NFDA News

From the world-renown Family History Library and the headquarters of Ancestry.com to the drama of the 2002 Winter Olympics and its unique role in American history as the “Crossroads of the West,” Salt Lake City, Utah, is a city of stories. Taking place October 14 through 17 in Salt Lake City, Utah, the 2018 NFDA International Convention & Expo will enable you to write a new chapter in the story of your career as you experience unparalleled opportunities for learning, networking, and discovering new products and services. The early-bird registration deadline (save up to $100) is September 14 and the hotel deadline is September 19.

The theme of storytelling will play out in a number of ways during the 2018 NFDA Convention, starting with the big reveal of the winners of the RememberingALife.com Film Contest during the Monday general session.   

The film contest, sponsored by NFDA, inspired filmmakers to create films that commemorate the life story of someone who has died, or pay tribute to someone who is still alive. The winning films – selected from 85 submissions from around the world – will be showcased in the interactive RememberingALife.com Area where attendees can learn about NFDA’s new consumer initiative and the tools and resources to help them educate families about planning and preplanning funerals, memorialization and grief. More information about the film contest is available at www.rememberingalife.com/filmcontest.

The education you need to build thriving businesses that help families honor and celebrate the life stories of their loved ones can only be found at the NFDA Convention. Engaging education sessions will cover embalming and restorative art, business management, the value of ceremony, cremation, marketing and community outreach. Experts such as Dominick Astorino, Caitlin Doughty, Jason Troyer, T. Scott Gilligan, Wallace Hooker, Martha Thayer, Mark Evely and others, will lead idea-packed workshops during the 2018 Convention.

The NFDA Convention also features the world's largest funeral expo. You will have an opportunity to meet with vendor partners whose innovative products, services and technologies will help you run efficient businesses focused on helping families commemorate their loved ones. Many exhibitors plan to introduce new products to the funeral service profession during the 2018 NFDA Convention.

The NFDA Convention attracts more funeral professionals than any other gathering in the world. This diverse assemblage from throughout the United States and around the world offers matchless opportunities to network and exchange ideas. NFDA's exclusive social events will give you an opportunity to forge new friendships and renew old ones while enjoying Salt Lake City.

You’re sure to walk away with plenty of stories from the Welcome Party, Funeral Service Foundation’s Bow Tie Classic (named in honor of NFDA Past President and Foundation Trustee Bob Biggins who died in April), Funeral Directors Under 40 Party and the fabulous Oktoberfest closing celebration at Snowbird, a beautiful mountain-top resort. And, don’t miss the special tours we’ve planned to help you explore Salt Lake City.

If you’re joining us in Salt Lake City, you can choose from several reasonably-priced hotels within walking distance of the Salt Palace Convention Center. The NFDA Convention website, www.nfda.org/saltlake2018, has complete details about each hotel; you can use the NFDA Housing Bureau to compare hotel rates and amenities, and make reservations. While the deadline to book hotel rooms is September 19, we encourage you to book a room rooms now because, as in years past, our room blocks will sell out.

Up-to-the minute information about the 2018 NFDA International Convention & Expos is available at www.nfda.org/saltlake2018. Don’t forget … you can save up to $100 when register by September 14.