8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Welcome Breakfast & Networking
Start your day with a full breakfast and an opportunity to connect with fellow attendees. Enjoy informal conversations and a preview of the day ahead.
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Opening Remarks
Presented by NFDA Leadership & Event Partners
A welcome to the Summit and a look at the future of funeral service.
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Executive Insights: Lessons from Parallel Industries
Panel Discussion + Q&A
Hear how leaders from industries like healthcare, hospitality, and tech are innovating—offering insights funeral professionals can adapt to stay ahead.
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM | Fireside Chat: Remaining Relevant to Today’s Families
A discussion between a funeral director and a generational marketing expert on evolving family expectations and how to meet them.
11:15 AM – 11:30 AM | Coffee & Networking Break
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Spotlight Sessions: The Future in Focus
- Tech Transformation: Digital tools reshaping service delivery
- Marketing to the Modern Consumer: Telling your story effectively
- Succession Planning: Preparing your business for long-term success
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Networking Lunch
Enjoy a seated lunch and continue conversations sparked by the morning sessions.
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Operational Excellence: What Tomorrow Demands
Keynote Speaker + Audience Q&A
Explore how forward-thinking firms are optimizing operations without compromising service quality.
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM | Interactive Workshop: Future-Proofing Your Business
Participate in small group breakouts to apply the day’s insights to real-world challenges in technology, branding, and business continuity.
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM | Afternoon Refreshments & Networking
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM | Fireside Chat: The Next Generation of Leadership
A conversation between outgoing and incoming leaders on transitions, values, and future growth in funeral service.
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM | Closing Keynote: Forward Thinking in a Traditional World
A visionary talk on balancing legacy with innovation in serving families and communities.
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Cocktail Reception & Networking Mixer
Unwind with light bites and drinks as you reflect on the day’s sessions and connect further with peers and speakers.