It’s time to turn up the volume and march to the beat of the 2024 NFDA Convention in New Orleans! From October 20-23, funeral directors from across the globe will be gathering for an event filled with cutting-edge insights, professional development, and the vibrant culture of the Big Easy. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills or connect with colleagues, the NFDA Convention is designed to energize and inspire everyone in the funeral profession. From captivating workshops with deathcare experts to networking opportunities against the backdrop of New Orleans’ rich culture and vibrant atmosphere, this year’s convention promises to be unforgettable.
As we gather in the iconic city of New Orleans, renowned for its history, music, and cuisine, funeral professionals will have the unique opportunity to combine learning with a bit of sightseeing and fun. As proud sponsors of this annual, we recognize the importance of bringing funeral directors together to discuss the issues that matter most to them. The 2024 Convention boasts an array of educational sessions, expert presentations, and thought-provoking discussions that address the most current topics in funeral service. Don’t miss the chance to reconnect with old friends, forge new relationships, and take home fresh ideas that will enhance your business.
As we count down the days until the convention, we are diligently studying the NFDA schedule and learning about the host city to provide directors with a fun and informative guide to all the seminars, events and attractions of the convention. We’re here to help you prepare for your trip to make the most of your time in the Big Easy. Explore our list below and please share in the comments what you are most looking forward to this year.
NOLA Awaits: Your Guide to the 2024 NFDA Convention
Discover the latest funeral trends and innovations in the Expo Hall
With over 300 exhibitors in attendance, the NFDA Expo Hall is the ideal place to learn about all of the latest funeral home products and services. Strolling through the tradeshow floor, you can load up on free gifts, enter to win exciting prizes and discover the latest innovations created for the funeral profession. The Expo Hall Ribbon Cutting will take place at 12p on Monday, October 21st and the tradeshow floor will remain open until 5p that evening. The Expo Hall will also be open Tuesday, October 22nd from 12-5p and Wednesday, October 23rd from 9a-12p.
While you’re exploring the NFDA Expo Hall, we hope you’ll take some time to visit with the ASD Team at Booth #2837. The convention gives us the chance to demonstrate ASD’s commitment to serving each and every one of our funeral home clients with the highest level of customized service. We will often take notes from directors at our booth and inquire if there is anything we can do to make their lives a little easier when they return home. We can even make account updates right on the convention floor, provide one-on-one app tutorials and demonstrate to our clients all the different ways they are free to customize their account preferences.
ASD’s Technical and Customer Service teams will also be on hand to answer any questions you may have about our technical solutions. ASD’s booth includes a large television monitor connected to an iPhone, allowing funeral directors to see our ASD Mobile app in action. Throughout the convention, our technical experts hold live, interactive demonstrations of our NFDA award-winning ASD Mobile app and other technologies we’ve created to make life more convenient for directors. This year, we will be demoing some of our newer solutions such as our Call Forwarding Check and advanced Solicitor Shield® call blocking as well as explaining the new texting verification requirements for our MobileFH® Texting feature.
Bring Out the Kid In You—At Our Booth!
Ready to play? ASD’s booth at the NFDA Convention has always been the place to indulge your playful side with our one-of-a-kind Funeral-Themed LEGO sets (and, yes, you might just walk away with one!). But this year, we’re stacking the fun even higher! Get in the game with a round of ring toss, cornhole, or giant Jenga. It’s time to level up the fun and let your inner child take over. Stop by and play—you know you want to!
And, of course, ASD will be raffling off our famous Funeral-Themed Lego sets once again at NFDA this year. Winners will have their choice of our Lego Embalming Room, Lego Cemetery, Lego Hearse or Lego Funeral Service sets which will also be on display during the show. Stop by to snap a photo and enter our raffle drawing to win the most unique item in the NFDA tradeshow hall.
Learn from Experts about Issues Impacting Our Profession
At the NFDA Convention each year, attendees flock to the seminar rooms and auditoriums, eagerly listening to thought leaders discussing the latest issues impacting the funeral service profession. The NFDA excels at curating a stellar lineup of knowledgeable experts who cover a wide range of topics, including business operations, professional skills, and legal considerations, providing a comprehensive exploration of the funeral service profession.
This year’s convention offers an array of timely and relevant subjects in its seminars, workshops, and panels. While we’ve highlighted a few standout speakers and topics below, it’s essential to explore the NFDA’s full lineup to identify specific subjects that will be most beneficial for you and your funeral home staff.
The 1800’s Undertaker: Steve Person, Retired Funeral Director Time: Sunday, October 20, 11:30a-12:30p
Get transported back in time as you uncover important lessons from the morticians of the past in this history-packed session. Discover fascinating Victorian funeral customs and learn how the role of a funeral director has evolved over time.
Master the Art of Community Events: Tyler Anderson, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Precoa Time: Sunday, October 20, 1:15p-2:15p
In today’s age of diminishing personal connections, funeral homes stand out as an exception from the rest of the world. For this reason, funeral professionals must devote time to seek out other opportunities to create and strengthen personal connections. Funeral home community engagement is about so much more than just getting your name out there. It is essential for helping folks in your town better understand the real people behind the crisp suit and composed demeanor. This session will dive into ideas for strengthening your community engagement events. If you plan to attend this one, we think you might also find some inspiration in our blog post outlining 7 Funeral Home Community Engagement Ideas to Inspire Your Next Event.
Embracing the Digital Frontier: Court Bluford, Founder of Lissiland. Time: Sunday, October 20, 2:30p-3:30p
There is no question that digital technology has had a transformative impact on businesses across the country. In this tech-focused session, you’ll discover how to better connect with your community and streamline tasks by harnesses the latest advancements in mobile technology.
The Consumer’s Journey to Purchasing Funeral Services: A Marketing Roadmap for Growing Market Share and Revenue: Bill A. Johnston, President of Post and Boost. Time: Monday, October 21, 8a-9a
This session will focus on how your funeral home can stand out in a world where consumers are bombarded by thousands of messages daily. You’ll learn how to craft targeted, strategic marketing plans that go beyond word-of-mouth to resonate with families in need. By understanding consumer behavior and leveraging the power of the subconscious mind, you can build long-lasting relationships that ensure your funeral home becomes the trusted choice in times of need.
Funeral Rule Update: Chris Farmer, NFDA General Counsel. Time: Tuesday, October 22, 8a-9a
A major update to the FTC’s Funeral Rule may be on the horizon for deathcare professionals. While the final decision on the update has yet to be announced, this session will focus on how to stay compliant with the current rule to avoid any violations. Hear from NFDA General Counsel, Chris Farmer, who has represented funeral directors in numerous FTC Funeral Rule hearings. You’ll also gain insights into potential changes to the rule and how your funeral home can proactively adapt.
Addressing Quiet Quitting, Disengagement and Resignations: Dr. Allen Lycka, The Doctor of Positivity & Happiness. Time: Tuesday, October 22, 9:15a-10:15a
In today’s challenging job market, employee engagement is more crucial than ever for funeral home owners facing a shortage of qualified staff. With many funeral businesses struggling to fill positions, it’s essential to invest time in keeping your team motivated and satisfied. This session will explore strategies to reenergize your staff and highlight the direct link between employee happiness and your firm’s profitability.
End Well Together: J.J. Duncan, Television Producer, Writer & Advocate; Hui-Wen Sato, Pediatric ICU Nurse; Darnell Walker, Television Writer and Death Doula. Time: Wednesday, October 23, 8a-9a
End Well, a nonprofit, is dedicated to ensuring everyone experiences the end of life in alignment with their values and goals. Through events and resources, they’ve fostered a global community focused on transformative conversations about end of life, grief, loss, and caregiving. In this session, hear from three speakers from the 2023 End Well event as they share powerful personal stories. Discover the natural connections between funeral professionals and the End Well movement.
*Closing Keynote* You Can’t Start A Fire Without A Spark: Jason Arday. Time: Wednesday October 23, 12:15p-1:30p
NFDA Keynote Closing Session speaker, Professor Jason Arday, is a social commentator and public speaker with an extraordinary journey. Diagnosed with global developmental delay and autism at age three, he didn’t speak until eleven or learn to read or write until eighteen. Today, he holds the 2022 Professorial Chair of Education at the University of Cambridge, becoming the youngest-ever Black professor at Cambridge and one of the youngest in Oxbridge history. We look forward to hearing his inspiring closing address at this year’s convention!
Enjoy Fellowship Opportunities at NFDA Events
Welcome Party Sun, October 20, 6-8p
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the world of parade float-making at the NFDA Welcome Party taking place at the colorful Mardi Gras World. Here, artists work year-round creating the iconic floats and props that are used in the annual Mardi Gras parade. Enjoy a fantastic night of camaraderie connecting with friends as you enjoy an exclusive look at where the Mardi Gras magic is made.
Opening General Session: Monday, October 21, 9:30-11:30a
The Opening General Session marks the official start to the NFDA Convention and celebrates the achievements of the NFDA over the year. It’s always enlightening to hear our NFDA leaders discuss recent developments and detail the progress of the association’s most recent initiatives. This year, we are especially eager for the announcement of the winner of the NFDA Innovation Award. As a proud four-time recipient, ASD is honored to be the official sponsor of this prestigious recognition. We look forward to sharing the stage with fellow innovators and celebrating the latest advancements shaping the profession. Click here to learn more about this year’s award finalists.
Celebrate the achievements of your colleagues! This event recognizes funeral professionals who demonstrated excellent service or achieved advanced certifications from the NFDA. Congratulations to all of our amazing clients who were recognized with the Pursuit of Excellence Award this year! Thank you for all you do to support and help families. Special shout out to our clients at Hughes Family Tribute Center in Dallas, TX; James Funeral Home & Northlake Memorial Gardens in Huntersville, NC; Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Johnson City, TN & Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes and Crematory in New Castle, DE on being inducted into the Hall of Excellence this year!
A Haunted French Quarter Evening Tour: Monday, October 21, 7p-10
This year’s NFDA Convention programming includes more tours on it than perhaps any other year in recent memory and it’s no surprise why. New Orleans offers a wide variety of fascinating and unique tours, with a wide variety of different themes. During this special event, you can wander through the historic and storied streets around the French Quarter. While enjoying your starlit stroll, you will haunting tales about the city’s ghostly legends.
Lasting Legacies 5k Run/Walk: Tuesday, October 22, 7:30a-9:30a
Start your day off with an invigorating run or walk through Lake Lawn Metarie Cemetery, one of the most architecturally beautiful final resting places in the country. Enjoy getting a wonderful burst of exercise as you explore the standing marble tombs, stained glass statues and other elaborate memorials that adorn the cemetery. Keep an eye out for Team ASD as we will all be taking part in the 5k which helps benefit Save our Cemeteries, a local organization supporting the education and restoration of New Orleans historical cemetery properties.
Service of Remembrance: Tuesday, October 22, 10:30a-12p
Honor the memory and legacy of funeral professionals we have lost this year at the annual Service of Remembrance. This year’s service will also incorporate iconic New Orleans funeral traditions such as a brass band
Funeral Directors Young & Old: Tuesday, October 22, 5:30p-7:30p – New Orleans Original True Crime Tour
Funeral directors attending the NFDA Convention won’t want to miss this year’s Funeral Directors Young & Old gathering, which promises a unique and immersive experience. Instead of the usual party, participants are invited to join the New Orleans Original True Crime Tour, where they’ll visit locations across the city tied to infamous crimes. This intriguing tour offers a perfect mix of networking and exploration, allowing attendees to bond while diving into the darker, more mysterious history of New Orleans.
Discover New Orleans: A Jazz of Sights and Sounds
This year’s NFDA Convention will take place in the vibrant city of New Orleans. Known for its rich cultural history, unique traditions, and warm Southern hospitality, New Orleans offers a perfect blend of professional development and memorable experiences. The city’s distinctive architecture, renowned cuisine, and lively atmosphere provide ample opportunities to relax and connect after the convention. As one of the country’s most unique and historic cities, New Orleans is sure to inspire and leave a lasting impression on attendees.
Pay Tribute to the Victims of Hurricane Katrina
This site is dedicated to those who lost their lives in the storm and is also the final resting place for over 86 bodies that remained unclaimed. The memorial is built to resemble a spiral, the shape of the hurricane itself. At the center of hurricane’s eye is a carved stone marker, which reads:
On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall upon the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf coast, bringing devastation to many communities. In New Orleans, storm surge and the failure of the levee system caused flooding in over eighty percent of the city, trapping thousands. In the chaotic aftermath New Orleanians faced desperate circumstances in homes, hospitals, the Superdome and other makeshift shelters. Despite the heroic efforts of first responders, medical personnel, volunteers and the military, over 1,100 citizens lost their lives in the disaster.
Experience NOLA’s Historic and Iconic Cemeteries
New Orleans’ captivating funeral traditions and array of death-related sites make it a mecca for funeral professionals seeking insight into unique mourning practices and historical cemetery landmarks. There is so much to do and see! Firstly, a visit to St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 (425 Basin St) would be indispensable, as it houses the final resting place of the renowned Voodoo queen Marie Laveau, offering insight into the city’s unique blend of Catholicism and African spiritual practices.
You can also explore the unique architecture and symbolism of the city’s above-ground tombs in other cemeteries such as St. Louis Cemetery No. 2 (300 N Claiborne Ave) or Metairie Cemetery (5100 Pontchartrain Blvd), which offer a fascinating glimpse into the distinctive burial practices shaped by French, Spanish, and Creole influences. This year, we will be taking part in the NFDA’s Lasting Legacies 5k through the picturesque grounds of Metairie Cemetery. The proceeds from this event will help benefit the Save our Cemeteries initiative, an organization that helps repair many of New Orleans historic cemeteries.
Take a Tour…or Several!
What is it about New Orleans that inspires you the most? Is it the distinctive architecture with its wrought-iron balconies and colorful Creole townhouses? Is it the town’s spooky lore and mysterious history which helped make it the perfect setting for a season of American Horror Story? Perhaps you are more interested in the nature, hoping to explore the bayous or experience a Riverboat cruise? Or is the appetizing cuisine that excites you? Whatever you find most enticing, there is a tour for you!
This year’s NFDA itinerary includes more tour options that perhaps any other convention in recent history. You can purchase a ticket for one of these tours, or if the time does not suit your schedule, explore this extensive list on the official tourism website for the city. You can search by category (there are over 25!), price, neighborhood or keyword. Hope you have a tour-ific time!
Savor the Flavors of New Orleans
Whether you’re craving Cajun spices or Instagram-worthy beignets, there is a world of flavor to sample in the Big Easy.
Feeling fancy?
You’ll feel like New Orleans royalty as you take in the incredible views along historic St. Charles Ave while savoring upscale French-Southern cuisine at HerbSaint (701 St Charles Ave). With a James Beard Award-Winning Chef, this restaurant combines classic French techniques with the bold flavors of the American South, offering dishes that are both refined and rich in local tradition.
Want to a side of history with your meal?
As New Orleans oldest restaurant, Antoine’s Restaurant (713 St. Louis St) has more than one claim to fame. As the birthplace of culinary classics such as Oysters Rockefeller and Eggs Sardou, Antonine’s has a rich history dating back to 1840. The restaurant is still owned and operated by fifth generation members of the same family, a fact that many family-owned funeral home owners might appreciate. Enjoy French-creole inspired dishes as you take in all the incredible history this place offers.
Looking for a unique dining experience?
More than just a restaurant, the Court of Two Sisters (613 Royal St) offers a memorable experience for all who walk beneath its Charm Gates. Dedicated to two sisters who ran once operated a notions shop in the French Quarter, the Court of Two Sisters has become world famous for its jazz brunch buffet. Held every day from 9a-3p, the brunch features a live jazz band providing musical ambiance to diners in a wisteria-covered courtyard.
Searching for the perfect Beignet
New Orleans is synonymous with the iconic beignet, a must-try treat for any visitor. Café Du Monde (800 Decatur St) made this light, airy pastry world-famous, serving it alongside rich coffee since 1862. The beignets here are so legendary that lines often form, but the wait is part of the experience. If you’re short on time, Café Beignet (334 Royal St) offers a fantastic alternative, serving equally delicious beignets in a charming setting. There is a subtle difference to note: Café Du Monde is known for its “crispy” beignets, while Café Beignet serves a “fluffy” version, so your choice may come down to personal preference.
Craving Cajun?
If an authentic Cajun meal is what you are after, you’ll want to head to Cochon (930 Tchoupiloulas St) which is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the convention center. Known for their imaginative Cajun dishes, including fried boudin and catfish courtbouillon, Cochon is considered by many to be one of the best Cajun restaurants in New Orleans.
Visit St. Louis Cathedral
Dating back to the early 1700s, St. Louis Cathedral (615 Pere Antoine Alley) is the oldest Catholic cathedral in continuous use in the United States. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city, with its stunning triple spires and historic presence overlooking Jackson Square. Self-guided tours are offered daily, allowing visitors to explore its beautiful architecture, stained glass windows, and rich history at their own pace.
Get Jazzed on NOLA’s Night Life
It’s a familiar scene at every NFDA Convention. When the seminar sessions are over and the expo hall has closed for the day, funeral directors will descend upon the host city in search of the best bars and nightclubs in town. From Bourbon street balconies to lively jazz clubs to outdoor patio bars, there is no shortage of entertaining after-hours spots in New Orleans.
If you’re in the mood to party, a visit to Bourbon street is a must because it offers an unbeatable mix of live music, vibrant nightlife, and energetic crowds that embody the spirit of New Orleans. If you want to get that iconic view of the street from above, be sure to include Bourbon Heat (711 Bourbon St) on your barhopping interbinary as it boasts the large, 50-foot balcony overlooking the street. Or take in the jazz scene at Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub (733 Bourbon St), the oldest continual jazz club on Bourbon housed in a historic building dating back to 1831.
If you aren’t a fan of Bourbon Street or just want to stay closer to the convention center, you can catch a live music or comedy act around the corner at Howlin’ Wolf (907 South Peters). Another great option is the Rusty Nail (1100 Constance St), a laid-back bar with a spacious outdoor patio and an impressive whiskey selection, perfect for unwinding. For a unique experience, head over to historic Frenchmen Street to visit Café Negril (606 Frenchmen St), where you can enjoy live reggae, funk, and Latin music in an artistic, colorful atmosphere.
Unwind at City Park
Just a short cab ride away from the convention center, you can escape the crowds and cars in this scenic greenspace filled with natural beauty as well as many fun attractions. Nature lovers will adore walking through Couterie Forest where you can view eight distinct ecosystems, including Laborde Mountain, the city’s highpoint. If the kids are joining you, be sure to visit the Carousel Gardens Amusement park with its vintage fairground rides (the Wacky Shack will likely bring back memories for many adults as well!). There’s also a children’s museum and mini golf course within the park. In addition to all of this, City Park is also home to many scenic gardens, museums, restaurants and outdoor recreational activities.
Peruse the Museum of Death
Carve out some time to visit the delightfully dark Museum of Death (227 Dauphine st) where you will feel right at home amongst the artifacts and exhibits related to death and dying. While some of the displays may be overly gory, it’s worth checking out for the antique mortuary equipment alone.
ASD would like to wish everyone safe and happy travels as you journey to New Orleans for the 2024 NFDA Convention. Be sure to leave a comment for us if there are any events, CE classes or attractions in the Big Easy you would recommend that we may have missed. We would love to add more to this guide!
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