Call to Submit

Teach. Influence. Get in front of 4,000 funeral professionals.

 Each year NFDA invites funeral professionals, educators and subject matter experts to propose education sessions for the International Convention & Expo. Selected presenters receive professional exposure at the largest gathering in funeral service — and one complimentary full convention registration.
Submissions are currently closed. Body: The Call for Presentations opens each fall. Check back or bookmark this page — the submission window closes December 31. All proposers are notified of selection decisions by March 15.

Four things that make a strong proposal.

NFDA’s Convention Education Task Force reviews every complete submission. Here’s what they look for.

Know your audience. 67% of Convention attendees are owners or managers. 60% of attendees list education sessions as their primary reason for attending. Build your session around what they need to run better businesses and serve families better.

Choose your topic area. Sessions should fall into at least one of eight topic areas: business operations, compliance and legal, consumer care, disposition, embalming and restorative art, innovation and technology, marketing or professional development.

Write a clear proposal. Include a concise session description that specifies what attendees will learn, at least three distinct and specific learning objectives, your past presentation experience and stay within the word limits.

Submit on time. Proposals must be submitted through the online form. No more than two proposals per individual or company will be accepted.

DOWNLOAD PROPOSAL TIPS

Q&A

Anyone can submit a proposal. It is not necessary to be an NFDA member.
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 5 p.m. CST.
NFDA strives to be fair, thoughtful and transparent with respect to its speaker compensation policies as well as consistent with standards among non-profit associations. As such, NFDA does not pay volunteer presenters or cover travel expenses. All selected presenters do receive one complimentary full convention registration valued at up to $990.
NFDA Convention presenters receive valuable professional exposure at the largest and most prestigious gathering of funeral service professionals in the world. Your name and credentials will be promoted on the NFDA website, in a variety of print and electronic marketing materials, and the Convention App. Presenters are in a position to influence the practice of funeral service and the future of the profession. As an NFDA presenter, you will receive one complimentary full convention registration.
Individuals are limited to two proposals. In addition, no more than two proposals from any one company will be accepted.
Yes, you may have up to two co-presenters. Their contact information must be included in your online submission.
The Convention Education Task Force is comprised of NFDA members from across the country. The Task Force reviews fully complete, non-commercial proposals that meet the submission requirements.

Selection criteria include:
– A clearly written session description that offers new ideas, tools or strategies for funeral businesses to enhance service and growth
– Specific business benefits and learning objectives are clearly stated
– Value of the proposer’s credentials, depth of knowledge and professional experience
– Contribution of the content to the overall balance of the Convention programming
All proposers will be notified via email by March 15, 2026.
You care for families. Let NFDA care for you.
Become a Member
Explore Conferences