SolidWorks World - Just Ask!

"I would really like to go to SolidWorks World, but my boss would never let me take the time away from work."

"My company would never pay for it."

I hear these statements a lot.  What really surprises me though, is the answer to my follow-up question - "Have you asked?"  In a lot of cases, the answer is no.  My advice is always the same - just ask. 

Put together a strong case highlighting the technical sessions (training), the SolidWorks Partner Exhibit (tools), and the productivity gains ($$$).  Visit the SolidWorks World website and look over the agenda for sessions that can help increase your productivity, or download the Exhibitor Directory and look for companies with products that can improve your engineering or manufacturing processes. Research the airfare and accommodation expense, and make your pitch.  If you REALLY want to go, offer to trade a vacation day or two.  You might be surprised at the response.

If you're still not convinced, let us ask for you. Follow this link, give us a little information, and SolidWorks will send your boss an information package that includes the advance program and a letter outlining the many benefits of attending SolidWorks World.  You just might get a surprise visit telling you to make some travel plans.

You'll never know until you ask.

Comments

[Ricky Jordan]

Excellent points Richard. EVERYONE who really wants to go should at least ask. Many of you might be surprised at the answer you will get from your employer.

The link that Richard provides points out many great selling points. The best one that I tell users is to emphasize the TRAINING aspect of the conference. You can attend up to 9 breakout or hands on sessions during the conference with around 150 topics to choose from. It is really amazing what you can learn from these sessions.

[Jeff Mirisola]

I agree wholeheartedly.
Last year was my first SWW and I did, almost exactly, what Richard suggests. I compiled all the data I could, got airline and hotel info and presented it to my boss. Upon seeing it, he not only sent me but 3 coworkers as well. This year, three of us are going. I, myself, am guaranteed a trip every year as long as I work there. I am lucky that my boss is very pro-education.
I can honestly say that my productivity did increase because of what I learned last year and, I would assume, that this year will be no different.

[Steve Calvert]

I just asked and just like that I'm going...
It's good, though, that my boss was a former solid modeler in another life.

Steve Calvert

[Todd Blacksher]

I was in the same boat, I begged to be sent every year, used the information from the SolidWorks website (Boss's Justification and so on.) Finally I decided that I would just pay for it myself. It was a little bit spendy, but registering early saved me some money, and my CSWP status saved me a little more. It was totally worth it, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. (I did get some interesting looks because the company name on my badge was "Free Agent" - why put their name on the badge if they aren't footing the bill?)

[Lenny Kikstra]

Like Richard said. You have to ask before you know if they will let you go. Don't just stop at your boss. I had one boss who said "I was dangerous enough with what I already know." If your boss doesn't mind, go up the ladder and ask the Engineering Manager.

Try negotiating if you can afford it. Don't ask for reimbursement for mileage and meals. If you can get your boss to pay for the big stuff like conference fees, hotel, and airfare, that's a big help.

I have attended 2 SolidWorks World Conferences so far. New Orleans will be my 3rd in a row. Because of what I have learned at these conferences, I have been able to expand my knowledge in SolidWorks, and it has helped me take on projects others couldn't do. I have also been able to show off some really cool tricks.

I take the information I receive at SWW, back to work and run training sessions for other SolidWorks users. Doing this helps to justify the soft of going each year because all of the SolidWorks users at my workplace benefit from what I learn at SolidWorks World.

That's a big plus for the companie's bottom line!