We know you love participating in education sessions and visiting the Expo Hall when you attend the NFDA International Convention & Expo, taking place this year October 9-12 in Baltimore. But, when you're done for the day at the convention center, NFDA's distinctive social events will give attendees an opportunity to create new connections and renew old ones. Special events, planned exclusively for NFDA Convention attendees, will showcase the energy and excitement of Baltimore. 

Habitat for Humanity

On Saturday, October 8, swap your suits and trocars for jeans and a hammer to help make the dream of home ownership a reality for a local family by volunteering at a Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake build site. There is no fee to participate in this annual service project, but volunteer slots are limited, and attendees must sign up in advance. Those who cannot participate at the build site can support volunteers’ efforts by signing on as a donor or sponsor. Visit the NFDA Convention website for more information about sponsorship and volunteer opportunities or contact Deana Gillespie at dgillespie@nfda.org or 800-228-6332.   

Dover Port Mortuary Orientation - Sold Out

Dover Air Force Base is home to the Department of Defense’s largest aerial port and approximately 11,000 Airmen and joint service members, civilians and families. It is also home to Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, which is charged with fulfilling the nation’s sacred commitment of ensuring dignity, honor and respect to the fallen, and care, service and support to their families. On Saturday, October 8, join your colleagues for an on-site, guided experience exploring our nation’s one-of-a-kind Dover Port Mortuary.

Funeral Service Foundation Golf Classic - Sold Out

Now in its twenty-second year, the Funeral Service Foundation’s Golf Classic has raised more than $1.5 million in support of its mission to invest in people and programs that strengthen funeral service and lift up grieving communities. This year’s event takes place at the world-class Whiskey Creek Golf Club, located 45 minutes from downtown Baltimore. Both the bold and the cautious golfer will find a route on this honest – yet dramatic – course, designed by J. Michael Poellot and Ernie Els. Each hole challenges a player’s shot-making ability and offers risks and rewards. Dramatic views of the Catoctin Mountains and an all-around spectacular setting make Whiskey Creek’s beauty and play unforgettable. Visit www.FuneralServiceFoundation.org/golf to register and learn about sponsorship opportunities.

The Waves Contine

If you didn’t want the 2022 Professional Women’s Conference to end, you’re not alone! Let’s reconnect and make waves in Baltimore during the NFDA International Convention & Expo! Join your colleagues and friends – and special guest Annette March-Grier – on Sunday, October 9 to mingle, network and share some refreshments with other women in funeral service. There is no charge for this event, but we would appreciate you RSVPing to Christina Von Den Bergh at 262-814-1538 or cvondenbergh@nfda.org – please invite your female and nonbinary colleagues to join you (they should RSVP too!)! This event is generously sponsored by NGL.

Welcome Party

During the NFDA Convention Welcome Party on Sunday, October 9, take a trip down memory lane to the era of legwarmers, singing “Total Eclipse of the Heart” at a school dance and watching St. Elsewhere. Included with registration, guests will enjoy live music from 1980s cover band The Reagan Years, appetizers, and a cash bar while reconnecting with friends and making new ones. 

All-Star Recognition Ceremony

Celebrate the shining stars of funeral service during the All-Star Recognition Ceremony on Monday, October 10. NFDA will recognize funeral homes that earned the 2022 NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award and NFDA’s Green Funeral Practice Certificate. We’ll also honor those individuals who earned certification through NFDA’s Cremation Certification program; new NFDA Certified Preplanning Consultants; Funeral Service Foundation scholarship and award recipients; 2022-23 National Emerging Leaders Program participants; and APFSP Certified Funeral Service Practitioners (included with registration). Join your colleages to celebrate their accomplishments. 

Service of Remembrance

Every day, our service members selflessly put their lives on the line to keep us safe and protect our freedom. The primary mission of Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations is to fulfill the nation’s sacred commitment of ensuring dignity, honor and respect to the fallen, and care, service and support to their families. During the 2022 Service of Remembrance on Tuesday, October 11, NFDA will explore the customs associated with honoring the lives of our fallen heroes. NFDA will also remember the members of the funeral service community who died during the past year (included with registration).

Funeral Directors Under 40 Party - Buy Your Tickets at the Convention Registration Desk

You won’t want to miss the Funeral Directors Under 40 Party on Tuesday, October 11. After a day at the convention center, you can socialize and unwind at Kraken Axes. You will enjoy a private arena and dedicated team of axe coaches who will help them stay safe as they attempt to hit the bullseye! This ticketed event includes two drink tickets, heavy hors d’oeuvres and an axe-throwing lesson. 

Closing Celebration - Buy Your Tickets at the Convention Registration Desk

As the NFDA Convention comes to an end, we will gather one final time on Wednesday October 12 at the iconic National Aquarium. Ranked as one of the nation’s top three aquariums, guests will enjoy awe-inspiring and award-winning exhibits that are sure to amaze. This ticketed event includes a hosted bar, dinner and access to the aquarium. 

Visiting Baltimore

Baltimore is writing a new chapter in its history, fueled by cultural tastemakers and creative entrepreneurs. Today’s Baltimore is a vibrant community that honors the past while keeping a keen eye on the future. In Charm City, you can see the largest public collection of Matisse in the world (for free!), sip a craft beer in the sanctuary of a converted church and stay in a four-star hotel poised atop an historic recreation pier. 

The Baltimore Convention Center is located in the heart of the bustling Inner Harbor district. After a busy day at the convention center, you will love clearing you mind with a stroll along the waterfront promenade and networking over cocktails and bites at one of many restaurants and bars overlooking the water. The hotels along the Inner Harbor are also just steps from performances at Royal Farms Arena and cultural attractions like the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, National Aquarium and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum.

Within walking distance of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor you will find lively walkable neighborhoods, each with a distinct personality. Head to Fell’s Point for a pint at the pub Edgar Allan Poe liked to visit, sip a cocktail at a swanky speakeasy bar in upscale Harbor East, or check out the renovated public market in historic Federal Hill. 

To help you explore this incredible city, NFDA has planned exclusive excursions (registration required - spaces are still available):

• Discover Annapolis – Get an insider’s look at a beautifully preserved colonial-era city, with history found around every corner; attendees will also enjoy a tour of the “The Yard” at the United States Naval Academy. 
• Baltimore: Star Spangled City – Discover why the British chose to attack Baltimore during the War of 1812 and the unusual circumstances that led to the birth of our national anthem. 
• Fell’s Point Ghost Tour – Enjoy a spooky walking tour down centuries-old streets and discover stories of haunts from the American Revolution to the Roaring Twenties.
• Nevermore Baltimore! - Edgar Allen Poe fans will revel in the chance to first visit his West Baltimore home and the world he inhabited; the tour culminates with a visit to Poe’s grave.
• My Goodness, My Guinness – Enjoy a guided tour of the only Guinness Brewery in the United States; included is a chance to sample products not available anywhere else.

For those who prefer to plan their own adventure, start your planning by visiting www.baltimore.org.