Investing in professional development is important; attending our Annual Conference is a great way to gain contacts, knowledge, and experience that will help you improve your efforts and your institution. But finding the funding and support you need to attend can depend on how well you are able to explain to your supervisor how their support will provide a good return on investment. With that in mind, we’ve prepared the text below to help you pitch your attendance to your supervisor or program leader. Adapt or copy and paste it into your own letter to present the facts and make your case.

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Dear <Supervisor’s Name>,

I would like to attend the 2015 NIRSA Annual Conference, this March 30–April 2 in Grapevine, Texas. This year’s theme is “Moving Our Values Forward” and the event will offer me access to more than 120 educational sessions, renowned speakers, as well as the Recreational Sports Expo featuring over 130 vendors. By attending, I’ll be able to take advantage of countless opportunities to connect with dedicated colleagues, explore the latest ideas and products in the field of collegiate recreation, and bring back lessons learned, to the benefit of <institution’s department>.

After reviewing the conference schedule, I have highlighted a number of specific educational sessions that will allow me to learn about new trends and best practices in the field: (more information about available sessions will be available in mid-December at www.nirsa.org/nirsa2015/edsessions)

<List session 1>

<List Session 2>

<List Session 3>

The full price conference registration is $<insert the appropriate fee here>; but if I register before February 18, I will save $<enter early bird savings here>. This registration fee includes full access to speakers, sessions, the Recreational Sports Expo, and scheduled group events. I will also qualify for Continuing Education Units for every educational session that attend, which can be used for my <application/renewal> into the Registry of Collegiate Recreation Sports Professionals.

Before February 18, 2015	After February 18, 2015
Professional Member from Member Institution	$485	$555
Professional Member	$565	$635
Professional Nonmember from Member Institution*	$620	$690
Professional Nonmember*	$735	$805

* The term “member” refers to those with a current NIRSA membership both at the time of registration AND throughout the Annual Conference. Non-member registration rates include a one-year NIRSA membership.

Here is the breakdown of conference costs (include if you are also seeking travel funds):

Airfare: <xx>

Transportation: <xx>

Hotel: <xx>

Meals: <xx>

Conference Fee: <xx>

Total: <xx>

My attendance at this event will be a sound investment for <institution’s name>. The contacts that I will make and the knowledge I will gain will be invaluable to the growth of our institution’s recreation department and also to my future in the profession.

Thank you for your support and consideration.

Sincerely,

<Your name here>