Convince your boss
Your boss may not be from "The Office," but it’s a good chance he or she will ask you questions before writing a check (NBC Universal)
You know you’ll come away refreshed and recharged, but how do you convince your boss that you need to attend this conference? Here’s a cheat sheet for talking through the typical concerns:
We’re understaffed; we can’t lose you for that long.
This is a chance for inspiration with extraordinary editors and colleagues from across the country. I’ll be attending educational sessions and events with people just like me, so I’ll come back with more energy, ideas and new methods that will make me more valuable and productive.
It’s too expensive/we don’t have a budget for this.
This conference offers a great value -- it’s nearly three full days of training, connections and experiences that can’t be purchased at a better price. ACES is the least expensive journalism and editing conference this year. Hotel rates in Philadelphia are quite reasonable and to save even more I can split the cost of hotel rooms with a colleague. Plus, Philly is close enough to drive/April is usually one of the cheaper times to fly.
We can only send you to one conference. Why is this one the best?
ACES is recognized as the authority on editing excellence and an advocate for copy editors. To get a sense of the presentations check out last year’s conference Web site.
Don’t we already give enough money to ACES?
Our membership dues directly support the profession, pay for practical resources, promote professional standards, and provide me with specific benefits. Our membership also gets us a discount on registration (nearly $175 per person).
How do I know this isn’t just an excuse for one long cocktail hour?
Sure, there will be networking receptions, but they’ll provide serious interaction with teachers, innovators, established editors and vendors. It’s an opportunity to allow me to share information, brainstorm ideas and solve problems. Check out the list from last year’s conference.
What’s in it for us?
In addition to the countless idea-generating presentations, sessions and workshops, ACES offers programs specifically designed to increase accuracy and productivity. Plus, I can bring back handouts from the sessions I attend and share what I learned with everyone. (Editors love brown-bag sessions.)
Sounds pretty convincing, doesn’t it?
Don’t wait a minute longer -- go have that talk with your boss now and register today!
