Posted September 21, 2011

The 2011 NFDA International Convention & Expo, being held in conjunction with the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), will take place October 23-26 in Chicago.

Up-to-date information about the 2011 NFDA International Convention & Expo can be found by visiting www.nfda.org/chicago2011.

Official Convention Hotels Sold Out; NFDA Offers Alternate Option

Rooms at the three official convention hotels – The Fairmont Chicago, the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers and the Hyatt Regency Chicago – have sold out.

In order to offer attendees another option for accommodations, NFDA has secured a limited number of rooms at the Intercontinental Hotel Chicago on Michigan Ave. The rate is $259 plus tax per night. The hotel is approximately two blocks from the Sheraton, where you can access the complimentary NFDA shuttle to the Convention Center (the shuttle will not make a stop at the Intercontinental Hotel).

More information about how to make your reservations at the Intercontinental Hotel can be found on the Convention website. Rooms are available on a first come, first served basis until September 23 or the rooms block sells out, whichever comes first.

Sweet Home Chicago

If you're planning to attend the NFDA Convention in Chicago, you will want to attend these exclusive social and networking events to connect with colleagues while exploring Chicago's rich history and vibrant culture:

• NFDA Juke Joint Blues – President-elect Party, Sunday, October 23, House of Blues Chicago. Meet up with old friends (and make new ones), sip a cocktail or two, nibble on tasty appetizers and boogie the night away. There is no charge to attend this event; however, registration is required.
• Funeral Directors Under 40 Party, Monday, October 24. Hop on a trolley, grab a cocktail and enjoy a tour of the Windy City's hippest neighborhoods. You will be dropped off at the Public House; after that, the rest of Chicago's night life awaits.
• Friends of Facebook Party, Tuesday, October 25. Many in funeral service are connected with NFDA and each other on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. This is your chance to grab a cocktail, meet in person and enjoy offline conversations.
• Closing Celebration, Wednesday, October 26. After a cocktail reception and dinner, one of Chicago's premier Irish dance groups will perform. Guests will kick up their heels to the music of Gentlemen of Leisure Band, which performed at President Barack Obama's inauguration.
• Chicago City Tours. NFDA has coordinated several city tours to help you understand why so many visitors fall in love with the city every year. Tour registration is filling up! Visit the NFDA Convention website for full details and to register by September 30.

NFDA and CANA are generously supported by Federated Insurance Company, Batesville Casket Company, Facultatieve Technologies, Frazer Consultants, Madelyn Company, Matthews International, Memories by Design, Nomis Publications, American Crematory Equipment, American Funeral Financial, Deaton-Kennedy Company, Director's Select Retirement Plan (DSRP), Doric Products Inc., Funeral Call, Homesteaders Life Company and Messenger.