Home Conferences Call for Presentations

Online submission closes December 31, 2025

Are you an expert in elevating funeral businesses to new levels of performance and service? Submit your innovative, thought-provoking, and actionable presentation to share with funeral directors from over 40 countries at the NFDA International Convention & Expo!

Submissions Are Now Open! The Call for Presentations are open for the 2026 NFDA International Convention and will close on December 31, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. (CST). 

NFDA International Convention & Expo

October 25 – 28, 2026 I Charlotte, NC

What makes a standout proposal? 

  • Engaging and entertaining presentations
  • Immediately applicable strategies
  • Tangible, impactful takeaways 

How It Works

  1. Submit your session proposals through the online portal. Submissions may be considered for multiple events. 
  2. Our committee will evaluate each proposal and make selections based on topic, content, and alignment with the mission of the National Funeral Directors Association. All those who submit proposals will be notified after the selection process. 
  3. Deadline for submissions: December 31, 2025
  4. Questions? Visit the FAQ at the bottom of the page. 

Ready to submit your proposal for the 2026 NFDA International Convention & Expo? 

Apply Now

If you have any questions about NFDA's Call for Presentations process, please email education@nfda.org. 

Please note: Educational session must not include product or company-specific sales pitches. Online submission closes December 31, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. (CST). All deadlines are final, and no extensions will be granted.

Tips for Submitting a Winning Proposal

1. Know Your Audience.

  • 67% of attendees' primary role is owner/manager
  • 60% of 2023 attendees listed education sessions as their primary reason for attending

Average-Age-Membership            Attendees-Primary-Position

2. Choose Your Topic Area.

Your one-hour session should fall into at least one of eight topics, including business operations, compliance and legal, consumer care, disposition, embalming and restorative art, innovation and technology, marketing, or professional development.

3. Get Noticed! 

tips to create a workshop proposal that stands out!

4. Complete Your Proposal!

Proposals must be submitted via the online submission form. No more than two proposals may be submitted per individual and/or company.

  • write a clear and concise session description that specifies what attendees will learn 
  • include at least three distinct and specific learning objectives
  • include past presentation experience in your biography
  • adhere to word limits

All proposers will be notified via email by March 15, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone can submit a proposal. It is not necessary to be an NFDA member.

Sunday, December 31, 2024 at 5 p.m. CST.

NFDA strives to be fair, thoughtful, and transparent with respect to its speaker compensation policies as well as consistent with standards among non-profit associations. As such, NFDA does not pay volunteer presenters or cover travel expenses. All selected presenters do receive one complimentary full convention registration valued at up to $990.

NFDA Convention presenters receive valuable professional exposure at the largest and most prestigious gathering of funeral service professionals in the world. Your name and credentials will be promoted on the NFDA website, in a variety of print and electronic marketing materials, and the Convention App. Presenters are in a position to influence the practice of funeral service and the future of the profession. As an NFDA presenter, you will receive one complimentary full convention registration.

Individuals are limited to two proposals. In addition, no more than two proposals from any one company will be accepted.

Yes, you may have up to two co-presenters. Their contact information must be included in your online submission.

The Convention Education Task Force is comprised of NFDA members from across the country. The Task Force reviews fully complete, non-commercial proposals that meet the submission requirements. Selection criteria include:

  • A clearly written session description that offers new ideas, tools or strategies for funeral businesses to enhance service and growth
  • Specific business benefits and learning objectives are clearly stated
  • Value of the proposer's credentials, depth of knowledge and professional experience
  • Contribution of the content to the overall balance of the Convention programming

All proposers will be notified via email by March 15, 2025.

If you have any questions about NFDA’s Call for Presentations process, please email education@nfda.org.