Throw a hissy-fit the next time one of the execs goes out to lunch, or has a sales meeting, or buys dinner.
That’s complete crap and, no offense, speaks volumes about your company. now, I could certainly understand if flying you out and all of the related expenses would be just too much of a hardship on your company. Times are tough. If people had recently been laid off or something, I would certainly think twice about asking. But just brushing it off is akin to them not taking your profession seriously.
Don’t pay your own way. I’m all for IDSA and the conventions are great, but not on your own dime (unless you are a freelancer.)