NFDA Membership If you’re not already, this is the perfect time to become a member of the world’s largest funeral service association. Discover how NFDA can provide you with the resources you need, when you need them, to help you and your firm adapt and grow in the future. And if you are an NFDA member, then stop by to renew your NFDA membership and/or music/webcasting licenses. NFDA Store Shop for the latest products, community-outreach materials, NFDA merchandise and Remembering A Life items. Funeral Service Foundation The Funeral Service Foundation awards a variety of academic and professional development scholarships, offers professional and community resources, and makes grants to organizations that advance its mission of investing in people and programs to strengthen funeral service and lift up grieving communities. Learn how the Foundation offers support for every stage of your career, and how you can make a gift that will impact the profession.nn NFDA AdvocacynNFDA has your back in Washington, D.C. Whether it’s veterans’ funeral and burial issues, federal mass fatality planning and response, small business and tax issues, body broker legislation, or representing your views to the EPA, OSHA, DoL, DoD, FTC, Congress and the White House, never doubt that your national association works to advocate for legislation and regulation that positively impacts your profession and business.

Funeral homes today are navigating a rapidly changing deathcare landscape marked by lower-priced competitors, declining brand loyalty and difficulty attracting and retaining employees. Many firms respond by focusing narrowly on price competition or becoming discouraged, which often leads to staff burnout, inconsistent service and weakened community trust. This session offers an alternative path – one rooted in culture, trust and meaningful community engagement – with practical proven takeaways.

Major restorative art cases are rare – sometimes once a year, sometimes just once in a lifetime – but every funeral home must be prepared. This session covers both minor and major restorative art challenges, from feature reconstruction to complex trauma, including decapitation, cranial injuries, tumor removal, and advanced cosmetic restorations. Participants will gain practical guidance, supported by visual illustrations and video demonstrations, to confidently achieve natural results and provide families with a positive, dignified viewing experience.

From sensational headlines to TikTok personalities to fictional portrayals of funeral directors, today’s consumers are exposed to more misinformation about funeral service than ever before. For many, these depictions form their first impression of the profession. This workshop helps funeral service professionals reclaim their narrative and strengthen trust by intentionally shaping how their community understands who they are and what they do. Through real-world examples and practical communication strategies, attendees will explore how everyday interactions, community engagement and values-driven messaging can counter misconceptions and build credibility. Participants will learn how to identify the moments that matter most, tell their story with confidence, and show the public the compassion, professionalism and purpose that define funeral service. This session reframes community engagement as a reputational imperative – not a “nice to do” – and equips professionals with tools they can implement immediately to elevate trust, visibility and connection.

Funeral service professionals must guide families through deep loss while managing emotional and operational pressures. “Adversity Leadership: Leading with Clarity, Courage and Compassion in Times of Loss” equips attendees with practical tools to perform under pressure. Using the 3-C Framework (Clarity → Courage → Culture), Allison teaches strategies to strengthen resilience, communicate calmly, and lead with empathy in order to foster a culture of care within teams and organizations.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) – reframed as Augmented Intelligence – offers funeral service professionals a compassionate ally for communication and connection. This interactive session explores practical, ethical ways to use AI to create obituaries, letters and correspondence that save time while preserving a human, authentic tone. Attendees will learn how to enhance communication with AI while ensuring every message reflects their firm’s mission, values and care for the families they serve.

Firefighters have long stood as symbols of courage, sacrifice and unwavering service to their communities. This year’s Service of Remembrance honors these everyday heroes and pays special tribute to the firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty.

As we acknowledge the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, we also pause to remember the hundreds of firefighters who gave their lives in the towers that day – an enduring reminder of bravery that continues to shape our nation’s collective memory.

Please join us for a moving service that pays homage not only to these fallen firefighters, but also to the members of our funeral service community and their loved ones who have died during the past year. Together, we will reflect, honor and find comfort in shared remembrance.

* Held during the Opening Session

The world’s largest funeral exposition is an adventure in itself! Leading suppliers will offer the latest products and services – along with exclusive offers – in the NFDA Expo Hall.

Join the NFDA Board of Directors as the association honors the dedication, innovation and achievements of outstanding funeral service professionals. This special event shines a spotlight on individuals and firms who demonstrated excellence in their field during the past year, including:
• 2026 NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award recipients
• NFDA Green Funeral Practice certificate holders
• NFDA Cremation Certification designees
• NFDA Certified Preplanning Consultant designees
• Funeral Service Foundation scholarship recipients
• 2026-27 NFDA National Emerging Leaders Program participants
• 2026 Meet the Mentors program participants
• 2026 NFDA Inspiration Award recipient
• NFDA International Professional Achievement certificate holders
• Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice Certified Funeral Service Practitioners

Celebrate the passion and commitment that elevates your profession – see you in the winner’s circle!