Getting the Money - how to pay for conferences

Most of us work in libraries, right?
a hugely remunerative field, leading to the acquisition of country homes, right?
so we can pay up front when we want to go to a conference of our peers, right?

Let's get real and talk about how to get to money for conferences.
(You know you want to go! If not, read Mind Matters cpd23 blog)

You're going to have to ask for money.

Ask your employer.
Try this first. I know it sounds crazy as most of our employers are strapped for cash, but it worked for a friend of mine. Take a look at your goals for the year,  think of three reasons why attending the conference will benefit your employer and help you meet your goals and then share those reasons with your manager. Even if the boss says no, the conversation highlights your interest in CPD. If you're able to come up with the cash from another source, management is more likely to be onside with helping you get time away.
Remember that the ways of Management are mysterious and miracles do happen, especially at the end of the financial year.

If that fails, you need to take a look at yourself and pick option a or b. If you're an outgoing type or excited to share success stories or research with your peers then:

a) Ask the conference organizers
Try this if you want to present a paper or a poster or live near the site and can volunteer to work at the conference. Read the conference website and see what the opportunities are, then telephone the contacts listed and tell them you're interested. Don't skip this step as contacts are hoping for lots of valid submissions and will be glad to give you insight into the selection process and timing. Check out the cpd23 posts on submitting papers and preparing presentations by thewikiman and others. Good luck!

if you want to network and learn, but aren't ready to present at the conference, then:

b) Ask the professional organizations you belong to, your religious institution, your parents.
Okay, maybe not your parents. But do think who else might have a vested interest in seeing you succeed. Do you work in a special library supporting accountants? Maybe the Association of Chartered Accountants will sponsor you, or maybe your CILIP/ALA special interest group will sponsor you.
Keep in mind that your sponsor will expect you to thank them profusely and publicly. Your pitch to a sponsor should include 1) how the conference will help you meet your goals 2) how your conference attendance will help meet the sponsor's goals and 3) how you will report back to the sponsoring organization. Be sure to follow through.

Best of luck, and if I can't get money for conferences from now on, I'll know you've been busy.
xx