For Immediate Release: May 1, 2018

Brookfield, Wis. – From the world-renown Family History Library and the headquarters of Ancestry.com to the drama of the 2002 Winter Olympics and its unique role in American history as the “Crossroads of the West,” Salt Lake City, Utah, is a city of stories.  Registration and housing for the 2018 National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) International Convention & Expo is now open. Taking place October 14 through 17 in Salt Lake City, Utah, the 2018 NFDA Convention will enable attendees to write a new chapter in the story of their careers as they experience unparalleled opportunities for learning, networking, and discovering new products and services.

The idea of storytelling will play out in a number of ways during the 2018 NFDA Convention, starting with the event’s two keynote speakers, former First Lady of the United States Laura Bush and former Mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani.

Mrs. Bush and Giuliani have compelling stories to share about their time in office and service to our nation. Mrs. Bush is an advocate for literacy, education and human rights. During her keynote address, Mrs. Bush will discuss her time as First Lady of the United States, her reflections on 9/11, her passion for education and the work of the George W. Bush Institute. Giuliani was widely lauded for his steady hand during one of our nation’s most challenging times. His keynote address is titled Principled Leadership: In the Face of Change and Crisis.

During the NFDA Convention, the winners of the Remembering a Life Film Contest will be revealed.  The film contest, sponsored by NFDA, inspires filmmakers to create films that commemorate the life story of someone who has died, or pay tribute to someone who is still alive. The winning films will be showcased in the interactive Remembering a Life venue where attendees can learn about NFDA’s new consumer initiative and the tools and resources to help them educate families about planning and preplanning funerals, memorialization and grief. More information about the film contest is available at www.nfda.org/filmcontest.

The education funeral professionals need to build thriving businesses that help families honor and celebrate the life stories of their loved ones can only be found at the NFDA Convention. Engaging education sessions will cover embalming and restorative art, business management, the value of ceremony, cremation, marketing and community outreach. Experts such as Dominick Astorino, Caitlin Doughty, Jason Troyer, T. Scott Gilligan, Wallace Hooker, Martha Thayer, Mark Evely and others, will lead idea-packed workshops during the 2018 Convention.

The NFDA Convention also features the world's largest funeral expo. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet with vendor partners whose innovative products, services and technologies will help them run efficient businesses focused on helping families commemorate their loved ones. Many exhibitors plan to introduce new products to the funeral service profession during the 2018 NFDA Convention.

The Expo Hall will be open Monday and Tuesday, October 15 and 16 from noon to 5 p.m.; and on Wednesday, October 17 from 9 a.m. to noon.

The NFDA Convention attracts more funeral professionals than any other gathering in the world. This diverse assemblage from throughout the United States and around the world offers matchless opportunities to network and exchange ideas.

A lot of networking happens during workshops and in the Expo Hall, but NFDA's exclusive social events give attendees an opportunity to cement new friendships and renew old ones while enjoying Salt Lake City. Attendees are sure to walk away with plenty of stories from the Welcome Party, Funeral Service Foundation’s Bow Tie Classic (named in honor of NFDA Past President and Foundation Trustee Bob Biggins who died in April), Funeral Directors Under 40 Party and the fabulous Oktoberfest closing celebration at Snowbird, a beautiful mountain-top resort.

Register Now and Book your Hotel

Attendees can save $100 when they register for the NFDA Convention on or before September 7. Those who wish to take advantage of early-bird pricing should visit www.nfda.org/saltlake2018 or call 800-228-6332 to register.

Attendees 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; attendees 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, those who are planning to attend the NFDA Convention are encouraged to book their rooms early because, as in years past, NFDA room blocks will sell out.

About Salt Lake City

When it’s time to relax after the Convention’s activities are done for the day, Salt Lake City can’t be beat. Whether attendees are into the great outdoors, high-end shopping, sports, or the arts, the 2018 NFDA Convention host city has it all. And, with 1,800 restaurants and 180 bars, the nightlife in Salt Lake City offers many unexpected surprises. Visit www.visitsaltlake.com and learn more about what this dynamic city has to offer.

About NFDA

NFDA is the world's leading and largest funeral service association, serving more than 20,000 individual members who represent more nearly 11,000 funeral homes in the United States and 39 countries around the world. NFDA is the trusted leader, beacon for ethics and the strongest advocate for the profession. NFDA is the association of choice because it offers funeral professionals comprehensive educational resources, tools to manage successful businesses, guidance to become pillars in their communities and the expertise to foster future generations of funeral professionals. NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.nfda.org.

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Contact: Jessica Koth, 262-814-1536, jkoth@nfda.org