Professional development never stops in the funeral service industry. Whether you’re a recent graduate from Pierce Colleges or a seasoned funeral director, attending industry conferences provides invaluable opportunities to learn cutting-edge techniques, network with peers, and discover innovations that can transform your practice. The 2025 conference season offers three premier events that every funeral service professional should consider.
These gatherings aren’t just about continuing education credits—they’re where the future of funeral service takes shape, where lasting professional relationships are built, and where you’ll discover the tools and insights needed to excel in an evolving industry.
National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association (NFD&MA) 2025 Annual National Convention and Exposition
The National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, Inc. has a rich history that spans across a century. Originally organized in 1924 as the Independent National Funeral Directors Association, making this one of the most established professional gatherings in funeral service.
The NFD&MA convention stands out for its focus on diversity, inclusion, and professional excellence within the funeral service community. This annual national convention provides new opportunities in funeral services and offers funeral home professionals valuable insights and resources.
Who Should Attend
- Funeral directors and morticians seeking diverse perspectives on industry practices
- Professionals interested in multicultural funeral service approaches
- Students and recent graduates looking to build foundational industry connections
- Business owners focused on serving diverse communities
The NFD&MA convention emphasizes practical business solutions, cultural competency training, and professional development specifically designed for funeral service professionals. Attendees consistently report gaining valuable insights into serving diverse populations and implementing inclusive business practices.
Cremation Association of North America (CANA) 107th Cremation Innovation Convention
CANA’s 107th Cremation Innovation Convention will take place August 6th – 8th, 2025, at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona. This premier event brings together cremation professionals from across North America to share ideas, network, and learn about the latest innovations in the industry.
As cremation rates continue climbing—the US cremation rate was 61.8% and the Canadian rate reached 76.7% in 2024, with projections reaching 67.9% in the US and 80.7% in Canada by 2029—this convention focuses specifically on cremation innovations, best practices, and future trends.
Who Should Attend
- Crematory operators and managers
- Funeral directors handling increasing cremation requests
- Professionals seeking cremation certification opportunities
- Business owners looking to expand or improve cremation services
- Anyone interested in sustainable funeral practices’
The CANA convention is renowned for its technical sessions, equipment demonstrations, and forward-thinking discussions about cremation’s future. Attendees gain access to the latest cremation technology, regulatory updates, and business strategies specific to cremation operations.
More information: https://site.pheedloop.com/event/cana25/home/
National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) 2025 International Convention & Expo
The 2025 NFDA International Convention & Expo takes place October 26-29 in Chicago, Illinois, at McCormick Place Convention Center. NFDA is the world’s leading and largest funeral service association, serving 19,700 individual members who represent more than 10,000 funeral homes in the United States and 49 countries around the world.
The NFDA International Convention represents the funeral industry’s largest gathering, offering unparalleled educational opportunities, networking potential, and expo experiences. This event sets the standard for professional development in funeral service.
The convention features hundreds of educational sessions covering every aspect of funeral service—from traditional practices to cutting-edge innovations. Topics range from grief counseling and family services to business management and regulatory compliance.
The expo showcases the latest products, services, and technologies from leading industry suppliers. It’s where funeral professionals discover new equipment, explore service innovations, and evaluate solutions for their businesses.
Who Should Attend
- All funeral service professionals seeking comprehensive industry updates
- Business owners and managers focused on growth and innovation
- Students and recent graduates wanting exposure to industry leaders
- Suppliers and vendors serving the funeral service industry
- International professionals interested in North American practices
With nearly 20,000 attendees, the NFDA convention offers unmatched networking opportunities. From formal receptions to casual meetups, you’ll connect with peers, mentors, and industry leaders from around the world. Many Pierce faculty members and alumni attend NFDA’s convention, making it an excellent opportunity for current students and recent graduates to connect with their educational community while building professional networks.
More information: https://convention.nfda.org/
Your Professional Journey Continues
Attending industry conferences is more than professional development—it’s an investment in your future success and the advancement of funeral service as a profession. Each of these 2025 conferences offers unique benefits, and many professionals find value in attending multiple events throughout the year.
Whether you choose one conference or all three, you’ll return to your practice with fresh perspectives, practical solutions, and renewed enthusiasm for serving families. The connections you make and knowledge you gain will serve you throughout your career, helping you provide better service to the families who trust you during their most difficult times.
