SHSMD24 banner

SHSMD Connections Justification Toolkit

 

Thank you for your interest in SHSMD Connections 2024 - the nation’s leading conference for health care strategy and market development professionals.

Below are some easy-to-use tools and tips that may help you calculate the investment and identify your professional and financial return on investment. Use this toolkit as a resource to convey the value of this conference to your employer, and start planning your conference experience today!

Plan Early

  • Use the early-bird registration to take advantage of the lowest rate.
  • Planning early will also help you to secure lower airline fares and obtain a discounted room rate in a conference hotel.
  • Start gathering your group of at least 5 people from your organization and contact us at shsmd@aha.org to receive a discount code for everyone's registration.

*Membership is not included in the registration rate for Non-Exhibiting and Non-Sponsoring Vendors, Solution Providers and Consultants. Adding, renewing or extending membership is optional for a discounted rate of $200.

Communicate with Your Employer

  • Customize and send a justification letter to your employer explaining all of the benefits you'll get from attending SHSMD Connections Annual Conference, and how attending will improve your performance and help advance your organization.
  • Let them know you will take advantage of the exhibit hall filled with a variety of solution providers who are experts at addressing challenges in health care.
  • Be ready with a plan that identifies who will handle your responsibilities while you are attending the conference. Ensure your employer knows that you will still be accessible during your time away from the office.
  • Offer to deliver a short presentation or written report for your colleagues to share what you've learned and multiply the benefits of attendance. This includes sharing the tools you’ve brought home.

Justification Letter Template

  • The editable Justification Letter Template allows you to explain to your employer all of the benefits you'll get from attending SHSMD Connections Annual Conference, and how those benefits will improve your performance and help advance your organization.

Download Justification Letter Template         

 

 

Determine Expenses and Benefits

  • Conference expenses are influenced by a number of factors. Before you can begin to justify the expenses, you need to calculate what they will be. Use the Expense Worksheet to develop a cost estimate for attending this year.
  • It's also important to show your supervisor why your attendance will benefit not just you, but your entire team. In the Benefits Worksheet, emphasize that you will learn new skills, network with leaders in the field, and identify opportunities for advancement. Identify specific sessions you're planning to take that have relevance to your organization's work. Highlight speakers, exhibitors and other potential partners in attendance who can help advance your organization's objectives.   

Download Expenses & Benefits Worksheet