Value Proposition for Attending the NICE Conference and Expo
A healthy pool of talent is essential for the cybersecurity field to prosper. But for industry leaders, cultivating this ecosystem is just one concern on their radar. Routine activities may provide little opportunity for participation in larger community discussions.
We understand that organizations must be selective about which conferences they attend, and we want to make it easy to communicate the unique value of the NICE conference. Below is a letter designed to be shared with leaders at your organization to lay out the value proposition of attending this conference.
Subject: Attending the 2024 NICE Conference and Expo on Strengthening Ecosystems: Aligning Stakeholders to Bridge the Cybersecurity Workforce Gap
Dear [Decision Maker Name],
The 15th Annual NICE Conference and Expo is the preeminent event for identifying cybersecurity training, education, and workforce development tools and resources. Therefore, I would like to request approval to attend, as I believe it will further develop knowledge around new workforce development innovations and build a network of other professionals creatively addressing similar challenges.
The conference theme for this year, “Strengthening Ecosystems: Aligning Stakeholders to Bridge the Cybersecurity Workforce Gap,” emphasizes the coordinated effort to improve the cybersecurity environment by working with key collaborators to foster a more robust community equipped with skills that help narrow inconsistencies in the workforce gap.
The conference offers a half-day of targeted workshops followed by two full days of insights from experienced thought leaders from education, government, industry, and non-profits who are addressing cybersecurity’s education, training, and workforce needs. The conference will have over 24 dynamic sessions spread across 4 specialty tracks and a range of opportunities to build relationships with attendees and cybersecurity-focused exhibitors (including Cyberbit, Google, Palo Alto Networks, CISA, and much more).
If I attend, I’ll receive:
● Over 25 hours of educational sessions and workshops- This year’s program includes sessions and presentations touching on several important topics for us.
● The opportunity to understand the latest trends from industry leaders and guest speakers as well as learn first-hand about real-world experiences from seasoned practitioners.
● Several hours of high-level networking – Throughout the course of the three days, there is time dedicated to networking, plus special events, so I will have a chance to raise our profile and develop our relationships and contacts as well as connect with key sponsors. I’ll have access to product demos and get 1-to-1 face time with sponsors.
Costs
The approximate investment for my attendance is as follows:
Travel costs: $XXX
Accommodation (3 nights at the prevailing government rate $164/night): $492 (plus applicable fees)
Meals (3 days): breakfast and lunch offered on June 4 & 5, 2024
Full Conference Pass (for 2 days plus half-day workshop)*: $XXX+$50
Total cost to attend: $X,XXX
*Cost varies depending on the registration discount period.
Payback: Our ROI (for hiring organizations)
I believe the insights gained by attending the NICE Conference can help us improve our recruiting, career pathways, and employee retention. As recruitment and hiring costs continue to soar, the cost of a conference pass seems a small price to pay for actionable intelligence to help our business strengthen its talent base, our most fundamental resource.
Payback: Our ROI (for educators and trainers)
I believe insights gained by attending the NICE Conference can help us improve our curriculum and training materials to help our students be workforce ready. Information obtained from participating in the conference will provide me with a better understanding of what skills are in highest demand for employers.
Payback: Our ROI (for government)
I believe insights gained by attending the NICE Conference can help us understand what support we can offer to the public to help grow the cybersecurity workforce.
Payback: Our ROI (non-profit organizations)
I believe insights gained by attending the NICE Conference can promises valuable insights and connections vital for optimizing our impact. This investment ensures a more effective pursuit of our mission and amplifies our positive influence.
When I return from the NICE conference, I will compile a short presentation that will include presentation notes, useful vendor product information, new contacts made, and a proposal for implementing new ideas that will benefit our team. I will also make any conference materials available to my colleagues.
Thank you for your consideration.
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