Featured Events
By Day

Come join us on the boardwalk at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City! The 2025 Convention offers a mix of attendee favorites and exciting new featured events, including enhanced networking opportunities, social gatherings and the Convention party: The Boardwalk Bayou at The Balcony.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

 

General Session
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 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.

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

Etess Arena

Join your colleagues for the opening of the Exhibit Hall. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, walk the floor and see what is trending in the industry. Complimentary beer and wine will be served with light hors d’oeuvres.

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

Center Bar at Hard Rock Cafe

Wrap up your first day at our Convention with this casual gathering at Center Bar at Hard Rock Cafe. Order a cocktail at this laid-back nightspot while enjoying the company of other funeral professionals. All are welcome.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

 

Service of Remembrance
11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.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.

Network Bridge
3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.

Brighton Ballroom

The New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association established the Network Bridge to foster the growth and continuation of the funeral profession. This annual event gives both funeral directors and potential interns a chance to meet, connect and find employment opportunities at a local funeral home.

During the event, the room will be sectioned by North, Central and South Jersey regions to help ensure funeral directors and interns can find placements in their area. Light food and beverages will be available.

Interns from the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service Education, Eastwick College, Mercer County Community College and other accredited mortuary schools are invited to attend and meet with potential employers.

New Jersey Mortuary School Olympics
4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Brighton Ballroom

Join us for the first-ever Mortuary School Olympics! Watch as nine mortuary students are split into three teams to compete in games of funeral industry trivia, relay races and funeral assignments to see who will take home the Mortuary School trophy.  

 

The Boardwalk Bayou
10:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

The Balcony

Dance down Bourbon Street at this year's late-night New Orleans-themed Convention Party! Connect with colleagues and other funeral professionals while listening to live jazz music performed by New Jersey's Ocean Avenue Stompers. With NOLA-inspired food and cocktails that will bring the Big Easy to the scenic Atlantic City boardwalk. 

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 18

 

Complimentary Breakfast
7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Hollywood East and West

Coffee, Tea and Water available starting at 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. with Hot Breakfast Buffet 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Available for all Convention attendees.