Brookfield, Wis. – Registration is now open for the 2013 National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Leadership Conference, which will take place July 14-17 at the Grand Summit Hotel at Canyons Resort in Park City, Utah. This is the only event of its kind to offer current and aspiring state and national funeral service leaders the opportunity to explore issues related to leadership in funeral service and network with colleagues from around the country. After spending time with peers who have similar roles and responsibilities, attendees are sure to walk away with proven, ready-to-implement ideas to help them lead the profession to a bright future.

This year’s featured guest speaker will be Mary Byers, the author of Race for Relevance: 5 Radical Changes for Associations. On Tuesday, July 16, she will lead “Leadership by Design,” a working session that will offer attendees the time, space and guidance necessary to develop their vision for leadership. The session will provide participants with a chance to dig deep into what is really required for leadership through small group discussions and individualized work time. Attendees will also learn how six challenges facing associations today will impact their leadership and their association.

 

On Wednesday, July 17, during “Tough Talking: Initiating and Managing Tough Conversations,” Byers will explore how having difficult conversations can help you move forward both personally and professionally. She will describe the skills necessary to start uncomfortable discussions in a way that is non-threatening and leads to better understanding. This session is designed for anyone who holds a leadership position, whether it be in a state or national association or a funeral home.

 

Conference attendees will learn more about NFDA’s recent efforts to advance its relationships with state associations and discuss ways associations can work together to seamlessly serve their members and move the profession forward. NFDA will also host the popular “Breakout by Office” discussions during which association officers – president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and executive directors – can talk about issues unique to their role and share ideas for success. More information about the speakers and breakout sessions can be found at www.nfda.org/leadership.

 

Conference guests can reconnect with old friends and make new ones during the complimentary Welcome Reception on Sunday, July 14. On Tuesday evening, July 16, attendees can relax at a Sensational Evening on the Summit. Following a scenic gondola ride up the Wasatch Mountain, attendees will enjoy live energetic music from Jersey Street Band, dancing under the stars and a delicious Western Buffet (registration required).

 

In addition to valuable educational programs, attendees will have an opportunity to network with colleagues and friends during optional tours and excursions that NFDA has arranged (separate registration, which is on a first-come, first served basis, is required):

 

• Sunday, July 14
  • Golf Outing to Crater Springs Golf Course
  • Park City Whitewater Rafting
• Monday, July 15
  • Fly Fishing Excursion on the Provo River
  • Trap Shooting
• Tuesday, July 16
  • Utah Olympic Park Tour

Detailed tour descriptions and registration information can be found by visiting www.nfda.org/leadership. Attendees will register for most excursions through Harvest Moon Events; registration for the golf outing will be coordinated through NFDA.

 

The registration fees for the 2013 NFDA Leadership Conference are:

 

 

The registration deadline is June 27. Attendees can register online at www.nfda.org/leadership or by calling NFDA at800-228-6332.

 

NFDA has negotiated exclusive room rates at the Canyons Resort, which is nestled in the scenic Wasatch Mountains of Utah. The resort has a full-service spa and is a short drive to all of the dining and shopping that Park City has to offer. There are three hotels within the resort from which to choose:

• Grand Summit Hotel (the primary meeting location): standard guestroom $159 plus tax; one bedroom residence/suite $189 plus tax
• Sundial Lodge (approximately one block from the Grand Summit Hotel): standard guestroom $143 plus tax; one bedroom residence/suite $174 plus tax
• Silverado Lodge (approximately one block from the Grand Summit Hotel): standard guestroom $130 plus tax; one bedroom residence/suite $161 plus tax

 

For more information about the resort and how to make reservations, attendees should visit www.nfda.org/leadership. Hotel reservations must be made by June 12. Rooms are available on a first come, first served basis.

 

NFDA thanks the following companies for their generous support of the 2013 Leadership Conference: Federated Insurance, Homesteaders Life Company, Live Oak Bank and Messenger.

 

NFDA is the world’s leading and largest funeral service association, serving 19,700 individual members who represent more than 10,000 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.