NFDA convention in Salt Lake City offered the biggest funeral expo in a stunning setting

From a press release.

The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) 2018 International Convention & Expo, held October 14-17 in Salt Lake City, Utah, drew 4,029 total attendees (2,464 attendees and 1,565 exhibitor representatives). A total of 315 international attendees, representing 29 countries and territories, participated in the 2018 NFDA Convention. The Expo Hall featured 329 exhibiting companies which filled 82,800 square feet of space (828 10’ x 10’ booth spaces).

The NFDA convention proved to be an exceptional experience for all who were able to attend. The convention featured an outstanding slate of workshops, many of which were at or near capacity, that challenged attendees to think about funeral service in new ways while offering practical strategies to help them understand the evolving needs and desires of the bereaved families. Topics included embalming and restorative art, the opioid crisis, helping families who are grieving a death due to tragic circumstances, marketing, compliance, and more.

During the Monday General Session, NFDA CEO Christine Pepper highlighted the significant strides NFDA has made during the past year to educate consumers about the value of funerals and the important role that funeral directors play in helping families heal after the death of a loved one. “The association committed to finding more and better ways to tell your story,” Pepper said. “Our most significant initiatives focused on helping consumers understand the value of funerals and funeral directors. From a new consumer website to expanded public relations, we are putting funeral service in front of consumers like we have never done before.”

RememberingALife.com is a new NFDA initiative that educates and empowers consumers to make informed decisions about funerals and memorialization. RememberingALife.com also highlights the unique expertise of funeral directors in planning a meaningful service. It is a multi-faceted approach that includes not only the RememberingALife.com website, but also printed materials, social media, and a comprehensive public relations strategy.

Professional photographers captured all of the excitement of the 2018 NFDA Convention. All of the photos can be viewed at www.nfda.org/saltlake. Attendees may download as many photos as they like at no charge; prints and other keepsake items are available for purchase.

The 2019 NFDA International Convention & Expo will take place October 27-30, in Chicago, Ill. Chicago’s great magic lies in its mix: sophisticated yet friendly, bustling city streets adjacent to long stretches of green parks and sparkling blue Lake Michigan, and a stunning year-round array of things to see and do unique in all the world. Chicago is more walkable than most global cities, and visitors of all ages enjoy the proximity of such attractions as 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 on the famous Magnificent Mile, and nightlife, are all at visitors’ fingertips, ready to match every taste, budget and mood. Information about the 2019 NFDA Convention will be available soon on the NFDA website.

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.