Schedule

Join us for the annual Funeral Directors Convention! Experience a special blend of timely continuing education, networking events and exhibit opportunities, all meticulously crafted into three powerful days.

CERTIFIED CLEBRANT TRAINING

CE ACCREDITATION AT A GLANCE

CONVENTION

8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Registration Desk Open

8:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Coffee and Refreshments

Fort Pierce B

Available to all Convention Pass holders.

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Green Light on Green Funerals

with Darren Crouch in Hollywood East

TBD

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Death in the Line of Duty

with John Horan in Hollywood West

TBD

10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Staying Ahead of the Game: How to Generate More Preneed Leads

with Glenn Gould in Hollywood East

TBD

10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Restorative Techniques that Keep That Casket Open

with Amanda Amek in Hollywood West

TBD

11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
General Session

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, listen to executive reports of the Association’s entities and honor the future of funeral service with scholarship awards.

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Buffet Lunch

Fresh Harvest Buffet

Available to all Convention Pass holders.

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Legislative Discussion

with George R. Kelder Jr., CFSP and Samantha L. Link, MPA in Hollywood East

TBD

3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Can You See Me Now? Transparency's Importance in Deathcare's Online Pricing

with Gabriel Ngo in Hollywood East

TBD

3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Death Becomes Her: The Changing Demographics of Funeral Service Practitioners

with Jolena Grande in Hollywood West

TBD

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

Etess Arena

Join your colleagues for the opening of the Exhibit Hall. 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.

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

The Lobby Bar

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

7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Registration Desk Open

7:00 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.
Coffee and Refreshments

Fort Pierce B

Available to all Convention Pass holders.

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Legislative Discussion

with George R. Kelder Jr., CFSP and Samantha L. Link, MPA

TBD

9:34 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Green Light on Green Funerals

with Darren Crouch in Hollywood East

TBD

9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Death in the Line of Duty

with John Horan in Hollywood West

TBD

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

Brighton Ballroom

Join us as we honor NJSFDA members and industry colleagues 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.

12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Exhibit Hall with Lunch and Refreshments

Etess Arena

Check out the newest products and services being offered to the funeral industry at our 60,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall. Lunch is included.

3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Staying Ahead of the Game: How to Generate More Preneed Leads

with Glenn Gould in Hollywood East

TBD

3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Restorative Techniques that Keep That Casket Open

with Amanda Amek in Hollywood West

TBD

3:15 p.m. - 4:14 p.m.
Network Bridge

Brighton Ballroom

Seize the chance to network with interns and funeral directors seeking employment opportunities during the Convention's second annual networking session. 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.

4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Death Becomes Her: The Changing Demographics of Funeral Service Practitioners

with Jolena Grande in Hollywood West

TBD

4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Can You See Me Now? Transparency's Importance in Deathcare's Online Pricing

with Gabriel Ngo in Hollywood East

TBD

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

Brighton Ballroom

TBD

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

The Balcony, Separate Ticket Purchase Required

TBD

7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Registration Desk Open

7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Continental Breakfast

Hollywood East and Hollywood West

Available to all Convention Pass holders.

9:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Past Presidents Brunch

High Rollers Club - By Invitation Only

NJSFDA Past Presidents are invited to join their fellow leaders for mimosas, brunch and conversation. This is an exclusive gathering for NJSFDA Past Presidents and Executive Board members.

2025 Certified Celebrant Training

Certified Celebrant Training helps individuals learn more about connecting with families, speaking with empathy, and gathering stories to create an individualized service that accurately reflects the person being honored.

Separate Registration Required

TRAINING INFORMATION REGISTER

Schedule

CONVENTION

Day 1

September 16

Day 2

September 17

Day 3

September 18

2025 Certified Celebrant Training