending the session on How To Set And Achieve Your Goals is going to not only help me learn how to set GREAT goals for myself. I am going to be able to come back and help others on our team to do the same. Can you imagine how much better our team would be if we all knew how to set and actually achieve stretch goals? The company would explode, in a good way!!”

You may also want to think about who you’d like to network with. Create a list of 5 or so people that would attend the event or maybe even the speakers who will have the most relevant knowledge to share with you. Then develop a few questions you’d like to ask them. You can use this list of speakers and questions as another tool to help you prove that the event is going to be an amazing experience and that you are prepared to make the most of it.

Step 3: Why Do You Want To Go?

You want to explain to your manager why the conference is unique and why it is worth going to. Here are some example value statements we came up with for our events last year. As a first step, try editing these sample statements to align with whatever event you’re trying to attend. We’ve attempted to make them as general as possible to fit a wide variety of events that we host.

I will gain practical skills and learn proven methods for maximizing the company’s funds and impact. To deliver on our company’s mission, I need to ensure I am using the most strategic methods that are proven to get results. At this event, I am going to l learn from national and global experts who are using proven methods and tools to improve the quality of their programs and services and achieve amazing results. Attending the event will provide me with skills, knowledge, and methods to move the company forward.

Learning from real success stories means I will save time and money trying to figure out what works. Many organizations waste time going through a lot of trial and error before discovering the formula to success. A good event will challenge our current way of thinking, but will also provide us with actionable advice and takeaways. At Eclipse DOT’s event, the speakers will challenge me to think critically about my work. They will also provide me with actions and advice I can start using immediately.

This is a networking opportunity I can’t miss. Some of the industry’s top leaders, accountability, performance improvement, and collaboration experts will be at Eclipse DOT’s Event (both as speakers and as participants). I will have the opportunity to interact with leaders in our field, learn from each other’s challenges and successes, and create lasting connections that will help our company excel.

Step 4: Know their Language.

I’m not talking about English, Spanish, or Chinese. What I’m saying is that everyone has a different language that makes them happier.

Some people love talking in person or over the phone, while others like emails or texts. And some people really like to get gifts or hear how much appreciate them.

Gary Chapman calls it the 5 love languages. And I agree with him 150%

We all have different languages that we like to speak.

So when you get ready to talk to your manager make sure that you are speaking their language.

If they love emails then don’t waste their time by talking to them first.

If they love talking then don’t send them an email asking about the event.

If they love gifts, then give them something small and personal to help your chances of getting to go.

Or if they are a physical touch type of person, then you want to start the conversation off with a firm handshake.

I think you get the point.

Step 5: Make A Formal Request

By making a formal request they know that you are serious.

You can write a compelling request letter containing all the necessary information your manager needs to make an informed decision. Or you can just make an outline for the conversation you want to have with them.

o Be upfront in your introduction and state your top three reasons for attending.
o Let them know how the event will benefit you, and the company.
o Consider including a few reasons you’d like to attend and a list of 5 people you’d like to network with while you are there.
o You should also include an estimated cost breakdown. (How much do you need for travel, meals, and lodging? This will provide you with a negotiating tool; your manager may be willing to send you if you can find a way to reduce meal or lodging costs.

Step 6: Control Your Emotions
The worst thing that you can do is get upset when you don’t get what you want. As a leader when someone gets upset, the first thing that enters my mind is, “Wow I’m glad I didn’t say yes to that!”

On the other hand, when someone asks for something, we just can’t make it happen this time. I actually make a reminder in my calendar to reconsider it when I have a few seconds. And most of the time I end up getting them tickets to go to the event.

If I don’t get tickets for that event, then almost always I get them for the next one that comes up.
Be sure that you have a plan if they say no to how you are going to react. This will help ensure that you can go to future events.