NFDA2022 and Social Media

Hasn’t this year flown in? Probably down to the fact that there’s an air of more freedom each day compared to the last couple of years. Over this year, we have been able to plan more things ahead such as; in person meetings and attending events (rather than online).

NFDA2022

And a few weeks ago I was delighted to be able to attend NFDA2022 “The National Funeral Director Association’s International Convention and Expo 2022” (and I have to mention the hashtag was #NFDA2022). It was held in the Baltimore Convention Centre from 9th to 12th October 2022. NFDA2022 is the largest funeral service exhibition in the world. It gave exhibitors the opportunity to promote their products and services face to face with many funeral service decision makers from all around the world.

I did notice at the exhibition the emphasis on pre-needs/pre-planning funeral services. There were quite a few companies there offering a range of plans and their stands were exceptionally busy. And one thing I can say is, if you are offering this service it’s important that you highlight that not only on your website, but to use social media to help with things such as sharing the benefits, answering any questions and this will help with opening up the conversation with friends and family. All of the social media platforms have search facilities and people do use them for research, as well as using Google. So by posting on social media about this funeral service, you have the opportunity to educate your online community about the process, share feedback from families you have assisted with their plans and lead people to want to find out more.

Social Media played it’s part

It was my first visit to this event and it was a great experience. Social media played a big part when it came to my NFDA2022 journey. Conversing and connecting with many Funeral industry professionals I already had on social media, Zoom calls and then finally getting to meet face to face was amazing. We had hugs rather than handshakes.

It was great to go to the stands of the businesses and people I had wanted to converse with, and with those who had been sent invitations ahead of to meet at the exhibition. Business cards were shared and the question of “do you have a LinkedIn profile?” came up quite a lot. Definitely more eco-friendly and takes away the concern of running out of and/or business cards you get going missing. New connections were made and much more personal follow ups sent via the platform, so less emails.

Social media was definitely embraced leading up to NFDA2022, during the whole event and afterwards by all exhibitors, sponsors and attendees. So many selfies and group shots taken, lots of memories shared online and already building excitement for next year’s NFDA2023.

Before, during and after my visit to NFDA2022, I took photos and videos to share on social media. Here are a few photos (thought I’d leave out the plane and coffee pics) and I felt I had to share a photo of my favourite display, yes it’s the Funeral Lego:

One highlight was being invited to chat with Brian Waters, Host of “Undertaking The Podcast” and John Adams, The President of “The National out the podcast.

Talking of making new connections. I met the most interesting people at NFDA2022 and one in particular was Jeffrey Weafer who was representing “The Canadian Association of Funeral Directors”. He sent me this poem he had written with permission to share. I hope you like it as much as I do “The Last Responders”.