I Know It Will Benefit Me and My Company If I Attend The ICTF Conference, But How Do I Persuade My Boss?

So What To Do?

One of the many privileges of being part of the International Credit and Trade Finance Association that is ICTF is being able to attend our Conferences and thus continue to be educated by and network with both leading global practitioners and those beginning to make their way in our fine profession.

In a long career in the profession, prior to joining the association world, I was always fortunate enough to be granted the opportunity to attend Conferences and other events relevant to my role. However, I appreciate that it is certainly not the case for everyone, probably the majority. We all understand, I think, that Conference costs include more than simply the registration fee. Travel, accommodation and time away from the office all have to be factored in. How then might your boss be persuaded that, in an environment of strict budgetary constraints for many companies, your attendance will significantly enhance your personal development and benefit the Company? Here are a few thoughts that might enable some training and/or travel budget to be found and allocated, as you move from 'NO to PERHAPS to YES'!

• Fully assess the Conference Programme. Here it is for Chicago from 19 to 21 April; https://www.ictfworld.org/page/chicago2020 and for Lisbon from 10 to 12 May; https://www.ictfworld.org/page/Lisbon2020 See which sessions are most relevant to your educational requirements and your Company's objectives. Perhaps the panellist discussion on 'Cash Flow Optimization Through Digital Transformation' in Chicago or 'Restructuring The International Credit Function' from Jan Ambergen in Lisbon. (If you have a problem with the links please go directly to the Calendar at www.ictfworld.org).
• Within your proposal to attend, expand upon your principal reasons for doing so. Maybe 'Learning From Proven Experts That Will Enhance Your Performance', (name them), 'Exposure To Real Success Stories That Will Save You Time And The Company Money' (give examples) and 'Networking Opportunities With Your Peers From Around The World That Simply Should Not Be Missed'. If a formal written request is required, further articulate how the Conference will benefit you and, most importantly, the Company and its future objectives. Include a cost breakdown of the fee, travel, hotel accommodation and subsistence and confirm how your (short) absence from the office will be professionally managed. Who knows, you may achieve authorisation to attend if you can find a way to reduce some of the costs.
• I understand that it is not easy and this may not be something new. But why not give it a try and see if you move from 'NO to PERHAPS to YES'! ICTF would love to see you in Chicago or Lisbon and I know that you will find attendance at either Conference entirely worthwhile. I'm here to help and advise you in any way that I can, so please don't hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or on +44 (0) 1869 277523. I wish you a successful negotiation.