Start your engines—the 2026 NFDA International Convention & Expo is headed to Charlotte! Each fall, thousands of funeral service professionals come together for the profession’s biggest week of the year, and this October, all roads lead to the Queen City. Whether this is your first NFDA Convention or an annual tradition, there’s nothing quite like the energy of having so much of funeral service together in one place.
As a proud sponsor of the 2026 NFDA Convention & Expo, ASD can’t wait to be part of the action—and this year, we’re bringing something to Charlotte that you definitely won’t find on the racetrack. Our giant pumpkin is coming to NFDA! All summer long, we’ve been following our National Sales Manager Craig Meehan as he works to grow another giant after raising a 1,700+ pound Virginia State Fair winner last year. Now, we’re planning to bring this year’s contender all the way to Charlotte so funeral directors can see it for themselves at the ASD booth. After months of watching it grow, we can’t wait to find out what it weighs—and see the reactions when it rolls onto the expo floor.
Of course, the giant pumpkin is just one reason we’re counting down the days to Charlotte. With an impressive lineup of speakers, timely educational sessions, special events and a host city with plenty to explore, there’s a lot to fit into your NFDA itinerary. That’s why we’ve once again studied the convention schedule and scoped out Charlotte to bring you ASD’s 2026 NFDA Convention Guide. From can’t-miss sessions and events to local attractions and helpful tips, we’ve pulled together everything you need to get up to speed before you arrive. So buckle up, check out our guide below and get ready for an unforgettable week in Charlotte!
Charlotte’s Calling: Your Guide to the 2026 NFDA Convention
Explore the forefront of funeral trends and innovations in the Expo Hall
There’s something about the NFDA Convention that has always felt a little larger than life. Where else can you walk into one convention hall and encounter groundbreaking technology, time-honored traditions, unexpected innovations—and, this year, a giant pumpkin and an actual airplane? As NFDA touches down in Charlotte for 2026, the Expo promises to be a place where big ideas take flight in every sense of the phrase. At ASD’s booth, our larger-than-life pumpkin will be hard to miss, while our sister company, Cremation Air, is bringing a decommissioned jet right onto the Expo floor. Planes, pumpkins and everything in between—it’s all part of an incredible gathering united by one purpose: helping funeral professionals serve families in meaningful and memorable ways.
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. You can even experience the Expo Hall completely free if you download our Free NFDA Expo Form and submit it to the NFDA by October 16th. The Expo Hall Ribbon Cutting will take place at 12p on Monday, October 26th and the tradeshow floor will remain open until 5p that evening. The Expo Hall will also be open Tuesday, October 27th from 12-5p and Wednesday, October 28th 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 #2620. We will also have our Southern Team Answering Service Booth just a short stroll across the aisle at Booth #2631 for any funeral professionals who would like to learn more about our solutions specifically tailored for southern funeral homes.
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 Funeral Home Look Up tool, Call Forwarding Check and advanced Solicitor Shield® call blocking.
Your Next Stop: The Cremation Air Booth
Last year, we were thrilled to introduce Cremation Air to the profession—and we made quite a splash with a decommissioned jet right in our booth! This year, the jet is back (stop by and snap a photo at Booth #2423), but the real story is just how far Cremation Air has come. We are now working with funeral homes across the country to scatter loved ones’ ashes in breathtaking destinations from the coast of Miami, Florida, to New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Stop by the Cremation Air booth to discover the exciting new developments that have taken flight over the past year and learn how aerial ash scattering can offer families a truly unforgettable tribute. ASD clients can also learn how referring families to Cremation Air can unlock significant savings and added value. Come see the jet, meet the team and discover how Cremation Air is helping funeral homes give families a beautiful new way to say goodbye.
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 cornhole or giant Jenga. It’s time to level up the fun and let your inner child take over. Stop by and play a round—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 Convention Speakers about Issues Impacting Our Profession
At the NFDA Convention each year, funeral professionals fill seminar rooms and auditoriums to hear fresh perspectives on the issues, ideas and challenges shaping the profession. NFDA consistently brings together an impressive roster of experts, offering educational sessions that span everything from business operations and professional development to legal considerations and emerging industry trends.
This year, it was hard to miss the growing conversation around artificial intelligence, with numerous sessions exploring how AI may influence the future of funeral service. While it’s certainly an important topic—and one worth paying attention to—we made a deliberate choice to focus our coverage elsewhere. With so much attention already being given to AI, we wanted to shine a light on other conversations we believe are equally important to the future of funeral service: the human, operational and professional challenges funeral directors navigate every day. Be sure to explore the NFDA’s full lineup to identify specific subjects that will be most beneficial for you and your funeral home staff.
Leading Through Chaos: Ruth Graczkowski, Professional Encourager, Tri-S Consulting Time: Sunday, October 25th 11:30a-12:30p
Funeral service requires leaders to make difficult decisions while navigating staffing challenges, emotional families and unexpected crises—often without a chance to truly disconnect. This session explores how the brain responds to stress and why pressure can lead to reactive habits like control, avoidance and over-functioning. Attendees will learn practical strategies for staying grounded, communicating clearly and leading with purpose in high-pressure moments. It’s a valuable reminder that funeral directors need tools and support—like ASD provides after hours—to step away from the demands of the profession without worrying about what they might miss.
The Hidden KPI: Cindy Rowe, Professional Speaker/Trainer, Cindy Rowe, LLC Time: Sunday, October 25th 1:15p-2:15p
In funeral service, compassion is essential—but maintaining it amid the emotional and operational demands of the profession isn’t always easy. This session explores how kindness can become a practical strategy for reducing burnout, building trust and improving both team performance and family satisfaction. Attendees will leave with simple, science-backed tools for leading with empathy, strengthening workplace culture and creating an organization that performs better because it cares better.
Building Connections to Your Community: Nancy Weil, Director of Community Outreach, Rollings and Pinnacle Funeral Service Time: Sunday, October 25th 2:30p-3:30p
As the world shifts toward automation, AI and increasingly digital interactions, meaningful, in-person community engagement has never been more valuable. For funeral homes, creating genuine human connections can be one of the most powerful ways to build trust, visibility and lasting relationships. This session offers practical strategies for planning and promoting memorable community events, reaching the right audiences and turning face-to-face connections into relationships that continue long after the event ends.
Building a Sustainable Funeral Home Brand: Jeff Smith, President of Smith Family Funeral Homes Time: Monday, October 26th 8a-9a
Funeral homes are facing new pressures as consumer expectations shift, lower-cost competitors enter the market and recruiting and retaining great employees becomes more challenging. Rather than getting caught in a race to the bottom on price, this session explores how funeral homes can stand out by investing in their culture, strengthening community relationships and building lasting trust with families. Attendees will walk away with practical, proven strategies for creating a stronger team, a more resilient business and deeper connections within their community.
Why Funeral Home Teams Stay: Erin Creger, Chief Sales Officer, Security National Funeral Homes & Cemeteries Time: Tuesday, October 27th 830a-9:30a
With funeral homes across the country facing staffing shortages, retaining great employees has never been more important. This session explores how investing in personal and professional growth can keep teams engaged, resilient and committed for the long haul. Attendees will gain simple, low-cost strategies they can put into practice right away.
Compassion Fatigue and the Path Back to Energy: Sherrie Dunlevy, Author, Speaker and Podcast Host Time: Tuesday, October 27th 9:45a-10:45a
Funeral professionals give so much of themselves to the families they serve, making compassion fatigue and burnout an all-too-real risk. This session offers practical ways to recognize the warning signs, reset during stressful moments and create healthier routines that protect your ability to serve with empathy. It’s an important reminder that having the right support—and knowing when to step away and let others answer the call—can make all the difference.
What Families Actually Remember: Jessica Wakefield, CFSP Time: Wednesday, October 28th 8a-9a
The most lasting impression a funeral home makes isn’t about packages or pricing—it’s about how families feel during their most difficult moments. This session explores how thoughtful communication, compassionate presence and small but meaningful choices can build trust and create a more personal arrangement experience. Attendees will gain practical ways to strengthen family relationships while keeping empathy, dignity and service at the center.
*Closing Keynote* 28,000 Days: What Death Teaches Us About Truly Living: John Kenney, New York Times Bestselling Author Time: Wednesday, October 28th 12:15p-1:30p
Close out NFDA on an inspiring note with New York Times bestselling author John Kenney as he explores what death can teach us about truly living. Through the unique lens of funeral service, this keynote reflects on our roughly 28,000 days and the perspective gained by those who care for the deceased and support the living. It’s a powerful sendoff that will have you heading home with a renewed perspective on life, purpose and the meaningful work of funeral service.
Enjoy Fellowship Opportunities at NFDA Events
Welcome Party Sun, October 26th 6-8p
Kick off the NFDA 2026 International Convention & Expo with a high-octane evening at the iconic NASCAR Hall of Fame! Enjoy exclusive private access to the entire venue as you explore the history, innovation and excitement of NASCAR without the crowds. Connect with funeral service colleagues in a lively setting where legendary cars, interactive exhibits and racing history create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night. It’s your chance to experience one of Charlotte’s must-see attractions while catching up with old friends and making new connections. Start your engines and get ready to race into NFDA 2026!
Opening General Session: Monday, October 27th, 9:30-11:45a
The Opening General Session marks the official start to the 2026 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.
In addition to the 2026 NFDA Innovation Award announcement, we also look forward to hearing speaker Shawn Kanungo deliver his keynote address on Strategy in a World of Disruption. He’ll challenge attendees to think boldly about the future, embrace experimentation and find unexpected ways to innovate before disruption forces their hand. With an optimistic roadmap for navigating rapid change, Kanungo will explore how funeral homes can remain competitive, relevant and ready for whatever comes next.
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 are being recognized with the Pursuit of Excellence Award this year! Thank you for all you do to support and help families!
Get Lost in the Queen City
Whether it’s your first or 100th time visiting, Charlotte’s got A LOT. This southern jewel is beloved by residents and tourists alike for its diverse mixture of culture, history, art and outdoor adventure. We hope your trip to 2026 NFDA Convention includes some extra time to explore everything this modern and vibrant city has to offer. Below are a few destinations we think you’ll enjoy in the Queen city.
Nascar Hall of Fame
The Market at 7th Street
Public Gardens and Green Spaces
Historic Burial Grounds
For those interested in Charlotte’s history, a few meaningful sites are located just minutes from the convention center. Old Settlers’ Cemetery (200 W 5th St), about a 15-minute walk away, is Charlotte’s oldest municipal burial ground and the final resting place of many of the city’s early settlers and prominent citizens. A short five-minute drive away, Elmwood and Pinewood Cemetery (700 W 6th St) offers another glimpse into the city’s past, with historic monuments and gravesites dating back generations. You can also visit the gravesites of renowned evangelist Billy Graham and his wife, Ruth, at the Billy Graham Library (4330 Westmont Dr), about five miles from the convention center. With interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, photographs and memorabilia chronicling Graham’s life and ministry, the library is part museum, part memorial and a unique Charlotte landmark worth adding to your itinerary.
Haunted walking tours
With the NFDA Convention arriving just days before Halloween, there’s no better time to explore Charlotte’s spookier side. Several walking tours bring the Queen City’s haunted history to life while leading guests through Uptown, the historic Fourth Ward, old cemeteries, theaters and other landmarks. Queen City Ghosts offers nightly tours beginning outside at The Dunhill Hotel (237 N Tryon St), where guides share chilling tales connected to the historic hotel and other supposedly haunted locations around downtown.
Whitewater Center
Speakeasys, Rooftop bars and game rooms galore
When it comes to night life, Charlotte has all of your bases covered. Every year when we put together our NFDA Convention guide we try to add some variety to our night life round up with a good mix of different atmospheres to give you a taste of what the host city has to offer after hours. We were so impressed by the sheer number of experiences and entertainment options in Charlotte. First up, for those looking for that fun hidden bar/speakeasy vibe you’ll want to check out The Cotton Room at Belfast Mill (144 Brevard Ct) which features original floors, walls and skylights from Charlotte’s early cotton market. Not to be outdone, the Cellar at Duckworth’s (330 N Tryon St) is designed to resemble a hidden prohibition-era speakeasy and offers some fantastic vintage vibes.
Carowinds Amusement Park
ASD would like to wish everyone safe and happy travels as you journey to North Carolina for the 2026 NFDA Convention. Be sure to leave a comment for us if there are any events, CE classes or attractions in Charlotte you would recommend that we may have missed. We would love to add more to this guide!
Related Reading
Download Your Free 2026 NFDA Expo Pass – Courtesy of ASD!
Celebrating Progress: Why ASD is Proud to Sponsor the NFDA Innovation Award
ASD’s NFDA Innovation Awards
