How to persuade your manager to let you attend TechShare Pro

With accessibility and inclusive design rising up the agenda for organisations across every sector, AbilityNet’s TechShare Pro 2025 offers an unmissable opportunity for accessibility professionals looking to stay ahead, deepen their expertise, and make a greater impact in their work. TechShare Pro 2025 logo with an icon of a rocket launching

Taking place this 12 – 13 November 2025 in London and online, TechShare Pro is the UK’s leading conference on accessibility, inclusive tech, and digital inclusion. It's exactly the kind of event that can help teams accelerate their accessibility goals. 

Are you eager to attend AbilityNet's TechShare Pro 2025 but unsure how to convince your manager? We understand the challenge, and we're here to help you make a compelling case. That's why our blog lists compelling reasons why managers should approve your request. We've also included a downloadable letter template to help you highlight the skills, knowledge, and connections you'll gain from attending. Just personalise it and send it to your manager!

Why managers should approve TechShare Pro requests 

1. It aligns with organisational priorities 

TechShare Pro 2025 will cover topics that will be of value to your organisation most right now, including: 

  • Addressing legal risks of European Accessibility Act (EAA) 
  • AI and accessibility testing 
  • Neurodiversity, accessibility and inclusive design 
  •  Accessible customer experience (CX) 
  • Understanding the business case for accessibility 

These aren’t niche concerns, they’re core to how any organisation operates in a digital-first world, ensuring they serve every one of their customers. 

2. It offers real-world learning, not just theory 

Attendees will hear how leading brands and organisations are solving real challenges and can connect directly with the people who are leading the way.  

That includes accessibility leaders and professionals from all sectors, HR leaders, marketing and comms experts and key suppliers of specialist services.   

Every session is packed with practical insight that can be applied immediately, and the networking provides a chance to make personal contacts with key stakeholders. 

Giving a team member the chance to attend TechShare Pro 2025 is an investment in smarter, faster, and more inclusive decision-making. 

Read what accessibility industry leaders said about TechShare Pro 2024:  

Christopher Patnoe, Head of EMEA Accessibility and Disability Inclusion at Google, has been attending TechShare Pro since 2018 and says: Christopher Patnoe smiling at the camera
 
“TechShare Pro's secret sauce is the bringing together of people from all over the world so we can commiserate and inspire each other to do better things. This is one of the most impactful conferences in Europe - I've learned so much from it and the people that it brings together. 
 
A charity like AbilityNet is a neutral arbiter that brings organisations like Apple, Google, and Microsoft to the same stage - it's not easy but it's always entertaining and educational.”   
Heather Hepburn, Head of Accessibility at Skyscanner says: Heather Hepburn smiling at the camera

“I always love TechShare Pro. There are involved discussions and learning opportunities, giving you practical take-aways to help really drive (or support!) accessibility agendas within your own organisation. It’s a special few days with amazing people – so much knowledge, experience, and passion, all in one place!” 

3. It supports professional development and IAAP CAECs 

The global accessibility profession is growing rapidly, and TechShare Pro is the best place in Europe to meet and connect with others who share the same challenges.  

Attending TechShare Pro counts toward the International Association of Accessibility Professionals’ (IAAP) Continuing Accessibility Education Credits (CAECs) - helping professionals stay current and credible in a fast-changing field.  

You can get one CAEC credit for every hour attended! 

IAAP Members save 25%!

As a leading member of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) AbilityNet is proud to offer an additional 25% discount to IAAP members. Get in touch to get the IAAP discount code by emailing uk@iaapchapters.org

Not an IAAP member?  
Join the global network to be connected with individuals and organisations that are committed to digital accessibility. 


4. It builds strategic connections   Attendees watching and listening to a TechShare Pro 2024 talk

The event brings together global leaders in tech, accessibility, policy, and design. Attendees will have the chance to learn from, and network with people shaping the future of inclusion at scale. It’s also a great opportunity to represent your organisation on an important stage. 

5. It’s cost-effective and flexible 

With TechShare Pro 2025 early bird tickets now available until 1 October 2025, the event offers strong value for money. Attendees can join in person in London or online from anywhere - giving teams the flexibility to choose what works best for their time and budget. 

You can also take advantage of our Champions Bundle ticket, and get unlimited access for your whole organisation, making it easier to prioritise accessibility and inclusivity for everyone. 

Why TechShare Pro is a must-attend

If someone on your team asks to attend TechShare Pro 2025, here’s what you’re really saying yes to: 

  • Fresh ideas and practical takeaways to improve your accessibility efforts 
  • A stronger, better-informed accessibility team member 
  • Broader connections to the accessibility and inclusive tech community 
  • A real opportunity to drive innovation, compliance and inclusion forward 

Let your team grow, connect, and lead on accessibility - it’s an investment that will pay back. 

Attending TechShare Pro: Online or In-Person?

When deciding between online and in-person tickets for AbilityNet's TechShare Pro, it's important to consider the unique benefits each option offers.

Online tickets:

  • Convenience: Attend from the comfort of your home or office, saving time and travel expenses.
  • Interactive features: The online experience features chat functions and virtual networking lounges to enhance your experience.
  • Cost-effective: Our Champions bundles give online access to anyone from your organisation.

In-Person tickets:

  • Nothing compares to the energy and buzz of being there in person at such a dynamic and inspiring event.
  • Every year our attendees report that they build new connections that help in their work.
  • Informal networking opportunities throughout the day provide additional opportunities to connect with others in the accessibility community, including meeting speakers, special guests, and sponsors.
  • The speakers this year are drawn from around the world and across sectors, and our sponsors include Microsoft, HSBC, Sony, Google and many more.
  • With more streams than ever before, some workshops and sessions will be available to in-person attendees, providing you with access to unique content and experiences.

Whether you choose online or in-person, you will gain valuable insights and connections from TechShare Pro 2025.

Learn more and book your place

Crafting a compelling argument for TechShare Pro

We’ve created a ready-to-use letter to help you ask your manager for approval to attend. 

Download the ‘Persuade my Boss’ letter template

Is your organisation interested in sponsoring TechShare Pro 2025? 

Alongside all the above benefits of attending TechShare Pro, sponsoring the event allows your organisation to showcase its commitment to accessibility and disability inclusion. This not only enhances your brand reputation and trust but also demonstrates your dedication to creating an inclusive environment for all. 

Learn more about sponsoring TechShare Pro 

TechShare Pro 2024 was hosted by HSBC in London with more than 1,400 in-person and online attendees from around the world. Check out the highlights reel below.