Conventions…what is your opinion?
We are preparing to participate at the South Carolina Funeral Directors Association’s 27th Mid Winter Conference and Expo. This particular event is well orchestrated and attended as far as State Funeral Associations go. As a vendor, the expense for participating at such an event are generally high; fees, travel, lodging, meals, etc. The ROI for the participation often is relatively low.
My point of view is that I may see more customers in a short time period rather than meeting individually at their respective locations. I also believe that if our team attends and supports the association events, we should at least have the consideration of the members to use our services or products.
Most associations rely on these events to raise capital for operating expenses and is an important part of their annual revenue raise. With changes in technology and communications (Skype/Go To Meeting, Online CEU’s, etc.), are Expo/Conventions becoming irrelevant? So, I would like feed back from those that attend, participate and display for funeral conventions…
The Funeral Commander~Jeff Harbeson 
I’ll be honest with you, I’ve only attended four conventions in my professional life – and that’s hardly a strong foundation of experience upon which to base my comments. However, I’ll say this: I found them exhausting, and less rewarding than I had hoped. Too many (short) superficial conversations with vendors and peers; and I always came home with way too much “stuff” (free brochures and give-aways). For me, the cost of attendance has become prohibitive; and given today’s technology, I think there are easier, less-expensive, and more-inclusive ways to connect as funeral professionals.
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I’ll be honest with you, I’ve only attended four conventions in my professional life – and that’s hardly a strong foundation of experience upon which to base my comments. However, I’ll say this: I found them exhausting, and less rewarding than I had hoped. Too many (short) superficial conversations with vendors and peers; and I always came home with way too much “stuff” (free brochures and give-aways). For me, the cost of attendance has become prohibitive; and given today’s technology, I think there are easier, less-expensive, and more-inclusive ways to connect as funeral professionals.
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I totally agree with this article. We were/are a relatively new supplier to the funeral industry. We decided to launch ourselves at the both national conventions (ICCFA & NFDA) a few years back. Spent over $10,000 for both events only to have the obligation to speak with a handful of potential customers. We speak to a handful in half of a day – EVERYDAY for a heck of lot less money. WE have new and exciting products, new technology to show our customers all the time. We have made a decision not to support the conventions until we see some kind of change in the attendees.
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Thank you for responding and providing your thoughts…agreed. We are now going to only go to the National groups and not waste any time or money again on State organizations…
Jeff
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