We’re excited that the 18th FIAT-IFTA Global Convention and the 55th FIAT-IFTA I.C.D. Annual Meeting will be proudly hosted by our National Member, the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), in the vibrant city of Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, from October 25 to 28, 2026, in conjunction with the NFDA International Convention & Expo!
We warmly invite you to attend this gathering, which transcends borders and unites us in a shared global commitment to excellence in funeral services.
As we come together, may this General Assembly become a platform for innovation and progress. Together, we will explore new horizons, strengthen our professional bonds, and shape the future of our federation. Our committees — Heritage, Global Education, Embalming, Coffin Standards, and Sustainability — will present updates and offer engaging and informative sessions. Join us for the latest developments and take part in voting on constitutional changes approved at the last ICD Meeting.
The NFDA International Convention & Expo, held concurrently, offers outstanding keynote speakers and a wide range of educational opportunities at the largest annual funeral expo in the world, featuring over 330 exhibitors. It is a significant event showcasing a broad representation of the funeral industry.
Charlotte, known as the Queen City, offers a vibrant arts scene, rich history, and a thriving business environment, complemented by its natural beauty. It is a perfect blend of culture, innovation, and Southern charm — an ideal place to visit and connect. As always, optional technical visits to local funeral operations will be available.
Welcome to the next chapter of FIAT-IFTA, where your membership truly makes a difference.
Watch the Invitation
Register and Book Your Stay
Hotel Accommodations
Maritz Global Events
Maritz Global Events’ friendly and knowledgeable staff stands ready to assist you with all of your convention-hotel needs. [CONFIRM: Maritz paragraph — verify wording against live NFDA housing page.]
Reserve your room early — the NFDA room block will sell out! When booking, you will need to enter the access code: FIAT-IFTA
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Schedule at a Glance
| 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Registration |
| Noon – 4 p.m. | NFDA Cremation Master Class* |
| Noon – 4 p.m. | NFDA Arranger Master Class* |
| 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Registration |
| 10 – 10:45 a.m. | First Time Attendee Orientation** |
| 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Workshops (optional) |
| 3:45 – 4:30 p.m. | First Time Attendee Orientation** |
| 6 – 8 p.m. | Welcome Party |
| 8 – 9 a.m. | Workshops (optional) |
| 9:15 – 11:45 a.m. | Opening Session + Service of Remembrance |
| 12 – 1 p.m. | FIAT-IFTA Lunch** |
| 12 – 5 p.m. | NFDA Expo |
| 1 – 4:30 p.m. | FIAT-IFTA ICD Meeting** |
| 8:30 – 10:45 a.m. | Workshops (optional) |
| 8 – 9 a.m. | FIAT-IFTA Heritage Committee Meeting |
| 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. | FIAT-IFTA General Assembly |
| 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | General Session |
| 12 – 5 p.m. | NFDA Expo |
| 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. | FIAT-IFTA Global Education Committee Meeting |
| 1:45 – 2:45 p.m. | FIAT-IFTA Embalming Committee Meeting |
| 3 – 4 p.m. | FIAT-IFTA Sustainability Committee Meeting |
| 4:30 – 5 p.m. | Installation of 2026–27 NFDA President & Board of Directors (optional) |
| 7:15 – 10 p.m. | FIAT-IFTA Gala* |
| 8 – 9 a.m. | Workshops (optional) |
| 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | NFDA Expo |
| 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | FIAT-IFTA Coffin Standards Committee Meeting |
| 12:15 – 1:30 p.m. | Closing General Session |
| 2 – 5 p.m. | Technical Tour* |
If you need a Visa letter, please email [email protected]
We’re excited that the 18th FIAT-IFTA Global Convention and the 55th FIAT-IFTA I.C.D. Annual Meeting will be proudly hosted by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, October 25–28, 2026, in conjunction with the NFDA International Convention & Expo!
We warmly invite you to join us for this global gathering — with committee sessions, the General Assembly, and the world’s largest funeral expo. Welcome to the next chapter of FIAT-IFTA.
Watch the Invitation
Register and Book Your Stay
Hotel Accommodations
Maritz Global Events
Maritz Global Events’ friendly and knowledgeable staff stands ready to assist you with all of your convention-hotel needs. [CONFIRM: Maritz paragraph — verify wording against live NFDA housing page.]
Reserve your room early — the NFDA room block will sell out! When booking, you will need to enter the access code: FIAT-IFTA
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Schedule at a Glance
| 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Registration |
| Noon – 4 p.m. | NFDA Cremation Master Class* |
| Noon – 4 p.m. | NFDA Arranger Master Class* |
| 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Registration |
| 10 – 10:45 a.m. | First Time Attendee Orientation** |
| 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Workshops (optional) |
| 3:45 – 4:30 p.m. | First Time Attendee Orientation** |
| 6 – 8 p.m. | Welcome Party |
| 8 – 9 a.m. | Workshops (optional) |
| 9:15 – 11:45 a.m. | Opening Session + Service of Remembrance |
| 12 – 1 p.m. | FIAT-IFTA Lunch** |
| 12 – 5 p.m. | NFDA Expo |
| 1 – 4:30 p.m. | FIAT-IFTA ICD Meeting** |
| 8 – 10:15 a.m. | Workshops (optional) |
| 8 – 9 a.m. | FIAT-IFTA Heritage Committee Meeting |
| 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. | FIAT-IFTA General Assembly |
| 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | General Session |
| 12 – 5 p.m. | NFDA Expo |
| 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. | FIAT-IFTA Global Education Committee Meeting |
| 1:45 – 2:45 p.m. | FIAT-IFTA Embalming Committee Meeting |
| 3 – 4 p.m. | FIAT-IFTA Sustainability Committee Meeting |
| 4:30 – 5 p.m. | Installation of 2026–27 NFDA President & Board of Directors (optional) |
| 7:15 – 10 p.m. | FIAT-IFTA Gala* |
| 8 – 9 a.m. | Workshops (optional) |
| 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | NFDA Expo |
| 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | FIAT-IFTA Coffin Standards Committee Meeting |
| 12:15 – 1:30 p.m. | Closing General Session |
| 2 – 5 p.m. | International Tour* |
If you need a Visa letter, please email [email protected]