Overcome the Objections and Get the Support You Deserve

One of the best ways to get management support is to submit a formal proposal to your direct supervisor outlining the organizational benefits of attending the conference.

  1. Determine if your organization has a formal professional development policy, form, and/or designated amounts for employees.
  2. Review the daily schedule for the conference to identify the educational sessions and networking events that address the specific needs within your organization
  3. Begin preparing your proposal.

Communicate Why You Should Attend

Use this letter to assist in requesting for your employer to allow you to attend the conference:

Dear [Employer],

The West Coast Symposium takes place from May 29-31, 2025, at La Quinta Resort & Club. The West Coast Symposium provides superior clinical education and networking for addiction, behavioral health, and mental health professionals. Clinicians and executives alike convene and work together to improve and refine outcome-based addiction disorder services and patient care.

  • Earn continuing education credits
  • Learn from a diverse curriculum that includes hot-topic areas
  • Re-energize myself professionally through networking
  • Stay ahead of emerging topics that reflect today’s headlines
  • The conference registration fee includes coffee breaks and some lunches

Approximate Investment for My Attendance:

  • Travel costs: $300
  • Accommodation (2 nights at $192/night*): $384*
  • Dinners (2 days at $25): $50
  • Attendee Rates for 3 days: $525**  
  • Total cost to attend: $1,259
*Does not include hotel taxes & fees.
**$525: Lowest rate base conference for clinicians. 

I would like to request approval to attend the West Coast Symposium, as I believe it will not only keep me up to date on the latest trending topics and allow me to expand my professional network, but participating will also provide me with practical takeaways that I can then share with my colleagues.

Sincerely, 

[Your Name]