
NFDA | National Funeral Directors Association 2026
Event Date
October 25–28, 2026
Location
Charlotte, NC
Expected Exhibitors
300
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe NFDA International Convention & Expo is the annual flagship event of the National Funeral Directors Association and is billed as the largest funeral service exposition in the world. The 2026 edition takes place October 25-28 in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the Charlotte Convention Center. This year the event carries an even stronger global dimension, as NFDA concurrently hosts the annual meeting of FIAT-IFTA (the International Federation of Thanatologists Associations), welcoming funeral professionals from around the world.
The Convention brings together thousands of funeral directors, embalmers, suppliers, educators, mortuary science students and thought leaders for four days of education, networking and innovation. Attendees can earn continuing education hours across dozens of workshops spanning business strategy, technical skills, leadership development and emerging trends, then explore an Expo Hall featuring more than 300 exhibitors.
Whether you are just beginning your career or are a seasoned professional, the event offers practical, immediately applicable ideas to help funeral businesses navigate changing consumer expectations, workforce challenges, new technologies and evolving business models. The Expo lets attendees compare products side by side—from cremation equipment and vehicles to software, memorialization products and financing—and connect directly with the decision-makers and suppliers shaping the profession.
Show Highlights
Key features of the 2026 program include:
- Keynote speakers: Shawn Kanungo, disruption strategist and bestselling author, presents "Strategy in a World of Disruption" on Monday, October 26; John Kenney, New York Times bestselling author, presents "28,000 Days: What Death Teaches Us About Truly Living" on Wednesday, October 28.
- Education: 3 preconvention seminars, 30+ workshops, and general sessions; attendees can earn up to 16 continuing education hours.
- Expo Hall: More than 300 exhibitors showcasing management software, technology, vehicles, merchandise, cremation equipment, memorialization products, financing and marketing services, plus live demonstrations and interactive NFDA exhibits.
- Signature events: Welcome Party, Service of Remembrance, All-Star Ceremony, community service projects, and Charlotte tours and special events.
- Global gathering: Concurrent hosting of the 18th FIAT-IFTA Global Convention, expanding international networking opportunities.
- Preconvention seminars include "The Art & Weight of the Arrangement Conference," "Cremation Conversations," and "Bridging the Gap: Strengthening Partnerships."
Attendance
NFDA describes the convention as the profession's largest and most influential annual event, drawing thousands of funeral service professionals, suppliers, educators and thought leaders from around the world each year. NFDA does not publish a precise verified attendance figure for this instance on its official pages.
Booth Pricing
NFDA does not publish standard booth or exhibit space pricing on its public convention pages. Suppliers interested in exhibiting are directed to contact NFDA Business Development at 262-789-1880 or through the supplier portal for booth and sponsorship details.
Registration
Registration is handled through NFDA's online portal, by phone at 262-789-1880, or on-site at the Charlotte Convention Center. Early-bird pricing applies to registrations made on or before August 13, 2026 (a savings of $200 on full Convention registration); standard rates apply after that date.
Pass types and early-bird member rates include:
- Full Access (1st Registrant): $795 member / $1,095 nonmember — includes CE credit, workshops, general sessions, Welcome Party and Expo Hall.
- Additional Registrant (same firm): $465 member / $565 nonmember.
- Expo Plus: $310 member / $415 nonmember — Expo Hall plus Monday Opening Session, Service of Remembrance, All-Star Ceremony and Welcome Party.
- Expo Only: $225 member / $390 nonmember — Expo Hall access.
- Student: $75 member / $95 nonmember.
Group discounts are available for groups of 5 or more by calling NFDA. FIAT-IFTA members register through a dedicated page. Hotel reservations through official housing partner Maritz Global Events should be made by September 30, 2026.
History
The NFDA International Convention & Expo is the annual gathering of the National Funeral Directors Association, which was founded in Rochester, New York, in 1882 when funeral directors from across the country came together to form a national organization. The association has more than 140 years of history leading the profession, drafting its first constitution in 1882 and launching The Director magazine in 1932. NFDA marked its 100th anniversary in 1982 and remains the largest and most active funeral service association in the world. Today the annual Convention & Expo is recognized as the largest funeral service exposition globally, and the 2026 edition adds an expanded international dimension by hosting the FIAT-IFTA Global Convention concurrently.
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Last updated: August 4, 2026
Venue & Travel
Venue
Charlotte Convention Center
501 South College Street
The Charlotte Convention Center is a modern, full-service venue located in Uptown Charlotte, designed to host conventions, exhibitions, and large meetings. It hosts most ANC 2026 activities, including the exhibit hall, education sessions, and general sessions. Registration and badge pick-up take place in the A Concourse (entrance off South College Street). The facility is smoke-free, and SNA works with the center to accommodate dietary restrictions and accessibility needs. The venue features a bus lane and lay-by capacity for buses at the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard entrance for easy loading and unloading.
Parking
The Charlotte Convention Center does not have its own onsite parking garage; the nearest and most convenient option is the NASCAR Hall of Fame Parking Deck at 500 S. Brevard Street, which is adjacent and connected to the Convention Center via an over-street covered walkway.
- The NASCAR Hall of Fame deck is open 24/7 and is frequently the cheapest nearby option, with rates commonly starting around $7 and a daily maximum around $20 (in after 5 p.m., a reduced max applies). Rates are subject to change.
- Additional garages and surface lots are available within walking distance in Uptown, with rates that can range from roughly $7 to $37 depending on day, time, and duration.
- Street parking in Uptown is metered, time-limited, and closely monitored—better for quick errands than a full conference day.
- Several nearby garages allow you to reserve a space in advance through parking apps, which is recommended during large events.
Getting There
- Air: The Charlotte Convention Center is about 15 minutes from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). SNA's official travel agency, Corporate Traveler, can assist with airline reservations (a $40 convenience/booking fee applies).
- Taxi / Rideshare: Taxis, Uber, Lyft, onsite shuttle companies, limos, rental cars, and ADA/medical transportation all serve the airport.
- Shuttle: SNA provides shuttle service from select conference hotels to the Convention Center.
- Rail: The LYNX Blue Line light rail offers a convenient way to travel between Uptown Charlotte and nearby areas.
- Bus: Public transportation, hotel shuttles, and private buses are available from the airport.
Nearby Hotels
SNA has contracted with more than 20 hotels, all within walking distance (no hotel is more than 0.6 miles from the Convention Center). Busing is provided from select properties. Conference registration is required before you can book within the discounted block. Examples of contracted hotels and special rates (plus taxes and fees):
- The Westin Charlotte (HQ) — 601 S College St. — $254/night — 0.1 miles
- Embassy Suites Charlotte Uptown — 401 E MLK Jr Blvd. — $219/night — 0.02 miles
- Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Uptown — 508 E MLK Jr Blvd. — $209/night — 0.03 miles
- Home2 Suites Charlotte Uptown — 610 S Caldwell St. — $219/night — 0.03 miles
- Courtyard Charlotte City Center — 237 S Tryon St. — $195/night — 0.1 miles
- Element Charlotte Uptown — 650 S Caldwell St. — $185/night — 0.1 miles
- Hilton Charlotte Uptown — 222 E 3rd St. — $229/night — 0.1 miles
- JW Marriott Charlotte — 600 S College St. — $339/night — 0.1 miles
- Charlotte Marriott City Center — 100 W Trade St. — $254/night — 0.3 miles
- Omni Charlotte Hotel — 132 E Trade St. — $249/night — 0.3 miles
- Fairfield Inn & Suites and Springhill Suites (both about $179–$209/night) sit farther out at roughly 0.5 miles.
Housing reservations are handled through SNA's official housing bureau, Conference Direct (sna@conferencedirect.com or 877-440-7549).
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 NFDA International Convention & Expo?
The event takes place October 25-28, 2026, at the Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S College St, Charlotte, NC 28202.
Who should attend the NFDA International Convention & Expo?
It is designed for funeral directors, embalmers, suppliers, educators, mortuary science students and other funeral service professionals, from those just starting their careers to seasoned professionals. In 2026 it also welcomes international attendees through the concurrent FIAT-IFTA Global Convention.
How do I register and what does it cost?
You can register online through NFDA's portal, by phone at 262-789-1880, or on-site. Early-bird member rates (on or before August 13, 2026) are $795 for Full Access, $310 for Expo Plus and $225 for Expo Only, with higher standard and nonmember rates after that date.
What can I expect at the Expo and education program?
The Expo Hall features more than 300 exhibitors showcasing cremation equipment, vehicles, software, memorialization products and more. Attendees can also choose from 3 preconvention seminars and 30+ workshops and earn up to 16 continuing education hours.
Who are the 2026 keynote speakers?
Disruption strategist and bestselling author Shawn Kanungo speaks on Monday, October 26, and New York Times bestselling author John Kenney speaks on Wednesday, October 28.
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