Peer Support is Professional Support

Join the Virtual Funeral Professionals Peer Support Meeting in November

WHEELING, IL—Funeral service is more than a career—it’s a calling. But even the most dedicated professionals need support. That’s where monthly gatherings hosted by Funeral Professionals Peer Support comes in. These meetings offer a space for funeral professionals to connect, reflect, and grow—together.

On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 8pm ET / 7pm CT / 5pm PT, join a virtual peer support meeting designed specifically for those working in funeral service. This isn’t therapy, and it’s not a casual chat, because it’s professional peer support rooted in shared experience. While the nature of this work often blurs the line between personal and professional life, peer support is about navigating the challenges of the job with others who understand it firsthand.

Peer support is not counseling. It’s not supervision. It’s not about fixing anyone. It’s about showing up for each other as professionals who’ve walked similar paths. These monthly meetings from Funeral Professional Peer Support are confidential, nonjudgmental, and focused on the realities of funeral service work: from burnout and compassion fatigue to resilience and renewal.

Facilitated by Kim Zavrotny, funeral director and longtime director of Funeral Professionals Peer Support, this meeting will explore how peer support has evolved and why it matters now more than ever. “The only people that can truly understand what we funeral professionals do and deal with on a daily basis, are others in the industry. This is why Funeral Professionals Peer Support is such a wonderful and welcome addition to our world. It’s for peers, by peers. We are there to educate, to guide, to provide feedback and sometimes just to listen. It’s a safe place for funeral professionals to come if they need someone who understands.,” says Zavrotny.

Whether you’re seeking support, curious about peer resources, or ready to invest in your well-being, this meeting is for you. Join the conversation on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 8pm ET / 7pm CT / 5pm PT via Zoom link at cremationassociation.org/peersupport. No registration is required, simply follow the link to join. (Please note that this meeting is hosted in an area that observes the time change at the end of Daylight Saving and “fell back” to Standard Time. Double-check your time zone before attending.)

About Funeral Professionals Peer Support

Funeral Professionals Peer Support Group is committed to providing support, healing, education and knowledge to funeral professionals. They promote wholeness and wellness by uniting funeral sector professionals through a Canada-wide network of regional organizations offering support, information and resources within their community.

About CANA

Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,700 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization.

Americans Embrace Digital Funeral Planning While Still Seeking Professional Guidance, New NFDA Consumer Awareness and Preferences Study Reveals 

Brookfield, Wis. – The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the world’s leading and largest funeral service association, has released its 2025 Consumer Awareness & Preferences Study, revealing significant shifts in how Americans approach death and funeral planning. The comprehensive research shows consumers are increasingly embracing digital solutions while simultaneously demonstrating growing reliance on funeral directors’ expertise. 

The research continues NFDA’s ongoing effort since 2012 to track evolving consumer attitudes and help funeral service professionals better serve families. 

Key findings include: 

● Digital adoption surges: Nearly 30% of families now complete all funeral arrangements online, while 40% of consumers have used the services of a funeral home they found on Facebook—nearly doubling from 21% in 2023. 

● Professional expertise increasingly valued: 44.4% would feel not very confident or not at all confident planning a funeral without a funeral director’s help—up 7.1% since 2024, despite growing digital adoption. Additionally, of those consumers who planned a funeral online, nearly 48% still needed the assistance of a funeral director and more than 15% felt the online planning process was either impersonal and lacked the level of compassionate service they would have received had they planned with a funeral director. 

● Religion remains central: 75.7% consider religious components very important or somewhat important in funeral services, while nearly 64% would arrange livestreaming for distant relatives. 

● Green options gain appeal: More than 61.4% of consumers are interested in exploring “green” funeral and natural burial options. 

● Economic pressures shape choices: 55.4% of respondents earned less than $50,000 annually, compared to 38.5% in 2024, influencing demand for value.

● Pre-planning preferences evolve: While 19.4% have pre-planned and prepaid for arrangements, primarily to guarantee prices and relieve survivors of financial burden, 31.8% prefer a hybrid approach combining online planning with direct funeral director consultation. 

“This research demonstrates that while technology is transforming how families access funeral services, the fundamental value of professional guidance remains irreplaceable,” said Dutch Nie, NFDA Immediate Past-President and Nie Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services owner, CEO/President and funeral director . “Funeral directors are successfully adapting to digital expectations while maintaining their essential role as trusted advisors during families’ most difficult times.” 

The study also reveals that consumers increasingly view funeral directors as valuable experts, with growing recognition of their professional expertise in navigating complex arrangements and providing essential support during grief. 

About the Study 

The 2025 NFDA Consumer Awareness & Preferences Study continues NFDA’s ongoing research tracking consumer attitudes since 2012. The study is designed to help funeral service professionals better understand and serve evolving family needs while maintaining the highest standards of care and professionalism. Conducted in the spring of 2025, 1,126 Americans age 40 and older were surveyed. 

About NFDA 

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. 

ICCFA University 2025 Ignites Passion, Purpose, and Professional Growth in Deathcare

STERLING, Va. (August 6, 2025) – The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of ICCFA University 2025, held July 18–23 at the Emory Conference Center Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. The event welcomed 168 students from across the profession for an intensive week of education, inspiration, and personal growth.

Hosted annually, ICCFA University brings together deathcare professionals for a uniquely immersive educational experience unlike any other in the field. Students choose from nine colleges—including 21^st Century Services, Cremation Services, Hospitality & Customer Experience, Land Management & Grounds Operations, Leadership, Management & Administration, Technology, Sales & Marketing, Funeral Home Management, and the School of Graduate Studies—each offering expert-led instruction designed to challenge, engage, and elevate. College Deans and faculty members included some of the most respected educators and practitioners in the profession.

“This program continues to be one of the most meaningful and transformational experiences we offer,” said ICCFA Executive Director Nadira Baddeliyanage. “The diversity of curriculum, depth of faculty knowledge, and energy among students is unmatched. Our attendees don’t just gain skills—they gain lifelong mentors and colleagues.”

Classroom learning was only part of the impact. ICCFA University 2025 also fostered a powerful spirit of connection through evening events like Student Trivia Night and Sports Night and culminated in the University Graduation and Graduate Reception on July 22, celebrating both certificate recipients and those who completed their fourth college to officially become ICCFAU graduates.

Among the many highlights of the week was the graduation address delivered by valedictorian Sandra Goldman, who movingly captured the spirit of the University. “When we enrolled at ICCFA University, we expected education. What many of us did not expect was transformation,” she shared. “We thought we would fill our notebooks. Instead, we filled our hearts… We are not in the business of death. We are in the ministry of meaning.”

Sandra, who lives with metastatic breast cancer, offered a profound testimony of resilience and purpose. “Our work is not about what ends,” she told her fellow graduates. “It is about what remains. The story. The love. The meaning we leave behind.”

“Each year, I’m humbled to watch how this program helps shape the next generation of deathcare leaders,” said ICCFA University Chancellor Jeff Kidwiler, CCE, CSE. “From first-time students to seasoned professionals, everyone leaves here reenergized, refocused, and reconnected to the heart of what we do.”

“This event exemplifies the soul of our profession,” said ICCFA President Bob Gordon, Jr., CCE. “It’s one thing to teach skills; it’s another to cultivate excellence. ICCFA University continues to be a source of both.”

Planning is already underway for next year’s ICCFA University, which will return to the Emory Conference Center Hotel in Atlanta. ICCFA University 2026 will take place July 17–22, 2026.

For more information and updates, visit iccfa.com/university.

###

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.

From the bustling heart of a lively city to restful suburban neighborhoods, Henrietta, NY funeral homes
are no strangers to the inevitable hardship of losing loved ones. At this painful crossroads, it can be challenging to navigate the complex processes of bidding farewell to cherished family members and close friends. Yet during these somber times, professional funeral services can provide bereaved families with unparalleled support and critical guidance.

Why Seek Assistance From Professional Funeral Services?

Funeral services
envelop various aspects like orchestrating celebrations of life, efficiently handling procedural requirements, or even addressing simple yet crucial tasks such as managing condolence messages. Engaging the help of experts frees one from additional distress, tediously coordinating logistics, and pressure – a luxury that families grapple with when entrusted with such hefty responsibilities. Leveraging expertise not only lightens the burdensome load but also facilitates a smooth, fitting farewell for the departed.

Uniquely Personalized Services

The wish to create a momentous and fond farewell for the departed rests at the heart of what drives us in the business of final rites. Professional funeral services possess a knack for tailoring farewell ceremonies, uniquely reflecting the personality, values, and life achievements of the departed. So whether it involves arranging an ethereal butterfly release or a solemn military tribute, the seasoned experts are at your service to perfectly capture the essence.

Sympathy and Therapeutical Assistance

In addition to coordinating the series of events, professional services work empathetically alongside individuals traumatically impacted by loss. This emotional ordeal often blindsided folks, making them vulnerable and emotionally adrift. Professional funeral counselors step in by acting as compassionate listeners, proffering therapeutic advice when grappled with sorrow.

Convenience Services

Navigating the stormy seas of loss is indeed a heavy burden to bear. Offering convenience services further enhance the appeal of professional funeral services. Think of it as an extension of their commitment to serve – providing obituary support, floral arrangements, even catering services for post mourners gathering.

Reliable Assistance In Matters Legal

From drafting an obituary to filing necessary paperwork, statisticians are adept at ensuring all formalities are promptly undertaken. Both resourceful and knowledgeable about legal parameters revolving around the end of life rites, they safeguard that no ruling is bypassed – a reassuring nod of compliance to families.

In conclusion, entrusting the emotional and logistical aspects of this challenging endeavor to professional Henrietta, NY funeral homes
like Rochester Cremation, ensures an all-embracing support system. As seasoned professionals in providing funeral services, we can navigate you through these tumultuous grief-filled waters with an empathetic and judicious approach.

Here at Rochester Cremation, we go the extra mile to recognize and cater to each family’s unique needs and wishes, while steadfastly ensuring all legal requirements are duly met. Our dedicated assistance frees up your time and mindspace so you, as bereaved family members, can focus primarily on healing, remembering, and honoring your loved one’s legacy.

Choosing to embark on your grief journey under the sheltering wing of a trusted professional service like Rochester Cremation not only provides logistical help but also gives you access to emotional support, therapeutic advice, and personalized attention to ensure the farewell ceremony for your loved one is as unique as they were.

2025 OGR Professional Service Award Nominations Are Open Until January 31

OGR Professional Service Awards recognizes outstanding achievements in the funeral profession

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (DECEMBER 10, 2024)- The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is proud to share the nomination period for the OGR Professional Service Awards is open from now until January 31, 2025. These awards honor individuals and funeral homes that have displayed exceptional dedication, innovation and commitment to excellence in the profession.

“We are thrilled to honor exceptional individuals and member firms who have raised the bar in the funeral profession,” said Wendy King, CAE, CVA, Executive Director/CEO of the International Order of the Golden Rule. “Each year, award winners showcase their dedication, innovation and commitment to excellence. Past winners have made a significant impact on their respective fields and have set a standard of excellence for others to follow.”

The OGR Professional Service Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in the field, recognizing outstanding contributions and achievements in various categories. A distinguished panel of industry experts carefully review nominations and select the winners based on their demonstrated expertise, exceptional client service and significant impact in the funeral profession.  The winners of the 2025 OGR Professional Service Awards will be announced at the Golden Circle Awards Celebration during OGR’s signature event, PROGRESS, May 6-8, 2025 in Riverside, Calif.

Golden Light Award

The Golden Light Award salutes professional excellence exemplified by an individual member who has inspired others by their commitment to service through OGR involvement, community service or volunteer activities that demonstrate “service measured not by gold, but by the Golden Rule.”

Golden Rule Community Service Award

The Golden Rule Community Service Award singles out a member firm for outstanding service as demonstrated by activities benefiting local organizations and/or the community they serve. 

Golden Rule Exemplary Service Awards

The Exemplary Service Awards recognize Golden Rule firms that have displayed outstanding professionalism and exemplary service to the families they serve. Recipients are selected based on feedback received through OGR’s Family Contact Survey Program.

Applications close January 31, 2025, and are available on the official International Order of the Golden Rule website at www.OGR.org/Awards. Self-nominations are accepted and encouraged by all OGR member firms. A complete list of award winners can also be found at www.OGR.org/Awards.

About the International Order of the Golden Rule

The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is an association of independently owned and operated funeral homes dedicated to ethical service to all. Founded in 1928, it is our mission to make independent funeral homes exceptional. We do this by building and supporting member interaction, information exchange and professional business development through a wide range of programs, services and resources. For more information, visit www.ogr.org.

Connect, Learn, Empower: NFDA Opens Registration for 2025 Professional Women’s Conference

Brookfield, Wis. – Registration is now open for the 2025 National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Professional Women’s Conference, a premier event designed to empower female funeral service professionals. The conference will take place May 15-18, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico. This intimate event, limited to 165 attendees, offers transformative educational sessions, invaluable networking opportunities and strategies tailored to the unique challenges women face in the funeral profession. The Funeral Service Foundation will offer 20 all-inclusive David C. Baue NFDA Professional Women’s Conference Scholarships to make this event even more accessible.

Designed by and for women, the conference aims to celebrate their vital contributions to funeral service while equipping them with tools for personal and professional growth. During this inspiring and uplifting conference, attendees will hear from exceptional speakers covering a wide range of topics:

• Turning Setbacks into Comebacks: MINDSET OF CHAMPIONS presented by Dawn D. Tryba, MBA, CPMBC, CMC, PMP, coach and management consultant
• Balancing Grief, Family Dynamics and Financial Conversations in Funeral Service presented by NFDA Trainer and licensed funeral director Lanae Strovers
• The Art of Self-Reflection: Harnessing the Power of YOU presented by Tina Paulus-Krause coach, visionary leader and catalyst
• Integrating AI in Human Resource Systems: Legal Considerations and Ongoing Training Strategies presented by Vice President, SESCO Management Consultants Jamie Hasty
• Creative Applications: A New Approach for Mastering the Prep-Room and Beyond presented by Autumn Cooper, a sales representative with The Dodge Company
• From Awareness to Action: Advocacy for Impact presented by NFDA Senior Vice President, Advocacy Lesley Witter, MPA, CAE
• And more! 

Engaging Discussions and Networking

Professional Women’s Conference attendees will kick off their time together with a Welcome Party that captures the spirit of the southwestern United States. While enjoying complimentary food and drink, guests will experience a fun-filled evening of lively conversation and building bonds with colleagues. The Welcome Party is generously sponsored by NGL. 

Professional Women’s Conference participants will also have the option of participating in a tour of Passages International headquarters and dinner. This unique “behind the scenes” tour will explore how Passages’ sustainable and eco-friendly funeral solutions products are made and the value they bring to grieving families, funeral homes and the planet. Tour participants will also have a chance to meet with members of Passages’ team while enjoying complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Following the tour, participants will enjoy dinner and continued networking at a well-known local New Mexican restaurant. 

There are countless other opportunities to build relationships with fellow funeral service professionals during the Professional Women’s Conference. “This was an incredible experience,” said one 2024 Professional Women’s Conference participant. “I am so grateful that NFDA creates this space for women to connect and support one another. The atmosphere is unmatched to any other event I’ve ever been to.” 

Another 2024 attendee noted, “Every woman in the funeral profession should seek the opportunity to attend a Professional Women’s Conference at least once.” 

Scholarship Opportunities

Thanks to the generosity of the Baue Family, the Funeral Service Foundation is offering up to 20 David C. Baue NFDA Professional Women’s Conference Scholarships to funeral professionals and students to attend this year’s event. The scholarships cover registration and event fees, three-nights lodging, and up to $500 in travel reimbursement. 

Applicants must be verifiably employed in funeral service or related occupations or be a student in good standing and currently attending classes at an ABSFE- or Canadian-accredited institution or program; NFDA membership is not required. Complete requirements and the application form are available at online FuneralServiceFoundation.org/Scholarship-Opportunities. Applications will be accepted from December 2, 2024, through January 15, 2025. 

“I will forever be grateful to the Funeral Service Foundation for the scholarship award and the opportunity to attend this amazing event, which will change the trajectory of my career,” said one 2024 scholarship recipient. “I truly left [the conference] feeling empowered and with a whole new network of colleagues.” 

Inspiration Award

During the 2025 Professional Women’s Conference, the association will confer the third annual NFDA Inspiration Award. This award will recognize an exceptional individual who has made noteworthy professional contributions to funeral service or a related field. 

Nominations for the NFDA Inspiration Award will be accepted online from January 15 through February 16, 2025. The ideal nominee is an enterprising individual who consistently takes the initiative to elevate the funeral service profession. The nominee serves as a mentor to colleagues and their energy and independent spirit serve as an example to others. Their efforts have resulted in significant accomplishments at the local, national and/or international level. 

Complete details are available at NFDA.org/InspirationAward. NFDA is grateful to NGL for sponsoring the Inspiration Award. 

Conference Registration Is Now Open

Registration for the 2025 NFDA Professional Women’s Conference is now open. Participants can save when they register by the early-bird deadline of February 14, 2025. Attendees must register for the 2025 NFDA Professional Women’s Conference by May 5, 2025. Registration is limited to just 165 participants. 

NFDA has negotiated a generous discounted rate of $249 plus taxes and fees per night, and waived the resort fee, at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa. This luxury resort located just 30 minutes from the Albuquerque International Airport in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains. Whether conference participants want to enjoy a scenic horseback ride, a round of golf at the on-site course, lounging by the pool or receiving a service at the Tamaya Mist Spa & Salon, this resort has it all. When dinnertime rolls around, guests have several onsite restaurants to choose from. 

In order to receive the exclusive NFDA rate at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa, you need to register for the Professional Women’s Conference. Your registration confirmation email will contain a special link that can be used to book a hotel room. 

Participants can find complete details about the 2025 NFDA Professional Women’s Conference and register online at NFDA.org/PWC, or by calling 800-228-6332 (262-789-1880). 

About NFDA 

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

Breaking Barriers in Funeral Service: NFDA’s 2024 Professional Women’s Conference Set to Inspire and Connect

Brookfield, Wis. – The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) will bring the profession        together for the 2024 Professional Women’s Conference, April 28 through 30 in picturesque Savannah, Georgia. During this conference attendees representing all facets of the funeral service profession will be empowered to not only sit at the table but lead at the table. Registration is now open.

During this inspiring and uplifting conference, attendees will hear from exceptional speakers covering a wide range of topics:

• Vera Stewart, host of Very Vera, a cooking show about Southern cuisine, will speak about entrepreneurship.
• NFDA Senior Vice President of Advocacy Lesley Witter will show attendees how to use their voice as a force for good that can create change.
• Attendees will learn about suicide risk within the death care profession from Dr. Sara Murphy.
• Dr. Ruth Bedell, an industrial and organizational psychologist, will help attendees understand how they can be more assertive.
• Death educator and Certified Thanatologist Dr. Sara Murphy will discuss how to recognize and respond to suicide risk in the funeral service profession
• Kelly Kohut and Jenny McClanahan from Precoa will discuss the demographic shifts will transform funeral planning and purchasing.
• Award-winning author Jasmine Brett Stringer will explore how attendees can “carpe diem” (seize the day) by unlocking the barriers that keep them from living the life they are intended to have while establishing a personal vision to take them to the next level.
• New York funeral director Amy Cunningham will draw from her experiences serving families in the state of New York and share best practices for helping families plan meaningful green funeral and burial ceremonies.
• Nelson Thulin from Johnson Consulting will share strategies to help attendees navigate and innovate within the shifting dynamics of the funeral service sector.
• Autumn Cooper from The Dodge Company will help attendees refresh their prep room skills.
• And more!

Engaging Discussions and Networking

Professional Women’s Conference attendees will kick off their time together with a Welcome Party that captures the spirit of Savannah. While enjoying complimentary food and drink, guests will experience a fun-filled evening of lively conversation and building bonds with colleagues.

Beyond the Welcome Party, there are countless other opportunities to build relationships with fellow funeral service professionals during the Professional Women’s Conference. “These ladies were wonderful,” said one 2023 conference attendee. “They all touched on things that were very relatable and inspired me to really reflect on the topics afterward. I really felt like they were speaking directly to me.”

Another 2023 attendee noted, “There were so many takeaways. I also liked opportunity to meet other women in our profession, connect with them and learn and be inspired by them.”

Inspiration Award

During the 2024 Professional Women’s Conference, the association will confer the second annual NFDA Inspiration Award. This award will recognize an exceptional individual who has made noteworthy professional contributions to funeral service or a related field.

Nominations for the NFDA Inspiration Award were accepted online from January 15 through February 16, 2024. The ideal nominee is an enterprising individual who consistently takes the initiative to elevate the funeral service profession. They serve as a mentor to colleagues. Their energy and independent spirit serve as an example to others. Their efforts result in significant accomplishments at the local, national and/or international level.

Complete details are available at www.nfda.org/InspirationAward. NFDA is grateful to National Guardian Life Insurance Company for sponsoring the Inspiration Award.

Registration Today

Registration for the 2024 NFDA Professional Women’s Conference opens February 28. Attendees can save when they register by the early-bird deadline of March 28, 2024. Attendees must register for the 2024 NFDA Professional Women’s Conference by April 19.

NFDA has selected a luxurious historic hotel in the heart of Savannah to host the 2024 Professional Women’s Conference. NFDA has secured a limited number of rooms for a discounted rate of $229 plus tax per night. Upon registration for the conference, attendees will receive a confirmation email with details about the hotel and an exclusive reservation link. Room reservations must be made by March 30.

Complete details about the 2024 NFDA Professional Women’s Conference will be available soon at www.nfda.org/pwc, or by calling 800-228-6332 (262-789-1880).

NFDA thanks the 2024 Professional Women’s Conference Sponsors: ASD – Answering Service for Directors; Batesville; Carriage Services; The Dodge Company; Homesteaders Life Company, Kelco; Lisa Baue – Your Funeral Coach; The Messenger Company; National Guardian Life (NGL); Nomis Publications, Inc.; Premier Preneed Marketing; Precoa; Dignity Memorial; Tribute Technology

About NFDA

NFDA is the world’s leading and largest funeral service association, serving more than 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 www.nfda.org.