Re: STC Annual Conference

[Kathleen Padova <kpadova -at- ASICENTRAL -dot- COM>]

     Incredible, I am at this moment trying to compose such a letter to the
     power-that-be at work. Whereas they have a tuition reinbersement plan
     that is rather good; they do not like sending people to any
     conferences even if it is the only means of obtaining the necessary
     information to maintain the skill level required to keep your job!
     (Uh-oh, this is starting to sound like a rant-n-rave.)

     I was also about to post a similar plea to this list. I previously
     sent one to the WinHelp List and would be willing to send what I've
     compiled so far.

     My biggest push is that my company is producing more and more internet
     products. I really don't want someone to suddenly say, Hey can we
     provide help with this? and me not have the skills to do it.(Read: JOB
     PRESERVATION)

     So I have been asked to provide a document justifying the cost of
     attending a conference including examples of seminar content and
     classes. I'm thinking about snowballing them with so much paper they
     just give up and send me so as to save money on xerox paper.

     Umm... I hafta go pound a few rocks or somethin'

     Kathleen Padova
     Millstar Electronic Publishing Group
     {www.millstar.com}
     kpadova -at- millstar -dot- com

     (My rantings are my own, not my employer's)


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: STC Annual Conference
Author:  AM312 -at- SMTP (THOMAS A. JOHNSON) {am312 -at- TRAVERSE -dot- LIB -dot- MI -dot- US} at MHS
Date:    3/6/97 3:27 PM


I need some ammunition.  I'm considering going to the STC Annual
Conference in Toronto and I need some help from those of you who have been
to past conferences to come up with a list of reasons why I should go.
From my employer's perspective, does it make economic sense? I calculated
the cost and came up with at least $1250.

Airline      $209
Registration  385
Hotel         460 (4 x 115)
Food          175 (5 x 35 per diem allowed by company)
Bus to hotel   15
            -----
            $1246 Plus any entertainment, bus/subway and so on
                  All figures in US dollars.

I realize there are other tangible and intangible benefits and the
question of whether or not to go shouldn't boil down to a strictly
financial decision.  I want others out there to help me find good solid
reasons to justify the trip.  Right now, if I had to pay my own way, I
think I would have to say it might not be worth the expense. Obviously
enough STC members feel it is worthwhile or it wouldn't keep going.

I'm not trying to discourage anyone else from going and I would like to go
myself. I am trying to get some good practical information that may help
others to persuade their bosses to send them. So, no flames please.

If you would like to respond off list, I'll compile the 100 top reasons
(I'm expecting lots and lots of positive feedback) to the list.

Thanks for your help.

Tom Johnson
lonetechwriter -at- juno -dot- com
am312 -at- traverse -dot- lib -dot- mi -dot- us

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