The two days of the 2011 Upper & Lower Extremity Disorders Conference and the three day 2012 Special Education Conference offer a variety of full-day courses to meet your professional needs. Use the sample letter and tips below to assist you with gaining support from your employer.
Tips on Getting Employer Support
*Share the conference program with your employer/supervisor and explain how the courses you wish to attend will benefit your patients/students and your program.
*Offer to prepare and present a short review of the courses you attend with your co-workers so they can benefit from your attendance.
*Prepare a plan that shows who will cover for you while you are attending the conference.
*Offer to share a room to reduce hotel expenses. Double rooms at the Embassy Suites Hotel (with group discounted rates) can accommodate several people.
*Search airline tickets/transportation early to secure the best rates. Amtrak train discounts are provided (see travel section of the program).
If you have other ideas on how to obtain employer/district support and would like to share them with our conference planning committee, e-mail vickid@seanet.com and we will include your suggestions on our Website.
Sample Letter
[Date]
Dear [your supervisor’s name]:
To help provide [your school/facility/hospital] and our [students/patients] with the most up-to-date and evidence-based evaluation, treatment and evaluation strategies, I would like to attend the [2011 Upper & Lower Extremity Disorders Conference OR the 2012 Special Education Conference] in the Seattle, Washington area.There will multiple courses offered, each day, at the conference. The handouts for these classes can be shared with my colleagues who did not attend the convention, after the event.
I would like to attend the following courses that will provide the greatest benefit to (your school/program): [Place the title of the courses you wish to attend here].
There is a special reduced early registration fee rate if registered prior to the deadline and there are group registration discounts. [List transportation costs, registration fee, meals, and the price per night of the hotel room.]
Attending the Conference will enhance my professional knowledge and skills, which will enable me to provide better care for my [patient/students]. I will be able to pass on much of what I learn to my colleagues. Thank you for your consideration of this request. Sincerely, [your name]