Attending industry events, such as PHUSE’s, promises great opportunities for enhancing your professional growth, learning and development – not only as an individual but also on a company level. However, company ‘approval for attendance’ may come as a challenge, particularly with budget constraints and scepticism on ROI.
In this blog post, we aim to show you how to deliver a persuasive case for attending a PHUSE event by exploring the many wonderful benefits they offer while addressing common concerns your employer may have.
The Importance of Attending Industry Events
Professional Development
Our agendas are built with workshops, interactive sessions and presentations led by industry experts, providing insights into the latest trends, technologies and best practices. By attending, you gain new skills, enhance your current expertise and stay ahead of industry developments.
Networking Opportunities
Gathering professionals from CROs, pharma, software, regulatory and academia in one space provides a unique opportunity to build valuable face-to-face connections, foster collaborations and raise your company’s profile within the industry.
Content and Learning
PHUSE events are known for their quality content, where attendees learn from real-world examples and gain practical knowledge that can be applied directly to their work. This continuous learning helps you keep up with industry advancements and improves job performance. Additionally, the knowledge gained at PHUSE events can be taken back and shared with your team, to amplify the benefit and foster a culture of continuous improvement within your organisation. Our events offer the unique opportunity to receive feedback from regulators on ongoing projects so you know you’re complying and aligning with industry standards. Attendees can also connect with the latest developments from the PHUSE Working Groups, to stay informed about cutting-edge innovations.
Understanding Company Concerns
Travel Budget Cuts
The costs associated with travel are said to be one of the main concerns companies have – particularly for international events. With budget cuts and financial constraints, we understand it may be challenging to justify attending a conference abroad.
Multiple Conference Restrictions
There may be policies in place which limit the number of events employees can attend annually. If there are other valued events which you must attend, the restriction can become a significant hurdle.
ROI Uncertainty
Employers may be sceptical about the return on investment from attending events. They might question whether the benefits justify the costs and if the knowledge gained will translate into tangible improvements in the workplace.
Addressing and Overcoming Barriers
Focus on Benefits
Emphasise the benefits of attending a PHUSE event, such as networking, professional development and increased company visibility. Explain how these advantages can lead to better project outcomes, innovative solutions and enhanced team performance.
Collaboration Opportunities
PHUSE facilitates collaboration among small and mid-sized companies for exchanging ideas, sharing best practices, and forming partnerships that can lead to future business opportunities and growth. While many large companies have the infrastructure to support these activities internally, smaller and mid-sized companies often do not. PHUSE events fill this gap by creating an environment where these companies can connect, collaborate and benefit from the collective knowledge and resources of the broader industry.
In Person vs Virtual
In-person interactions remain unmatched for building strong relationships, solving complex problems and fostering innovation, even though virtual meetings have become highly valued for suiting our daily lives. However, face-to face networking allows for more effective collaboration, idea exchange and quicker responses.
Dedicated Focus
Taking a break away from your day job and fully immersing yourself in learning and networking allows you to put the work into something you don’t always have the time to do in a focused environment.
Industry Changes
PHUSE events address the latest industry changes and trends, providing insights into regulatory updates, technological advancements and innovative practices. Staying informed about these changes is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge and ensuring compliance with industry standards. In just one to four days, attendees can gain a comprehensive understanding of current developments across the industry, making PHUSE events a highly efficient way to stay updated. This concentrated learning experience allows professionals to quickly absorb essential information and return to their work equipped with the knowledge they need to excel.
What Our Attendees Love About Our Connects
See the admiration of our events through the eyes of our attendees. We consistently receive positive feedback and comments – as you can see from what the US Connect 2024 attendees say below – which we use to improve and make our events the best they can be. Visit our blog to learn more about ‘What Our Attendees Love About PHUSE Connects’.
“Feeling energised after engaging with pioneers and visionaries at the PHUSE Connect!”
“A big shoutout to the PHUSE Team, who made this event seamless and unforgettable!”
“The memories and knowledge gained will undoubtedly continue to inspire future endeavours.”
“As a first-timer, I was truly impressed by the wealth of knowledge shared and the eagerness of everyone to connect and collaborate.”
“It was truly inspiring to witness the collaborative spirit and innovative thinking exhibited by my fellow panellists and attendees.”
Recommended Outline for Your Request Letter
Introduction
• Briefly introduce yourself and the event.
• Mention the date, location and key highlights of the event.
Benefits to the Company
• Explain how attending will benefit the company.
• Focus on the specific skills you will acquire, the networking opportunities and the potential collaborations.
Cost Breakdown
Commitment to Productivity
• Enhance professional development and productivity.
• Return with fresh ideas and renewed motivation.
• Implement new knowledge and practices learned at the event.