Convince Your Boss: Why You Should Attend GSG Vancouver

Want to attend Global Scrum Gathering® Vancouver, May 3-6, 2026, but need support from your leadership team? We know budgets are tight, and time away from work must be justified. Here are the key points you can use to make the case.

Why it's worth attending

Global Scrum Gathering Vancouver brings together agile professionals and thought leaders from around the world. Whether you're a scrum master, product owner, agile coach, developer, leader, or aspiring changemaker, this gathering offers opportunities to grow, connect, and bring back insights for your team.

The details:

• May 3–6, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Vancouver, BC
• 500+ attendees from across the globe
• Three days of keynotes, sessions, and workshops
• Breakfast, lunch, and snacks included
• Opportunities for 1:1 coaching
• Access to premier networking events
• Up to 24 Scrum Education Units (SEUs)

Consider these questions as you prepare your case

When approaching leadership for approval, it helps to focus on goals, organizational benefits, and return on investment.

"How will I apply what I learn?"
Sessions at GSG Vancouver offer actionable learning and real-world insights that can be applied immediately. If your team is currently addressing a challenge, think about which types of sessions would best support that work. The full agenda will be available in February, and you can review past programs to get a sense of session topics.

"Who will I meet?"
The gathering attracts a diverse community of agile professionals. Attendees often highlight how valuable it is to connect with peers who share similar challenges. You'll also have access to Certified Scrum Trainers, Scrum Alliance-certified agile coaches, Scrum Alliance staff, and solution partners.

"Will I be able to explore new tools and solutions at the event?"
Yes, sponsor showcases and vendor partners are part of the event, offering software, consulting, and product management solutions.

"What return on investment can I expect?"

Beyond the sessions and networking, attendees often return with fresh perspectives, proven practices, and renewed energy—value that extends well beyond the event itself.

Many organizations see immediate benefits when their employees understand agile practices, such as reduced delivery bottlenecks, improved team collaboration, and faster time to market for key initiatives. Attendees frequently bring back actionable tools, tactics, and knowledge that can cut down on waste, improve predictability in delivery, and increase customer satisfaction. For leaders, the gathering offers insights that can help boost employee retention, lower turnover costs, and create a culture of continuous improvement, all of which are concrete returns that compound long after the event is over.

Cost and value

When presenting to your leadership, a simple cost-to-value breakdown helps. Here are the main categories most attendees account for:

• Conference ticket – includes all sessions, keynotes, and networking receptions (early bird pricing available through February 2026)
• Flight – Vancouver International Airport is a major hub with broad global service
• Lodging – Hyatt Regency Vancouver (special room block available until April 1)
• Transportation – minimal local travel needed, hotel is centrally located
• Meals – most meals provided as part of registration (Sunday reception plus daily breakfast, lunch, and snacks)

Framing your request

To help streamline the approval process, you might draft a short message to your manager. Here's an example you can adapt:

Subject: Request to Attend Global Scrum Gathering Vancouver

Dear [Manager's Name],

I'd like to request approval to attend the Global Scrum Gathering Vancouver, happening May 3–6, 2026. It's one of the most respected events in the agile space, bringing together hundreds of practitioners, thought leaders, and innovators.

The sessions emphasize hands-on learning and are led by professionals solving challenges similar to ours. I believe the takeaways will help us [achieve business goals, improve team performance, adopt new practices, etc.].

Benefits include:

• Actionable learning – insights and tools we can apply immediately
• New connections – peers and experts who can share proven practices
• Professional development – up to 24 Scrum Education Units to renew my Scrum Alliance certifications

Estimated costs:

• Ticket: $____
• Transportation: $____
• Lodging: $____
• Total: $____

Early registration pricing is available through February, which would help us save. I'm confident the investment will deliver strong value, and I'll provide a summary of key takeaways for the team after the event.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]