Real quotes from past attendees who were asked how they talked their bosses into letting them attend the Region VI PDC...
“Great re-energizer to renew passion for Safety”
“Corporate had been putting pressure on our site to implement more proactive safety programs. I suggested that achieving VPP status would more than fulfill this request and mentioned that their just happened to be a VPP session at the upcoming PDC….Here I am.”
“Interfacing with existing and potential client safety reps showing our company supports safety conferences and keeps abreast and current.”
“I need CSP maintenance points. Opportunity for quality training within driving distance. ROI – can’t beat the price.”
“The doctor said I’m over worked.”
“See the latest safety products and technologies from vendors.”
“If I learn something to prevent one injury then my coming to this conference was justified.”
“I need COCs for certifications.”
“Safety only works when you participate, train, and develop working relationships with safety professionals.” (an OSHA Compliance Officer)
“I told my boss that for his ‘safety and health’ it would be beneficial for him to allow me to attend this meeting.”
“I told my boss that being out of compliance can cost our company lots of money. I also made a copy for him of an article from Business Week magazine on ROI of safety. One of the headlines mentioned that ‘Smart managers invest in safety’. I used a marker to highlighter this sentence.”
“I need to go to this conference to continue learning new issues in safety so I can continue to be a great safety officer.”
“I will be out of your hair for a week.”
“It provides an opportunity to stay on top of current practices in Safety, Health and Environment. Being a regional event, I meet many skilled and knowledgeable peers and continue to build contacts thru networking.”
“Keep up with the latest issues that effect customers and our staff.”
“To see new safety products on the market by meeting with the vendors.”
“This will in turn help my company save money by preventing losses on the job.”
“ASSE has professional credibility! My employer knows any PDC sponsored by ASSE is 1-Top notch, 2- Current, 3- Beneficial to business’s bottom line.”
“It is cheaper than using my company EAP for stress reduction.”
“Opportunity to network with others who may have gone through some of our problems.”
“All these topics are what we are facing at our corporations.”
“After highlighting all of the sessions I hoped to attend, I discreetly placed a copy of the schedule in the manager’s mail box (taking note that he was in a good mood) with a sticky note attached asking permission to attend…..about a week later the schedule made its way to my mailbox with a simple OK on my original note. I hurried and made my arrangements before he could change his mind.”
My personal favorite - From the movie SHREK “I’m a donkey on the edge.”
