UX Con 2024 isn't just another conference; it's a strategic investment in your team's growth and your company's success. As a UX professional, you understand the value of user-centric design. But how do you translate that value into a compelling case for your company to foot the bill for UX Con?
Let's break it down.
1. Define the "Why": Align UX Con with Company Goals
The key to securing company funding is demonstrating how UX Con directly aligns with broader company goals. Start by identifying those goals:
Increased Revenue: Show how UX improvements lead to higher conversion rates, customer retention, and ultimately, increased revenue.
Reduced Costs: Explain how a user-centric approach can streamline processes, reduce development time, and minimize costly redesigns.
Improved Customer Satisfaction: Highlight how UX Con will equip your team with the latest techniques and insights to create exceptional user experiences, leading to happier customers and stronger brand loyalty.
Innovation: Position UX Con as a catalyst for innovation. By exposing your team to cutting-edge trends and thought leaders, you'll fuel creativity and drive the development of unique, user-centric products and services.
2. Quantify the Benefits: Make a Business Case
To make a compelling case, you need to quantify the benefits. Gather data to support your claims:
Return on Investment (ROI): Calculate the potential ROI of investing in UX improvements. You can use case studies, industry benchmarks, or even conduct a small pilot project to demonstrate the financial impact.
Competitive Advantage: Show how competitors are investing in UX and the potential consequences of falling behind. Highlight the innovative ideas and strategies you expect to gain from UX Con to stay ahead of the curve.
Employee Morale & Retention: Emphasize the professional development benefits for your team. A motivated and well-trained UX team is more productive and likely to stay with the company long-term.
3. Craft a Persuasive Proposal
Now it's time to package your research into a well-structured proposal. Here's a suggested outline:
Executive Summary: Briefly summarize the conference, its benefits, and how it aligns with company goals.
Company Goals: Clearly state the company's relevant goals and objectives.
Conference Overview: Describe UX Con 2024, highlighting relevant keynote speakers (like UX legend Joe Natoli) and sessions.
Benefits: Explain how attending the conference will directly address the company's goals, using data and examples to support your claims.
Budget: Provide a detailed budget breakdown, including registration fees, travel, accommodation, and any additional expenses.
Action Plan: Outline how you'll share the knowledge gained at the conference with your team and implement new strategies.
Conclusion: Reiterate the value of investing in UX Con and its potential impact on the company's bottom line.
4. Tailor Your Pitch
Consider your audience when presenting your proposal. If you're pitching to executives, focus on the financial benefits and competitive advantage. For your direct manager, emphasize professional development opportunities and how the conference will improve the team's performance.
Example:
Let's say your company's primary goal is to increase revenue. You could present data showing the average ROI of UX investments (e.g., $100 for every $1 spent) and highlight how sessions at UX Con, such as "Designing for Conversion" or "Measuring UX Success," will equip your team with the skills to achieve similar results. You could also mention specific keynote speakers, like Joe Natoli, whose insights on user-centric design have helped numerous companies boost their bottom line.
Tip: Don’t Ambush Them, Set Up a Meeting
Give your manager or decision-maker a heads-up that you want to discuss a professional development opportunity. This will allow them to come prepared and make an informed decision.
Now it's time to package your research into a well-structured proposal.
If you'd like a copy of "Convince Your Boss: A Guide to Getting Your Company to Invest in UX Con 2024", comment "Interested" in the comment, and we'll send it over! It includes:
A detailed template for creating your own proposal
Tips on presenting your case to your boss
Additional resources to help you make a compelling argument
Remember, it's not just about attending a conference; it's about investing in your team, improving your company's products and services, and ultimately, driving business success.
See you at UXcon,
The RB Team
Interested ✨
The only people who need to attend are those looking for work. How do I get a potential employer to pay for my ticket?