The IFDA Annual Convention stands out as the largest yearly gathering of funeral directors and funeral service suppliers in the state of Illinois. This premier event features social gatherings, opportunities for continuing education, and an exhibit floor. For additional details, please scroll down. We look forward seeing you there! !
Join us at Walker's Bluff Casino Resort for the 2024 IFDA Annual Convention!
- Convention Sponsors
- Keynote Address
- Information/Registration for Funeral Directors
- Information for Exhibitors & Sponsors
- View Current Exhibitors
- Hotel Information
Convention Sponsors
The IFDA Annual Convention is possible because of the contributions of our generous sponsors. Their generosity helps us provide a better event for all of our attendees and guests, and we want to offer a sincere THANK YOU from the IFDA Staff and Board of Directors.
Keynote Address Sponsor
Keynote Address Secondary Sponsor
Early Arrival Meet & Greet Event Sponsor
Convention Lanyards Sponsor
Member and Vendor Appreciation Party Sponsor
Convention Entertainment Sponsor
Convention Photobooth Sponsor
Education Session Sponsors
Refreshment Break Sponsors
Keynote Speaker
John O'Leary
Embrace Your Thoughts, Elevate Your Life
It’s harder than ever to be a funeral director today. You work longer hours, and the job is more demanding, which can lead to burn out and stress beyond imagination. Some days, it’s easy to feel like the cards are stacked against you, but you can be empowered by your circumstances and overcome them.
John O’Leary, speaker and author, knows a thing or two about overcoming unimaginable circumstances. As a child, John was burned on 100% of his body and was given a less than 1% chance to live. With those conditions, he could have given up, but he changed his way of thinking and focused on having a positive perspective. John will share how thoughts are powerful and can change your life.
What would it look like if you focused on uplifting your thoughts? How would your life change for the better? Get ready to be moved at the Illinois Funeral Directors Association Annual Convention on June 25.
Sponsored by
Information for Funeral Directors
Download Registration Guide
Click to download the Registration Guide, which contains information on the hotel, the convention schedule, fun events, education sessions, and the Convention Contract.
2024 Convention Registration Guide
2024 IFDA Annual Convention Contract
Click to download the Convention Contract for completion by hand. You may then mail, fax, or scan and email the completed contract to IFDA.
Certified Crematory Operator Training
This training will be held at Southern Illinois University, College of Health and Human Sciences, Room 14 on June 24th from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It will be presented by Robert Broomfield, M.S. Ed. with guest speaker Anthony Fleege, M.B.A. Parking passes and lunch will be provided to registered participants. We will be utilizing both classroom and crematory facilities for training. Casual dress is recommended as we will be cremating a cadaver and going through each step of the process. To register send an email to: msfsceu@siu.edu requesting a registration form. Cost will be $450.
Golf Outing
Get ready to tee off for the ultimate day of swings and fun at our Golf Outing! Join us on Monday June 24th for 18 holes of pure golfing bliss! We will kick off the day with registration and lunch at 11:00 AM to fuel your swing. As the clock strikes 11:30 AM, it's tee time! Whether you're a seasoned pro or not, this event promises fun and camaraderie for all skill levels. Pricing is $70 per golfer.
Wine & Whiskey Tour
Join us on Monday June 24th for a Wine and Whiskey Tour! The cost of your ticket will go towards transportation and the Webb A. Sullivan Memorial Scholarship. The tour will start at Walker's Bluff Winery at 11:00 AM and will end at 4 O'clock. It will take you to 4 other Southern Illinois Gems and back to Walkers Bluff Casino Resort. It will be a great time to network and be around your peers in funeral service.
Walker's Bluff Casino Resort Spa
Take some time to relax and visit the hotel's spa! You deserve all of the luxuries this Salon & Spa has to offer...luxuries that are essential to your well-being and balanced living. Relax stressed muscles, nourish overworked skin, renew tired hands and feet and refresh your look with their many spa services. Full use of the spa is complimentary with any spa service, so bring your bathing suit and be sure to leave enough time to indulge in our infrared sauna and jetted hot tub, followed by the ice room!
To find more information and services offered at the spa click here!
To make schedule spa services please contact The Spa at Walker's Bluff at 618-993-7777. The spa will be open Monday, June 24 and Tuesday, June 25 for IFDA Convention guest.
Information for Exhibitors & Sponsors
The Exhibitor & Sponsor Prospectus will be sent to IFDA Associate Members in January to the email address we have in your IFDA profile. The links below will become available to all exhibitors two weeks after the IFDA Associate Members.
Online registration for exhibitors, sponsors, advertisers, and IFDA Associate Members.
Download Prospectus
Click to download the Exhibitor & Sponsor Prospectus, which contains information on important dates and deadlines, networking opportunities, sponsorship availability, print ads, booth pricing, the exhibit hall floorplan, and the Convention Contract.
2024 IFDA Annual Convention Contract
Click to download the Convention Contract for completion by hand. You may then mail, fax, or scan and email the completed contract to IFDA.
Annual Convention Floorplan
Click to download the Convention Floorplan
View Current Exhibitors
It takes the continued support of many organizations to make the Annual Convention successful. IFDA is pleased to be aligned with our convention exhibitors, each of which shares our goals and vision. Each and every one plays an integral role in our annual event, and we’d like to take a moment to thank the many exhibitors who help make this event possible.
| Medxwaste of Illinois | The Dodge Company |
| Futura Funeral Trust | American Coach Sales |
| Baldauff Florida Shipping Service | Worsham College of Mortuary Science |
| Chicago Cremation Supplies | ELCO Mutual Life & Annuity |
| ASD - Answering Service for Directors | Pekin Life Insurance Company |
| Riviera Tailors, Ltd | Federated Insurance |
| Urns Etc. Inc. | Compassion Funeral Service |
| MorTrack by Cairnstack Software | Cooperative Funeral Fund, Inc |
| PFA Tax and Accounting Professionals | Precoa |
| CFL Pre-Need | Wilbert Vault Companies of Illinois |
| Cutco | NFDA |
| Wellabe/Great Western Insurance Company | Premier Preneed Marketing |
| Express Funeral Funding | The Messenger Co. |
| Mid-America College of Funeral Service | Carl Sandberg College |
| Contemporary Concepts, Inc | Muster Coaches |
| United Heritage Life Insurance Company | Clark Grave Vault |
| Kachina Supply Inc | Batesville |
| Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions | Funeral Home Gifts |
| Commemorative Rosaries | Cremation Systems |
| ATK 3D Elegant Crystals | Funeral Directors Life |
| C&J Finacial | Des Moines Area Community College |
Hotel Information
Walkers Bluff Casino and Resort is located at 777 Walkers Bluff Way, Carterville, IL 62918.
Registration
Guests can call the Front Desk (618) 993-7777 and book under the group name Illinois Funeral Director Association Conference.
Group Number: 100539
