Chicago, Connection & Change: Highlights from NFDA 2025 and the Future of Deathcare Summit
Every year, the NFDA International Convention & Expo brings our profession together, but this year in Chicago felt different. Maybe it was the energy. Maybe it was the mix of tradition and innovation. Maybe it was simply the reminder that, no matter where we come from, funeral professionals share a heartbeat of service and humanity.
Jennifer, Gabrielle and ‘Hearsella’
The Future of Deathcare Summit
Before NFDA officially opened, the Summit invited leaders, educators and practitioners to consider where funeral service is heading. Jennifer was a panellist for a session on generational expectations and the changing needs of families.
Several themes shaped the conversation:
Younger generations are seeking personalised and culturally meaningful ways to honour their loved ones
Environmental awareness continues to grow
Digital tools such as livestreaming, QR memorials and online planning are becoming standard
Innovation should enhance human connection rather than replace it
The dialogue resonated strongly with Jennifer. Working between Ireland and the United States gives her a clear view of how similar the needs of grieving families are across borders. As she reflected in Funeral Times, Irish families are watching the same global trends and increasingly expecting services that feel authentic, relevant and deeply personal.
NFDA 2025 Convention
The Convention brought together nearly six thousand attendees from thirty-nine countries. McCormick Place was filled with education sessions, new technology, suppliers, creative showcases and meaningful conversations.
Key themes emerged throughout the week.
Personalisation
Personalisation is no longer an added feature. It is an expectation. Families want ceremonies that reflect the life lived rather than rely on a traditional template. This presents an opportunity for celebrants, memorial planners and funeral professionals to create experiences that feel genuine and unique.
Sustainability
Green burial options, natural organic reduction and environmentally responsible products were featured throughout the Expo Hall. Interest in sustainable practices continues to grow. Ireland is well placed to support this shift due to its strong cultural relationship with nature and community-centred ritual.
Technology
Technology continues to expand the capacity for funeral professionals to support families. Artificial intelligence, digital planning tools and memorial platforms were positioned not as replacements for human care but as support systems that give professionals more time and space to connect with families.
Craft and Care
The Restorative Art Showcase was a reminder that behind every farewell, there is meticulous work carried out with respect and dedication. Even as the profession modernises, this craftsmanship remains a core element of funeral service.
A Global Community
Throughout the week, Jennifer connected with colleagues from Ireland, Australia and beyond. The sense of community was one of the most memorable aspects of the Convention. The international attendees created an atmosphere of welcome and warmth. Many echoed the same sentiment. So many friends and so little time.
Where Ireland Fits Into the Global Future
Jennifer left Chicago with a renewed belief that Ireland is uniquely positioned to lead in the future of funeral service. The Irish wake remains one of the most authentic and community-driven mourning traditions in the world. When combined with modern storytelling, sensory-focused memorial design, digital legacy awareness and sustainable practices, Ireland stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation.
This fusion aligns closely with Jennifer’s work through Muldowney Memorials and the Modern Memorials Celebrant Training Program. It also reflects a wider shift within the profession as a whole. Families today want both the comfort of tradition and the relevance of contemporary expression.
Looking Ahead
The NFDA Convention and the Future of Deathcare Summit demonstrated that change within funeral service is not only possible but already underway. The profession continues to evolve to meet the needs of modern families while honouring the values that have always grounded the work.
Jennifer looks forward to continuing these conversations at NFDA 2026 in Charlotte and to sharing future insights with colleagues in Ireland and abroad. The path forward will require creativity, collaboration and compassion. Chicago proved that the global funeral profession is ready for all three.
Check out the Podcast Episode on Youtube HERE
