Yeah, what Corin said. Either come right out and tell them you aren't going, or go and be honest about it. I think the relationship could survive blowing off this conference, but lying would be really bad.
All things considered they weren't very, um, diplomatic, were they?
Afternoon folkses... :-)
Freepin' at da airport again... goin' home. [whew] What a week. [sip]
Any sign of our Florida folk?
While fibbing about attending the conference may not be the best solution, whatever excuses are offered for not attending should be accompanied by thanks for the very thoughtful gift and the good intentions behind it. Sincere or not.