Convince your Boss to attend the Conference

While you may have many reasons for wanting to attend the conference, your request will be more persuasive if you align it with your company’s goals and your boss’s priorities. To strengthen your case, put yourself in their shoes and address the factors that matter most to them.

One of the main concerns your boss may have is cost.

Is this a justifiable expense within the company’s budget? Another key factor is return on investment (ROI). Your boss will want to know what the company will gain from your participation and how your newly acquired knowledge will benefit the team.

Understanding how your company makes budget decisions will also help you craft a stronger proposal.

Some companies have dedicated training and development budgets, while others approve conference attendance on a case-by-case basis. If colleagues have attended similar events in the past, it may be useful to reference those examples. Also, check if your company has a professional development policy that supports continued learning and skill-building.

To align your request with company goals, focus on the practical benefits.

Highlight how attending will introduce new tools and strategies that can enhance workflows and improve efficiency. Emphasize the opportunity to stay ahead of industry trends and bring back valuable insights. Mention the networking potential, which could open new business opportunities or partnerships. Finally, offer to share key takeaways with your team, ensuring that the investment benefits the entire company, not just you.

By framing your request in a way that addresses company needs, you demonstrate a business mindset and increase your chances of getting approval. Now we have prepared a Kit that will support you in convincing your boss.

Convince Your Boss Kit

Every decision maker is different, but by following our step-by-step guide, you can effectively highlight the value and benefits of attending Agile Testing Days—not just for your own professional growth, but also for your company.

Our Convince Your Boss Kit is designed to help you make a compelling case. It includes:
✔ A step-by-step guide to structure your request
✔ A PDF to present to your boss

With this kit, securing approval becomes much easier—helping your boss see why saying “Yes” is a smart investment!

1. Research and Prepare Your Case - Check the program

Before approaching your boss, take time to familiarize yourself with the conference program. Agile Testing Days offers 100+ sessions, including keynotes, tutorials, hands-on workshops, and talks on topics like GenAI, Test Automation, Security Testing, Robotics, Test Management, and more.

To make a strong case, create a list of the sessions you plan to attend, specifying:
✔ Which days you'll be there
✔ Why these sessions matter
✔ How they will benefit your current or future projects

What happens if the program is not out?  In this case, we recommend you check the previous year's program. This way you can find which topics the conference covers. Yes, every year, we may add new topics and leave some topics. And by checking out social media or newsletter, you will find out which topic we will offer in the current year.

2. Compile Hard Facts and Bare Figures:

Seeing things from your boss’s perspective sometimes is not easy. In order to get the approval, you have to talk the talk and walk the walk. Is your boss usually interested in hard facts and bare numbers? Don't worry, we have you covered.

The conference in numbers:

• 4 days
•  6 months of access to on-demand video recordings of all talks and keynotes
• 50+ Talks, 20+  Workshops, 10+ keynotes, 12 tutorials
• A total of 180 hours of knowledge
• Nearly 400 Companies from over 40 different countries
• 800+ international attendees, including nearly 100 expert speakers
• More than 20 sponsors 

If you need more information, check our Facts & Figures.

3. Your Request Presentation of Approval

We’ve created a presentation to help you make a compelling case to your boss. It highlights how Agile Testing Days benefits both you and your company.

✔ Download the presentation and customize it with your chosen sessions and current discounts.
✔ Need help? If you need additional information or support, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to assist!

We also recommend choosing the right time to talk to your team and boss about the Agile Testing Days.

4. Be flexible and open to negotiation.

We hope your boss is impressed with the information you’ve gathered and approves your request right away. However, we also understand that some team leads may need further discussion before agreeing.To help you navigate these conversations, we’ve outlined common objections your boss might raise—along with effective ways to address them. Plus, if full approval isn’t possible, we’ve provided alternative ways to still be part of the conference experience.

How to Address Common Objections:

We understand that your boss may have a different perspective when it comes to approving your request to attend Agile Testing Days. Here are some of the most common objections they might raise—and how you can address them effectively.

• "It's too expensive." → Highlight the current discounts available. Agile Testing Days offers various discounts throughout the year, making it more affordable. If budget constraints are an issue, consider alternatives like the Online Pass, which provides valuable learning at a lower cost.
• "You’ll be away from work." →  Being away for a week may impact your project, but with proper planning, your team can manage the workload efficiently. Offer to prepare in advance, delegate tasks, or adjust timelines to minimize disruption. Emphasize that the knowledge you gain will benefit the team and the company in the long run.
• “There are other conferences that are cheaper, closer, or shorter.” → Explain why Agile Testing Days stand out—focus on the specific sessions, workshops, and hands-on tutorials that align with your role and company needs. AgileTD receives a vast amount of applications for talks and workshops like no other. This means the best speakers always want to speak on our stage, and they always come with their best and newest stories to tell. We can say that we have one of the best line-ups of all testing conferences. Primarily due to our very individual selection process, we make 100% sure to have the most complete, diverse, and best-performing speaking line-up worldwide.
• “Disapproved of certain sessions” → What if your boss checks the program and disapproves of specific sessions? Topics like leadership or entrepreneurship might raise concerns, especially if your company funds your ticket. They may worry about relevance to your role or even fear you’re exploring other opportunities.

The best approach? Be proactive. Create a session plan, clearly explaining the value each session brings to your work. If a topic seems outside your usual scope, reassure them that your goal is professional growth within the company, not a career change.

Offer Alternatives if They Say No

If your boss declines your request, don’t give up—there are still other options to explore. While they may not be the perfect solution, they can still help you attend the conference.

1. Consider the Online Pass: If budget restrictions are the primary concern, suggest an Online Pass as an alternative. This allows you to participate in key sessions, learn from industry experts, and engage with the conference at a fraction of the cost—sometimes as low as a quarter of an onsite ticket. *Depending on what you calculate, what days you book, and other costs.
2. Ask if They Can Cover Part of the Cost: Even if your company can’t cover the full ticket price, they may be willing to contribute a portion. Offer a compromise, such as splitting the expense or covering only the conference pass without extras like travel and accommodation.

If our tips and strategies don’t work and you need additional support to convince your boss, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to help!

We hope your efforts are successful, and we look forward to welcoming you at the event. If you need any further assistance, feel free to contact us anytime at info@agiletestingdays.com.