NFDA News

NFDA Keynote Speakers Set the Tone for Convention Adventures 

Las Vegas is known for having it all and, no matter what your interests, you can choose your own adventure at the 2023 NFDA International Convention & Expo. 

Taking place September 10-13 (one month earlier than usual) in Las Vegas, Nevada, you can customize their NFDA Convention experience by choosing adventures to help you learn, grow, connect and return home refreshed, ready to serve grieving families and build thriving businesses. 

As you plan your NFDA Convention adventures, our keynote speakers will serve as guideposts, illuminating critical issues impacting the profession.

Monday, September 11: Momentum: Accelerate Your Performance Without the Burnout presented by Suneel Gupta, author and Harvard Medical School visiting scholar

In the face of an exhaustion epidemic, it’s time to rethink how we view high performance. Grit and hustle have their place but are also scientifically associated with burnout. Suneel Gupta helps organizations increase performance, innovation, and creativity by showing why high-potential individuals and teams fizzle out. Gupta’s will help you discover how extraordinary leaders have reached breakthrough levels of productivity, resilience, fulfillment and momentum. Gupta’s keynote speech is sponsored by Homesteaders Life Company. 

Tuesday, September 12: Hacking the Rockstar Attitude: How to Ignite Rockstar Performance During Uncertain Times presented by Mark Schulman, world-class drummer, speaker and author

Mark Schulman’s high-energy, dynamic presentation can best be described as a rock show disguised as a keynote. In his engaging, interactive and entertaining performance, Schulman focuses on three core principles: attitude, behavior and consequences. You can’t always control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude, which drives your behavior and determines your consequences. You will walk away with a blueprint for how to incorporate rock ‘n’ roll philosophy, techniques and swagger in order to overcome obstacles, drive performance and energize your work and personal life. 

Wednesday, September 13: Embracing AI Technology: Practical Tools and Strategies for Funeral Directors presented by Dennis Yu, CEO, BlitzMetrics

Curious about the AI (artificial intelligence) technologies that are revolutionizing the business landscape? Dennis Yu will delve into the fascinating and often confusing world of AI. NFDA has randomly selected a mix of members to implement simple changes to enhance their marketing. Yu will reveal the results live and share action guides so you can immediately start using AI to optimize your website, edit videos, create ad campaigns and more. Yu will also fill share common pitfalls that come with using AI such as hallucinations, false information, accidental plagiarism and SEO penalties.

Apply for a Convention Scholarship

All funeral directors, interns and apprentices licensed (or working) in the U.S. or Canada are invited to apply for scholarships to attend the NFDA convention. The Funeral Service Foundation will award up to 20 all-inclusive scholarships, each valued at $2,000, that cover registration fees, three night’s lodging and up to $500 in travel reimbursement. Attendees must apply online by the July 5 deadline. 

Register and Make Hotel Reservations Today

There are so many adventures to be had during the 2023 NFDA International Convention & Expo. When you register on or before August 23 to take advantage of early-bird pricing; after August 23, prices will increase by $100. 

With a variety of registration options, attendees can find the one that best meets their needs. New this year is the Expo Plus registration. A step up from the Expo Only registration, Expo Plus includes the Welcome Party, the opening general session and Service of Remembrance, All-star Recognition Ceremony, and, of course, access to the Expo Hall (does not include access to workshops, CE or the general sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday). 

Maritz Global Events is the official hotel bureau for the 2023 NFDA International Convention & Expo. Maritz enables attendees to easily compare hotel prices and locations to find the accommodations that best meet their needs. 

Whether attendees prefer to stay in the heart of The Strip or near the Las Vegas Convention Center, all hotels in NFDA’s room block are less than a 10-minute walk to the convention center. Maritz’s simple booking process – and friendly, helpful staff – will make finding accommodations and managing reservations a breeze. Reservations must be made by August 17. 

The latest information, including information on how to register and make hotel reservations, is available at www.nfda.org/Convention or by calling 800-228-6332.