Featured Events
By Day

Come join us on the boardwalk at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City! The 2024 Convention offers a mix of attendee favorites and exciting new featured events, including enhanced networking opportunities, social gatherings, VIP perks and the Convention party: Yacht Rock Night, bringing the full theme to life.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

 

Network Bridge
3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.

Etess Arena Left Prefunction Space

The New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association is dedicated to helping its membership find, hire and nurture new talent.

During the event, funeral directors and potential interns will get the chance to meet and greet, with an eye toward placing qualified personnel with funeral homes in their area. Each district will have signage that will allow both interns and funeral directors to network based on location.

Light food and beverage will be served.

Eastwick College, Mercer County Community College and American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service Education will be sending interns to meet with funeral directors. Interns from all schools are welcome.

Exhibit Hall Opening Reception
4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Etess Arena

Join your colleagues for the opening of the Exhibit Hall at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City’s Etess Arena. This is an opportunity to take a first look at the products and services offered by our exhibitors and learn what is trending in the industry. Complimentary beer and wine will be served with light hors d’oeuvres.

Idle Hand Collective Pop-Up
4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Etess Arena

Experience premium barbering, beard trims, hair braiding, manicures, and massages with an onsite donation to support the New Jersey Funeral Service Education Corporation.

Founded by Alex Levine of The Gaslight Anthem, Idle Hand Collective – renowned for their work with artists and athletes – brings vintage rock and roll vibes to the Exhibit Hall floor.

Register early to secure your spot. All registrants are entered to win free styling products, music, clothing, and more.

Thank you to VIP sponsor, Private Label Caskets, for making this unique experience possible.

Reserve Your Spot Here

Funeral Directors Round-Up
10:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

The Lobby Bar

Wrap up your first day at our Convention with this casual gathering held at the Lobby Bar. Order an cocktail at this laid-back nightspot while enjoying the company of other funeral professionals. All are welcome.

Thank you to Creter Vault Corporation for making this experience possible.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

 

Service of Remembrance
11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Brighton Ballroom

Join us as we honor NJSFDA members who have died this past year. Everyone is welcome to attend this personalized commemorative event to share memories with families and friends. Anyone not registered for the Convention may request a badge to attend the Service of Remembrance at no charge.

Idle Hand Collective Pop-Up
12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Etess Arena

Experience premium barbering, beard trims, hair braiding, manicures, and massages with an onsite donation to support the New Jersey Funeral Service Education Corporation.

Founded by Alex Levine of The Gaslight Anthem, Idle Hand Collective – renowned for their work with artists and athletes – brings vintage rock and roll vibes to the Exhibit Hall floor.

Register early to secure your spot. All registrants are entered to win free styling products, music, clothing, and more.

Thank you to VIP sponsor, Private Label Caskets, for making this unique experience possible.

Reserve Your Spot Here

Forward Collective
5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

The Balcony

Held at The Balcony, an exclusive club at the Hard Rock, this new gathering is our kickoff to the annual Convention party. This event provides an opportunity for new and future funeral directors, 35 years of age and under, to mix and mingle in a welcoming atmosphere. Those students and interns who attended the Network Bridge event earlier in the program are encouraged to join us for this event.

Reminder: You must be 21 years old or older to drink alcoholic beverages but mocktails and other non-alcoholic drinks will be available. You must be registered for the Convention to attend.

Thank you to the National Funeral Directors Association for making this experience possible.

Enjoy the outside patio as well; weather permitting.

Yacht Rock Night
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Sound Waves Theater

Step aboard the SS Mortician for this year’s Convention party, featuring a night of Yacht Rock favorites performed live by Jersey’s own Suit & Mai Tai! This seven-piece band brings the sounds of 70s classic rock with hits from Steely Dan, Toto, Fleetwood Mac and more! Don your favorite Hawaiian print, grab a cocktail and enjoy a lively night “at sea”.

With complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails for all party guests, the Convention party is a great opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy conversation with friends and colleagues.

Reminder: You must be 21 years old or older to drink alcoholic beverages but mocktails and other non-alcoholic drinks will be available. You must be registered for the Convention to attend.

Separate ticket purchase and photo ID are required.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

 

General Session
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Brighton Ballroom

Join us for the annual business meeting of the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association. Witness the ceremonial installation of new board members and listen to the executive reports of the Association’s entities.