Opportunities like this only come once in a lifetime—or fortunately, in the case of NIRSA’s premier event, once per year! The 2024 Annual Conference & Campus Rec and Wellness Expo, is taking place April 17–20 in Phoenix, Arizona. You won’t want to miss it!
Given the conference theme of “Centering Belonging and Cultivating Community,” ensuring your presence at NIRSA 2024 becomes even more crucial. Let’s outline strategies to convince your supervisor or department lead of the expedition’s worth, emphasizing how your attendance will not only contribute to your personal career growth but also play a pivotal role in enriching campus programs and fostering a sense of belonging within communities for years to come.
Tip #1: Take note of NIRSA 2024’s offerings
Knowing how to frame your travel request and justification relies on the set of experiences and resources you choose to prioritize. Beyond the robust menu of conference sessions, this year’s Annual Conference features several networking and social opportunities and an exhibitor hall showcasing a wide range of products and services. No two conference experiences are identical, and your plan should be carefully crafted to reflect your unique goals, needs, and interests.
Tip #2: Create a conference plan and schedule
With a preview of what will be happening in Phoenix in mind, it’s time to connect the conference program with how your organization and its specific projects will benefit from your attendance. Think about your short-term and long-term goals and write down a list of questions and challenges at the forefront of these goals. Then, map out a conference itinerary that will maximize your engagement with relevant content and experiences.
Not sure where to start? A deeper, more focused event like a preconference workshop might be the ideal way to kick off your trip. Another lens through which to think about this is the who rather than the what. Are there a small handful of speakers or vendors you’re excited to talk to? What can they help you with or even collaborate with you on? Thinking through these social opportunities in a concrete way can help you organize how you’ll spend your conference days as well as provide a broader rationale.
Tip #3: Write and submit your request (if needed)
If you need to have your travel formally approved or have funding allocated for your trip, a proposal letter can succinctly make your case. We’ve provided a templated letter in this year’s Convince Your Boss toolkit; you’re welcome to repurpose it as-is or use bits and pieces as inspiration.
A few concepts to keep in mind as you compose your request:
- In your introduction, focus on your two or three top reasons for attending NIRSA 2024
- Identify specific benefits that the event offers as they relate to current organizational projects and initiatives or ones you know are coming up soon
- Include a breakdown of costs as accurately as you can estimate; keep in mind early bird registration rates, which are available through Wednesday, March 6
Demonstrating preparedness and enthusiasm through your request will not only make it much easier for your boss to side with you but will also strengthen your sense of belonging within the professional community. By showcasing your dedication, you not only set the stage for personal and career growth but also contribute to the collective experience at this year’s NIRSA Annual Conference. Seize the opportunity to elevate your work to new heights in 2024—particularly if this marks your inaugural attendance at the NIRSA Annual Conference—fostering a stronger sense of belonging and connection within the NIRSA community.
- For more information, please contact NIRSA Learning.
Brooke Ruot is currently the Events Coordinator at NIRSA.
Brittany Rejda is currently the Director of Learning at NIRSA.
