2025 Agenda

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!

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!

The House of Blues is the hottest speakeasy in town! Step back into the Roaring Twenties for a lively Prohibition-style party. Enjoy the music of the 20’s as roaming entertainers bring the era to life, tarot card readers unveil your fortunes, dance performances light up the room and poets create instant art on vintage typewriters.

Dress to impress in your finest flapper fringe or sharp fedora and slip into a world of hidden indulgence, where breaking the rules is half the fun. With vintage vibes, bootleg spirits, and a little mischief, this night at the House of Blues will be the cat’s meow. Shhh… don’t tell the feds—you’re invited to the party of the decade!

Event Timeline

6 p.m.              Entertainment begins, select bars open, appetizers

                                      Cash bars open at 6 p.m.

                                       Howlin Wolf Bar (Music Hall level 2) – pre-batched cocktails, beer

                                       and wine only

                                      Satellite Bar (Music Hall level 3) – canned beverages only

                                      Foundation Dining Room & Lounge Bars (top levels) – full bar

                                      Entertainment

                                      Tarot Card Readers – Foundation Lounge

                                      Live Music – Foundation Dining Room

                                      Whiskey Tasting – Music Hall level 3

                                      Typewriter Poets – Music Hall main level

                                      Roaming Entertainers

6:30 p.m.         Dance vignette and remaining bars open (Music Hall main level)

6:45 p.m.         Dance vignette #2 (Music Hall main level)

7 p.m.              "The Charleston" dance lessons (Music Hall main level)

                        Giant coloring mural, dessert stations (Restaurant - street level)

7:30 p.m.         Dance vignette #3 (Music Hall main level)

 
No shuttle is provided from Millennium Park hotels (Fairmont, Hyatt Regency, Radisson Blu, Swissotel) 

Sponsored by

Chicago Cares Hygiene Kits https://www.chicagocares.org/s/

Assembling hygiene kits for people in need is a meaningful way to give back and make a tangible difference in someone’s life. This simple act of compassion not only supports the dignity and well-being of those less fortunate but also strengthens a sense of community and shared humanity.

NFDA Central/Registration

Writing a letter or card to a veteran for their Honor Flight is a heartfelt way to express gratitude for their service and sacrifice. These messages, often read during the flight, remind veterans that their courage and dedication are deeply appreciated. Take a few moments to share kind words and help make their Honor Flight experience even more meaningful.

NFDA Central/Registration

Honor Flight Programs that will receive the letters:

Chicago https://www.honorflightchicago.org/
Southern Illinois https://www.veteranshonorflight.org/mailcall/
Peoria https://www.greaterpeoriahonorflight.org/

Watch contestants battle it out in NFDA’s first-ever, restorative arts competition. Each competitor will display their skills, knowledge and talent to restore form and natural appearance to model heads with simulated trauma. All work will be performed in front of a live audience and a panel of expert judges, who will discuss the restorative process and offer critiques and suggestions throughout. Acclaim and prizes are on the line. 

Sponsored by PMRC with additional support from Frigid Fluid, Kelco Supply Co. & Dodge Company

Get ready for an exhilarating two-hour journey through the heart of movie-making magic as you
step into the scenes of iconic films like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Untouchables, The Dark
Knight, and The Bear, among others. Throughout the tour, your guide—a local actor or actress—will regale you with fascinating facts, behind-the-scenes stories, and insider scoops, bringing the magic of moviemaking to life right before your eyes.

If you’re a fan of pub trivia, you’ll want to participate in this year’s Funeral Face-off - NFDA’s ultimate funeral service trivia challenge. Three-person teams will compete against each other during preliminary rounds this summer. The action then heats up on the Expo Hall floor for the Wild Card and Championship rounds. If you want to test your funeral knowledge for prizes, bragging rights, and convention trivia immortality, then start assembling your team today and sign up soon. Questions are provided by the American Board of Funeral Service Education. Participate or cheer on the teams at this year’s convention! 

Join the NFDA Board of Directors as the association celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of funeral homes and funeral service professionals during the past year:

2025 NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award recipients
NFDA Green Funeral Practice Certificate holders
NFDA Cremation Certification designees
NFDA Certified Preplanning Consultants
Funeral Service Foundation scholarship recipients
2025-26 NFDA National Emerging Leaders Program participants
2025 Meet the Mentors program participants
2025 NFDA Inspiration Award recipient
NFDA International Professional Achievement Certificate holders

Prepare to be captivated as you embark on an unforgettable journey through Chicago’s awe-
inspiring architectural heritage! Led by lively and knowledgeable docents, this experience brings
to life the dramatic tale of Chicago’s meteoric rise from the ashes of the Great Fire of 1871 to its
triumphant transformation into the birthplace of the skyscraper and a global icon of modern
American architecture.

Glide along the majestic Chicago River and soak in unparalleled views of the city’s most
legendary landmarks—all in one extraordinary tour! From the towering Willis (Sears) Tower to
the iconic Wrigley Building, the historic Old Post Office to the stunning 360 Chicago Observation
Deck, you’ll see it all. Live commentary from your expert guide reveals hidden stories,
fascinating facts, and insider secrets that make these architectural marvels truly come
alive.

Chicago, widely celebrated as the birthplace of gospel music, has long been a beacon of spiritual and cultural expression. From the early 20th century sounds of Thomas A. Dorsey to the vibrant choirs that still fill its churches today, the city’s influence on the genre is both historic and enduring. Please join the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Choir rejoice and celebrate the lives of funeral professionals and their loved ones who have died this past year.

Writing a letter or card to a veteran for their Honor Flight is a heartfelt way to express gratitude for their service and sacrifice. These messages, often read during the flight, remind veterans that their courage and dedication are deeply appreciated. Take a few moments to share kind words and help make their Honor Flight experience even more meaningful.

NFDA Central/Registration

Honor Flight Programs that will receive the letters:

Chicago https://www.honorflightchicago.org/
Southern Illinois https://www.veteranshonorflight.org/mailcall/
Peoria https://www.greaterpeoriahonorflight.org/

Watch contestants battle it out in NFDA’s first-ever, restorative arts competition. Each competitor will display their skills, knowledge and talent to restore form and natural appearance to model heads with simulated trauma. All work will be performed in front of a live audience and a panel of expert judges, who will discuss the restorative process and offer critiques and suggestions throughout. Acclaim and prizes are on the line.

Sponsored by PMRC with additional support from Frigid Fluid, Kelco Supply Co. & Dodge Company

Join an exclusive walking tour of Graceland Cemetery and explore the opulent tombs and final
resting places of architectural visionaries such as William LebAron Jenney, John Root, Louis
Sullivan, Mies Van der Rohe, and Daniel Burnham. Experience an unforgettable journey where
history, architecture, and the eternal peace of illustrious individuals converge in a captivating
exploration of Chicago’s past.

*** This tour is contingent on the Chicago Cubs play-off schedule. You may indicate your interest in the tour on the guest tours registration website but will not be contacted for payment until the tour is confirmed. 

If you’re a fan of pub trivia, you’ll want to participate in this year’s Funeral Face-off - NFDA’s ultimate funeral service trivia challenge. Three-person teams will compete against each other during preliminary rounds this summer. The action then heats up on the Expo Hall floor for the Wild Card and Championship rounds. If you want to test your funeral knowledge for prizes, bragging rights, and convention trivia immortality, then start assembling your team today and sign up soon. Questions are provided by the American Board of Funeral Service Education. Participate or cheer on the teams at this year’s convention! 

Funeral Professionals – Young and New
Lucky Strike Chicago 322 E Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60611

Join us for an exclusive event geared towards young and new professionals at Lucky Strike
Chicago, where networking meets next-level fun! Enjoy six private bowling lanes, arcade games, billiards, appetizers and cocktails in a vibrant, high-energy setting. Whether you're landing strikes on the lanes, dominating the arcade, or just enjoying great company, this is the ultimate way to mix business with pleasure.

*Ticketed event. Must be at least 21 to attend.

During this ceremony, you’ll hear from our current president, president-elect, and other members of the NFDA Board of Directors.

Join the NFDA Board of Directors for a quick celebration. 

Writing a letter or card to a veteran for their Honor Flight is a heartfelt way to express gratitude for their service and sacrifice. These messages, often read during the flight, remind veterans that their courage and dedication are deeply appreciated. Take a few moments to share kind words and help make their Honor Flight experience even more meaningful.

NFDA Central/Registration

Honor Flight Programs that will receive the letters:

Chicago https://www.honorflightchicago.org/
Southern Illinois https://www.veteranshonorflight.org/mailcall/
Peoria https://www.greaterpeoriahonorflight.org/