If you stay up to date with what is going on in the FrontRunner world, you will know that the Fall is our busiest time. Each year, we celebrate this wonderful season by travelling to State, Provincial and International trade shows. Not only that, but we take some time to focus on professional development as well. This year’s travel is already in full swing and we can’t wait to share our stories with you, catch up with our clients on the road and meet new friends along the way. Here is a snapshot of where we are going to be over the next few weeks and a small recap of where we have already been. If you are able to, we would love to connect at any of these events.
INBOUND, Boston (September 4-7)
For the second straight year, we sent some of our marketing team to Boston for the annual INBOUND conference. The three-day event, hosted by the Cambridge based marketing & sales giant HubSpot, brings 20,000 professionals together for a summit of all things technology, innovation and marketing. With keynotes from the likes of Deepak Chopra, Shonda Rimes and baseball legend Alex Rodriguez – it is safe to say that our team learned lots and left inspired for the future. One of our favorite things about this event is getting to see the latest and most innovative strategies from some of the world’s greatest marketing and business minds. It really gets the wheels turning for how we can help our clients improve and grow their businesses.
OFSA Collingwood, Ontario (September 24 – September 26)
Look out Ontario, we’re coming for the OFSA Annual General Meeting & Conference. I mean, we don’t have to travel far – but it’s always nice to meet with clients on our home turf. We also love being part of the discussions that help shape the future of funeral service in this province. There will be cool stuff happening all week, including live music, networking events and great speakers. Not to mention that there is never a shortage of cool things to do and see in the Blue Mountain area. If you plan on going, you better come catch up with us at booth #138 and if you have yet to register, you can download the registration form here. We hope to see you there!
NJSFDA Atlantic City New Jersey (September 25 – September 27)
Once again the NJSFDA Convention and Expo will be hosted in Atlantic City, returning to Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Centre for a third time. Starting on Tuesday, September 25 and going until Thursday, September 27, the show will offer the perfect mix of business and pleasure for attendees. Because Atlantic City is known for its leisure, there will be plenty to do when not attending networking events or continuing education seminars. Year after year this is one of our favourite shows, as so many of our wonderful clients come from the surrounding area. This year, our Chief Marketing Officer Ashley Montroy will be speaking about how to make social media work for funeral businesses (you don’t want to miss that one). If you have yet to register for this event, you can do that here. We hope that you can find the time to visit us in booth #117 so that we can enjoy some of this great week together.
OACFP Hamilton, Ontario (October 2 – October 4)
This year, for the first time, we will be sending some of our team to the Ontario Association of Cemetery and Funeral Professionals Educational Conference and Tradeshow in the steel city, Hamilton, Ontario. As first timers, we look forward to meeting some new faces and meeting up with some familiar ones as well. We will be at booth #58 showcasing some of our latest innovations and offering special show discounts to those in attendance. The only thing is, we may need some help exploring the city and navigating the show. Any takers? Either way, if you plan on attending the show – let us know ahead of time and we can schedule something. More information about the event and registration is available here.
Selected Independent Annual General Meeting Snowbird, Utah (October 10 – October 13)
Attending the Selected Independent Annual General Meeting in Snowbird, Utah will be another first for us. One where we get to celebrate being chosen as a Preferred Partner by Selected Independent earlier in 2018. For us, there is no greater honour than getting to associate with the best and the brightest that this industry has to offer and we look forward to contributing to the future of funeral service through our participation at this event. Ashley will once again be speaking and you won’t want to miss out on this session. It will be a great way to gear up for NFDA. Also, not going to lie, we are pretty pumped to visit Utah (we’ve heard great things).
NFDA Salt Lake City, Utah (October 14 – October 18)
Mark your calendars. For four days in October, the entire funeral industry will descend upon Salt Lake City for the annual NFDA Convention & Expo. Every year, this show is a highlight for our company and we love getting to share our latest ideas with the thousands who attend. This year we will be located at booth #1207 where we will be releasing some awesome new products and offering our best deals of the year. If you are going to make the trip to any of these events, or are torn between two – this is definitely one to make time for. Depending on where you live, the trip might be pretty lengthy. But if it makes you feel any better, we are coming all the way from Eastern Canada and we would love to see you there. From the networking events and show floor to the many awesome speakers (yes, including our CMO) it is a can’t miss. You can register or get more information here.
NFDA Professional Women’s Conference Canada (November 15 – November 18)
Rounding off our season of travel will be an awesome event taking place in Toronto through a partnership between the NFDA and the Funeral Service Association of Canada. The first ever Professional Women’s Conference – Canada will be held at the storied Royal York Hotel and there Ashley will continue her speaking tour with a presentation on Digital Marketing Done Right. For any women interested in going to this event, it is not too late to register. Let’s contribute to an amazing turnout so that more events take place. Registration details are available here.
Want to schedule some one-on-one time?
Show season is busy, but never too busy for us to make time for our clients. If you are able to make any of these events, and even if you are not, please contact us in advance to discuss possible ways for us to meet up in the near future. We understand that it is not always possible to put aside work and head out on the road. However, we have been known to be fairly creative. Hey, we may even be able to bring our show specials and sneak peeks your way.
Safe travels everyone!
Brandon is the Marketing Communications Manager at FrontRunner Professional. He holds a Social Sciences degree from McMaster University and a Graduate Certificate in Integrated Marketing Communications from St. Lawrence College. His creative writing and innovative ideas bring new life to the company, FrontRunner’s clients and funeral directors world-wide.
