is a conference a training course?

w00519772

I am a software Developer. The client I work with was invited to a conference to showcase some work I have done for them. The client has invited me as the technical expert and I agreed to attend.

In my contract of employment it states that if I attend a training course and leave within two years then I am responsible for part of all of the costs.

I am only attending this event to provide support for the client however I am wandering how this would be interpreted be my employer if I did decide to leave within two years. There is an opportunity to attend some seminars about the product my system interfaces with during the day.

I emailed the client who confirmed that there are no costs to attend the event (I believe the client was invited as a system user). My employer has agreed that I can attend the event. Is there any questions I should ask them before the event? I don't want to sound paranoid! I have no intentions to leave at the moment but that could change one day.

gettingtheresometime

I would say a training course is a course where I learn or refresh existing knowledge.

Thus I don't see this as a training course, especially as there's no costs involved

Lakeuk

No it's not a training course, you're there supporting a client, not under taking formal training for your employer. One thing I'd be checking if who pays for any additional cost in attending the event, you say there are none for attendance but are there any additional material costs in you getting to the conference location, I would expect you employer to pay your expenses and if in the contract invoice the client.

ScorpiondeRooftrouser

|When you say your employer has agreed that you attend the event, did you suggest it to them?

I would have presented this as "Customer X has asked us if I can attend this event with him. Do you want me to?"

They should be telling you to go, not agreeing to you going. Make it clear to your employer that you only want to attend if it is their express wish that you do so.

TBagpuss

If you are there as a techinical expert it is had t see how it could be treated as a training course. However, if you are concerned, I would send an e-mai lto your boss saying

"Client x has asked me to attend [event] as a technical expert in relation to the work I have carried out for them on [project]. I am happy to attend if you want me to do so.

Could you let me know whether you will want to invoice [client] for my time. Can you also cofmrim that i will be reimbursed for my travelling and other expenses during he day?"

that way, you are clear that this isnn't training that you are receiving nor is it something you are doing for yourself.