If you have a boss somewhere in the chain who is a beancounter, ask him what is done for accountants as far as "continuing professional development" is concerned. Every accounting body has its own name and requirements for this, but it is gradually getting more and more compulsory. Do get the right name for his specific institute (it's on the web sites of both of mine, CIMA and SAICA). When you know how much CPD (or whatever) he and his staff are required to do, it should be easier to convince people that other professionals need comparable levels of time and resources to attend job related functions.

Regards,

John

Update: The British Computer Society have CPD requirements, described on their web site here.

Update 2 (2008-02-04): El Reg has produced an article on the false economy of ignoring training here.