All times shown are Eastern Time.

NFDA does not endorse and is not responsible for views expressed by the speakers.
Workshop recordings will be available for purchase in the NFDA store.

7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Volunteer Opportunity: Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity

Join NFDA as we help Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake improve a Baltimore community and make home ownership a reality for a local family. There are three easy ways to support Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake:

  • Volunteer for the day
  • Donate
  • Sponsor the build

To make a donation or to sponsor this event, download the Habitat for Humanity online donation and sponsorship form.

7:30 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. | Dover Port Mortuary Orientation

Dover Port Mortuary Orientation

Group #1* bus leaves the convention center at 7 a.m. with orientation beginning at 9 a.m. at Dover.
Group #2* bus leaves the convention center at 10 a.m. with orientation beginning at 12 p.m. at Dover.
Orientations are 90 minutes.

Dover Air Force Base (AFB) is located in the “First State” at the center of the Delmarva-Delaware, Maryland and Virginia - Peninsula. Dover AFB is home to the Department of Defense’s largest aerial port and approximately 11,000 Airmen and joint service members, civilians and families. Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations is charged with fulfilling the nation’s sacred commitment of ensuring dignity, honor and respect to the fallen and care, service and support to their families. Join us for an on-site, guided experience exploring our nation’s one-of-a-kind Dover Port Mortuary.

Price: $40 bus fare
Dress: Casual

Registration for this event is closed.

7:30 a.m - 4 p.m | Preconvention Seminar

NFDA Cremation Certification Program (7 CE hours)

Compliance & Legal Cremation
Michael Nicodemus
Vice President, Cremation Services | NFDA

Whether you currently own or operate a crematory, are thinking of opening one, or want to evaluate a third-party crematory, this training is essential 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. NFDA offers 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 manual. CE and certification require passing the online Cremation Certification Test. (7 CE hours)

Separate registration required

Onsite Registration: 7:30  – 8 a.m.

$525 NFDA members and qualifying nonmembers
$695 nonmember funeral directors
$160 mortuary students

Fee includes refreshments and lunch.

Online registration is now closed. Member Service Representatives are available to register you over the phone at 800-228-6332, Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT through Wednesday, October 5.

Onsite registration opens on Saturday, October 8 at 7:30 a.m. 

Registration for this event is closed.

8 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. | NFDA Arranger Training

NFDA Arranger Training (up to 8 CE hours)

Professional Skills
Melissa Posey Loose, MA, LFD, CCO
Training and Development Manager | NFDA

Learn how to deliver attentive service before, during, and after the arrangement conference through NFDA’s own creative five-step process. This high-energy, interactive program provides those meeting with families the tools to convey the value of the their Deathcare offerings, support families, and design memorable life-honoring events. Through a combination of small- and large-group discussions, problem-solving and creative collaboration, attendees will leave with fresh approaches for meeting families’ needs both inside and outside of the arrangement conference room. (Up to 8 CE hours)

Separate registration required

Onsite Registration: 7:30 – 8 a.m.

$495 NFDA members and qualifying nonmembers
$625 nonmember funeral directors
$160 mortuary students

Fee includes refreshments and lunch.

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COMPLIMENTARY registration is available for registered apprentices attending with their preceptor or paying registrant from the funeral home at which they are working.

Documentation of a current apprenticeship registration, such as a letter from the state licensing body or from the Funeral Service professional sponsoring the apprenticeship, must be provided to NFDA at the time of Arranger Training registration.

CE credit will not be issued for the apprentice attending with this complimentary registration.

Call Member Services at 1-800-228-6332 to register for this special offer.

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Online registration is now closed. Member Service Representatives are available to register you over the phone at 800-228-6332, Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT through Wednesday, October 5.

Onsite registration opens on Saturday, October 8 at 7:30 a.m. 

Registration for this event is closed.

8 a.m - 5 p.m. | Preconvention Seminar

Certified Celebrant Training (17 CE hours) Seminar Day 2 of 3

Business Operations Customer Service Professional Skills
Glenda Stansbury
InSight Institute
Matt Bailey
President | Bailey Family Funeral Homes

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 incorporate religious rites into memorial services now so how can you fill that gap? Many funeral homes look to celebrants and find it most economical to train their staff to accommodate this growing demand for customized services. A certified celebrant works with a funeral director to provide a funeral service, memorial service or tribute that is personalized to reflect the personality and  life of the deceased. (17 CE hours through InSight Institute)

Separate registration required
This is a 3-day seminar

$865 NFDA members or eligible non-funeral directors
$995 nonmember funeral directors

The rates above are for a 3-day seminar. Fee includes light meals and refreshments.

Registration for this event is closed.

12 P.M. - 5 P.M. | NFDA Central

NFDA Membership
If you’re not already, this is the perfect time to become a member of the world’s largest funeral service association. Discover how NFDA can provide you with the resources you need, when you need them, to help you and your firm adapt and grow in the future. And if you are an NFDA member, then stop by to renew your NFDA membership and/or music/webcasting licenses.

NFDA Store
Shop for the latest products, community-outreach materials, NFDA merchandise and Remembering A Life items.

Funeral Service Foundation
The Funeral Service Foundation awards a variety of academic and professional development scholarships, offers professional and community resources, and makes grants to organizations that advance its mission of investing in people and programs to strengthen funeral service and lift up grieving communities. Learn how the Foundation offers support for every stage of your career, and how you can make a gift that will impact the profession.

NFDA Live
Join NFDA’s podcast host, Gabe Schauf, at the NFDA Live stage to hear 15-minute interviews with industry movers and shakers, as well as special guests. Be a part of our live Facebook stream and explore the hottest topics in funeral service! Watch last year's NFDA Live interviews. A daily schedule will be available closer to the event.

NFDA Advocacy
NFDA has your back in Washington, D.C. Whether it’s veterans’ funeral and burial issues, federal mass fatality planning and response, small business and tax issues, body broker legislation, or representing your views to the EPA, OSHA, DoL, DoD, FTC, Congress and the White House, never doubt that your national association works to advocate for legislation and regulation that positively impacts your profession and business.