Posted September 28, 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. Save $20 when you register for the NFDA Convention online. Enter discount code CV11W20 during checkout.

Tour Reservation Deadline is Friday, Sept. 30

Chicago, NFDA's Convention host city, has unparalleled sophistication, class and style. There is something for everyone: fine dining, world-famous museums, legendary entertainment, shopping and much more. NFDA has coordinated several city tours to help you understand why so many visitors fall in love with the city every year.

• Frank Lloyd Wright Home, Studio and Neighborhood
• Historic Wrigley Field Tour and Goose Island Beer Tasting
• Chicago From a Different Perspective
• Hinsdale Animal Cemetery and Crematory
• Chicago Hauntings Signature Ghost Tour

Tour reservations must be made by this Friday, September 30. Visit the Convention website for more information about the tours and to make your reservation.

NFDA Central: Get Started or Get Grounded

Think of NFDA Central as your one-stop location for all things NFDA-related while you're attending Convention.

• Membership
  • Learn more about the benefits of NFDA membership, including the new Discount Advantage Program and OurSimpleSurvey.
  • Receive a free gift when you renew your membership! (Encourage a colleague who isn't a member to join).
  • Purchase NFDA logo wear – new designs will be unveiled during Convention!
  • Find the books you've been looking for at the NFDA Resource Store.
• Advocacy
  • Learn what NFDA is doing in Washington, D.C., to ensure the views of funeral service are heard by legislators and regulatory agencies.
  • Bid on fabulous items in the silent auction or purchase a raffle ticket for your chance to win $15,000. All proceeds support the NFDA Political Action Committee (PAC).
• Pursuit of Excellence
  • Discover which funeral homes earned a 2011 Pursuit of Excellence Award for their outstanding programs and services; commitment to going beyond the expectations of the families and communities they serve; and adherence to high ethical standards.
  • Get inspired by these innovative programs and services for families and communities, including the Best of the Best Award-winning ideas.
  • See which NFDA-member funeral homes earned their 10th Pursuit of Excellence Award and will be inducted into the Hall of Excellence.
  • Register for next year's Pursuit of Excellence program at a special convention-only price.

NFDA Central is open:

• Saturday and Sunday, October 22 and 23: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Monday and Tuesday, October 24 and 25: 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 26: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Discover Innovative Products and Services in the Expo Hall

The 2011 NFDA Convention Expo is the world's largest annual funeral service trade show and features the newest and most exciting products, services and innovations from around the world. Get a sneak preview of the Expo Hall and start planning the booths you want to visit first by visiting the 2011 Expo Online.

When you're in the Expo Hall, don't miss:

• The CANA Cremation Pavilion, located in the center of the Expo Hall. This area continues CANA's tradition of showcasing the latest products and services to help all funeral professionals improve their cremation businesses.
• The International Pavilion, when you can find answers to questions about funeral service around the world, including repatriation and global funeral customs.

The Expo Hall will be open on October 24 and October 25 from noon-5 p.m., and on October 26 from 10 a.m.-noon.

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, Case New Holland, Cemetery Funeral Supply, Deaton-Kennedy Company, Director's Select Retirement Plan (DSRP), Doric Products Inc., Funeral Call, Homesteaders Life Company, Illinois Funeral Directors Association and Messenger.