The Future of Funeral Service: 2023 NFDA Leadership Conference Explores Where the Funeral Profession Has Been and Where it’s Going
Brookfield, Wis. – From exploring the human of tomorrow to a behind-the-scenes look at Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) will bring together leaders from state and national funeral service associations – and future leaders in the profession – to explore where funeral service has been and where it is going during the 2023 Leadership Conference, taking place June 25-28 at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, Arizona.
During the 2023 Leadership Conference, attendees will hear from a variety of experts and leaders – both from outside of and within funeral service – who will help them explore how leaders can learn from the past in order to pave the way for a bright future. These experts include Cassie Chandler, a leadership expert and former FBI special agent assistant director, and Bob Harris, one of the country’s foremost association management experts. Attendees will also hear from Tim Purves, whose funeral home was entrusted with looking after the Scottish element of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral arrangements, and Lynda Cheldelin Fell, an expert on compassion fatigue and burnout.
NFDA will lay the groundwork for its future with the election of at-large representatives. For those interested in leadership opportunities with NFDA, Immediate Past President Randy Anderson and President-elect Dutch Nie will lead a special discussion about what it takes to serve on the Board of Directors and the process for becoming a candidate.
State and national funeral service association leaders will have an opportunity to celebrate the graduation of the 2022-23 class of NFDA’s National Emerging Leaders Program. This year-long program, which begins and ends at the NFDA Leadership Conference, helps funeral directors develop leadership skills that will serve them well in any setting they may find themselves – their funeral home, their state or national association, their community, and beyond. More information about this program is available at www.nfda.org/emergingleaders.
The Leadership Conference wouldn’t be complete without the popular “Breakouts? by Office” discussions during which association officers and executives break into peer groups to talk about challenges they are facing in their roles and share strategies for success.
Meet and Mingle in Arizona
Attendees can kick off their Leadership Conference experience on June 25 by hitting the links at Grayhawk Golf Club. Established in 1994, Grayhawk Golf Club offers high quality play and spectacular views of the Sonoran Desert. It has hosted competitive tournaments at the highest levels of professional and amateur golf but is an entertaining course for the weekend golfer (optional event; registration required).
Also on June 25, attendees are invited to reconnect with old friends and make new ones during the complimentary Welcome Reception.
On the evening of June 27, attendees will gather for A Southwest Soiree at the renowned Heard Museum of American Indian Art. The Heard Museum sets the standard for collaborating with American Indian artists and tribal communities to provide visitors with a distinctive perspective about the art of Native people, especially those from the Southwest. Attendees can explore this internationally recognized museum while enjoying delectable southwestern cuisine and refreshing beverages. To round out their experience at The Heard Museum, attendees will take in performances by Native American musicians and dancers (optional event; registration required).
After attending education sessions in the morning, Leadership Conference attendees have the afternoon to relax, network and enjoy Phoenix. Whether they want to explore nature, indulge in a shopping excursion, tour art museums or savor Phoenix’s unique cuisine, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Attendees can begin planning their adventure by visiting www.visitphoenix.com.
Registration Information
Attendees can register for the Leadership Conference online at www.nfda.org/leadershipwww. or by calling NFDA at 800-228-6332. Registration includes presentations, handouts, continental breakfasts and the Welcome Reception.
· NFDA Member – includes CE
o On or Before May 26: $495; After May 26: $545
· Nonmember – includes CE
o On or Before May 26: $735; After May 26: $785
· Non-licensed Family Member/Guest – no CE
o On or Before May 26: $225; After May 26: $275
· Golf at Grayhawk Golf Club
o On or Before May 26: $150; After May 26: $170
· A Southwest Soiree at the Heard Museum of American Indian Art
o Adult: On or Before May 26: $139; After May 26: $149
o Child (16 and under): On or Before May 26: $50; After May 26: $60
Advance registration closes June 16. For complete details about the 2022 NFDA Leadership Conference, visit www.nfda.org/leadership or call 800-228-6332.
About the Arizona Biltmore
Building on the legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural style, the Arizona Biltmore has been transformed into a resort of innovative delight. Updated with a chic edge of its very own, the Biltmore is for those seeking elegant adventures beautifully wrapped in a level of personalized service and attention to detail not typically found in resorts of this size. The Biltmore offers seven pools, an on-site golf course, curated retail shops and daily resort activities. Other resort amenities include fitness center access with fitness classes; guest room internet; one-hour cruiser bike use, daily; and admittance to “The Twist” water slide. Rooms may be reserved in the NFDA block for a discounted rate of $199 plus taxes and fees per night at www.nfda.org/leadership.
NFDA thanks the following companies for their support of the 2023 Leadership Conference: ASD – Answering Service for Directors; Tribute Technologies; Atlantic Coast Life Insurance Company; Federated Insurance; Heartland; and NOMIS Publications Inc.
NFDA is the world’s leading and largest funeral service association, serving more than 20,000 individual members who represent nearly 11,000 funeral homes in the United States and 49 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.
