[newyankee]

Honestly if you really analyze the world and how it works, this is because the folks at the top have to maintain the illusion that they do important work and need a certain level of spending to create the environment to execute it. I do agree that stuff like conferences etc. are absolutely necessary. However, any job or work above a certain level is more about projecting power, persona after following regular practices in strategy.

Probably your employer did it because they were allocated that amount in the annual budget and had to tick the box, but won't you as an employee prefer at least the stay to be extended by 3+ days for more meaningful interaction. Conversely won't it be better to cancel it altogether and pass 30% of the savings to you, the employee ?