We’re just days away from gathering in the vibrant city of Chicago for the 2025 NFDA International Convention & Expo – four unforgettable days of inspiration, learning and connection!
Whether you’ve already registered or plan to do so onsite, here are a few important things to know to make the most of your time at funeral service’s biggest event of the year.
Before You Go, Download the My NFDA Mobile App
Get ready to experience Convention your way! The My NFDA App, sponsored by Tribute Technology, is your key to schedules, speaker details, maps, networking and more. You’ll also need it to earn CE credits! Download or update the app before you arrive (or stop by the registration desk for help).
First Time at Convention?
Welcome! You’re in for an incredible experience.
Take a few moments to watch our video series packed with tips and tricks for navigating taking the NFDA Convention.
Don’t miss out on our First Timer’s Orientation where you can meet other funeral directors and learn how to take advantage of all the NFDA Convention has to offer. Meet at the Registration Desk in the North Hall, Grand Concourse Lobby:
• Sunday, October 26, 10:00 – 10:45 a.m.
• Monday, October 27, 9:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Ride in Style
While some hotels are just a short walk to the convention center, NFDA is offering shuttle transportation to and from the McCormick Place and the Fairmont Chicago, Hyatt Regency Chicago. Shuttle stops are located within walking distance of nearby hotels, including the Swissôtel and Radisson Blu. Download the NFDA Convention app and click the check the "Shuttle Schedule" link for details.
Pick up Your Badge
The first thing you should do when you arrive at McCormick Place is swing by the registration desk to print your badge at our self-serve kiosks. If you haven’t registered yet or want to upgrade your Expo-only pass to experience the full convention, our registration team will be happy to assist.
You must wear your badge at all times during the convention – it’s your ticket into sessions, the expo hall, and more. Plus, it’ll help you remember the names of all the colleagues you meet in Chicago!
Don’t Miss NFDA Central
It’s your job to offer support and care when grieving families need it most. It’s our job at NFDA to offer care and support to you. Stop by NFDA Central to learn how NFDA delivers the support you need:
NFDA Membership:
Not a member yet? Now’s the perfect time to join the world’s largest funeral service association. Find out how NFDA can provide you with the resources to help you and your firm adapt and grow. Already a member? Stop by to renew your membership and/or music/webcasting license. Plus, receive a free gift when you renew your NFDA firm membership!
NFDA Store:
Looking for the perfect gift for the families you serve or tools to help you succeed? The NFDA Store offers everything you need, including books, Remembering A Life community-outreach materials, and NFDA swag!
Funeral Service Foundation:
The Foundation offers academic and professional-development scholarships, free resources, and grants to support funeral service. Visit their booth to learn how you can benefit from scholarships and resources or make a gift that impacts the profession.
Impact Zone:
Funeral directors have always been among the most community-minded professionals you’ll ever meet. Every day, you care for families during their most difficult moments, but your compassion extends far beyond the funeral home. You coach youth sports, volunteer with local charities, serve on civic boards, organize blood drives and food collections, and quietly step up whenever their communities are in need.
That same spirit of service is what the NFDA Impact Zone celebrates. Whether it’s assembling hygiene kits for those experiencing hardship or writing letters of gratitude to our nation’s veterans, these projects reflect the heart of funeral service: compassion in action.
On Monday, October 27 from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., you can help assemble 1,000 hygiene kits for people in need. The kits will be distributed through Bright Star, a local organization supporting Chicago’s most impoverished communities, with coordination by Chicago Cares.
Throughout the week – Monday through Wednesday, October 27–29 – attendees have been writing letters of appreciation to Honor Flight veterans from throughout the state of Illinois. The letters will be delivered during the veterans’ “Mail Call,” a moving tribute as they return home from visiting memorials in Washington, D.C.
Something for Everyone
Have you picked the education sessions you’re attending? With over 30 to choose from, there’s something for everyone! Check out the schedule online or in the app. Pro Tip: Use the Schedule feature in the app to create a personal itinerary of sessions and events.
Get Inspired
Don’t miss our General Sessions! We have two amazing keynote speakers – Felipe Gomez on Monday and Crystal Washington on Wednesday – as well as the All-Star Recognition Ceremony and the Service of Remembrance, which will celebrate the rich history of gospel music and its deep roots in Chicago. Be sure to add them to your schedule in the app!
Explore the Expo
The NFDA Convention features the world’s largest funeral service expo, where you’ll discover the newest products, services, and innovations from around the globe.
Connect and Share
We love seeing your convention experiences! Be sure to tag us on social media using #NFDA2025.
Have a Question?
If you need anything onsite, just look for a member of the NFDA staff – they will be wearing bright yellow lanyards with their Convention badges. They’ll be happy to help answer your questions or point you in the right direction.
The countdown is almost over and Chicago is ready to welcome you! Come ready to learn, connect and celebrate the profession we love. Safe travels, and we’ll see you soon for an unforgettable NFDA International Convention & Expo!