Attending Evaluation 2026 isn't just an investment in a conference—it's an investment in your professional growth, your network, and your ability to make a greater impact in the field.
Use this toolkit to create a personalized plan for your conference attendance and create a compelling case for attending.
Contact AEA staff at info@eval.org if you need additional information or support when drafting your request. We hope to see you in Charlotte, NC this November!
Using this justification toolkit, you will learn how to:
Use these talking points to convey to your supervisor why you should attend the in-person annual conference: Evaluation 2026.
Education That Fits Your Needs
Choose from 100+ sessions tailored to your interests—whether you're after practical tools, strategic thinking, or the latest research in evaluation.
Gain Confidence in Uncertain Times
Strengthen your ability to lead through change. Sessions and networking will help you respond to today’s challenges and plan for what’s ahead
Learn From Your Peers
Hear real-world insights from evaluators across sectors. Explore case studies, ask questions, and collaborate in sessions designed for shared learning.
Expand Your Network
Meet evaluation professionals from around the globe. Dedicated networking opportunities help you build lasting connections that support your career growth.
Make Connections with Exhibitors
Discover tools, services, and partners that support your work. Visit the Exhibit Hall to explore resources, have meaningful conversations, and spark new opportunities.
Pre-Conference Workshops
Build practical skills through in-depth workshops led by expert facilitators. Bring your questions and leave with tools you can apply immediately—ideal for evaluators at any stage.
Step 2. Determine the Costs
For full registration pricing details, visit the Evaluation 2026 registration page.
| Expenses |
Cost |
Conference Registration
AEA Member On/Before October 12 – $650
AEA Member After October 12 – $750
Non-Member On/Before October 12 – $1,110
Non-Member After October 12 – $1,350 |
$ |
One-Day Pass
AEA Member or Non-Member – $300 |
$ |
|
Additional Expenses:
Meals
Travel
Hotel: The Westin Charlotte - $295/night; Sheraton & Le Meridien Charlotte Hotel Complex - $249/night; Hilton Charlotte Uptown - $269
|
|
| Subtotal Per Person |
|
| Total Number of Employees Attending |
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| Total Cost |
$ |
Customize this letter to show the costs and benefits you outlined above.
Dear < Approver’s name >,
I would like to attend Evaluation 2026, an annual conference hosted by the American Evaluation Association, taking place in Charlotte, North Carolina, from November 16-20. Evaluation 2026 brings together evaluators, evaluation scholars, students, and evaluation users to collaborate and expand their practice through education, knowledge-sharing, and networking.
This year’s theme, Evaluation Across Boundaries, features presentation topics ranging from < list relevant topic > to < list another relevant topic >. I am confident that what I learn will be directly applicable to my work and advance my development as a professional evaluator.
In addition to the educational benefits, Evaluation 2026 is a great way to meet like-minded professionals and expand my network. It also creates an opportunity for our organization to share our work and lessons learned with the evaluation community.
To attend the conference and achieve my goals, I am seeking sponsorship of < total amount you need > for the following expenses:
- Registration: <$xxxx>
- Round-trip Airfare: <$xxxx>
- Transportation: <$xxxx>
- Hotel: <xxxx>
- Meals: <$xxxx>
The opportunity for me to gain knowledge in specific areas of evaluation makes my attendance at Evaluation 2026 a wise and cost-effective investment that will benefit our organization. Please let me know if you have any questions or would like more information on the conference.
Sincerely,
< Your name here >
Creative solutions may help your request get approved. Consider these options:
- Before meeting with your supervisor, prepare a plan that shows who will cover your duties while you attend the Evaluation 2026 conference.
- Offer to prepare and deliver a short presentation and Q&A session for your colleagues to share what you learned. This way, your coworkers will benefit from your attendance.
- Share speaker handouts with your colleagues.