How to Secure Funding and Why You Should Attend the IBM TechXchange Conference in Las Vegas!

Written by Heather L. Cole, September 5th, 2024

Think of the most influential people in your life who are not family members.  Where did you meet them?  School, work… For me, everyone in my inner circle, the people that inspire me challenge me and even pick me up when I am down, I met at a conference.   Yes, every single one.  

So, it’s no surprise that I try to attend a conference at least once a quarter.  The next big conference I am excited about is the IBM TechXchange Conference in Las Vegas October 21-24 at the Mandalay Bay. 

Conferences are valuable because we meet amazing people, learn and explore new ideas, and get energized.  I have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to put myself close to people who can make my life better and my success faster.

So, when I hear people tell me they would love to go to IBM TechXchange but that they can’t get it approved by their boss, it makes me quiver.

So today I decided to help you learn How to Secure Funding and Why You Should Attend the IBM TechXchange Conference in Las Vegas.

Persuading Your Boss to Say YES

Convincing your boss to invest in your professional development can be challenging, especially when budget constraints are a concern.  It doesn’t help to tell them the event is in Vegas because everyone’s first thought is BOONDOGGLE!  But don't worry, we've got you covered. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to secure funding and why attending this conference is a game-changer for you and your company.

Why Bosses Typically Say No

Before diving into the strategies to get approval, it's essential to understand why bosses often hesitate to approve conference expenses:

1. Budget Constraints: Companies have limited budgets, and travel and conference expenses can be seen as non-essential, especially when it’s in pricey Vegas, the city of fun.
2. Perceived Low ROI: The benefits of attending a conference might not be immediately apparent or measurable to your superiors so it’s time to change that. We will share how.
3. Time Away from Work: Taking time off to attend a conference can disrupt ongoing projects and workflows, so it will be important to overcome this objection.

Overcoming Objections: Three Compelling Arguments

Now that we know the primary reasons bosses say now we can create a plan to overcome each of these objections. 

 Budget constraints: 

Let’s first deal with the number one reason bosses say no and that’s that it’s not in the budget!   The limited budget is exactly why you must go to IBM TechXchange.

So below I will share the proven arguments used to get funding so you can join us at IBM TechXchange this year.

Discovering Cutting-Edge Solutions:

Conferences like IBM TechXchange showcase the latest technologies and methodologies that can streamline processes and improve efficiency. By learning about these innovations, you can implement more effective solutions that reduce project timelines and costs.

Example: Imagine attending a session on a new AI tool that automates data analysis. One attendee, Sarah, a data scientist, discovered a tool that cut her project time in half. She implemented it back at her company, saving both time and money and she shared how she did it with you!

Networking with Industry Experts:

Building relationships with industry leaders and peers who are further along in a process, can provide valuable insights and advice on overcoming specific challenges. These connections can lead to collaborations or mentorship opportunities that help avoid costly mistakes and find more efficient ways to achieve goals.

Example: At a previous conference, John, an IT manager, met a cybersecurity expert who later helped him resolve a critical security issue. This connection not only saved his company from potential breaches but also established a long-term professional relationship.

Learning from Case Studies and Best Practices:

Conferences often feature case studies and success stories from other organizations that have faced similar challenges. Learning from their experiences can help avoid pitfalls and adopt best practices that save time and money. At IBM TechXchange you will also have access to the IBM Product Managers which can help you resolve issues you have been trying to solve for months.

Example: During a breakout session, Emily, a project manager, learned about a company that successfully implemented a new project management methodology. She applied these insights to her projects, resulting in more efficient workflows and reduced costs.

Perceive Low ROI as Low.   The second reason they say no is they don’t see the value greater than the total cost.   The best way to overcome this is to explore why they believe the ROI is low.  Let’s be candid, historically people go to conferences in Vegas and come back with wild stories and are exhausted.  Naturally, the bosses assume it was a boondoggle.  So, we need to overcome this perception.

Build the Value:  By communicating the ideas above and how one idea can save the company months of consulting costs and project delays is the best way to increase the value. 

Bring Home the Knowledge: Another way to increase the perceived value is to commit to bringing home the knowledge and give internal presentations to the team about what you learned.  IBM TechXchange often makes the presentations by the speakers available for download to the attendees which makes bringing the information home even easier.  But bosses love it when you agree to share the wisdom after a conference and how your organization can apply what you learned.  By the way, this is great way to help your career advancement too.

Get Certified: To validate your learning at IBM TechXchange you may want to register for the many hands-on labs and even sit for up to 3 industry-recognized certifications.  Examples of Certifications you can gain include…

• IBM Certified Data Scientist – watsonx.ai – Associate Level
• IBM Certified Developer – Mainframe Modernization with Code Assistant for IBM Z – Associate Level
• IBM Certified Developer – watsonx Assistant – Associate Level
• IBM Certified Developer – Generative AI – Associate Level

These certifications can validate your expertise and enhance your professional credentials.

Recruiting – Another way to increase the perceived value of attending IBM TechXchange applies if you have open positions in your firm or are looking for consulting help.  This event is a tremendous networking opportunity and there will be people there looking for jobs.  Imagine if you could help your firm find a top-talented resource without paying huge recruiting fees.  Anyone at IBM TechXchange is probably a lifelong learner and just the type of talent your firm may seek.  IBM has a huge partner channel, and many will be represented at the event so you can interview firms like Lodestar Solutions right there!

Time Away from Work

The final objection of bosses not willing to approve your attendance is Time Away from Work.  If you have used the points above this objection should become moot.  However, you should still address it.  I recommend you work with your co-workers to create a plan to cover your tasks and responsibilities while you are gone and agree to be available for emergencies only.  By having a coverage plan you should be able to overcome this objection.  The knowledge and connections you gain will ultimately help you become more successful in your projects faster and thus outweigh the time away.

Getting it Approved!

Now that you have your points and know how to handle objections, it’s time to work the numbers.  You will want to create an estimated cost for the conference which is the conference pass plus hotel and travel.  The conference does provide most meals.

The standard registration fee for the IBM TechXchange Conference is $1,599, but there's a discounted rate of $1,119 for IBM Community members. This fee includes up to three certification tests, making it a valuable investment in your professional development.   If you are not an IBM Community Member, it’s easy to join! 

How to Join the IBM Community

Joining the IBM Community is straightforward and offers numerous benefits:

1. Visit the IBM Community Website: Go to the IBM Community Home.
2. Sign Up: Click on the "Join / Log in" button and create an IBM ID if you don't already have one.
3. Complete Your Profile: Fill out your profile details to connect with other members.
4. Explore and Engage: Join specific user groups, participate in discussions, access resources, and register for events.

See You THERE!

Attending the IBM TechXchange Conference in Las Vegas this October is an investment in your professional growth and your company's success. By presenting the tangible benefits and potential ROI, you can make a compelling case to your boss. Highlight how the conference can provide solutions to current challenges, offer networking opportunities, and lead to cost savings in IT projects. With the right approach, you can secure the funding you need and take advantage of this incredible opportunity.

Good luck and see you in Vegas!

Heather

PS I am presenting several sessions at TechXchange and would love to see you in my room! Just search the session listing for Heather Cole.