Brookfield, Wis. – Those who attend the National Funeral Directors Association’s (NFDA) 2012 International Convention & Expo, October 7-10 in Charlotte, N.C., can round out their event experience by connecting with colleagues during exclusive social and networking events. The events and tours planned by NFDA for Convention attendees will give them a glimpse into the rich history and dynamic culture that makes Charlotte a favorite among financiers, NASCAR fans, history buffs, foodies and thrill-seekers.
Give Back
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 6, 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 2012 Funeral Service Foundation Golf Classic will take place on Sunday, October 7, at NorthStone Country Club in Huntersville, N.C. This P. B. Dye-designed course is situated on 237 artistically landscaped acres and will impress novice and veteran players alike. 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.
The annual Motorcycle Ride, hosted by Homesteaders Life Company and the Trocars Motorcycle Organization, will take place Sunday, October 7. Bikers will participate in a 140-mile round trip that includes a stop at the famed Charlotte Motor Speedway. Motorcycles can be rented through Harley-Davidson of Charlotte; local riders can bring their own motorcycles. A portion of the registration fee for the ride is a donation to the Funeral Service Foundation.
Complete details about these opportunities to give back can be found by visiting the Convention website, www.nfda.org/charlotte2012 , and clicking on the “Activities/Tours” tab.
Get Social
The NFDA Convention will get off to a roaring start during at the Welcome Party on Sunday, October 7. Join NFDA President Randy Earl and his wife Evelyn for an unforgettable evening at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Enjoy complimentary appetizers, a cash bar and challenging your colleagues at a tire-changing station or on a realistic race simulator. There is no charge for this event, but attendees must bring their Convention badge or confirmation email for entry to the event this year.
Celebrate the accomplishments of your peers during the All-Star Recognition Ceremony on Monday, October 8. NFDA will salute the 2012 Pursuit of Excellence Award recipients, those who have earned their NFDA Certified Preplanning Consultant designation, the Cremation Association of North America’s newest Certified Crematory Operators, and the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice’s recently designated Certified Funeral Service Practitioners. There is no charge to attend this event.
Those who use “friend” as a verb, track Tweets and know what it means to link-up on LinkedIn will want to attend the Friends of Facebook (and Twitter and LinkedIn) Gathering on Tuesday, October 9. It’s an opportunity for Convention attendees to have an offline conversation with online friends. There is no charge to attend this event.
The annual Funeral Directors Under 40 party will take place on Tuesday, October 9, at the NC Music Factory, an incredible multi-venue complex for a night of music and fun with old and new friends. Start the night out at the world-renowned Wet Willie’s, known for its potent “mix your own” daiquiris. From there, attendees can visit other establishments in the complex, such as The Saloon, VBGB Beer Hall and Garden, and HALO nightclub, to take advantage of exclusive drink specials. Attendees must register in advance for this event.
Attendees can close out their Convention experience and welcome new NFDA President Bob Rosson and his wife Beth, along with the 2012-13 NFDA Executive Board, during the President’s Reception and Dinner on Wednesday, October 10. An evening of Southern hospitality awaits. Guests will enjoy cocktails from the cash bar during the reception before sitting down to a delicious meal, and an evening of fun and entertainment. Attendees must register in advance for this event.
In addition, NFDA has arranged exclusive tours to help attendees get to know the host city of Charlotte.
Complete details about social events and tours taking place during the Convention can be found by visiting www.nfda.org/charlotte2012 and clicking on the “Activities/Tours” tab.
The NFDA International Convention & Expo is the world’s largest gathering of funeral directors and helps attendees achieve more in their businesses. Up-to-the-minute information, including details on how to register, can be found by visiting www.nfda.org/charlotte2012 . Those who wish to attend convention can save up to $100 on their registration fee when they register by September 4.
NFDA is generously supported by Federated Insurance, Frazer Consultants, Batesville Casket Company, Facultatieve Technologies, Madelyn Company, Nomis Publications Inc., The HELPcard, American Funeral Financial LLC, Bass-Mollett Publishers, Deaton-Kennedy Company, Director’s Select Retirement Plan (DSRP), Doric Products, Funeral Home Gifts, The Heritage Club, Homesteaders Life Company and Messenger.
NFDA is the world’s leading and largest funeral service association, serving 18,500 individual members who represent nearly 10,000 funeral homes in the United States and 43 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.
