How to Get Your Job to Pay for Your Conference Ticket
Did you know that your company probably has a professional development budget that's just sitting there, waiting to be used? The trick is knowing how to ask for it in a way that makes saying yes easy.
Why Companies Should (and Do) Pay for Conferences
Before you even draft that email, remember this: companies that invest in their employees' growth see better retention, higher engagement, and more innovative teams. When you attend a conference, you're not just benefiting yourself. You're bringing back fresh insights, new strategies, and industry connections that can directly impact your team's success.
Conferences like the Women of PM Conference are specifically designed to level up your project management skills through workshops, networking, and sessions led by industry leaders. That's exactly the kind of professional development that aligns with career growth and business goals.
Build Your Business Case (It's Easier Than You Think)
Focus on the ROI. What specific sessions or workshops align with current projects or challenges your team is facing? Maybe there's a masterclass on stakeholder management that could help with that tricky client situation. Or a session on AI in product development that ties directly into your Q1 roadmap.
Highlight the knowledge transfer. Offer to share what you learn. A lunch-and-learn presentation, a detailed summary for the team, or even just implementing one new framework you picked up can show immediate value.
(FYI: we've got a conference summary document that makes this super easy to deliver.)
Talk about the network effect. Conferences aren't just about sitting in sessions. The connections you make can lead to partnerships, hiring opportunities, or solutions to problems your company is currently facing. That's tangible business value.
The Ask: How to Actually Pitch It
Timing matters. Don't wait until the week before the conference to ask. Give your manager at least 4-6 weeks to process the request, especially if it needs to go through budget approvals.
Be specific. Don't send a vague "Hey, can I go to this conference?" email. Outline exactly what the conference is, when it is, what it costs, and most importantly, what you'll get out of it.
We've created a template email for your manager that covers all of this, so you're not starting from scratch.
Make it a conversation. After you send the initial request, follow up in person or on a call. This shows you're serious about it and gives your manager a chance to ask questions or raise concerns you can address on the spot.
Address objections before they happen. Worried about budget? Offer to skip another training program or suggest splitting the cost. Concerned about time away from work? Show how you'll manage your workload before and after. Being proactive about potential roadblocks makes approval more likely.
If They Say No (Or Not Right Now)
Sometimes the answer isn't yes, and that's okay. Ask what it would take to get approval. Is it a budget issue? A timing problem? Understanding the objection helps you reframe or plan for next time.
You can also get creative: virtual tickets are often cheaper, or maybe there's a group discount if multiple team members attend. Some companies are more willing to pay for local events that don't require travel expenses.
And if this conference doesn't work out, plant the seed for the next one. Keep bringing up professional development in one-on-ones and show you're serious about growth. Persistence pays off.
The Bottom Line
Getting your job to pay for conferences isn't about gaming the system. It's about showing that investing in you is investing in the team's success. Companies that support professional development end up with employees who are more skilled, more engaged, and more likely to stick around.
So go ahead and make the ask. Build your case, use our templates, and show your manager why attending the Women of PM Conference (or any conference, really) is a win-win. The worst they can say is no, but you'd be surprised how often the answer is yes when you ask the right way.
Ready to make your pitch? Download our manager email template and conference summary document to get started. Your future self will thank you.
Final_2026 Women Of Project Management Conference Summary
By, Airess Rembert, PMP, Member of Women Of Project Management & Blogger at The Nerd Bae
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