Justification Tools

Interested in Joining Us in New Orleans?

Are you uncertain how to convince your manager to support your attendance? Below are steps for making your case, sample letters, and a practical conference budget worksheet.

Step 1: Identify Top Work Challenges

Identify the biggest challenges your OR team is facing, clinical or management-wise, especially those that relate directly to your role.

Step 2: Create a Sample Conference Agenda or Print Our Brochure

Include education topics that address the challenges you identify. It may also be helpful to point out which industry vendors will be attending.

Step 3: Plug the Continuing Education

Share that attending conference is an efficient way to earn contact hours to obtain or maintain your certification or licensure. Plus, you won’t need to register for multiple conferences (meaning less time away from work).

Step 4: Emphasize the value of AORN Membership

As an AORN member you will have access to premium resources and education to advance your career and improve patient safety and care at your facility. View all the AORN Membership Benefits.

Step 5: Demonstrate Your Commitment to Professional Development

Be ready with options: a plan that shows who can cover your shifts, propose to share a room to reduce travel expenses, apply for grant funding through the AORN Foundation and contact your local chapter to request funding.  Grant applications will open in early October.

Step 6: Show You’re a Team Player

Offer to prepare and deliver a short presentation and Q&A to your team post-AORN Expo on what you learned. Plus, you can share the syllabus and speaker handouts, and you’ll have unlimited access to all speaker materials.

Download our customizable letter to send to your manager: Letter to Supervisor Example.

Don't forget to check out AORN offers to see if you qualify for any of the lower rates or discounts. AORN members save on registration. Join or renew today.