Scanning for CE Has Never Been Easier!

This year, if you want CE credit for the workshops and events you attend, you must download the NFDA app! Once downloaded, simply scan the QR code on your way out of each workshop or event. App sponsored by Tribute Technology.

Watch for more information on how to get and use the app as we get closer to Convention.

All times shown are Central Time.

NFDA does not endorse and is not responsible for views expressed by the speakers.


 

8 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Registration Desk


8 a.m. - 4 p.m. | NFDA Central

NFDA Membership
If you’re not already, this is the perfect time to become a member of the world’s largest funeral service association. Discover how NFDA can provide you with the resources you need, when you need them, to help you and your firm adapt and grow in the future. And if you are an NFDA member, then stop by to renew your NFDA membership and/or music/webcasting licenses.

NFDA Store
Shop for the latest products, community-outreach materials, NFDA merchandise and Remembering A Life items.

Funeral Service Foundation
The Funeral Service Foundation awards a variety of academic and professional development scholarships, offers professional and community resources, and makes grants to organizations that advance its mission of investing in people and programs to strengthen funeral service and lift up grieving communities. Learn how the Foundation offers support for every stage of your career, and how you can make a gift that will impact the profession.

NFDA Advocacy
NFDA has your back in Washington, D.C. Whether it’s veterans’ funeral and burial issues, federal mass fatality planning and response, small business and tax issues, body broker legislation, or representing your views to the EPA, OSHA, DoL, DoD, FTC, Congress and the White House, never doubt that your national association works to advocate for legislation and regulation that positively impacts your profession and business.


8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Preconvention Seminar

Certified Celebrant Training (17 CE hours) Seminar Day 3 of 3

Business Operations Customer Service Professional Skills
Glenda Stansbury
InSight Institute
Matt Bailey
President | Bailey Family Funeral Homes

Brought to you by InSight Institute and hosted by NFDA

Registration: Friday 12:30 p.m.

Seminar Day 1: Friday 1 - 6 p.m.
Seminar Day 2: Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Seminar Day 3: Sunday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.


Set your firm apart from the competition and offer more to the families you serve! As families’ wishes continue to evolve, it is more important than ever to offer a variety of services that meet their needs and exceed their expectations. Fewer families incorporate religious rites into memorial services now so how can you fill that gap? Many funeral homes look to celebrants and find it most economical to train their staff to accommodate this growing demand for customized services. A certified celebrant works with a funeral director to provide a funeral service, memorial service or tribute that is personalized to reflect the personality and life of the deceased. (17 CE hours through InSight Institute)

Separate registration required
This is a 3-day seminar

$945 NFDA members or eligible non-funeral directors
$1,100 nonmember funeral directors

The rates above are for a 3-day seminar. Fee includes light meals and refreshments.

Register Now

8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Preconvention Seminar: Caring for Ourselves

Caring for Ourselves

Professional Development
Sara Murphy, PhD, FT
Death Educator, Fellow in Thanatologist, and Suicidologist

In recent years, terms like "work-life balance," "self-care," "compassion fatigue," and "burnout" have become more common, both in the public and within funeral service. However, funeral service professionals often face neglect of their own stress, mental health, and grief while supporting others. Given the high-stress nature of their work and the growing focus on self-care, it’s crucial to address barriers to work-life balance and validate the grief experiences of these professionals. Led by Dr. Sara Murphy, this session will help attendees explore the impact of their grief on work-life balance, validate their grief experiences, develop research-supported strategies for self-care, and break silences around disenfranchised grief to promote well-being in funeral service. Ultimately, this workshop encourages attendees to better serve others by first taking care of themselves.

Separate registration required

Registration fee: Member: Early $225 / Standard: $245; Non-Member: Early $285 / Standard: $310; Student: $75 


8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Preconvention Seminar

Enhancing Open Casket Viewings: Techniques for Severe Trauma Cases (4 CE hours)

Technical Skills
Glyn Tallon, CFSP
Instructor | Canadian School of Advanced PREP

Explore the art and science of embalming and restorative art with severe trauma cases. This practical and informative workshop will equip you with essential skills, knowledge, and confidence to help you provide the best possible farewells for grieving families.

Don’t miss this chance to enhance your expertise and make a meaningful impact in your community! (4 CE hours)

Separate registration required

$225 NFDA members before September 9; $245 after September 9; nonmember funeral directors $285 by September 9; $310 after September 9; $100 mortuary students


9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Special Event

25th Annual Funeral Service Foundation Golf Classic Topgolf Schaumburg

2025 Golf Outing

Funeral directors and allied professionals of all skill levels gather each year for the Funeral Service Foundation Golf Classic, which is held in conjunction with the annual NFDA International Convention & Expo. Celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2025, the Golf Classic is on track to raise more than $2 million in support of its mission of lifting up grieving communities by investing in people and programs that strengthen funeral service.

Separate registration required

Cost per player is $350. Registration includes transportation, tournament fees, food and beverage, golf clubs, and 4 hours of play in reserved bays!

Want to support the Foundation, but golf isn’t your game? Simply join as a spectator! Your $200 registration fee allows you to experience all the networking and excitement of the day without the pressure to step up and take a shot.

Visit FuneralServiceFoundation.org/Golf to register and learn about sponsorship opportunities.

Register Now

10 - 10:45 a.m. | Special Event

First Time Attendee Orientation** By invitation only


11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Workshops (1 CE hour)

Delivering Superhero Service

Business Operations
Hank Ebeling
Owner | Superhero Service

Customer service is crucial in the funeral industry, as families are dealing with intense emotions. Your appearance, demeanor, and body language all impact their comfort and trust. It’s no longer enough to offer good service – aim for superhero-level service. Learn how to create superhero service. Learn how to create a service-driven culture that will elevate your business like no other strategy!  


Stop Selling Sadness

Marketing
Angela Human
Director of Technology | Director’s Corner
Autumn Rothermel
Director of Project Operations | Director’s Corner

If you’re tired of generic marketing strategies, this workshop is for you. It goes beyond basic tactics to delve into the psychology of grief, loss, and remembrance in the digital age. You’ll learn how to shift from traditional, somber marketing to content that celebrates life and honors legacies. We’ll also cover how to connect with younger audiences by meeting their expectations for transparency, authenticity, and online engagement. This interactive, hands-on workshop includes activities and real-world examples to help you apply what you learn. Plus, we’ll explore emerging trends and technologies shaping the future of the funeral profession, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve. Participants will leave with actionable tools to create a digital presence that truly reflects the heart and soul of their business, connecting with families on a deeper level. 


Navigating the First Solo Embalming: Bridging the Gap for Apprentices

Professional Development
Damon de la Cruz, PhD
Director of Education | Frigid Fluid Company

Embarking on your first solo embalming can be daunting. This workshop guides apprentices through key challenges like fluid selection, dilution, and injection site choices. Leveraging the experience of seasoned embalmers, it bridges the gap between apprentices and preceptors, offering actionable insights and strategies for effective knowledge transfer. By the end, apprentices will gain confidence and a deeper understanding of their first solo embalming, while fostering a supportive learning environment and strengthening the mentor-apprentice relationship


Secrets from an Event Planner’s Playbook

Technology Innovation
Christina Andreola
Principal Planner | New Narrative Events

Funeral service professionals are facing a rapidly changing consumer landscape, with the next generation opting for non-traditional memorial services. Families are moving away from traditional practices and seeking specialized celebration of life event planners to create personalized memorial experiences. In this session, you’ll gain insight from a memorial event planner (and apprentice Funeral Director) on what today’s consumers truly want and how you can incorporate these fresh ideas into your future service offerings.


1:15 – 2:15 p.m. | Workshops (1 CE hour)

Cremation…let’s have a conversation

Consumer Care
Andrew Hogan

Direct cremation is on the rise in many Western countries, now making up a significant portion of services. As funeral professionals, we play a crucial role in educating families about the value of ritual and ceremony. But how do we convey this during an arrangement conference? Before selecting ‘Direct Cremation,’ we must understand the family’s reasons and gently guide them through their decision-making. It’s not about pushing unnecessary services, but about compassionately exploring options and offering ideas. In this session, we’ll discuss real-life scenarios and strategies for supporting families in making informed, meaningful choices. 


Mapping a Customer Experience from Greeting to Goodbye

Business Operations
Damon Wenig
Director of Partner Marketing | Homesteaders Life Company

Imagine transforming every interaction with your funeral home into an unforgettable moment of care and excellence. This session will show you how. Designed for funeral home professionals, it focuses on mapping every family touchpoint – from the first phone call to aftercare. Each interaction shapes the family’s impression and demands more than good intentions; it requires careful planning, consistency, and a commitment to excellence. Drawing from world-class service brands like The Ritz-Carlton and Mayo Clinic, you’ll learn to apply their customer experience strategies to your funeral home, creating memorable experiences that resonate for years. By implementing a customer journey framework, you’ll craft an intentional experience that leaves families feeling truly cared for and supported. 


Customer Experience in the age of “Leave Me Alone”

Professional Development
Mary Delia Allen
Speaker | Mary Delia Events

In a world where texting often replaces talking, creating meaningful, personal connections with customers is more important than ever. The problem isn’t poor customer service, but a lack of timely engagement. In this session, Mary Delia Allen, a 20-year hospitality veteran and author, explains why the first few seconds of customer interaction are key to building long-lasting loyalty. By examining successful brands like Wal-Mart, Chick-fil-A, and The Four Seasons, she’ll share actionable strategies to transform your customer relationships and drive business growth. Learn how to reframe your approach to customer service, ensuring initial interactions lead to long-term satisfaction and success. 


Color Theory & Airbrush Cosmetics

Technical Skills
Michelle Johnston
Owner | Johnston Embalming & Reconstructive Institute

This comprehensive course is designed to provide advanced knowledge and practical skills in embalming techniques and airbrush cosmetics. Through a combination of theoretical instruction, hands-on demonstrations, and interactive discussions, participants will gain a deep understanding of the latest embalming tips and airbrush cosmetics used in the prep room. 


Honoring Our Nation’s Service Members’ Sacrifice: Past, Present and Future

Consumer Care

As the Department of Defense refocuses its efforts on Large Scale Combat Operations, DoD mortuary affairs operations are reviewing policy guidance, plans and support structures to ensure mortuary affairs capabilities are in place to support the warfighter.  Learn how the Department of Defense is addressing mortuary affairs issues associated with Large Scale Combat Operations, how the Office of Army Cemeteries is meeting its challenge to provide interment space into the future and how we honor current and past members of the Military Departments.


2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Workshops (1 CE hour)

What Can Be Done with Cremated Remains

Disposition
Howard Sankel
President | Options for Ashes, P.B.C.

For many families, deciding what to do with cremated remains is a challenge. Grieving families often don’t know their options, and funeral professionals face difficulty in educating them. More and more, cremated remains are sitting in closets or garages. Want to turn this into a business opportunity? Learn how to grow your revenue while offering meaningful solutions. Through my educational website, www.OptionsForAshes.com, I provide resources to help funeral directors and consumers explore cremated remains options. The Aftercare market is small but rapidly growing – attend this session to learn how to position your business for success.


Navigating Advocacy in 2025: Staying Ahead in a Rapidly Changing Washington, D.C.

Compliance & Legal
Lesley Witter
Senior Vice President, Advocacy | NFDA

2025 has already proven to be a pivotal year in Washington, D.C., with rapid changes shaping the political, legislative, and regulatory landscape. As policies change and legislation and regulations move at an unprecedented pace, it’s crucial to stay informed and prepared to act swiftly. Join NFDA lobbyist, Lesley Witter, as she breaks down the key shifts and trends in Washington, D.C., offering a roadmap for staying updated, making your voice heard, and driving meaningful change. This informative session will help you learn more about the legislative and regulatory process and what it takes to affect change on the federal level, understand how NFDA advocates on a national level to protect the interests of Funeral Service, learn about federal regulatory and legislative issues the profession is currently facing, and discuss other issues that might affect funeral service in the coming year. 


The History of Human Remains in Museums

Professional Development
Stacy Drake, PhD
Collections Manager | Field Museum of Natural History
Helen Robbins, PhD
Provenance Research Director | Field Museum of Natural History

In this workshop, end-of-life professionals will gain insights into the history and modern curation of human remains housed within museum collections. As a result of archaeological excavations, medical donations, and other means, museums often steward human remains in their “collections.” Chicago’s Field Museum cares for the remains of an estimated 5,000 individuals in various states of preservation and from a wide range of global and historical contexts. In this interactive workshop, two museum specialists will discuss the history of museum collection practices, the ethical and legal concerns surrounding human remains housed in educational institutions, and how museum staff address curation, care, and sometimes return, of these remains.


Building Trust and Connection: Crafting Authentic Personal Brands

Professional Development
Camelia L. Clarke, DBA
Owner and Licensed Funeral Director, Paradise Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services

In the sensitive realm of funeral services, personal branding is essential for professionals who seek to connect deeply with families in their time of need. This presentation highlights the importance of developing a personal brand that embodies authenticity, compassion, and reliability. We will explore techniques for creating a unique and genuine brand persona that aligns with individual values and professional commitments. Attendees will explore how to effectively share their personal stories and expertise, enhancing trust and rapport with clients. Discover strategies to stand out, build credibility, and foster meaningful relationships, elevating the role of a funeral director from a service provider to a trusted guide.


1:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Special Event

Secret Food Tour

Taste your way through Chicago’s most famous recipes on this tasty and fun Chicago food tour.
In an exciting three hours, you’ll feast on Chicago culinary legends such as deep-dish pizza,
Italian Beef, a Chicago-style hot dog, and a delectable dessert!

Not only do you get to sample some of the best Chicago food staples, but your expert Chicago
guide will take you to the top Chicago attractions as well, making this quite possibly the best
Chicago experience you can handle in 3 hours. They will escort you to Millennium Park,
Michigan Avenue (aka ‘the Magnificent Mile’), the Chicago Riverwalk, Cloud Gate (aka ‘the
Bean’), the Chicago Theater, State Street (that great street), and more. This food and walking
tour of Chicago is an active, VIP-style adventure through town; the perfect way to see and taste
the city in a single afternoon!

Separate registration required
Register Now

1:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Special Event

City Sightseeing Tour and Ledge Experience

Get ready to immerse yourself in the heartbeat of Chicago on this one-of-a-kind customized
tour! Traverse the dynamic Loop and glamorous North Michigan Avenue as you feast your eyes
and ears on the city’s most iconic landmarks, captivating historical sites, chic residences, and
vibrant shopping districts. From the glittering Chicago River to the majestic Lake Michigan, from
the timeless Wrigley Building to the striking Tribune Tower—every step of this journey is a
revelation, brought to life with fascinating stories and fun anecdotes from seasoned and spirited
tour guides.

But wait—the adventure doesn’t stop there! Brace yourself for an unforgettable
ascent to the 103rd floor of the legendary Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower). On a crystal-
clear day, take in jaw-dropping panoramic views of Chicago and four surrounding states,
stretching as far as the eye can see. And for those with a daring spirit, step into a glass-enclosed ledge that extends four feet off the side of the tower, offering a thrilling perspective over the bustling city streets below. It’s an exhilarating, once-in-a-lifetime view you’ll never forget!

Separate registration required
Register Now

4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Special Event

ReConnect** By invitation only

Join us for an exclusive event tailored specifically for women in the funeral service. Whether you’re a past attendee of our Professional Women’s Conference or new to our community, this is your chance to reconnect with familiar faces and forge new friendships.

  • Networking Opportunities: Engage with fellow funeral directors and industry professionals in a supportive and welcoming environment.
    • Inspiring conversations
    • Share experiences, challenges, and successes
  • Building Camaraderie: Enjoy a relaxed setting designed to foster genuine connections and a sense of togetherness.
  • Fabulous Giveaways: Get to know fellow attendees with fun games, fabulous prizes, and a little something special to take with you to enjoy during Convention!
  • 2025 PWC Reveal: Find out where and when the next Professional Women's Conference will be!
  • Inspiration at Its Best: Meet and learn from Katey Houston the 2025 Inspiration Award winner.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to strengthen your professional network and be part of a community that celebrates and supports women in funeral service.

This event is graciously sponsored by NGL. RSVP is required - please email lkarlik@nfda.org for more information. Open to convention attendees only.

“I am thrilled to host this premier event, offering a unique opportunity to reconnect with and meet like-minded women in Funeral Service who have become and will become lifelong friends. NGL is proud to support this effort as the ReConnect sponsor, as well as the sponsor of the NFDA Inspiration Award.

The 2025 Professional Women’s Conference sparked many important conversations about innovative solutions to current challenges in Death Care. Now in its fourth year, ReConnect serves as the perfect venue to continue those discussions with past PWC attendees as well as all women in funeral service and kick off your convention week with a fun, engaging start.”

Jennifer Kaset
VP, Sales and Business Development 
National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL)

Sponsored by

6:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Special Event

Welcome Party House of Blues, 329 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654

Get ready for an unforgettable night as NFDA kicks off the 2025 International Convention &
Expo at the House of Blues Chicago! Guests will step into the iconic venue and be greeted by its signature blend of Southern charm and rock ‘n’ roll spirit. Enjoy complimentary small bites and dynamic entertainment while you mix and mingle with other attendees from across the globe. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to celebrate, connect, and experience a night of music and camaraderie in one of Chicago’s most iconic venues!

Sponsored by

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