Custom Casket Company - The Southern Funeral Director Magazine

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The annual NFDA International Convention and Expo has long been
considered the world’s premier funeral service event. This year
it is being taken to another level. For the first time ever NFDA, the
worlds leading and largest funeral service association is working in
conjunction with CANA, the world’s foremost cremation association to
create an experience of unsurpassed excellence.
Members of the funeral profession will converge, communicate and
collaborate in Chicago from October 23 through October 26. The
general sessions and special events are going to be terrific. The
Opening General Session will feature Chris Gardner whose book Pursuit of Happyness was made into a
movie of the same name starring Will Smith. Mr. Gardner will share his incredible story with attendees.
The All-Star Recognition Ceremony will feature a presentation by Arlington Cemetery Superintendent,
Patrick Hallinan who will shed light on the current situation at our nation’s premier cemetery. The Closing
General Session will feature Dr. Cyril Wecht who will discuss several high profile deaths including,
President Kennedy, Elvis, Jon-Benet Ramsey, Laci Peterson and others.
Last year’s Service of Remembrance included a New Orleans style funeral. This year we will incorporate
traditions found in funerals of the Irish. Complete with bag pipers, tin whistlers, fiddlers and Irish songs,
you won’t want to miss this special opportunity to remember those among us who died this past year.
President-elect Randy Earl and his wife Evelyn are hosting the Annual President-elects reception. Juke
Box Blues is the theme for what will be everyone’s opportunity to meet old friends and make new friends
to the sounds of some of the best live music Chicago has to offer.
Our under forty funeral directors will have their annual social event which will include a trolley ride and
evening of fun and fellowship at the Public House on State Street.
Of course NFDA will work again for Habitat for Humanity and there will be the Funeral Service Foundation
Golf Classic. Add to this a Motorcycle Ride, Friends of Facebook Gathering and a Closing Celebration
featuring Irish entertainment and music by the Gentlemen of Distinction and this year’s convention will
surely be among the best ever.
In addition to all the fun, there will be some serious information shared. NFDA and CANA have assembled
the finest workshops anywhere. So if continuing education is what you’re looking for you’ll find it
in Chicago.
As President of NFDA during this historic convention I offer you a personal invitation to attend. I promise,
you’ll be glad you were there.
The Southern Funeral Director w Alliance NFDA & CANA Pre Convention 2011
Feature guest:
Pat Lynch, NFDA President