NFDA Innovation Award Will Be Presented at 2011 Convention

Innovation abounds in the Expo Hall at the 2011 NFDA International Convention & Expo

Brookfield, Wis. – The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is looking to funeral service professionals to help select the recipient of the 2011 Innovation Award. Established in 2009, the NFDA Innovation Award recognizes and promotes creativity, innovation and excellence among funeral service suppliers and vendors. The winner will be announced on October 24 during the Opening General Session of the NFDA International Convention & Expo. The 2011 NFDA Convention, which will take place October 23-26 in Chicago, Ill., is being hosted in conjunction with the Cremation Association of North America (CANA).

Earlier this year, funeral service vendors and suppliers had an opportunity to submit a product or service that became commercially available after January 1, 2010, for consideration in the 2011 NFDA Innovation Award competition. A distinguished panel of funeral directors evaluated the 42 entries and selected five finalists:

• Fire Marshal Crematorium Monitoring Technology by Cremation Systems: Fire Marshal is a crematory monitoring technology designed to help prevent crematory fires. Most crematory fires start near the stack, in an area that is not visible to the crematory operator. Fire Marshall measures the temperature in the space next to the stack and alerts the operator when conditions are suitable for igniting a fire.

• At-Home Genetic Information Storage by DNA Capsule, LLC: The At-Home Genetic Information Storage by DNA Capsule stores a blood sample from a decedent in a triple-sealed container, protecting it from moisture and degeneration. This blood sample can be used by future generations to learn important information, such as whether they are predisposed to certain genetically-linked diseases, or provide valuable information that can be used for genealogical research.

• Safetyseal by Entry Japan KK: Safetyseal is a patented polymer gel delivery system that prevents bodily fluids from leaking from the nose and ears. A syringe and catheter mechanism makes injecting the gel into the nose and ears quick and easy; it eliminates the need to insert cotton or use powder polymers.

• The Tribute Book by funeralOne: A typical register book doesn’t tell a story, and neither does a photo album. The Tribute Book offers families the best of both worlds. Funeral firms can transform the traditional register book into a keepsake that tells the story of a decedent through customized text and photos.

• FuneralScreen Digital Signage Solution by Greene Valley Media Co.: FuneralScreen is the first digital signage solution available to funeral homes that utilizes cloud-based computing technology. Cloud computing allows funeral home staff to update the content on digital signs from any computer or mobile device with internet access.

Funeral professionals have until September 16 to visit www.nfdabizexchange.org/innovationaward and vote for the product or service they believe is the most innovative of the year. Votes will be combined with the judges’ scores to determine the winner of the 2011 NFDA Innovation Award.

Discover More Innovative Products and Services in the NFDA Expo Hall

The Expo at the 2011 NFDA International Convention & Expo is the world’s largest annual funeral service trade show and features the newest and most exciting products, services and innovations from around the world. The Expo Hall will be open on October 24 and October 25, from noon-5 p.m.; and on October 26, from 10 a.m.-noon.

For more than 90 years, deathcare professionals have counted on CANA to keep them informed about the most innovative ideas available in cremation. The CANA Cremation Pavilion, which will be located in the center of the NFDA Expo Hall, will continue CANA’s tradition of showcasing the latest products and services to help all funeral professionals improve their cremation businesses.

The International Pavilion is a one-stop international resource for finding answers to questions about funeral service around the world, including repatriation. More than a dozen countries and funeral service associations will be represented, making the International Pavilion a must-visit area for anyone who is doing business with funeral directors in other parts of the world or wants to learn more about global funeral customs.

The Business Exchange Sessions make their return to the NFDA Convention. During these 40-minute presentations, exhibitors will share information that will help funeral professionals overcome business challenges. These sessions are open to all convention attendees, including those who have received an “Expo Only” pass from an NFDA exhibiting company. No continuing education credits are offered for the Business Exchange Sessions.

Up-to-date information about the 2011 NFDA International Convention & Expo can be found by visiting www.nfda.org/Chicago2011. Information about the Expo can be found by clicking on the “Expo” tab.

NFDA and CANA are generously supported by Federated Insurance Company, Batesville Casket Company, Facultatieve Technologies, Frazer Consultants, Madelyn Company, Matthews International, Memories by Design, Nomis Publications, American Crematory Equipment, American Funeral Financial, Deaton-Kennedy Company, Director’s Select Retirement Plan (DSRP), Doric Products Inc., Funeral Call, Homesteaders Life Company and Messenger.

NFDA is the world’s leading funeral service association, serving 18,500 individual members who represent more than 9,900 funeral homes in the United States and 43 countries around the world. From its headquarters in Brookfield, Wis., and its Advocacy Division office in Washington, D.C., NFDA is the worldwide source of expertise and professional resources for all facets of funeral service. Through education, information and advocacy, NFDA is dedicated to supporting members in their mission to provide families with meaningful end-of-life services at the highest levels of excellence and integrity. For more information, visit www.nfda.org.