Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/50980
s we begin a new year and our 49th Annual Trade Show and Conference draws closer, we should pause to review the challenges the turf industry faces, no matter what side of the turfgrass business you're on, and talk about how important the attendance at this conference really is. job that we're going to up your budget 25%". The more likely reality is that you have scraped and fought for every dime, crunched all the numbers, made the presentations you needed to, justified every penny required and then executed and delivered on what you've promised. Even when times are flush, you would probably never hear, "You know, INSERT YOUR NAME HERE, we think you and your crew are doing such a great It truly isn't 2003 any longer and budget restraints are the reality for most of us, if not all. For some, there is literally no money and any gains you've made, could be rolling back double time. So how do we as turf managers react? How do we put a value on our careers, our education, our professionalism and networking opportunities? The real question here is can a $500-$1000 investment once a year pay off? Here are 6 tips that could very well help get you to the show: 1. Draw on the value received from previous WCTA Conferences. Bring to your employer's attention the ideas that you brought back and implemented from previous WCTA conferences. Focus on the time, money and resource savings you brought to your facility because of your attendance. 2. Share a hotel room. Splitting the cost of a room with a peer cuts your room costs in half. 3. Offer to share in the costs to send you to the Conference. Show that you have a true professional stake in attending the conference and that you are willing to shoulder some of the costs, maybe a meal on the ferry or parking. 4. Offer to use vacation time to attend. This shows that you are extremely serious about the importance of this educational event to you personally and professionally. 5. Be knowledgeable of what other industry conferences cost. Trade shows and educational events in many other industries can easily cost $750+ just to register. It may be an easier 'sell' to your employer if you are able to make a comparative. 6. Register by January 13 (early bird price deadline) We sincerely hope to see all WCTA members attend the Victoria Conference and Trade Show. It's going to be a fantastic event with the highest level of education credentials we have ever assembled. We think you need to be there: to be at the table, to be part of the changing turf industry, to be part of the solution. We hope you feel the same way and would like to hear how we can help get there. Scott Mitchell, WCTA 2011 President