From a press release.
Seth Godin, bestselling author, teacher, entrepreneur, and founder of altmba.com, will give the opening keynote address of the 2019 National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) International Convention & Expo, October 27-30 in Chicago, Ill. Ethan Morse, a filmmaker, U.S. Army veteran and Tomb Guard Sentinel, will close out the 2019 NFDA Convention by giving the keynote address during the Wednesday General Session.
“We have two phenomenal speakers for our 2019 Convention,” said NFDA President Chuck Bowman, CMSP, CFSP, CCO. “Seth Godin’s books have helped business owners and entrepreneurs evolve in the information age to create strong businesses. I’m eager to learn from Seth and to get an insider perspective from Ethan Morse on the men and women who honor our fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery.”
The keynote speakers are supported by NFDA Convention Black Diamond sponsor: Homesteaders Life Company.
“Homesteaders and eFuneral are proud to be the exclusive Black Diamond Sponsors for the 2019 NFDA International Convention and Expo,” said Dean Lambert, senior vice president of marketing and communications for Homesteaders Life Company. “This year’s keynote speakers address two significant topics of interest for funeral and allied professionals, so it was an easy decision for us to invest in helping NFDA bring Seth Godin’s expertise and Ethan Morse’s compelling story to Chicago. We are certain all who attend the keynotes will enjoy rich and inspiring learning experiences they can incorporate into their businesses upon returning home.
Dancing on the Edge of a Revolution: Helping People and Building a Business in the Connected World
Seth Godin, bestselling author, teacher and entrepreneur, founder of altmba.com
General Session – Monday, October 28, 9:45-11:45 a.m.
Anyone with a smartphone knows how much the world has changed and how fast it continues to change. Attention is precious, yet the noise around us continues to increase. Best-selling author Seth Godin will take attendees on a fast-moving tour of how the new economy offers each of us a priceless opportunity to tell stories that resonate and to ultimately earn the trust of those we seek to serve.
Honor, Duty, Sacrifice
Ethan Morse, filmmaker, U.S. Army veteran, Tomb Guard Sentinel
General Session – Wednesday, October 30, 12:45-2 p.m.
Join fellow attendees for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the documentary series Honor Guard with producer Ethan Morse. Narrated by Academy Award-nominated actor Sam Elliot, the series showcases the inspiring dedication that members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (“The Old Guard”) unceasingly exhibit to pay their respects to those who gave all. Filmed throughout our nation’s scenic capital region, this documentary highlights the mission, training, history and impact of the soldiers in The Old Guard, the oldest and most prestigious active-duty infantry unit in the U.S. Army.
The NFDA International Convention & Expo is the world’s largest gathering of funeral directors. This must-attend event will enable attendees to get their future in focus through unparalleled opportunities for learning, networking and discovering new products and services.
Engaging education sessions will cover technical skills, business management, the value of ceremony, cremation, marketing and community outreach. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet with vendor partners in the world’s largest funeral service expo. Exclusive social and networking events – including a Blues Brothers-inspired Welcome Party at Navy Pier and a closing party at the legendary Shedd Aquarium – will give attendees an opportunity to cement new friendships and renew old ones while enjoying the city of Chicago. The latest information on the convention is available by visiting www.nfda.org/chicago2019.
New this year, the Funeral Service Foundation is offering up to 10 scholarships to funeral directors to attend the NFDA Convention. The award, which is open to members and nonmembers, includes all registration fees for the full convention and three nights’ standard accommodation at a convention hotel. Those interested are asked to submit a brief video and essay by the August 1 application deadline. The scholarships are part of the Foundation ’45 Awards, which help make education accessible to funeral service professionals through scholarships, continuing education and professional development opportunities.
Attendees can choose from several reasonably-priced hotels in Chicago through the NFDA housing bureau offered by Experient. Attendees can use the NFDA housing bureau, found online at www.nfda.org/chicago2019, to compare hotel rates and amenities, and make reservations. Booking through the NFDA housing bureau will give attendees access to convenient, complimentary moto-coach shuttle service to and from McCormick Place. While the deadline to book hotel rooms is October 2, those who are planning to attend the NFDA Convention are encouraged to book their rooms early because, as in years past, NFDA room blocks will sell out.
When it’s time to relax after the Convention’s activities are done for the day, Chicago can’t be beat. Chicago is more walkable than most global cities, and visitors of all ages enjoy the proximity of attractions like Navy Pier, Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and other treasures. The city’s explosive performance art scene delivers audience-thrilling theatre, music and dance in historic venues. And, of course, an endless assortment of restaurants, high-end shopping, and nightlife are all at visitors’ fingertips, ready to match every taste, budget, and mood. More information about all that Chicago has to offer can be found by visiting www.choosechicago.com.