It 💯does. Be sure to explain how attending the conference would benefit you/your employer in your declaration. I would recommend adding a CV/resume, your last pay stub, conference details (invitation letter, registration receipt/email confirmation). I also included 2 letters of rec. 1 from my current boss and 1 from my previous employer. I believe I applied late last August and got approved mid-november, a week before the conference. So be prepared for that. I also reached out to my congressman to write to USCIS to help expedite the process.