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Call For Presentations

ONLINE SUBMISSION PORTAL

Current Submission Period Is November 1-December 31, 2026

Are you passionate about sharing ideas, inspiring others and helping funeral service professionals grow? The National Funeral Directors Association invites you to submit an engaging, innovative and thought-provoking educational proposal for consideration at one or more of our 2027 conferences.

Three Opportunities to Share Your Expertise

Through this Call for Presentations submission period, you may submit your presentation for consideration at any or all of the following events:

2027 Professional Women’s Conference
May 20–23 | Boston, Massachusetts

2027 Leadership Conference
July 11–14 | Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico

2027 International Convention & Expo
September 26–29 | Fort Lauderdale, Florida

How the Submission Process Works

Submit your session proposals through the online portal. Submissions may be considered for multiple events. Click here to access the online portal.

Our committee will evaluate each proposal and make selections based on topic, content and alignment with the mission of the National Funeral Directors Association. All those who submit proposals will be notified after the selection process.

Questions? Visit the FAQ at the bottom of the page or email education@nfda.org.

Please note: Educational sessions must not include product or company-specific sales pitches. Online submission only. All deadlines are final, and no extensions will be granted.

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Tips for Submitting a Winning Proposal

We’re looking for speakers who bring fresh perspectives, relevant expertise and meaningful educational experiences to funeral service professionals. Strong proposals should offer:

• Engaging and interactive presentations that encourage participation and meaningful discussion.

• Practical, actionable strategies that attendees can immediately apply in their businesses and professional lives.

• Fresh ideas and innovative approaches that address emerging trends, challenges and opportunities in funeral service.

• Tangible takeaways that provide lasting value beyond the conference.

• Relevant, educational content that supports professional development, leadership, personal growth and excellence in funeral service.

Whether you’re an experienced presenter or have a new perspective to share, we encourage you to submit a proposal!
Your one-hour session should fall into at least one of eight topics, including business operations, compliance and legal, consumer care, disposition, embalming and restorative art, innovation and technology, marketing, or professional development.

Proposals must be submitted via the online submission form. No more than two proposals may be submitted per individual and/or company.

• Write a clear and concise session description that specifies what attendees will learn
• Include at least three distinct and specific learning objectives
• Include past presentation experience in your biography
• Adhere to word limits

Important Submission Information

You may select one, two or all three conferences for consideration during the submission process. All proposals will be reviewed, and educational sessions must be non-commercial in nature. Product or company-specific sales pitches are not permitted.

Submission Deadline: Thursday, December 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST.

Notification of Selection: All proposers will be notified via email by Wednesday, March 31, 2027.

Q&A

Anyone can submit a proposal. It is not necessary to be an NFDA member.
Thursday, December 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
NFDA strives to be fair, thoughtful and transparent with respect to its speaker compensation policies as well as consistent with standards among non-profit associations. As such, NFDA does not pay volunteer presenters or cover travel expenses. All selected presenters do receive one complimentary full convention registration valued at up to $990.
NFDA Convention presenters receive valuable professional exposure at the largest and most prestigious gathering of funeral service professionals in the world. Your name and credentials will be promoted on the NFDA website, in a variety of print and electronic marketing materials, and the Convention App. Presenters are in a position to influence the practice of funeral service and the future of the profession. As an NFDA presenter, you will receive one complimentary full convention registration.
Individuals are limited to two proposals.
Yes, you may have up to two co-presenters. Their contact information must be included in your online submission.
The Convention Education Task Force is comprised of NFDA members from across the country. The Task Force reviews fully complete, non-commercial proposals that meet the submission requirements.

Selection criteria include:
– A clearly written session description that offers new ideas, tools or strategies for funeral businesses to enhance service and growth
– Specific business benefits and learning objectives are clearly stated
– Value of the proposer’s credentials, depth of knowledge and professional experience
– Contribution of the content to the overall balance of the Convention programming
All proposers will be notified via email by March 31, 2027.