Join the Conversation: NFDA’s Digging In Discussion Series Kicks Off in April

 Brookfield, Wis. – The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is pleased to announce the launch of Digging In, a new live, monthly virtual discussion series designed to foster networking and meaningful conversations among funeral service professionals. The inaugural discussion will take place April 23 from 6-7 p.m. CT. 

“Education is the foundation of professional growth, and Digging In offers a fresh way for funeral service professionals to continue learning outside of traditional settings,” said Sara Moss, a licensed funeral director and one of the Digging In moderators. “Through open discussions and shared experiences, attendees will gain practical knowledge that can enhance their work and deepen their connection to the profession.” 

This free series, open to both NFDA members and nonmembers, will, generally, take place on the fourth Wednesday of every month via Zoom. Each session will center around topics inspired by episodes of NFDA’s podcast, A Brush With Death, as well as other timely topics, providing participants with an opportunity to explore key industry insights, share experiences and engage in thought-provoking discussions. 

Moss is a Wisconsin licensed funeral director and NFDA’s associate director of education; she takes the lead on managing a variety of education programs including Meet the Mentors and National Emerging Leaders Program. Joining Moss as Digging In moderators are:

• Gabe Schauf, a Wisconsin licensed funeral director who hosts NFDA’s podcast, A Brush With Death. Schauf is also the Program Director and an Instructor for the Milwaukee Area Technical College Funeral Service Program.
• Lanae Strovers, an Iowa licensed funeral director and NFDA Trainer who travels the country leading the Arranger Training program and presenting other educational programs. 

“Every day, funeral directors face unique challenges, and having a strong professional network can make all the difference,” said Strovers. “Digging In is about creating a space where professionals can openly share insights, ask tough questions and support one another as we navigate this rewarding but demanding field.” 

“The best conversations in funeral service happen when people come together to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions and learn from each other,” said Schauf. “Digging In takes that energy and brings it into a live format where professionals can engage in meaningful discussions that spark new ways of thinking.” 

Funeral professionals should mark their calendars for the first Digging In discussion on April 23, 2025, from 6-7 p.m. CT, featuring all three moderators as they introduce themselves and the vision for Digging In. The trio will engage Digging In attendees in a discussion of the March episode of A Brush With Death, “So You Hired an Apprentice – Now What?,” which explored common challenges and practical advice to help both mentors and apprentices have a successful relationship. Registration is now open for the first Digging In session. Funeral service professionals interested in participating can click here to join the chat. 

NFDA is the world’s leading and largest funeral service association, serving 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.

Tampa Bay Welcomes Back the ICCFA Annual Convention & Exposition, April 10-13, 2024: A Premier Gathering for Professional Excellence

STERLING, VA (March 6, 2024) – This year, the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association is returning to Tampa Bay and docks on April 10-13 at the Tampa Marriott Water Street and Tampa Convention Center. Join thousands of deathcare professionals at this convention to expand your knowledge, learn from world-class keynote speakers, participate in educational breakout sessions, visit our expansive exhibit hall for the latest goods and services and connect with deathcare professionals worldwide. Currently, we have 225 exhibiting companies, and they occupy 428 booths within the exhibit hall. Limited booth space is still available. This is a can’t-miss event.

The convention is highlighted by two incredible keynote speakers on Thursday, April 11, at 2:30 p.m. and Friday, April 12, at 9 a.m., respectfully. The 2024 keynote speakers include:

     SHAWN ANCHOR is a New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness Advantage and Big Potential. Shawn is a world-leading expert on the connection between happiness and success who has worked with many Fortune 100 companies, including places like the NFL, the Pentagon and the U.S. Treasury. Shawn’s presentation, “Big Potential: How Transforming the Pursuit of Sucess Raises Our Achievement, Happiness, and Well-Being,” will show us that pursuing potential in an interconnected way is how we can achieve our potential in business and education. Shawn will share five strategies for achieving success and applying them to work and home life.

     BRIAN SOLIS is a world-renowned digital anthropologist, futurist, award-winning author and global keynote speaker. Brian has been called “one of the more creative and brilliant business minds of our time” by Forbes. Brian speaks on disruptive trends and technologies and their impacts on business and society. Brian will present “Ignite Moments! How to Become a “Customer Company” in an ever-evolving world where Artificial Intelligence (AI) blurs the lines between physical and digital experiences. Brian will also demonstrate how “ignite moments” deliver personalization, warmth, and connected experiences that people love, remember and share.

The 2024 ICCFA Exposition Hall Grand Opening & Reception will commence on Wednesday, April 10, at 4:15 p.m., inviting all attendees to partake in the festivities and refreshments. The exhibit hall will remain open on Thursday, April 11, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The President’s Banquet, now scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m., ensures that attendees won’t miss out on this significant event. Following the banquet reception, the evening will feature the annual Celebration of Remembrance, recognition of the 2023 Keeping It Personal Award winners and the induction of Fred Lappin, CCE, into the ICCFA Hall of Fame for his outstanding service to the association, the deathcare profession, and the public.

A highlight of the evening will be the ICCFA Presidential transfer, marking the end of Robbie Pape’s term and the introduction of Lee Longino as the incoming President. The night will culminate with comedian Josh Blue, sharing his stand-up routine and off-the-cuff improvisational skills.

The breakout sessions, designed to be a great learning experience to stimulate professional growth, will incorporate sessions on how to lead and develop staff, new cemetery developments in the 21st century, consumer expectations and tips on hiring new staff and retaining top talent. Program details, information on how to exhibit, hotel booking links and registration information are available at iccfa.com/annual.

###Founded in 1887, the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, cremation, funeral, and memorialization profession. The association is comprised of more than 10,000 members in the cemetery, funeral home, and crematory industries, as well as supplier and related businesses worldwide.