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!

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!

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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.

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

2024 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
2024-25 NFDA National Emerging Leaders Program participants
2024 Meet the Mentors program participants
2024 NFDA Inspiration Award recipient
NFDA International Professional Achievement Certificate holders
Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice Certified Funeral Service Practitioners

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.

If you would like to remember someone, please submit their name by July 1, 2025.

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. 

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.