Homesteaders’ VP-Corporate Communications Dean Lambert chatted recently with National Funeral Directors Association president Randy Anderson about the organization’s Baltimore event. We’re a perennial supporter of NFDA’s largest annual conference, and Mr. Anderson tells us why it’s important and valuable for funeral professionals to participate.
Randy, give us a 15-second elevator speech for what this year’s NFDA Convention & Expo will offer to funeral professionals who attend.
Randy Anderson: The NFDA Convention and Expo will present the opportunity for funeral service professionals from around the world to gain knowledge from our exquisite educational opportunities, see all the amazing presentations in the Expo Hall and network with our peers.
This year’s opening keynote speaker, Kindra Hall, will talk about the Irresistible Power of Strategic Storytelling. How does this relate to funeral directing and operating a funeral home?
Anderson: One of the most important things a funeral service professional does is to assist families in sharing the stories of their deceased loved ones. Kindra Hall will provide excellent advice on how to better help families tell those stories that are so important to them.
Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer is making a special engagement Keynote as part of Tuesday’s agenda. Ethan Morse, a former Sentry at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier appeared at a previous convention. Tell us about the special connection our profession has to Veterans.
Anderson: Funeral service has an extreme connection to the Veterans of our country. It is always a great privilege and honor to serve the family of one who has sacrificed for our freedom. We also value those Veterans returning home and feel that many of them have the qualities to become good funeral service professionals. The Funeral Service Foundation and the ICCFA Educational Trust have joined together to create a program called “Journey to Serve.” This program encourages funeral service professionals to seek Veterans as employees when they return home and retire as well as giving Veterans information about seeking employment in funeral service.
Let’s talk about the Expo. What are some exciting new product and service categories for attendees? Also, tell us about the “Great Big Giveaway.”
Anderson: The Expo is an exciting part of every NFDA Convention. Vendors display their time-tested products as well as new and innovative things that will aid funeral service professionals in serving their families. When attending the Expo, attendees can register for the Great Big Giveaway and have a chance to receive valuable prizes including registration to next year’s Convention and Expo in Las Vegas.
How about a few words about the importance of the convention sponsors at all levels?
Anderson: The NFDA has a wonderful partnership with many funeral service vendors. Those vendors are the lifeblood of the Convention and Expo. We are so appreciative of the relationships that have been developed through the years in the sponsorship of this and other events. Sponsors help us take the convention and expo to a higher level. We truly are partners in providing the largest funeral service event in the world and we highly value those who help in sponsoring it.
We thank Randy Anderson for taking the time out of his busy schedule to speak with us. The 2022 NFDA Convention and Expo happens October 7-12 in Baltimore, MD. Homesteaders is proud to be the event’s exclusive Black Diamond sponsor, presenting opening keynote speaker Kindra Hall. Be sure to visit us at booth #1410 in the Expo Hall to say hello. Read more about our convention plans by selecting the link below.
