For Immediate Release: July 13, 2010

Keynote speakers to focus on embracing change in an uncertain economy and customer service centered on earning loyalty.

Brookfield, Wis. – The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) announced the keynote speakers for its 2010 International Convention & Expo, which will be held October 10-13 in New Orleans, La.

Opening General Session, October 11: "Manage Fear, Embrace Change and Lead Employees in an Uncertain Economy," Phillip Van Hooser
Unstable economic news has become a consistent drumbeat. However, many economists are beginning to predict that the economic tide will soon turn. According to Phillip Van Hooser, while many businesses remain "hunkered down," hoping to survive, the best positioned businesses have their heads up, surveying the horizon, preparing their people today to lead their businesses into economic recovery.

Drawing on his experience as a manager for Fortune 500 heavy-manufacturing and consumer products companies, Van Hooser knows the leadership methods that inspire employees to improve their performance and productivity. As a director of a locally-owned community bank, he understands the link between exceptional customer service and profitability. Van Hooser will help attendees recognize the four universal fears with which employees struggle during times of change and share an eight-step strategy for successfully managing change.

Closing General Session, October 13: "Delivering World-class Customer Service," Dennis Snow
Customers have more choices than ever, and products and services are increasingly seen as commodities. According to former Walt Disney World Company executive Dennis Snow, differentiation is the key to attracting and retaining customers while driving bottom-line results.
Drawing on 20 years of experience working with the Walt Disney World Company, along with many years of consulting with organizations around the world, Snow will provide a how-to program for creating a service-driven culture. This session will provide convention attendees with strategic tools that can be used to raise the bar of service throughout their organization, resulting in "walk through fire" customer loyalty.

This year's NFDA International Convention & Expo will help make "Your business. Better." Convention attendees will benefit from more than 40 engaging and interactive educational workshops and seminars led by the most knowledgeable, creative and resourceful minds in the profession. The gathering also features the world's largest annual funeral service expo, which highlights the newest profit-boosting products, services and business solutions. Complete details about the 2010 NFDA International Convention & Expo can be found by visiting www.nfda.org/neworleans2010 or by calling the association at 800-228-6332.

Sponsors that have generously supported NFDA in 2010 are: American Airlines Cargo, Aurora Casket Company, Batesville Casket Company, Director's Select Retirement Plan, Doric, Federated Insurance, Funeral Call, Homesteaders Life Company, Hunter Warfield, JCPenney, Kodak, Louisiana Funeral Directors Association, Madelyn Company, Memorial Streams, Memories by Design, Messenger and Nomis.

NFDA is the world's leading funeral service association, serving 18,500 individual members who represent more than 9,900funeral 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.

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