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Leadership Conference

Join us in Louisville, KY from August 2–5 for the 2026 Leadership Conference.

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NFDA Leadership Conference at a glance:

Who attends:

Designed for funeral service professionals at every stage of leadership, this program brings together current leaders, emerging leaders, volunteer leaders and association executives who are committed to advancing the profession. Whether you lead a firm, serve on a state association board, manage a team, or aspire to step into a greater leadership role, this experience offers valuable insight, connection, and professional growth. Attendees will gain practical strategies, fresh perspectives and meaningful networking opportunities to strengthen their leadership skills and help shape the future of funeral service.

NFDA has created a toolkit to help you organize and articulate the costs and -- more importantly -- the benefits for your professional growth and your organization. Click here to access these resources.

What’s covered:

Best practices in association management, leadership development topics, keynote speakers, the latest news in legal and advocacy efforts, and facilitated discussions on current challenges and opportunities in funeral service.

What else can I expect?

Ample opportunity for networking with your peers in the Breakout by Office sessions as well as social events. You’ll meet the candidates for the NFDA Board of Directors Officers prior to the election. Voting for the At-large Representatives on the NFDA Board of Directors takes place during Leadership Conference.

 

Registration Fee

Registration Type

On or before 5/29/26

After 5/29/26

Member Registration

$725

$925

Nonmember Registration

$965

$1,165

Non-licensed Family Member/Guest

$455

$555
Non-Sponsored Supplier $1,525 $1,725
     

OPTIONAL: Golf Outing at Hunting Creek Country Club
Sunday, Aug. 2, 9:00 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Adult

$125

$175
 

OPTIONAL: Hats Off to Leadership - Closing Celebration at Churchill Downs
Tuesday, Aug. 4, 5:30 – 8 p.m. (food, entertainment and bus included)

Adult

$225

$275
 
Registration includes: Welcome reception, presentations, handouts and continental breakfasts. Pending approval, CE hours are available.
 
It is your responsibility as the registrant to verify that this seminar is approved for CE in the state/s in which you are licensed. 

Schedule at a Glance

Sunday, August 2
9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Golf Outing
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Registration and Badge Pick Up
5 - 6 p.m. Welcome Reception 
Monday, August 3
7:30 - 8 a.m. Continental Breakfast
7:30 - 11 a.m. Registration 
8 - 9:15 a.m. Welcome Session
9:15 - 10:15 a.m. Leadership Development Session I
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Breakouts by Office
1 - 4 p.m. NELP
1:15 - 2:30 p.m. Optional Leadership Development Session
Tuesday, August 4
7:30 - 8 a.m. Continental Breakfast
7:30 - 11 a.m. Registration 
8 - 9:45 a.m. Leadership Development Session II
10:15 - 11:30 a.m. Leadership Development Session III
11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Voting for At-large BOD Candidates
1:15 - 2:30 p.m. Optional Leadership Development Sessions
5:30 - 8 p.m. Hats Off to Leadership - Closing Celebration at Churchill Downs (optional ticketed event)
Wednesday, August 5
7:30 - 8:00 am Continental Breakfast
7:30 - 9 a.m. Registration 
8 - 9 a.m. Leadership Development Session IV
9:15-11 a.m. Leadership Development Session V

 

What are past participants saying?

The best part of the conference is always the networking and the things you learn from other funeral directors outside of the events.

I love the synergy attending this conference offers for me, and the rejuvenation of purpose that I leave with at the conclusion of conference. 

Having a specific conference that meets my needs to know more about how to be a better board member and how to make our association better.