Planning to attend the NFDA International Convention & Expo, October 14-17, in Salt Lake City? Why not come in a day early for in-depth learning during one of our five preconvention seminars?

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 2018 NFDA Convention. We’ve got engaging workshops tackling the pressing issues you face every day: technical skills, business management, the value of ceremony, marketing and community outreach, and grief and bereavement.

But, if you’re searching to explore a particular topic in a deep and meaningful way, one of our preconvention seminars might be what you’re looking for. 

Celebrant Training (hosted by NFDA and presented by InSight Institute) – October 12-14

Set your firm apart from the competition and offer more to the families you serve! As families’ wishes continue to evolve, it is more important than ever to offer a variety of services that meet their needs and exceed their expectations. Fewer families are incorporating religious rites into memorial services – how do you fill that gap? Many funeral homes look to celebrants and find it the most economical to train their staff to accommodate this growing demand for customized services. A certified celebrant works with the funeral director to provide a funeral service, memorial service or tribute that is personalized and individualized to reflect the personality and life of the deceased. Cost: $750 NFDA members or eligible non-funeral directors; $950 nonmember funeral directors; includes light meals and refreshments.

NFDA Arranger Training Seminar – October 13

Learn how to make the most of the arrangement conference through a creative, five-step process you’ll only discover here. This high-energy, interactive program provides you with the tools you need to convey the value of the funeral to families and partner with them to design memorable life tribute events. Through a combination of small- and large-group discussions, problem-solving and creative collaboration, you’ll leave with fresh approaches and new ideas to transform your arrangement conferences. Cost: $475 NFDA members and qualifying nonmembers; $605 nonmember funeral directors; $160 mortuary students; includes refreshments and lunch.

NFDA Cremation Certification Program – October 13

Whether you currently own or operate a crematory, are thinking of opening one, or want to evaluate a third-party crematory, this training is necessary for your success. NFDA’s Cremation Certification Program covers best practices for safe, proper, and ethical crematory operations, sets the standard for excellence, compliance, and integrity in cremation services, and provides the information you require to address potential cremation liability issues. It is the only cremation certification program specifically created to protect funeral directors and the families they serve. Seminar and test based on NFDA Cremation Standards for Funeral Service Professionals. CE and certification require passing the online Cremation Certification Test. Cost: $495 NFDA members and qualifying nonmembers; $655 non-member funeral directors; $160 mortuary students. Includes refreshments and lunch.    

NFDA Certified Preplanning Consultant seminar – October 13-14

Consumers demand service excellence and look for professional credentials. You can promote exceptional funeral preplanning and preneed standards by earning the internationally recognized NFDA Certified Preplanning Consultant™ designation. Ethics, preplanning principles, FTC compliance, basic contract law, customer service, funding options, communication skills, marketing principles, consultative sales, and the value of the funeral are covered. The CPC Standards Manual is the basis of the seminar and exam. You must be eligible to participate and prepare in advance (apply early!). The manual is shipped upon application approval. Cost: $495 NFDA members and qualifying nonmembers; $655 non-member funeral directors. Includes refreshments and lunch. 

The Vernie Fountain Files: Embalming, Restoration and Death Investigation presented by Vernie Fountain - October 14

Gain a better understanding why certain deaths are investigated, and what role the Medical Examiner and Death Investigator plays in such investigations. This information-packed seminar will examine head and eye trauma, crushing injuries, autopsy cases, wrapping and sealing techniques, gunshot wounds, soft tissue repair and much more. Learn tips and discuss techniques for use by embalmers when preparing various types of challenging cases – from the non-traumatic to the most severely traumatic cases. Cost: $155 NFDA members by September 7; $180 after September 7; nonmember funeral directors $240 by September 7; $265 after September 7; $80 mortuary students.

Separate registration or application is required for each of these seminars, so sign up today to guarantee your seat.

The early bird gets the worm – and can save up to $100. Don’t miss the September 14 early-bird registration deadline!

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.