I'm looking on the horizon, and I see several conferences and business-related events I would like to attend. Question is, will the company send me? Between budget slashes and layoffs, who's going to fund a trip? If you present a valid argument, the company just might. Your agency is still in business. So if these conferences have been valuable in the past, they may be of some value today. So how do you get in on these getaways?

• You need to be a valued member of the staff before asking. If the boss doesn't know your name, it's unlikely you will be approved for the trip. First, you need to work on that anonymity. If people don't know you, they don't know your value. I'd be more worried about keeping my job.
• Demonstrate how the event is beneficial to your performance. Write an email or submit a report explaining how your work and the agency can improve by attending this event.
• Pick the most convenient location. If the conference is on tour, pick the most convenient spot. Sorry, you can't expect to go to Cancun, if Cleveland is closer.
• You BETTER show up. If I leave Detroit to attend a conference on a sandy beach, I better comeback with more than sand in my shoes and drink umbrellas in my pockets. Sometimes the conference does not live up to the hype — boring speakers, unorganized, etc. Then it's up to you to find the goodness in the garbage. If they aren't great speakers, they are still experts in their fields. Take great notes. Make their work seem more interesting than the way they presented it and give it value.
• Come back with plenty of contacts. Get to know attendees who may be valuable resources on future projects.
• Share with the team. Our staff is required to present their findings to the agency. If you aren't, offer to do so anyway. Create a multi-media presentation you and others can refer to when needed.