Managers, Get Approved to attend

Getting approval to attend ATD Show is as easy as 1-2-3.

Highlight the Value to Your Dealership:

Learning and Development: Mention the educational sessions, workshops and keynote speakers — and that ATD registrants also have full access to NADA Show. Explain how the knowledge you gain can be applied to improve processes, innovate or stay ahead of industry trends. This will enhance your skills and contribute to the company’s growth.
Networking Opportunities: Emphasize that ATD Show is a premier event, where you can network with industry leaders and potential partners. This could lead to new business opportunities, partnerships or insights that benefit your dealership.
Competitive Advantage: Participating will allow you to keep up with the latest industry trends, technologies and best practices. This will help the dealership maintain or gain a competitive edge in the market.
Strategic Fit: Align the benefits of attending ATD Show with the company’s goals or challenges. For example, if the company wants to expand, innovate or improve customer satisfaction, explain how this will help you contribute to those objectives.
ROI: Provide examples of how you will bring value back to the company. Whether through new ideas, strategies or contacts, demonstrate how the investment could yield a significant return.

Outline Your Personal and Professional Growth:

Skill Enhancement: Detail specific sessions or workshops that align with your current role or future responsibilities. Explain how these sessions will enhance your skills, making you a more valuable employee.
Increased Engagement: Express how attending ATD Show will motivate you, boost your enthusiasm for the industry and increase your commitment to your role.
Knowledge Sharing: Commit to sharing what you learn with your team and colleagues when you return. Offer to host a debrief or presentation on key takeaways, new trends and actionable insights. This way, the benefits of your attendance extend beyond just you.

Justify Expense

Budget Consciousness: Show that you’ve researched the costs and have ideas on minimizing expenses, such as booking early, finding deals on travel and being cost-conscious with expenses while at ATD Show. Present this as a well-thought-out investment rather than a cost.
Potential Savings: The knowledge you gain could help identify areas where the company can save money or increase efficiency, potentially offsetting the cost of attending.

We have prepared a sample letter in editable Word format that you can share with your manager.
The document may download automatically, so please check your Downloads folder.

Download

What if your supervisor says...

“I can’t have you gone for so long.” Reassure your supervisor you’re accessible by mobile phone. Work comes first, and you’ll have access to complimentary Wi-Fi within the convention center should you need to connect with your dealership or customers.
“There is no room in the budget for this year.” Good thing you are asking early, because the Show is not until January 2025. Perhaps you can front the cost now and get reimbursed in the new year? Your hotel room charges won’t come through until you’ve checked out on the last day of the show.
“Let’s talk about this in a couple months.” Agree to this, but stress the registration fees will go up closer to the Show dates, and that you want to save as much money as possible by registering early.