With the economy still in a state of slow, incremental recovery and corporations on the never-ending bandwagon to cut costs, should companies still pay for writers to attend off-site, multi-day conferences related to the technical writing profession?

Yes. Conferences are not only an investment in the employees, they also benefit the company from the knowledge employees gain.

Yes. Companies should pay conference expenses, but not employee travel expenses.

No; however, companies should allow employees time off (with pay) to attend conferences.

No. Employees should attain all forms of advanced education on their own time and at their own expense.