Since 2008, NFDA Convention attendees have given back to their host city by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. Once again, volunteers will gather on Saturday, October 19, to help give a piece of the American dream – a home – to a family in need. There are three easy ways to support NFDA’s Habitat project: volunteer at the build site, make a donation to Habitat for Humanity in Charlotte or become a sponsor.

 

The 2013 Funeral Service Foundation Golf Classic will take place on Sunday, October 20, at the Avery Ranch Golf Club. This spectacular course, with natural limestone caverns, knobby live-oak trees, rolling hills and meandering streams and lakes, creates an unparalleled experience for both novice and expert golfers. The registration fee will help the Foundation continue to attract, retain and educate funeral service professionals; promote the value of the deathcare profession to the public; provide scholarships to funeral service students and professionals; and support children’s grief programs.

NFDA President Bob Rosson and his wife Beth Rosson invite you to join them on Sunday, October 20, to kick off the 2013 NFDA Convention with a Texas tailgate at Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium. Show your team spirit by wearing your home – or favorite – college team apparel to the annual Welcome Party. Enjoy game day food and Texas-style entertainment as you explore the home of the University of Texas Longhorns.

 

Celebrate fellow funeral directors who have achieved special recognitions at the All-Star Recognition Ceremony onMonday, October 21. Join NFDA as it honors individuals who have earned a 2013 NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award, the Certified Preplanning Consultant designation, the Certified Funeral Service Practitioner designation and more.

 

During this year’s Service of Remembrance on Tuesday, October 22, NFDA will honor members of the funeral service family who have died while learning about the rich traditions of Hispanic culture. Hispanics believe that not even death can remove the love and care a family has for each other. A funeral is a final act of love and devotion.

 

Those who attend the Funeral Directors Under 40 Party on Tuesday, October 22, will rock out and sing along to dueling pianos in the live music capital of the world. Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar features a combination of seasoned veterans and new talent playing today’s best music and familiar classics. It’s sure to be a night to remember.

 

Those who use “friend” as a verb, track their tweets or know what it means to link-up on LinkedIn will want to attend the Friends of Facebook (and Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+) Party on Tuesday, October 22. This is your chance to grab a cocktail, meet in-person and enjoy offline conversations while posting and tweeting about it.

 

2013 NFDA President Robby Bates and his wife Betty Bates invite attendees to celebrate the conclusion of the NFDA Convention at the new Boot Scootin’ Bash the evening of Wednesday, October 23. At this Texas-sized party, which will feature a “denim and diamonds” theme, attendees will look like native Texans whether they wear jeans and a cowboy hat or sparkle in western-inspired cocktail attire. They will have the chance to line dance to a country band in the live music capital of the world and enjoy a taste of some great Texas-style food. The Boot Scootin’ Bash will benefit Comfort Zone Camp, an organization that helps children as they start their grief journey following the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver.

 

In addition, NFDA has arranged exclusive tours and excursions to help attendees get to know the host city of Austin.

 

Complete details about special events and tours can be found by visiting the Convention website, www.nfda.org/austin2013, and clicking on the “Events/Tours” tab.

 

Attendees should note that while some events are complimentary and do not require them to register in advance, others do require advance registration.

 

The NFDA International Convention & Expo is the world’s largest gathering of funeral directors and helps attendees achieve more in their businesses. The latest information, including details on how to register for the Convention and reserve hotel rooms, can be found by visiting www.nfda.org/austin2013. Those who wish to attend convention can save up to $120 on the registration fee when they register on or before September 16.

 

The NFDA International Convention & Expo is generously supported by Federated Insurance, Frazer Consultants, NGL Insurance Group, Bass-Mollett Publishers, Batesville, Facultatieve Technologies, The HELPCard, Madelyn Company, Messenger, Nomis Publications Inc., Doric, Hunter Warfield, Live Oak Bank, Wilbert and Heaven’s Gate.

 

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.