NTCA 2021 Marketing + Sales Conference Online

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Justify Your Attendance

If you are seeking your supervisor’s approval for funds to attend the NTCA Marketing + Sales Conference Online, we have tools to support you to help make it a smooth process.

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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.

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Post-Event Report

This report is an excellent way to demonstrate the value you received by attending the conference and will make it more likely your supervisor will include it as a line item in the budget for you to attend (do not forget travel expenses for 2022).

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Strategies for Acquiring Funding Approval

The tips and ideas provided here are designed to help you make a strong and effective case for attending the NTCA Marketing + Sales Conference Online. 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."
    The new strategies, best practices and innovative solutions available here will help increase marketing effectiveness, reduce costs and boost impact on our bottom line — potentially offsetting the costs of attending.
     
  • "This is the best way to compare and evaluate vendors."
    The Solutions eXchange is an unbeatable one-stop resource that enables me to source new suppliers, get ideas to break through the clutter and reach our prospects more effectively and understand the trends that work best with our sales goals — all in one place.
     
  • "The educational opportunities are geared specifically for the rural broadband community."
    I will take home insights on all aspects of marketing and sales — from branding and logo design to community outreach and sales strategies for business development. The event offers new solutions and actionable ideas that I will be able to put into practice to gain a competitive edge, establish meaningful relationships and build brand loyalty for [your company name].
     
  • "What I gain from two days participating at the event would take months to acquire any other way."
    Piecing together an experience that is equivalent to the NTCA Marketing + Sales Conference Online would be very difficult — and would keep me out of the office much longer and cost much more than this online event in May.
     
  • "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.

 

2. Demonstrate How You Intend to Spend Your Time

Put your plan on paper to show your supervisor that your time at the NTCA Marketing + Sales Conference Online will be productive:

  • Use the agenda to build an itinerary that includes sessions, networking functions and the Solutions eXchange.
  • Study the breakout sessions and choose the ones that best apply to your position, as well as your company's specific objectives.
  • If you purchase products and services for your company, check the sponsor list and Solutions eXchange for companies that offer what you need. Include the vendors you would like to speak with in the written plan that you show your supervisor.
  • 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 negotiate in the Solutions eXchange? How about the cost-cutting techniques you learn in the education 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 $50 discount if you register by April 19 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.

 

We hope these ideas will be effective for you in getting approval to attend the 2021 NTCA Marketing + Sales Conference Online.

 

Several PTCI staff benefitted from the NTCA Marketing + Sales Conference. The attendees gained information from presenters and peers from across the nation and implemented valuable knowledge from the conference, improving and streamlining marketing and sales strategies. NTCA also pivoted well, switching to a virtual platform while maintaining connections between peers and vendors.

Jana Wallace, CEO, PTCI

 

The NTCA Marketing + Sales Conference is extremely valuable for members of your marketing and sales team that are new to the industry. They may have years of experience they bring to the position, but this conference is one of the best ways to familiarize them with our industry from a marketing and sales perspective.

If there is only one meeting you have your marketing and sales team attend each year, it needs to be the NTCA Marketing + Sales Conference. The content is always current and relevant to what’s happening in our industry. The networking opportunities through this conference are just as invaluable as the educational components.

Rob Johnstone, CEO, Range

 

I have participated in or sent our marketing staff to the NTCA Marketing and Sales Conference for over 25 years. It has been one of the most influential events that has driven our company's success. Networking with others, sharing ideas to satisfy customer needs, and learning from the experts will have a positive effect on your business. I encourage all NTCA members to participate in the Marketing and Sales Conference. More success will result!

Ron Hinds, CEO, GRM Networks