Funeral Directors Convention & Expo - New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association - NJSFDA 2026
Event Date
September 15–17, 2026
Location
Atlantic City, NJ
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe Funeral Directors Convention & Expo is the annual gathering of the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association (NJSFDA), bringing together licensed funeral directors, mortuary students and interns, and industry vendors for three days of education, networking and product discovery in Atlantic City, NJ. The 2026 edition runs September 15–17 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.
The program blends continuing education, an exhibit hall, and social and networking events into a single itinerary. Attendees can earn up to six elective CE credits at seminars on timely funeral-industry topics, explore trending products and services on the Exhibit Hall floor, and connect with colleagues at receptions and the annual Convention Party.
The event is designed for both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the field. Attendance is restricted to licensed funeral directors, students and interns, while vendors related to the profession participate by purchasing exhibit booths. With its mix of professional development, remembrance ceremonies and community-building, the Convention is a cornerstone event for New Jersey's funeral profession.
Show Highlights
Signature events across the three days include:
- Connected in Care Awards (Tuesday) — a semi-formal cocktail party honoring NJSFDA members for leadership and engagement, with passed hors d'oeuvres and specialty cocktails.
- General Session (Wednesday) — the Association's annual business meeting, featuring the ceremonial installation of new board members and executive reports.
- Exhibit Hall Opening Reception and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony (Wednesday) — held in the Etess Arena, with light hors d'oeuvres and open bars scattered throughout the floor.
- Convention Party (Wednesday) — an evening of live R&B music, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at The Balcony (separate ticket and photo ID required).
- Service of Remembrance (Thursday) — a commemorative event honoring NJSFDA members who died during the past year; open to all.
- Mortuary School Olympics (Thursday) — in its second year, nine mortuary students form three teams to compete in funeral-industry trivia, assignments and physical challenges.
- The Last Call (Thursday) — a casual closing gathering at the Center Bar at Hard Rock Cafe.
Registration
Registration is handled online through the NJSFDA member portal. Attendance is limited to licensed funeral directors, students and interns; industry vendors must purchase a booth to attend. Several pass types are offered:
- All Access Pass — the full three-day experience, including up to six elective CE credits, the Exhibit Hall Opening Reception and Ribbon-Cutting, daily morning coffee and refreshments, the Service of Remembrance, Thursday Exhibit Hall access, complimentary lunch on Wednesday and Thursday, the General Session, and social and networking events.
- Single Day Pass — flexible access to a chosen day's programming, including that day's elective CEU offerings, ticket-free social events, Exhibit Hall access, refreshments and lunch.
- Exhibit Hall Only Pass — Exhibit Hall access on both Wednesday, September 16 and Thursday, September 17, including Wednesday's Opening Reception and Ribbon-Cutting and Thursday's complimentary lunch.
The Convention Party requires a separate ticket purchase and photo ID.
Cancellation policy: cancel between May 4 and September 1, 2026 for a refund minus a $50 fee; cancel between September 2 and September 17, 2026 for a 50 percent refund. September 17 is the last day to request any refund.
History
The Convention & Expo is hosted annually by the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association. Recurring features such as the Mortuary School Olympics, which returns for its second year in 2026, reflect the event's ongoing evolution and new programming. The official sources do not state a founding year or other historical milestones.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 Funeral Directors Convention & Expo?
The Convention runs Tuesday, September 15 through Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, located at 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ.
Who can attend the Convention?
Attendance is limited to licensed funeral directors, mortuary students and interns. Vendors related to the funeral profession must purchase an exhibit booth to attend, as the event enforces a strict no-solicitation policy.
How do I register and what passes are available?
Registration is completed online through the NJSFDA member portal. Options include the All Access Pass for the full three days, a Single Day Pass for one chosen day, and an Exhibit Hall Only Pass for browsing the exhibit floor on Wednesday and Thursday.
How do I book a hotel room and what is the rate?
The NJSFDA has a room block at the Hard Rock averaging $129 per night, including room rate and resort fees, using group code GFDA26Z. Discounted rates apply September 13–17, and rooms must be booked by August 31, 2026.
What makes the Convention worth attending?
Attendees can earn up to six elective continuing education credits, explore the latest products in the Exhibit Hall, and connect with colleagues at signature events like the Convention Party, Service of Remembrance and Mortuary School Olympics.
From the blog
Recent guides and industry insights for exhibitors and planners.
August 6, 2026Trade Show Lead Capture: What Actually Works
Why scan counts mislead, the three questions that qualify a visitor in thirty seconds, and the 48-hour follow-up window where trade show ROI is won or lost.
Read more
July 30, 2026Drayage Explained: The Trade Show Cost Nobody Warns You About
What material handling actually pays for, why it is billed per hundredweight, the surcharges that double estimates, and six decisions that genuinely reduce it.
Read more
July 23, 2026How to Choose the Right Trade Show for Your Business
Attendance numbers are close to useless on their own. Five questions that tell you whether a show will work, and how to build a portfolio instead of a list.
Read more
July 16, 2026The 12-Month Trade Show Planning Timeline
Every deadline that matters, counted backwards from show open — including the advance-order deadline that saves 20–40% and the 48-hour window that decides your ROI.
Read more
July 9, 2026Trade Show Booth Sizes Explained: 10x10 to Island
What each booth size actually gives you, the height and setback rules that catch first-timers, and how to size a booth from your staffing rather than your budget.
Read more
July 2, 2026What Does It Actually Cost to Exhibit at a Trade Show?
A line-by-line breakdown of the nine costs of exhibiting — including drayage and staff time, the two that blow up budgets and never appear in the quote.
Read more
June 10, 2026Top Trade Shows in Las Vegas in 2026
A guide to the biggest trade shows and exhibitor opportunities in Las Vegas through 2026 — dates, industries, exhibitor counts, and what each show is best for.
Read more- September 2, 2025tradeshows.fyi
Trade Shows Demystified: Your Ultimate Guide to Exhibiting, Attending, and Everything in Between
Introduction to Trade Shows Trade shows serve as significant events in various sectors, acting as a focal point
Read on tradeshows.fyi 
November 14, 2024tradeshows.fyi10 Essential Tips for Successfully Attending Trade Shows
10 Essential Tips for Attending Trade Shows Attending trade shows offers a unique platform to showcase products, network,
Read on tradeshows.fyi- November 13, 2024tradeshows.fyi
The Ultimate Trade Show Exhibitor Checklist: Planning, Preparation, and Execution
Trade Show Exhibiting Checklist Trade shows present a unique opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their products, network with
Read on tradeshows.fyi
Advertisement