[mummasaurus]

Recently my university faculty nominated an article I wrote for a student award given by a well-respected industry body. Last week I received an email directly from the organisation inviting me to be a guest at a corporate function at which the winner will be announced and the award presented.

For background, it is a luncheon and the guest speaker is a very prominent figure within the industry. If I were to attend I would be travelling from another state. I won't know anyone at the function, and I'm not sure if anyone from my university will be attending (not that I'd know them anyway, I am an off-campus student).

Is it reasonable for my husband to accompany me? I know tickets are available to the public at a cost of approximately $100 a head, so the fact he doesn't work in the industry would not be an issue. I have never attended such a function and I suppose I don't want to appear incapable of going on my own or that my husband and I are 'joined at the hip'.

Do you think it reasonable to RSVP, mention that we will be buying a ticket for my husband, and ask that we be seated together? And -- as an aside, for those in the know -- is there much benefit in attending these networking-type dos? I am feeling rather clueless and cannot decide whether or not I should attend, and with or without husband if I do. I'd appreciate any advice.

[SugarMumma]

I have never attended such a function and I suppose I don't want to appear incapable of going on my own or that my husband and I are 'joined at the hip'.

Could it not be seen as you having a supportive husband?

If he's happy with being a wall flower if you're hooked into the networking bit then I say take him

Edit to say congratulations on your work!

This post has been edited by SugarMumma: 10/11/2012, 09:47 PM

[Wyn99]

Often these industry bodies will advise prior if you have won the award, especially if you have to travel interstate & incur expenses. It can't hurt to ask? Sounds like you would be seated at a table - I see no problem with your husband attending and your request to be seated together.

[joshuakalan]

Congrats on the recognition.

It is usual practice to be advised if you are the recipient on an award. I would ask them if they are in the position to tell you before spengin money on airfares and a ticket for hubby.

[LambChop]

Perfectly reasonable to take a partner, although having him there won't 'force' you to network as you might if you were flying solo.

My personal preference is to not be invited to 'work do's', they can be pretty boring

[lsolaBella]

I often go as Corporate Wife to things. Take your DH.

[tibs]

I've been to these things as award nominees and winners and partners don't usually attend. They tend to seat the award winners/nominees together sometimes with representatives of the unis or the sponsors or the industry bodies.

Just wanted to add, whoever organised your awards etc has probably 'bought' a whole table for the function so just because the function organisers are selling tickets for $100 doesn't mean a seat will be available on your table

This post has been edited by tibs: 10/11/2012, 10:40 PM

[mummasaurus]

Thanks for the replies. I had vaguely considered asking if I have even a hope of winning (given it'd be a relatively expensive lunch date) but I wasn't sure if it was appropriate to do so.

Perfectly reasonable to take a partner, although having him there won't 'force' you to network as you might if you were flying solo.

My personal preference is to not be invited to 'work do's', they can be pretty boring

Unfortunately, I'm still at the stage of finding this sort of thing a novelty.

I've been to these things as award nominees and winners and partners don't usually attend. They tend to seat the award winners/nominees together sometimes with representatives of the unis or the sponsors or the industry bodies.

Just wanted to add, whoever organised your awards etc has probably 'bought' a whole table for the function so just because the function organisers are selling tickets for $100 doesn't mean a seat will be available on your table

Thanks, tibs. I thought as much, and had also assumed it might not be de rigueur for partners to attend. I suppose I can ask and see what the organiser has to say; if it turns out I'd be seated with representatives from my uni faculty it might be all the more reason to attend!

This post has been edited by mummasaurus: 10/11/2012, 11:34 PM

[YodaTheWrinkledO...]

couldn't you make inquiries within your own faculty as to who else might attend and if they are taking their spouse/partner/SO (or whatever people call it today)? That's probably what I would do to start with. If you get no luck within your own faculty, then contact the dinner organiser's and have a quick chat to them.

As someone who attended similar functions, I don't take DH. Most attendees don't, but some do. Mind you, I have always known one or two other people from my own institution and it's rarely required an interstate trip. When it did, the faculty paid for my expenses. That's another reason why you should be bringing it up with people within your faculty. They might be able to help cover expenses.

[mummasaurus]

YodaTheWrinkledOne -- as an off-campus student living in another state I've never even met anyone from the faculty. I'm not sure I could reasonably ask to be told if those attending are bringing their spouses/partners, let alone ask for reimbursement of my travel costs. Maybe I didn't make it clear in my OP that I am a student, rather than a member of staff??

This post has been edited by mummasaurus: 11/11/2012, 12:10 AM