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Subject: Request for Professional Development: Attendance at the 44th Annual Closing The Gap Conference
Dear [Employer's Name/Supervisor's Name],
I am writing to request your approval to attend the 44th Annual Closing The Gap Conference, taking place October 20-22, 2026 in Minneapolis, MN. 
This conference, detailed at https://www.closingthegap.com/conference/, is a leading event in the field of assistive technology (AT) and offers invaluable professional development opportunities.
As [Your Job Title] at [Your Company Name], I am committed to staying at the forefront of AT advancements to better serve [Your Company's Target Audience/Specific Needs]. Attending this conference will allow me to:
	•	Gain Knowledge of Cutting-Edge AT Solutions: The conference features presentations and workshops on the latest AT innovations, which can be directly applied to improve [Specific Area of Your Work/Project].
	•	Network with Industry Leaders: Connecting with professionals, researchers, and vendors will provide insights into best practices and potential collaborations.
	•	Enhance My Skills: The sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including [Mention 1-2 Specific Topics Relevant to Your Role, e.g., accessible curriculum design, AAC implementation], which will directly enhance my ability to [Specific Task/Responsibility].
	•	Discover New Resources: The exhibit hall will showcase the latest AT products and services, allowing me to evaluate potential solutions for [Specific Need/Challenge]. 

By attending this conference, I will be able to bring back valuable knowledge and resources that will directly benefit [Your Company Name] by [Explain Specific Benefits, e.g., improving accessibility, increasing efficiency, reducing costs].
The estimated cost of attending the conference is as follows:
	•	Conference Registration: $[Amount]
	•	Travel (including airfare/mileage, lodging, and meals): $[Amount]
	•	Total Estimated Cost: $[Total Amount]

I am confident that the knowledge and skills I gain at this conference will significantly contribute to my professional development and benefit our organization. Upon my return, I will provide a detailed report summarizing key takeaways and action items.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to your positive response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] [Your Job Title] [Your Contact Information]