Transforming Funeral Service: NFDA 2024 International Convention Inspires Global Community

Brookfield, Wis. – The 2024 National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) International Convention & Expo transformed the landscape for funeral service professionals, bringing together attendees from across the globe for a truly inspiring event from October 20-23 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Participants engaged in cutting-edge education, world-class exhibits and unparalleled networking opportunities, all designed to help them thrive in a rapidly evolving profession. As the largest gathering of funeral professionals worldwide, this year’s convention once again set the standard for excellence and leadership in the funeral service industry.

The total attendance for the 2024 NFDA Convention was 5,159 (3,504 participants and 2,015 exhibitor representatives). This total included 418 international attendees, representing 34 countries and territories. The Expo Hall featured 364 exhibiting companies which filled more than 87,500 square feet of exhibit space.

The NFDA Convention delivered an enriching experience, offering more than 30 dynamic education sessions and five pre-convention seminars. Curated by the NFDA Convention Education Task Force, these sessions provided actionable insights addressing both immediate business needs and future trends in funeral service, enabling funeral service professionals to apply their new knowledge when they returned home to their funeral homes.

Convention participants explored diverse topics such as emerging forms of disposition, including alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction, the integration of AI in serving families, managing compassion fatigue, serving diverse families and effective digital marketing strategies. Traditional subjects like embalming, restorative art and cremation were also featured prominently, ensuring valuable takeaways for funeral service professionals.

Additionally, NFDA featured two enlightening keynote speakers. At the Opening General Session, sponsored by National Guardian Life, art historian Amy Herman used art to help attendees enhance their observational skills, uncover biases and improve communication. During the Closing General Session, Professor Jason Arday shared his inspiring journey of overcoming early challenges with autism and global development delay, imparting valuable lessons on resilience and motivation. Sponsored by Carriage, Arday’s session resonated deeply with attendees, fostering both personal and professional growth.

The world’s largest funeral service trade show took center stage, showcasing innovative tools that empower funeral directors to better serve grieving families and deliver meaningful funerals. The NFDA Expo Hall displayed the latest products and services from 364 exhibitors, one-third of which were first-time participants in the convention, reflecting current industry trends and advancements.

The 2024 NFDA Convention in New Orleans offered an unforgettable blend of education, networking, and local culture. The event kicked off with the Funeral Service Foundation Golf Classic, where participants supported the Foundation’s mission while enjoying a day of competition at TPC Louisiana. Past NFDA Professional Women’s Conference participants reunited with peers at the ReConnect event, sponsored by National Guardian Life. The profession celebrated in style at the Welcome Party at Mardi Gras World, a lively evening filled with music, local flavors, and a festive atmosphere, sponsored in part by Legacy.com and Batesville.

Key events continued with the All-Star Recognition Ceremony, honoring funeral service professionals for their achievements, and the Funeral Professionals: Young and New event, which brought together new professionals for an evening of camaraderie, appetizers, cocktails and an exhilarating true crime tour of New Orleans.

Perhaps most memorable was the Service of Remembrance. This moving tribute to members of the funeral service community who died during the last year incorporated the traditions of a New Orleans jazz funeral, complete with first and second line processions from convention center to the streets of New Orleans. Sponsored by Argent, Messenger and Tukios, the Service of Remembrance was a highlight for many attendees.

All of these events fostered community and highlighted the profession’s shared commitment to service and excellence.

Funeral Directors Give Back

Attendees came together on October 19 for a day of giving back to the New Orleans community, reflecting the spirit of service inherent in the funeral profession. Ten volunteers worked with Rebuilding Together to make significant improvements to the residence of a military veteran, showcasing the profession’s commitment to service. NFDA thanks the following sponsors of the Rebuilding Together volunteer opportunity: Cooperative Funeral Fund Inc., Mathews International and the Nicodemus family. Additionally, attendees contributed $2,541 to Rebuilding Together in a collection taken up during the Service of Remembrance.

Additionally, participants laced up for the inaugural Lasting Legacies 5K Run/Walk on October 22, benefiting a local charity. This event provided a unique networking opportunity on the scenic grounds of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home and Cemetery, with proceeds supporting Save Our Cemeteries, an organization dedicated to the education and repair of New Orleans’ historical cemetery properties.

Big Winners

NFDA announced 1Director as the winner of the 2024 NFDA Innovation Award during the Opening General Session of the convention. 1Director is an all-in-one funeral home management software with an innovative approach to streamlining funeral planning. 1Director’s comprehensive platform enhances operational efficiency and communication for families during difficult times. Second place was awarded to Clear View Caskets and their INVISION TECHNOLOGY and nemu, an app for dividing family heirlooms, took third place. The NFDA Innovation Award is sponsored by ASD – Answering Service for Directors.

NFDA’s Funeral Face Off trivia challenge returned for its third year, with “Vince Gill’s Backup Singers” (Regan Mooreland, Henry Johnston, Larry Goodwin) winning the Precoa Cup. Before the NFDA Convention, 15 teams competed in several rounds of funeral trivia, leading to three finalists: “Return Homies” (Katey Houston, Brie Smith, Ivy Ostenburg); “Vince Gill’s Backup Singers” (Regan Mooreland, Henry Johnston, Larry Goodwin); and “Laveau’s Trocars” (Adelle Davis, Ashley Steele, Ashley Johnson). At the convention, attendees could join a wild card round in the Expo Hall, where “The Diggers” (Frank Galante, Sara Giustino, Steve Johnson) emerged as winner. During the semifinals, “The Diggers” and “Vince Gill’s Backup Singers” advanced to a live final round. Special thanks to sponsors Precoa and @Need Marketing.

Memories of New Orleans

Professional photographers were on hand to capture the spirit and excitement of the 2024 NFDA Convention. Photos can be viewed online at NFDA.org/NOLAPics; attendees may download as many photos as they like at no charge.

Sweet Home Chicago

The 144th NFDA International Convention & Expo will take place October 26-29 in Chicago, Illinois. Chicago is a bustling metropolis that offers an incredible mix of urban sophistication and Midwestern charm. Attendees will be surrounded by stunning architecture, including the iconic Willis Tower and historic buildings along the Chicago River. The city’s diverse neighborhoods provide endless opportunities for exploration, from the vibrant arts scene in Wicker Park to the culinary delights of Chinatown.

Beyond its rich cultural offerings, Chicago is famous for world-class cuisine, as well as hearty fare, such as deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, ensuring attendees can savor local flavors. The city boasts numerous museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum, where history and art come alive.

With a lively waterfront along Lake Michigan, there are ample recreational activities, from boat tours to lakeside parks. The friendly atmosphere of the city fosters makes it a perfect destination for a memorable convention experience. Whether attendees seek to unwind or dive into the local scene, Chicago promises an exhilarating experience filled with excitement and inspiration. More information about all Chicago has to offer is available online at ChooseChicago.com.

Sponsors

NFDA thanks its 2024 International Convention & Expo sponsors for their continued support:

Medallion: NGL – National Guardian Life
Platinum: Carriage Services, Federated Insurance
Titanium: Tribute Technology
Gold: Batesville, Elevia, Global Atlantic, Homesteaders, Legacy.com, Love Urns, Physicians Mutual, Security National Life Insurance Company, TruStage
Silver: @Need Marketing, ASD – Answering Service for Directors, C & J Financial, Foundation Partners, Implant Recycling, Inman Shipping/Travel Plan by Inman, Johnson Consulting, Live Oak Bank, The Messenger Company, Passare, Precoa, Ring Ring Marketing, Tukios, Ultimate Canine
Bronze: Argent Trust, Aurora Payments, Clear Point, Cesar Ornelas International Injury Lawyers, Doric, funeral365, Funeral Service Credit Union, Heartland, Madelyn Co., Matthews Environmental Solutions, NOMIS Publications Inc., Revere, Trigard, USA Today Network Obituaries

About NFDA

NFDA is the world’s leading and largest funeral service association, with nearly 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 NFDA.org.

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PHOTO courtesy of the International Center for Documentary Arts