Create Unforgettable Philly Memories During 2016 NFDA Convention Social Events

A lot of networking happens during workshops and in the Expo Hall during the annual National Funeral Directors Association’s (NFDA) annual International Convention & Expo, but NFDA’s exclusive social events will give attendees an opportunity to cement new friendships and renew old ones. The 2016 NFDA Convention will take place October 23-26.

The social events, which were specially planned for NFDA Convention attendees, show why Philly was named the number one most exciting place to see in the U.S. in 2016 by the travel experts at Lonely Planet.

For the ninth year in a row, NFDA Convention attendees will give back to their host city by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. On Saturday, October 22, volunteers will help make home ownership a reality for a Philadelphia family. Whether attendees are home improvement experts or have never swung a hammer in their life, all are welcome to volunteer at the build site. Funeral professionals who aren’t able to help at the build site can support Greater Philadelphia Habitat for Humanity by making a monetary donation or by becoming a sponsor.

Join fellow funeral service professionals at Scotland Run Golf Club for the Eagle’s Wings Air^® & Inman Shipping^® Worldwide^® Golf Classic to benefit the Funeral Service Foundation on Sunday, October 23. Now in its sixteenth year, the annual fundraising event supports the Foundation’s mission to fund projects and programs that support all of funeral service in building meaningful relationships in the community. Named the number one course in the Philadelphia region by Business Week magazine, Scotland Run Golf Club is sure to offer players a unique and memorable golf experience.

NFDA President Bob Arrington, CCO, and his wife Judy invite you to join them on Sunday, October 23 for the Welcome Party in Grand Hall of the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This historic venue, formerly the Reading Railroad terminal train shed, will reunite attendees with old friends and help them make new ones. Attendees will dance the night away to The Cryptones, one of the hottest bands in funeral service. NFDA has also planned a few surprises for party guests.

Monday, October 24 is “Think Pink” Day for breast cancer awareness. NFDA Convention attendees are invited to don attire in honor of those courageously battling breast cancer and in memory of those who have died. If you forget to pack something pink, pick up a pink badge ribbon at registration to show your support.

Celebrate the shining stars of funeral service during the All-Star Recognition Ceremony on Monday, October 24. NFDA will recognize funeral professionals who are NFDA Certified Crematory Operators, NFDA Certified Preplanning Consultants, or APFSP Certified Funeral Service Practitioners. NFDA will also recognize funeral homes that have earned an NFDA Green Funeral Practice Certificate or a 2016 NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award – including Best of the Best Award recipients and 2016 Hall of Excellence inductees.

In July 1776, 56 men from all walks of life gathered to sign a historic document that gave birth to a nation. All of these men shared a vision for a country built on a foundation of freedom. But freedom did not come without sacrifice and, as these men signed the Declaration of Independence, they did so pledging “our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.” Join fellow Convention attendees in remembering the sacrifices made by the founding fathers and colonists who fought for our country’s independence, and honoring the memory of funeral service family members who have died during the Service of Remembrance on Tuesday, October 25.

The NFDA Convention will be on a roll for the Funeral Directors Under 40 Party on Tuesday, October 25. Join fellow Under 40s for a night on the town at Philadelphia’s Lucky Strike! Whether attendees enjoy the thrill of sending a bowling ball flying down the alley or want to try their hand at ping pong, billiards or shuffleboard, there will be plenty of fun for everyone.

2016-17 NFDA President Ashley Cozine, CFSP, CPC, CCO, and his wife Carolyn will bring the NFDA Convention to a close in style during Comic Relief –A New Twist on the “Political Party” on Wednesday, October 26. This special reception will take place at the exclusive Union League of Philadelphia, a private, members-only, Five Star Platinum club ranked #1 City Club in the nation! With the 2016 presidential election coming on the heels of the NFDA convention, a private performance by Washington, D.C.-based political comedy group, The Capitol Steps, is sure to get attendees’ vote. Whatever their political affiliation, attendees will be roaring as the renowned group “puts the mock in Democracy” at this private show.

NFDA has also arranged exclusive tours and excursions to help attendees get to know the host city of Philadelphia. Convention guests will register for city tours through TourSignUp.

Complete details about special events and tours can be found by visiting the Convention website, nfda.org/philly2016, and clicking on the “Agenda” link at the top of the page.

While many NFDA Convention social events are included with registration, others events require attendees to purchase a ticket.

The NFDA International Convention & Expo is the world’s largest gathering of funeral directors. This must-attend event will enable attendees to revolutionize their approach to funeral service through unparalleled opportunities for learning, networking, and discovering new products and services. The latest information, including details on how to register for the Convention and reserve hotel rooms, can be found by visiting nfda.org/philly2016 or calling 800-228-6332. Attendees can save up to $100 on the registration fee when they register on or before September 16.

NFDA thanks its 2016 International Convention & Expo sponsors:

• Platinum: FCA US LLC, Federated Insurance, NGL Insurance Group
• Gold: Bass-Mollett Publishers, Batesville, Frazer Consultants, Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions, Physicians Mutual
• Silver: ASD – Answering Service for Directors, Carriage Services, Homesteaders Life Company, Implant Recycling, Live Oak Bank, Madelyn Company, Nomis Publications Inc., FuneralOne
• Bronze: ClearPoint Federal Bank & Trust, Doric Products Inc., Forethought Life Insurance Company, Hunter Warfield, Kelco Supply Company, Link Manufacturing, LoveUrns LLC, Sich Casket Company, Wilbert

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.