Tips for Getting Your Manager to Sign-off Attending the ERG Blueprint Conference

July 31, 2025

If you are considering attending a professional event like the ERG Blueprint Conference, one of the biggest challenges can be getting your manager’s approval, especially when budgets are tight or diaries are packed.

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But attending the right conference can be a game-changer. Whether you’re an ERG lead, co-chair, DEI professional, or someone passionate about building inclusive workplace culture, these events offer more than inspiration. They give you tools, networks and renewed energy to do the work better.

So how do you build the case to attend?

Here’s a practical guide to help you approach your manager with clarity, confidence and purpose.

Be Clear About the Value

Before speaking with your manager, spend time identifying why The ERG Blueprint Conference matters to you and your role. What challenges are you currently facing that this event can help you tackle?

Examples might include:

  • Struggling to maintain ERG momentum
  • Navigating internal pushback on DEI initiatives
  • Needing fresh engagement ideas or funding support
  • Looking for ways to strengthen your network governance
  • Wanting to bring back insights and benchmarks from other sectors

Being able to articulate the direct relevance of the event will make your “ask” stronger, and demonstrates that you’ve thought it through.

Do the Homework for Them

When time is limited, your manager will appreciate it if you present a well-researched, low-effort decision.

Include:

  • The date, time and location of the event
  • What’s included in the ticket (sessions, meals, resources)
  • A link to the agenda or website
  • Estimated travel and expenses, if applicable
  • A clear summary of what you will gain

For example:

“The conference covers key sessions on ERG measurement, burnout, executive engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. It also includes toolkits and practical materials that I can share internally.”

You’re not just asking to attend, you’re showing how your attendance supports the team or business goals.

Frame It as a Benefit to the Organisation

Managers often want to know: what’s in it for the team or company?

You can frame your ask like this:

“This event will help us make our network more sustainable and strategic. I’ll bring back insights that we can apply across our ERGs, and I’ll summarise key takeaways in a short debrief or toolkit.”

Better still, offer to present what you learned to your ERG committee, People team, or wider DEI group. This helps position your attendance as an investment, not an expense.

Tackle Budget and Time Concerns Early

If cost is a concern, look for early bird pricing or group ticket discounts. Some companies also have professional development budgets that are underused.

When it comes to time out of the office, you could offer to block out time in your calendar to avoid project clashes or suggest ways to catch up on missed work.

Reassure your manager:

  • You’ve planned your schedule in advance
  • You’ll be available for urgent issues if needed
  • You’ll make sure nothing slips while you’re away

Being proactive makes the decision easier for them.

Anticipate and Answer Common Questions

Here are a few common concerns managers might have, and how you can respond:

“How will this help us achieve our goals?”
Suggested response: “It’ll support our internal inclusion efforts and give me practical tools we can apply straight away.”

“Can’t you just attend a webinar or read a report?”
Suggested response: “I find the value of in-person events is in the connection and collaboration. You learn so much from informal conversations and shared experience.”

“Is this the right time for you to be away?”
Suggested response: “I’ve checked the calendar and can manage my workload around it. I’ll make sure I’m fully caught up before and after.”

Ask Early and Follow Up Professionally

Give your manager time to consider your request. A message like this can help get the ball rolling, using our ERG Blueprint Conference 2025 as an example:

 

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I hope you're well.

I would like to request approval and funding to attend the ERG Blueprint Conference 2026, a one-day professional development event designed specifically for ERG (Employee Resource Group) leaders, DEI professionals, and inclusion advocates. The conference will take place in [insert location/date if known] and focuses on advancing the impact and sustainability of employee networks across industries.

Why this is relevant and valuable:

As someone actively involved in [our ERG name / our DEI efforts], this conference offers a unique opportunity to gain strategic insight, practical tools, and peer connections that can directly benefit our organisation. It’s designed to help ERG leaders and sponsors like myself deliver more structured, measurable, and sustainable outcomes.

Key benefits of attending:

  • Learn from experienced ERG leaders, DEI strategists and executive sponsors
  • Explore frameworks for sustainable network growth and strategic alignment
  • Participate in workshops focused on data, branding, governance and stakeholder engagement
  • Bring back practical tools and insights to support [our ERG name]'s ongoing goals
  • Network with peers across insurance, finance, legal, tech and more
  • Receive a printed copy of The 100 Networks Shaping the Future – a resource spotlighting best-in-class ERGs

The ticket includes full-day access to sessions and panels, all meals and refreshments, post-event networking, curated resources and materials, and exclusive conference merchandise.

Attending this conference would be a meaningful development opportunity for me, and will help us shape and strengthen our own ERG initiatives with new ideas and proven strategies.

Please let me know if I can share more details or complete any necessary steps for approval.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

If the Answer Is No

Sometimes, even with a strong case, your request might be declined. If that happens, thank your manager for considering it, and ask:

  • Could I attend a virtual session or workshop instead?
  • Could we plan for this in next year’s budget?
  • Is there flexibility to use part of my professional development allocation?

You can also suggest sharing a ticket with a colleague if attending solo isn’t possible.

Your Development Is Worth It

One of the best things about events like the ERG Blueprint Conference is that they connect you with people who understand what it’s like to do the work.

If your ERG is under-resourced, or you’re the only one championing inclusion in your organisation, it can feel lonely. This event is designed to remind you that you’re not doing it alone, and to equip you with what you need to keep going.

If you’re ready to build your case, visit the event website to explore more: https://erg-blueprint.co.uk