Chicago, Connection & Change: Highlights from NFDA 2025 and the Future of Deathcare Summit

What this episode covers

This episode takes you behind the scenes of the NFDA 2025 International Convention & Expo and the Future of Deathcare Summit, held in Chicago this October. Despite a few uninvited audio gremlins (yes, apologies in advance for the glitches!), this conversation captures the energy, innovation, and sense of community that defined the week. Host Jennifer Muldowney – The Glam Reaper – shares personal reflections from the Summit panel on generational shifts in funeral service, insights from NFDA's biggest educational event of the year, and key takeaways for funeral professionals in Ireland and beyond. Even though all our audio died from the NFDA we still tried! Check out our blog piece for more info. https://www.muldowneymemorials.com/blogs/chicago-connection-change-highlights-from-nfda-2025-and-the-future-of-deathcare-summit Key Topics * What made the Future of Deathcare Summit a breath of fresh air for our profession * Highlights from Jennifer's panel: "Generational Expectations: How Gen X & Millennials Are Redefining Funeral Service" * The NFDA 2025 Convention at McCormick Place — record attendance, new innovations, and a renewed focus on human connection * The rise of AI tools, digital legacy, and sustainability in modern funeral care * Why "personalisation is no longer optional" for today's families * Work in funeral service, celebrancy, or end-of-life care * Are curious about how the profession is evolving globally * Missed this year's NFDA Convention and want to catch the vibe * Love hearing how community, creativity, and compassion collide in our work 🤦‍♀️ Audio Disclaimer Fair warning — the audio gods were not on our side this time! A few sections sound like they were recorded in a wind tunnel (they weren't, promise). But the insights and spirit of the conversation are well worth the ride. Thanks to NFDA (National Funeral Directors Association) – nfda.org [https://nfda.org/] and Future of Deathcare Summit – hosted by Sympathy Brands & Fortitude Marketing