Fog, rain, and the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. Based on this combination, you might think our team sat on the runway instead of flying to Chicago for NFDA 2025.

But despite the weather’s best efforts, we did make it to the convention. And it was epic.

And if you read no further than this, there’s one thing you should know about this year’s convention. Well, maybe a few things…

It was informative and inspiring. Plus, there was plenty of fun had and parties attended. We even toured the expo hall with The Graveyard Shift crew. 👀

So, what are you waiting for? Start reading to see the 6 biggest moments of NFDA 2025.

#1: A warm NFDA welcome.

NFDA. Roaring 20s. House of Blues. Need we say more? Sunday night’s welcome party was the perfect kickoff for convention week. We caught up with old friends, met new ones, and shared more than a few laughs.

House of Blues did not disappoint.

And yes, we ran into one half of The Graveyard Shift at the welcome party, rocking matching shirts. We can’t say we’re surprised.

Twins! We can barely tell them apart.

After the party, we opted for a late-night snack. The obvious choice? Deep-dish pizza. And this wasn’t your standard Domino’s order like we’re used to back home in Abilene, Texas…it was one hundred times better.

It didn’t even matter that the cheese was under the sauce.

#2: Our team showed up swingin' (golf clubs).

On Sunday, several of our team members joined the Funeral Service Foundation’s Annual Golf Classic at Top Golf. The Golf Classic is always a highlight for us, because it supports a cause we deeply value. Every donation goes to support people and programs that will strengthen the future of funeral service.

We had a blast connecting with customers and friends throughout the tournament. This event always reminds us how meaningful it is to come together, have fun, and give back!

We putt our best foot forward at NFDA…too much?

Of course, we spotted a member from The Graveyard shift at Top Golf. These guys were everywhere, like, seriously everywhere.

Did Jimmy wear this shirt the entire convention? Maybe.

#3: Networking that was actually fun.

If you've been to a convention, you know one of the best parts is getting to see all your friends and making new connections. This week was one for the books! A special thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth this year.

Kelsey and Todd, with long-time customer Marlan Gary, CEO of Marlan Gary Funeral Home, The Chapel of Peace.

Always love seeing our friends at Tukios!

Plus, some of our team members attended a special networking event for women in funeral service. ReConnect was a 10 out of 10! It was a time to share goals, reflect on past year’s accomplishments, and have a great time. Here’s what one of our team members had to say:

“I loved meeting so many inspiring women doing amazing things in this profession.”

- Vasti

ReConnect was a 10/10 experience!

#4: The coolest new tools in funeral service.

Each year, NFDA gives an award to the vendor that creates the most innovative tool for funeral professionals to use. This year, the submissions did not disappoint!

We're grateful to have been a finalist for our AI Scanner. This tool saves you time and effort and helps you reduce the chance of errors when entering first call and vitals information into Passare from paper documents! If you haven’t learned about it yet, you can check it out here. >>>

#5: Shenanigans with The Graveyard Shift crew.

There was so much to do at NFDA, and only 3 days to do it. Thankfully, the crew from The Graveyard Shift saw it all, from emotional support puppies to embalming fluids that smell like a Yankee Candle (more on that in the video below!).

Whether you walked the floor yourself or you’ve been waiting to get the scoop on this year’s vendors, you’ll want to watch this.

#6: A rooftop party to remember.

Like we said in the beginning, NFDA was packed with inspiration and overflowing with insights. But let’s be honest…it was also a blast.

This year, we joined Funeral Directors Life to host a mixer where our partners, customers, and many other funeral professionals could connect and have fun! The coolest part? It was on a rooftop overlooking the city.

Was it windy? You bet.

Was it still one of our top moments from the week? Absolutely.

Rooftop party? Would definitely recommend.

Maybe in a warmer city next time though…😆

Until next year, NFDA.

That’s a wrap on NFDA 2025. We couldn’t be more grateful that our team got to attend another year. NFDA is truly the best way to end our convention season (with a bang!). Thank you to everyone who made this week great!

And to those who took a moment to talk to the crew at The Graveyard Shift, thanks for playing along. 😉

Until next time!