Brookfield, Wis. – The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is now accepting registrations for its 2010 Leadership Conference, July 11-14. Hosted at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort in Cambridge, Md., this annual conference is the only event of its kind to offer current and aspiring members of state and national association leadership teams the opportunity to gather with colleagues from around the country and engage in productive conversations centered on effective leadership and association success.

This year's NFDA Leadership Conference will focus on the relationship between NFDA and its state associations, and the issues that are critical to the futures of both groups. Consultant to NFDA, James S. DeLizia, CAE, of DeLizia Consulting Services, and NFDA President William C. Wappner, CFSP, will facilitate a series of presentations and discussions that will examine critical governance issues:

• The Future of Funeral Service and NFDA: In the typical lifecycle of any organization, critical plateaus are reached where conscious choices need to be made. In the dynamic environment facing NFDA, leadership believes action is needed to maintain NFDA's position as the premier voice of funeral service and the association of choice for funeral service professionals around the world. In order to examine and ensure the success of these actions, the involvement of current and upcoming association leadership is essential.
• Your Role in Shaping the Future of NFDA: As key stakeholders in the future of funeral service, conference attendees will have a unique opportunity to form breakout groups and discuss two primary issues in the evaluation of NFDA's structure: the relationship between NFDA and its constituent state associations and NFDA's governance structure.
• Mapping Out a Plan for Change, Together: A stronger NFDA means greater and better quality resources for federated state associations, association members and the profession in general. During this session, information will be shared from stakeholder group meetings held during the conference.

In addition to these presentations and discussions, attendees will learn how to strengthen their state association, improve communication skills and develop into an effective leader. Conference attendees can also take in the sights and sounds of Maryland's eastern shore through various optional excursions, including an informative outing to Annapolis and a sailing tour of the Chesapeake Bay. For detailed descriptions of all the conference's educational workshops and leisure outings, visit www.nfda.org/leadership.

Fees for NFDA's 2010 Leadership Conference remain unchanged from last year for those who register on or before June 18: $385 for NFDA members; $480 for nonmembers; $130 for a spouse or guest that does not require continuing education credit. Registration fees after June 18: $415 for NFDA members; $515 for both nonmembers and spouses or guests that do not require continuing education credit. Those interested in attending the conference can register online by visiting www.nfda.org/leadership.

Attendees may reserve hotel rooms at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort for the NFDA-negotiated room rate of $265 per night, plus a $15 resort fee that includes several amenities: guestroom Internet access, daily newspaper, intra-resort shuttle, in-room safe and unlimited access to the fitness center, various sport courts, putting green, driving range, miniature golf course and the "Captain's Parlor" game room. Hotel reservations must be made by calling 410-901-1234 (attendees should ask to be placed in the NFDA room block). The hotel reservation deadline is June 4. For more information about the hotel, visit www.nfda.org/leadership. (Note: hotel reservations cannot be made online.)

Due to the distance from the Baltimore Washington International Airport to the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort, it is recommended that conference attendees rent a car or consider carpooling with other attendees. Several car rental agencies are offering discounts to conference attendees: Hertz Rentals, 800-654-2240 (NFDA/ATC code: CV#031C0015); Enterprise, 800-593-0505 (NFDA/ATC code: 32H7476); Avis, 800-331-1600 (NFDA code: B974199).

NFDA is the world's leading funeral service association, serving 19,000 individual members who represent more than 10,200 funeral homes in the United States and internationally. From its headquarters in Brookfield, Wis., and its Advocacy Division office in Washington, D.C., NFDA informs, educates and advocates to help members enhance the quality of service they provide to families. For more information, visit www.nfda.org.

# # #

Contact:
Jessica Koth, 262-814-1536
Emilee High, 262-814-1547