Leadership Conference

Louisville, KY skyline
August 2-5, 2026 in Louisville, KY. Against the vibrant backdrop of Louisville’s legendary culture and rich heritage, this inspiring event brings together funeral service professionals from across the country for energizing learning, bold strategic thinking and powerful connection.
 
You’ll immerse yourself among true innovators, exchange ideas with fellow leaders and build the relationships that will define the future of funeral service—while experiencing a city known for its warm hospitality and unmistakable spirit.

Registration includes: Welcome reception, presentations, handouts and continental breakfasts. Pending approval, CE hours are available.

It is your responsibility as the registrant to verify that this seminar is approved for CE in the state/s in which you are licensed.
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Agenda at a Glance

Sun, Aug 2 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Golf Outing (optional ticketed event)

4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Registration and badge pick up 

5 – 6 p.m. Welcome Reception
Mon, Aug 3 7:30 – 8 a.m. Continental breakfast

7:30 – 11 a.m. Registration

8 – 9:15 a.m. Welcome Session

9:15 – 10:15 a.m. Leadership Development Session I

10:30 a.m. noon Breakouts by Office

1 – 4 p.m. National Emerging Leaders Program

1:15 – 2:30 p.m. Optional Leadership Development Session
Tues, Aug 4 7:30 – 8 a.m. Continental breakfast

7:30 – 11 a.m. Registration

8 – 9:45 a.m. Leadership Development Session II

10:15 – 11:30 a.m. Leadership Development Session III

11:30 a.m. – noon Voting for At-large BOD Candidates

1:15 – 2:30 p.m. Optional Leadership Development Sessions

5:30 – 8 p.m. Hats off to Leadership Closing Celebration at Churchill Downs (optional ticketed event)
Wed, Aug 5 7:30 – 8 a.m. Continental breakfast

7:30 – 9 a.m. Registration

8 – 9 a.m. Leadership Development Session IV

9:15 11 a.m. Leadership Development Session V

Q&A

Designed for funeral service professionals at every stage of leadership, this program brings together current leaders, emerging leaders, volunteer leaders and association executives who are committed to advancing the profession. Whether you lead a firm, serve on a state association board, manage a team, or aspire to step into a greater leadership role, this experience offers valuable insight, connection, and professional growth. Attendees will gain practical strategies, fresh perspectives and meaningful networking opportunities to strengthen their leadership skills and help shape the future of funeral service.

NFDA has created a toolkit to help you organize and articulate the costs and — more importantly — the benefits for your professional growth and your organization. Click here to access these resources.
Best practices in association management, leadership development topics, keynote speakers, the latest news in legal and advocacy efforts, and facilitated discussions on current challenges and opportunities in funeral service.
Ample opportunity for networking with your peers in the Breakout by Office sessions as well as social events. You’ll meet the candidates for the NFDA Board of Directors Officers prior to the election. Voting for the At-large Representatives on the NFDA Board of Directors takes place during Leadership Conference.
Registration Type and Fees – On or before May 29
  • Member – $725
  • Nonmember – $965
  • Non-licensed Family Member/Guest – $455
  • Non-licensed Supplier – $1525
Registration Type and Fees – After May 29
  • Member – $925
  • Nonmember – $1,165
  • Non-licensed Family Member/Guest – $555
  • Non-licensed Supplier – $1725
Optional Ticketed Events
  • Golf Outing
    Sunday, August 2, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

    Fee on or before May 29:
    Adult – $125

    Fee after May 29:
    Adult – $175
  • Hats Off to Leadership Closing Celebration – Churchill Downs
    Tues, Aug 4, 5:30-8 p.m. (food, entertainment and bus included)

    Fees on or before May 29:
    Adult – $225

    Fees after May 29:
    Adult – $275
Hotel Accommodations Omni Louisville Hotel
400 S 2nd Street, Louisville, KY, 40202
1-800-THE-OMNI

Rooms may be reserved in the NFDA block for a discounted rate of $239/night. To support our host hotel, demonstrate effective practices in room block management, and keep registration fees lower, NFDA encourages attendees to book within the official Leadership Conference housing block at Omni Louisville Hotel. To take advantage of this deeply discounted rate, reservations must be made by Monday, July 6.

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Reservation Information All individuals who reserve a room within the official Leadership Conference hotel block must be registered attendees. Reservations made without a corresponding event registration may be canceled without notice or reassigned. Discounted group rates are not guaranteed for individuals who are not registered for the conference. 

If you are no longer able to attend and need to cancel your room, we ask that you make every attempt to do so prior to Friday, July 3. This will allow other attendees the opportunity to take advantage of the exclusive rate prior to the reservation deadline. 
Parking at the Omni Louisville All parking at the Omni Louisville is conducted by valet. Additional public self-parking options are available nearby but do not have direct access to the Omni. Visit the Omni Hotel & Directions page for more information.

Travel and Transportation

Flight Discounts NFDA partners with Delta to provide special airfare rates to NFDA conference attendees.

You are eligible for one of these flight discounts:

Delta One/Delta First: 8%
Delta Premium Select/Delta Comfort: 5%
Delta Main: 3%
Delta Main Basic: N/A

It’s easy to take advantage of this exclusive offer! Reservations and ticketing are available via http://www.delta.com by entering the Meeting Code NY4JQ under the “Advanced Search” option. 

Reservations and ticketing are available via www.delta.com by entering your Meeting Code under the “Advanced Search” option or by calling our Conferences and Events Reservations at 800-328-1111.  

Delta codes are available for travel to and from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville, KY and Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky International Airport in Hebron, KY. Valid discounted travel dates for are July 26 – August 10, 2026.   

Meeting Code: NY4JQ
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Airports Serving Louisville, KY Louisville, KY is served by the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport and the Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky International Airport in Hebron, KY.

The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport website provides detailed information on getting to and from the airport, along with numerous other tools to help you plan your trip.

Uber/Lyft /Private Download the app for Uber or Lyft  for ride-sharing transportation options. 

Private Transportation Services: Most services can schedule your appointments for both individuals and groups. Prices vary by company.   
Airport Parking Specials NFDA has negotiated discounted parking rates with Fast Park in select cities across the country. Find your city and join the Frequent Park & Relax Rewards Program to start saving on your airport parking costs. 
Car Rental Discounts The NFDA assists travelers through our Endorsed Provider Member Benefits program. 

To take advantage, please contact the rental car companies directly for special rates: 
Avis – AWD Code: B291038 
Budget – BCD Code: R198138