Page A22 november 2023 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS Section A Starting as low as $2999 Standard 8 mil Body Bag Starting at $9.95 ea. 1~800~515~0400 www.acsupplies.com Body Lift Mortuary Stretcher Starting as low as $1095 Great Prices & High Quality Cot Covers & Pouches Church Trucks Starting as low as $425 Starting as low as $1395 Hydraulic Embalming Table Starting as low as $199 Lowering Device Straps 1~800~515~0400 www.acsupplies.com Cemetery Tents Roller Bars Great Prices & High Quality Lowering Device Stand & Drape Cemetery Grass Available in Hy-luster and Polyester $19.95 Chair Covers Collapsible Starting at $445 Includes Drape, Stand, bags Low Prices! 2023 NFDA International Convention & Expo Las Vegas, Nevada • September 10-13 Post-Convention Highlights What Happened in Vegas Won’t Stay in Vegas: 2023 NFDA Convention Attendees Leave with New Ideas and Connections to Benefit their Businesses and Grieving Families BROOKFIELD,WI— For the first time in 16 years, the National Funeral Directors Association held its International Convention & Expo under the bright lights of Las Vegas from September 10 to 13. Much has changed in Las Vegas since NFDA was last there in 2007; likewise, things have continued to change in funeral service. NFDA planned a much-lauded event that enabled attendees to learn about these changes and to grow, connect and return home refreshed, ready to serve grieving families and build thriving businesses. The total attendance for the 2023 NFDA Convention was 5,329 attendees – a 5% increase over last year (3,100 attendees and 2,229 exhibitor representatives). This total included 506 international attendees, representing 40 countries and territories. This was a significant increase over the last two years because COVID-19 travel restrictions had been preventing international funeral service professionals from attending the NFDA Convention. The Expo Hall featured 377 exhibiting companies (a 9.2% increase from 2022) which filled more than 93,300 square feet of exhibit space (a 10.5% increase over last year). The NFDA convention proved to be a powerful and enlightening experience for all who were able to attend. To help attendees build upon their foundation of skills, NFDA offered more than 30 engaging education sessions and five preconvention seminars. The education sessions, selected by the NFDA Convention Education Task Force, struck a balance between giving attendees the information they need in their businesses right now and knowledge that will help them be better prepared to address the future needs of grieving families. Education sessions explored emerging issues like new methods of disposition, like alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction; how to use technology, like AI, to better serve families; compassion fatigue and emotional wellbeing; and digital marketing. However, NFDA also devoted time to more traditional topics like embalming and restorative art, grief and cremation. Regardless of the topic, all sessions offered tangible takeaways to help funeral professionals grow and thrive. Additionally, NFDA featured three enlightening and inspiring keynote speakers. On Monday, author and Harvard Medical School visiting scholar Suneel Gupta helped attendees think about burnout in a new way and understand how they can find new ways to foster productivity and personal and professional fulfillment. During Tuesday’s keynote presentation, world-class drummer (and all-around cool guy) Mark Schulman helped attendees understand how rock ‘n’ roll swagger can help overcome obstacles, drive performance and enContinued on page A23
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