NFDA Advocacy Summit

The 2026 Advocacy Summit takes place April 15-17, 2026 in Washington, D.C.

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Agenda at a Glance
* times are subject to change

Event Purpose

The annual NFDA Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., is where members turn commitment into action. It’s your opportunity to sit face-to-face with elected officials and explain – directly and personally – how their decisions affect funeral service professionals, the families you serve and the communities that rely on you.

NFDA maintains a full-time advocacy presence in Washington, D.C., working year-round to represent the profession before Congress, federal agencies and policymakers. But the most powerful advocacy happens when members themselves show up.

When funeral professionals share real stories from their own communities, policy becomes personal. Those conversations help lawmakers understand the human impact behind legislation and why funeral service deserves thoughtful, informed consideration.

Members of Congress want to hear from their constituents. When NFDA members come together on Capitol Hill, their collective voice carries weight, builds understanding and drives meaningful change.

The Advocacy Summit is democracy in action. This is your voice, your profession and your opportunity to make a difference.

Who Attends

The NFDA Advocacy Summit is open to all NFDA members, as well as state association leaders and staff, who want to get involved and help shape the future of funeral service.

The strength of the Summit comes from the diversity of voices in the room. We don’t just welcome participation from members – we depend on it. Funeral professionals from every background, business size and career stage play a critical role in effective advocacy.

Whether you work in a large metropolitan firm, serve a rural community, are new to advocacy or have participated before, your perspective matters. The broader and more representative our voices, the stronger and more credible our message becomes.

When members from across the profession show up together, lawmakers listen and change happens.

What’s covered

NFDA provides everything you need to feel confident and educated while meeting with your member of Congress or a member of their staff. We’ll provide detailed and informative training about what to expect, plus talking points and a leave-behind packet to help legislators and their staff understand the legislation we are advocating for and the role of funeral service in their states or district.

What’s next

While it may sound intimidating to meet with a national leader, we’re confident you’ll find the experience to be much more relaxed than you expect. When congressional leaders are elected, they make a commitment to learn from their constituents. Meeting with members of the public plays an important role in helping them determine which legislation to support.

You’ll meet with either the member of Congress directly or a member of their staff. During your meeting you’ll present the talking points we’ve provided, tell them why the legislation is important to you and your firm, and answer any questions they may have. You can expect your meeting to last anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes.

There will likely also be an opportunity for a photo – perfect for sharing on social media!

What are participants saying?

The Hill visits are the best, meeting with our members of Congress/staff rocks. This is democracy at its very core. It is an honor and a privilege to be part of "Advocacy in Action."
Peter Morin | Smith Funeral Home

I was very impressed by everything!
Benjamin Eldridge | Eldridge Family Funeral Home