How to Convince Your Company to Send You to a TED Conference

Attending a TED conference can be a life-changing experience, professionally speaking. Those who’ve gone say it connected them to the right people, sparked ideas that led them down fertile new paths or even catapulted their careers. It’s an experience where you can unplug and focus on your own learning and development — from the stage talks, the workshops and the casual conversations with the other attendees. 

And what many people don’t realize is there’s no need to wait to be asked — you can apply to attend. While we know that convincing your boss to send you may seem like a daunting task, we’re here to help you make a compelling case.

Emphasize the deep connections you’ll make

One of the most significant benefits of attending a TED conference is forming deep human connections with impressive and powerful individuals. We convene a diverse group of C-level and senior leaders from a variety of industries, backgrounds and countries who come to learn, share and give back – not just exchange business cards. Emphasize to your company how attending a TED conference will enable you to join a global community of thinkers, dreamers and changemakers. 

Outline the potential ROI

You’ll leave a TED conference with a unique understanding of the radical shifts in technology, society, art, culture and more, and this new perspective will allow you to shape your organization’s thought leadership and direction. There’s a huge ROI in getting your company ahead of the curve and playing an active role in shaping what’s next in your industry — one that will have leaders thinking “R-O-Why didn’t we send someone to TED sooner?” 😃  

Research the conference schedule

Before approaching your boss, dive into the conference program and find the speakers that align with your company's goals and objectives. For example, if your company is focused on the latest advancements in tech and AI, the TED2023 program has speakers like Greg Brockman, Tom Graham and Alexandr Wang talking about and sharing their latest AI breakthroughs. By sharing the relevant names in your pitch, you can show how attending a TED conference will provide direct value to your company.

Put it all together by using this template

Explain how attending a TED Conference can supercharge your personal and professional development and  benefit your entire organization.  

1. Start with: “I’ll get exposure to industries/sectors adjacent to ours which will help me be a more innovative employee.” 
2. Emphasize the community you’ll be a part of: “I’ll connect and learn from some of the world’s most influential folks, which could open up new business opportunities.” 
3. Finish with the lasting impact: “Attending a TED conference is a true growth opportunity for me and an investment in my professional and personal development, which will help me be a better leader and contributor. 

Be prepared to negotiate

Always be prepared to negotiate. If your boss is hesitant, remind them that TED is a nonprofit with many impactful initiatives and programs and its mission is to share powerful ideas with the world for free. Consider asking for a  partial reimbursement or exploring other options, such as attending next year, going to a different TED conference or attending virtually by getting a TED Live pass. By being flexible and open to compromise, you’ll demonstrate your interest in growth while responding to budgetary or logistical concerns.

Upcoming TED Conferences include: 

TED2023 - April 17-21, 2023 | Vancouver, Canada 

TED Countdown - July 11-13, 2023 | Detroit, MI (invite-only) 

TED Tech - September 18-19, 2023 | London, England 

TEDWomen 2023 - October 11-13, 2023 | Atlanta, GA 

TED2024 - April 15-19, 2024  | Vancouver, Canada 

Make this the year you attend an event that turns out to be the most valuable investment you didn’t know you could make. Get the approval you need and get started on your TED Conference journey.