I really don't see the problem here. Your career depends on you being at this conference.

Although I suppose spousal harmony depends on you staying home.

__________________
Put me on wheels and I'll turn tricks.

Clever? Nah, I ran out of that years ago. But if you find this, let me know, k?
"The road goes ever on..." ~ Tolkien

In memory of my friend skip...
Go then, there are other worlds than these