Justification Copy

This sample copy outlines the benefits of attending so your supervisor can see the value on paper. Make sure to customize as necessary before sending.

Download the copy version right for you. If you have a benefits plan with NTCA, we recommend you download the "Plan Participants" version.

PLAN PARTICIPANTS     NONPARTICIPANTS

 

Strategies for Acquiring Funding Approval for the NTCA HR + Benefits Conference

The tips and ideas provided here are designed to help you make a strong and effective case for attending the NTCA HR + Benefits Conference. Use any or all of them to suit your unique situation.

1. Emphasize the Benefits of Attending

Talk to your supervisor about how your organization can profit from the new ideas, information, connections and innovations you will acquire as a result of attending.

Here are some key points:

• "I can find new ways to save the company money and use our employee benefits budget more strategically."
  The new strategies, best practices and innovative solutions available here will help me gain insights into how to reduce costs and design robust and appealing benefits and compensation packages for current and potential future staff. In the end, this can boost our bottom line, increase employee engagement and help reduce turnover—potentially offsetting the costs of attending.
   
• "The educational opportunities are geared specifically for the HR and benefits professionals in the rural broadband community."
  I will take home insights on all aspects of human resources and employee benefits—the sessions cover detailed HR content designed for employers in rural America. Dedicated sessions specific to the NTCA benefits program will help me stay up to date and knowledgeable about our plan offerings. The event offers new solutions and actionable ideas that I will be able to put into practice to gain a competitive edge when hiring, create valuable compensation and benefits structures and policies, and improve inclusion and diversity practices.
   
• "What I gain from three days participating at the event would take months to acquire any other way."
  Piecing together an experience that is equivalent to the NTCA HR + Benefits Conference would be very difficult and would keep me out of the office much longer and cost much more than attending the event. This is a terrific opportunity for me to learn all that is new in our NTCA employee benefit plans and have in-person time to collaborate with the NTCA benefits operations and member relations staff.
   
• "It is the perfect opportunity to share ideas and learn from my peers."
  By joining them, I will stay abreast of the industry, learn more from my peers and maintain a level playing field.
  
  Nonparticipants: If your company is not an NTCA Benefits Program participant, show your employer a comparison of your currents benefits plan and cost savings by participating with NTCA.

 

2. Demonstrate How You Intend to Spend Your Time

Put your plan on paper to show your supervisor that your time at the NTCA HR + Benefits Conference will be productive:

• Use the agenda to build an itinerary that includes sessions, networking functions and the OSHA Seminar if you attend that event.
• Study the concurrent sessions and choose the ones that best apply to your position, as well as your company's specific objectives.
• Is money the make-or-break issue? If so, see if you can quantify the value of certain aspects of attending. For instance, can you attach a dollar estimate to the savings you can come up with by implementing new policies you learned about in the sessions

 

3. Crunch the Numbers to Illustrate the Value

Your boss will want to know, not just what it costs to send you to the conference, but what it is worth. Use a cost and budget analysis to break it down and be sure to emphasize the discount if you register before the early-bird deadlines pass and the savings if you are an NTCA member. Write out the key takeaways and the estimated value or contribution to the company so they can see the breakdown in writing.

 

4. Follow up After the Conference

Assure your supervisor that you will give a full report on your conference activities upon your return. Use the Post-Event Report to demonstrate the value of your attendance.