NFDA Convention Keynote Speakers Offer Fresh Perspectives August 28, 2024 Join your peers at the largest, most informative gathering of funeral service professionals in the world – the NFDA International Convention & Expo, taking place October 20-23 in New Orleans. Don’t miss our inspiring and engaging keynote speakers, who will illuminate critical issues and ignite your professional and personal journeys. Opening General Session – Monday October 21 Bonus Presentation: A Fresh Look at the Funeral Consumer (And Why Gen Z Might Be Your Biggest Fans!) presentated by Christine Pepper, NFDA CEO Consumer perceptions about funeral service, death and dying are shifting and the generational differences in what Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z want at the end of life may surprise you! NFDA CEO Christine Pepper presents some new research and key takeaways about how the funeral profession can adapt as younger generations become the funeral planning decision makers. Keynote Speaker: Visual Intelligence and the Art of Perception presented by Amy Herman, author, lawyer and art historian. In today’s fast-paced world, we often rely too heavily on assumptions and overlook critical details. Using art, Amy Herman will help you sharpen your observations, uncover hidden biases and enhance their communication skills. This highly interactive session, sponsored by National Guardian Life (NGL), promises to refresh your critical inquiry and leadership skills, making you more effective in your professional and personal interactions. Closing General Session – Wednesday, October 23: You Can’t Start a Fire Without a Spark: Finding Hope and Inspiration presented by Jason Arday, public speaker and professor at the University of Cambridge. Professor Jason Arday is a social commentator, presenter and public speaker, but at three years old, he was diagnosed with global development delay and autism spectrum disorder. He did not speak until he was 11 years old and could not read or write until he was 18. Overcoming these profound early-life challenges, Arday went on to become a trailblazing professor at the University of Cambridge. His journey is a testament to finding inspiration in unexpected places. His session, which is sponsored by Carriage, will explore how to harness resilience and motivation, providing invaluable insights that can be applied in your life and career. Register and Book Your Hotel Today The NFDA International Convention & Expo is the premier event in funeral service! Don't miss your chance to take your career and your business to the next level by learning and networking with the best, brightest and most innovative minds in funeral service. You can expect to: Expand your skill sets Connect in person with new and long-time colleagues Get inspired by compelling speakers Discover new solutions to your most pressing challenges Enjoy the vibrant city of New Orleans And much more! When you register for the NFDA International Convention & Expo on or before September 9 you will receive our special early-bird pricing. After September 9, prices will increase by $150. Click here to register now. Maritz Global Events is the official hotel bureau for the 2024 NFDA International Convention & Expo. Maritz enables you to easily compare hotel prices and locations to find the accommodation that best meets your needs. Maritz’s simple booking process – and friendly, helpful staff – will make booking a hotel room and managing reservations a breeze. Click here to make your reservation by September 26. The latest information, including information on how to register and make hotel reservations, is available at NFDA.org/Convention or by calling 800-228-6332 (+1-262-789-1880).