How can you leverage your network or membership to get conference fee waivers or reductions?

1 Ask your employer

If you work for an organization that values professional development, you may be able to ask your employer to sponsor or reimburse your conference fees. Some employers may have a budget or a policy for supporting employees who want to attend relevant conferences. You can make a case for how the conference will benefit your work, your team, and your organization. You can also offer to share your learnings with your colleagues, write a report, or present at a meeting.

2 Apply for scholarships

Many conferences offer scholarships or grants to cover part or all of the fees for eligible participants. These may be based on criteria such as financial need, academic merit, diversity, or specific interests. You can check the conference website, social media, or newsletters for information on how to apply and what the deadlines are. You can also ask your network if they know of any scholarships or grants that you can apply for.

3 Volunteer or speak

Another way to get conference fee waivers or reductions is to volunteer or speak at the conference. Volunteering may involve helping with registration, logistics, moderation, or other tasks. Speaking may involve giving a presentation, a workshop, a panel, or a poster. Both options can give you free or discounted access to the conference, as well as opportunities to showcase your skills, knowledge, and passion. You can contact the conference organizers or submit a proposal to express your interest and availability.

4 Join a professional association

Many professional associations offer discounts or benefits to their members who want to attend conferences. These may include reduced fees, priority registration, access to exclusive sessions, or networking opportunities. You can join a professional association that is relevant to your field, industry, or niche. You can also look for associations that have local chapters, online communities, or events that can help you connect with other members and learn from their experiences.

5 Negotiate or trade

Sometimes, you may be able to negotiate or trade your way to conference fee waivers or reductions. For example, you may be able to offer your skills, services, or products in exchange for a lower fee. You may also be able to ask for a discount if you register early, in bulk, or as a group. You can also look for coupon codes, promotions, or referral programs that can give you a percentage off or a free ticket. You can reach out to the conference organizers, sponsors, or partners to see if they are open to negotiation or trade.

6 Research and compare

Finally, you can leverage your network or membership to research and compare different conferences and their fees. You can ask your contacts for recommendations, reviews, or feedback on the conferences they have attended or plan to attend. You can also use online platforms, forums, or blogs to find out more about the quality, value, and reputation of different conferences. You can then compare the fees, benefits, and drawbacks of each conference and choose the one that best suits your needs, goals, and budget.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?