communication department

Volume XX Number 1

Want to Attend the Annual Conference? Make a Business Case to Your Supervisor

By Rachel Houghton, Senior Member, Willamette Valley Chapter

The STC conference is coming in May 2007, and it’s time to convince your supervisor (if he or she isn’t already convinced) to support your continuing education. You’ll need to show why it’s beneficial—not just for you, but for your company as well.

Apply Conference Elements to Your Company's Needs

First, you’ll need to review the preliminary program (to be sent in February). Highlight sessions that could save your company money—for example, sessions on choosing an online technology or tool, or making sure your documentation is ready for translation. Are you getting ready to start using a new tool? Check for sessions or conference workshops on how to use that tool or similar tools.

The conference tracks have been created to address specific areas: designing and assessing user experiences; developing and delivering content; producing and publishing information; managing people, projects, and business; developing your skills and promoting your profession; and applying theory and research to practice.

Next, create a list of session and/or workshop topics and note their relevance to your job and company. Use specific phrases to describe how each session will help you handle a project or task. Mention that you will be able to pass on the knowledge gained to your coworkers, and your notes and copy of the Proceedings will be available for reference. The Proceedings includes papers from many sessions and is provided free to all full conference registrants.

Certificate Programs Provide In-Depth Look

Does your supervisor want a more specialized, in-depth look at a subject? Consider the conference certificate program. You’ll attend a two-day preconference seminar and attend four designated conference sessions during the three days of the conference. The price of the certificate program includes full registration for the conference. There are five certificate programs to choose from: Technical Communication 101, Master Writers, Usability, Content Management, and Team Management. More information will be available on the certificate program in future Intercom issues.

Arrange for Travel, Lodging, and Vacation Time

List the transportation costs, registration fee, meal costs, and the price per night of the hotel room. You can find the registration fee and preferred conference hotel rates on the travel section of the conference Web site, as well as discounts for travel and lodging available to conference attendees. Don’t forget to negotiate vacation time. Some companies, if they are not able to fully (or even partially) fund your conference attendance, will allow you to attend the conference on company time, without taking precious vacation time.

Compare the cost of the conference to other conferences. Although conference rates increased this year, the rates are less than those for conferences held by various other organizations. In addition, the changes in store for this year’s conference will enhance the educational value for attendees. Take advantage of the early bird rates to save your company money. If you register by February 28 as a member, you save $250 over someone who doesn’t register until he or she is on site, and $150 over someone who registers before May 4.

Consult Sample Memos

If you need a helping hand writing a memo or e-mail to your supervisor, see the sample memo in the December issue of Intercom or at the STC conference Web site.

Good luck, and I’ll see you in Minneapolis!