AU 2025 | September 16–18
Convince your manager
Make the case to attend AU 2025 in Nashville
AU 2025 isn’t just about personal development—it’s a strategic investment in your team’s growth and your organization’s future. This year’s event is packed with hands-on learning, industry insights, and proven strategies from leaders tackling today’s toughest challenges. What you learn here won’t stay in Nashville—you’ll return with actionable ideas and tools to elevate your team’s work and drive real impact back at the office. But before you register, you need to get your manager’s approval.
To help with that conversation, we’ve pulled together a practical guide that highlights the value of attending AU 2025. You’ll find a customizable email template, estimated costs, and key takeaways to build your case for why this opportunity benefits your entire team.
Why attending AU 2025 matters
AU offers opportunities for professional development, skill enhancement, and exposure to innovations across the design and make industries.
Access 500+ expert-led sessions covering the latest in design technology, workflows, and industry trends.
Network with thousands of peers and industry leaders from around the globe.
Get hands-on experiences with new tools and technologies.
Learn best practices that can be immediately implemented in your organization.
Use this email template to get started
Below is a customizable email template to help you communicate the value of attending AU 2025 to your manager:
Cost calculator
Here's why I can't miss AU 2025
Hi [insert manager's name],
I’d love to get your approval to attend AU 2025: The Design & Make Conference, happening from September 16-18, 2025, in Nashville. AU 2025 provides unique growth opportunities and highlights new strategies for success that I can bring back to our team to make a real impact on our work.
I know you’re familiar with AU, but I’ve been reviewing this year’s focus areas, and there are several that directly support the work we’re doing, especially around [insert specific project, challenge, or goal]. I’d love the opportunity to attend in person, sharpen my skills, and bring back insights we can apply right away.
Why it’s worth considering:
Relevant to our current work—I’ll be able to apply new techniques and insights directly to [specific project or objective]. Sessions like [insert session names if known] are particularly aligned with what we’re aiming to accomplish.
Skill-building that boosts efficiency—The hands-on training covers advanced tools and workflows that could help us work faster and smarter, improving output quality and efficiency.
Strategic planning insights—I’ll get a clearer view of upcoming trends and Autodesk’s roadmap, which will help us make more informed choices around future projects and investments.
Peer and industry connections—I'll also have the chance to build relationships with professionals facing similar challenges, giving us new resources to tap into when we hit roadblocks.
Here’s a rough cost estimate:
The Full Conference Pass is $2,250, the estimated total (flight, hotel, conference pass, etc.) would cost around [total-cost].
What I’ll commit to in return:
• Create a focused learning plan before the event
• Share a recap and actionable insights with the team
• Apply at least [insert number] new workflows/ideas to our current projects
• Put together a short ROI summary to show how the event will benefit our team
Let me know if you'd be open to discussing this during our next 1:1. I really think the value of attending would extend well beyond just me, it’s a chance to level up our whole team.
Thanks for considering it!
[Your name]
Tips for success
- Customize the template to reflect your specific role, projects, and the value you'll bring back to your organization.
- Be specific about ROI—explain exactly how attending will benefit current projects and initiatives.
- Highlight the early bird discount—showing cost-consciousness demonstrates you're being strategic about the investment.
- Offer to share knowledge—commit to presenting what you learn to your team, maximizing the value of attending.
- Follow up thoughtfully—if your manager doesn't respond immediately, follow up with additional information or address any concerns.
Once approved, make most of your AU experience
- Review the session catalog when it launches
- Identify specific challenges or questions you want to address
- Connect with other attendees from your industry before the event
Remember, your AU experience doesn't end when the conference closes–the real value comes from implementing what you've learned and sharing those insights with your team. We look forward to seeing you at AU 2025!
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