Featured Events 

The 2023 Convention is returning to Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City and will feature many of attendee’s favorite happenings as well as some new featured events to enhance the Convention experience, including: a new day and time for our annual Service of Remembrance event, keynote speaker, Duane Hills, President of Joseph Gawler's Sons - Funeral Home of the Presidents, and the first ever Halloween-themed Convention party to kick off the spooky season. 

 

 

Tuesday, October 10

3:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Service of Remembrance

Join us as we honor NJSFDA members and industry colleagues who have died this past year. Everyone is welcome to attend this personalized memorial 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.

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Opening Reception

Join your colleagues for the opening of the Exhibit Hall on the first floor of Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center. This is an opportunity to take a first look at the products and services offered by our exhibitors and see what is trending in the industry. Complimentary beer and wine will be served with light hors d'oeuvres.

5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Funeral Director and Intern Speed Networking

Seize the chance to network with interns seeking employment opportunities during two Funeral Director and Intern Speed Networking sessions at Convention.
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 invited.
9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Funeral Directors Round-Up

Wrap up your first day at our Convention with this casual gathering held at the Eden Lounge. The Eden Lounge is the quintessential laid-back Atlantic City nightlife location with affordable cocktails and live entertainment.

Wednesday, October 11

8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Keynote Speaker: Duane Hills

Duane Hills is President of Joseph Gawler’s Sons Funeral Home in Washington, DC – the funeral home of the Presidents, and has served in this role for a decade. In this seminar, Duane will explain what it takes to establish a funeral home, including how Gawler’s built their reputation in Washington and the 8 presidential funerals they were involved in.

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Funeral Director and Intern Speed Networking

Seize the chance to network with interns seeking employment opportunities during two Funeral Director and Intern Speed Networking sessions at Convention.
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 invited.
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Night of Spirits: Convention Costume Bash

Join us for the Convention’s first ever costume party with live casino games and prizes featuring DJ Dario Valli (grandson of Frankie Valli) to kick off the spooky season. The party will take place at The Pool at Harrah’s Resort and hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be served. Must be over 21 to attend.

Separate ticket purchase and photo ID required.

Thursday, October 12

11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

General Session

Join us for the annual business meeting of the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association. Witness the ceremonial installation of new board members, listen to executive reports of the Association’s entities and honor the future of funeral service with scholarship awards.

Night of Spirits: 
Convention Costume Bash 

featuring DJ Dario Valli

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11
The Pool at Harrah's Resort | Atlantic City, NJ

Purchase Your Ticket