“I can’t make it”: common excuses for skipping a conference — and why you should go anyway

Every year, professionals are invited to conferences that promise learning, networking, and inspiration. And every year, many of us come up with perfectly reasonable excuses not to attend.

Some are practical.
Some are emotional.
Some are just habits disguised as logic.

Let’s look at the most common excuses for not attending a conference – and why they may be worth reconsidering.

Excuse #1: “I’m too busy”

The reality:
Day-to-day responsibilities make it hard to step away from work.

Why this doesn’t hold up:
Conferences aren’t time away from your role—they’re time invested in it. A single day of focused learning and reflection can improve how you work for months afterwards.

Convincing argument:
If you’re constantly busy reacting, it’s hard to grow strategically. Conferences create protected time to think, learn, and reset.

Excuse #2: “It’s too expensive”

The reality:
Conference costs often include ticket prices.

Why this doesn’t hold up (this time especially):
The SightCare Conference is free for members. That removes one of the biggest barriers altogether.

Convincing argument:
When cost is no longer an issue, the real question becomes: why wouldn’t you take advantage of a free opportunity to develop, connect, and stay informed?

Excuse #3: “I can learn everything online”

The reality:
There’s no shortage of webinars, articles, and online training.

Why this doesn’t hold up:
Online learning is useful – but conferences offer something different: shared experience, live discussion, and learning grounded in real-world practice.

Convincing argument:
Conferences bring people together around common challenges. The conversations between sessions are often just as valuable as the sessions themselves.

Excuse #4: “I’m not comfortable networking”

The reality:
Networking can feel awkward or forced.

Why this doesn’t hold up:
Most people attending feel exactly the same way. Conferences create natural, low-pressure opportunities to connect with peers who understand your role and your challenges.

Convincing argument:
You don’t need to network with everyone. One or two meaningful conversations can spark ideas, reassurance, or future collaboration, and often these are initiated by the speaker in the room.

Excuse #5: “It might not be relevant to me”

The reality:
You worry the content won’t align perfectly with your role.

Why this doesn’t hold up:
Some of the most valuable insights come from perspectives outside your immediate day-to-day focus. Conferences help you see the bigger picture of your profession.

Convincing argument:
Staying informed isn’t just about today’s tasks – it’s about preparing for what’s next.

Why SightCare LIVE is worth attending

The SightCare Conference is an opportunity to:

• Stay up to date with developments in the sector

• Learn from experts and peers

• Share experiences and challenges with people who understand your work

• Step back from the day-to-day and refocus on quality, care, and best practice

And importantly, if you’re a member, it’s free to attend.

That makes this less about weighing up costs and more about choosing growth, connection, and professional confidence.

It’s easy to find a reason not to attend a conference.
It’s harder – but more rewarding – to say yes.

If you’ve ever thought “maybe next year”, consider this your sign to attend now.

👉 Find out more and register here:
https://www.sightcare.co.uk/conference/

Sometimes, the best opportunities are the ones already included in your membership.