Expenses vs. Benefits
Though you can easily see the benefits of attending the convention, you may need to show your supervisor that the benefits exceed the expenses. Try to list concrete benefits that your attendance will bring not only to you, but also to your workplace. Rather than focus on how much you want to attend the convention, focus on how the benefits of attendance will help meet current workplace needs. Compare those benefits with the expenses and be prepared to sell your points to your supervisor. The following tables will help you get started.
| Expense | Cost |
| Convention registration | $ |
| Ticketed events (PCIs, K-12 Dream Day, TESOL LDCP) | $ |
| Flight | $ |
| Lodging | $ |
| Transportation: airport to hotel | $ |
| Transportation: hotel to airport | $ |
| Mileage reimbursement (if driving to conference) | $ |
| Parking reimbursement (at airport for flight departure, or at hotel where conference is located) | $ |
| Food per diem | $ |
| Total Expense | $ |
| Benefits to Your Employer | How Do Benefits Meet Current Needs? |
| Networking | |
| New knowledge, training, enhanced expertise | |
| New specific 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) | |