2026 Annual Convention and Expo
April 26-28, 2026
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
777 W. Cherokee St.
Catoosa, OK 74015
The room rate is $139.00/night plus tax. OKFDA encourages you to stay under our room block, because it helps OKFDA reach contractual obligations with the hotel. Reserving your room under OKFDA’s Room Block is one way you can help OKFDA! Once you are registered you will be emailed the link for the Hotel Room Block.
🎯 Get Ready to Toss, Compete, and Conquer! 🎯
Think you’ve got the best aim in town? Grab your partner and join us for an epic Cornhole Tournament! Fun, friendly competition, and bragging rights are on the line—do you have what it takes to be the champion? 🌽🏆
Sign up now and let the bags fly!
Agenda Coming Soon
Sunday, April 6, 2025 |
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| TIME | PROGRAM | SPEAKER | LOCATION |
| 8:00 AM | Pipe and Drape Setup | ||
| 9:00 AM-1:00 PM | Golf Tournament-Shotgun Start |
The Links Golf Course |
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| 1:00 PM-5:00 PM | Exhibit Hall Set Up |
OK EF |
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| 5:00 PM |
Unveiling the 2025 Ethical Landscape |
Marty Ludlum |
OK AB |
| 6:30 PM-9:00 PM |
Opening Party-OKFDA Cornhole Tournament with Live DJ-Sponsored by Federated Insurance |
OK GHIJ |
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| Monday, April 7, 2025 | |||
| 8:00 AM | Registration | Convention Registration | |
| 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM |
Additional Exhibit Hall Set Up |
OK EF | |
| 8:00 AM | Old School & New School Embalming: Why We Need Both | John T. Hill | OK AB |
| 9:00 AM | Joseph Gawler's Sons: Funeral Home to the Presidents | Duane Hills | OK AB |
| 10:00 AM | Memorial Service/OKFDA Business Meeting & Election of Officers/25 & 50 year Pin Awards Ceremony | OK AB | |
| 12:00 noon - 3:00 p.m. |
Trade Show Exhibits |
OK EF | |
| 3:00 PM | JFK "The President Died Some 38 Minutes Ago" | Duane Hills | OK AB |
| 4:00 PM | TBD | Steve Shaffer, Teresa Carlson & Kara Ludlum | OK AB |
| 7:00 PM | President's Banquet-Sponsored by Homesteaders Life Company | OK AB | |
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Tuesday, April 8, 2025 |
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| 7:30 AM |
Registration |
Convention Registration | |
| 8:00 AM-12:00 Noon | Trade Show Exhibits | OK EF | |
| 12:00 Noon - 2:00 pm | Vendor Move Out | OK EF | |
| 12 Noon | Estate Planning, Business Sucession, and Legacy | Federated Insurance | OK AB |
| 12:00 Noon - 1:00 p.m. |
Past President's Luncheon |
OK J | |
Attendee Registration Coming Soon
Speakers
Marty Ludlum
Professor Marty Ludlum teaches business law at the University of Central Oklahoma and is a licensed attorney. He has made numerous presentations on the funeral industry at state and national conventions and had articles in national and state funeral magazines. Professor Ludlum has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in economics, a Master’s degree in communication and a Juris Doctor, all from the University of Oklahoma. Professor Ludlum is the Education Director for Osiris Funeral Home Software.
Exhibitors
Charting the Trail: Honoring Tradition, Exploring Innovation
The Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association is excited to invite you to join us for our 123rd Annual Convention and Expo, taking place April 26-28, 2026, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tulsa, OK This year, we’re gathering like-minded professionals at basecamp for a few days of connection, discovery, and forward momentum.
Your company has long been a trusted partner in the funeral service profession, consistently providing tools, services, and innovations that help funeral directors across Oklahoma navigate an ever-changing landscape. We are grateful for your continued commitment to strengthening our profession.
The OKFDA Annual Convention and Expo offers an ideal setting to set up camp and showcase your latest advancements, share ideas around the fire, and connect with industry professionals from across the state. From exploring new technologies to forging strong partnerships, this event serves as a well-traveled trail for growth, collaboration, and shared success.
This year’s convention promises to be a milestone moment as we welcome professionals and industry leaders together and proudly install our President-Elect, John Decker of Helena, Oklahoma. Our outdoor-inspired theme, Charting the Trail: Honoring Tradition, Exploring Innovation, celebrates the balance between time-honored practices and bold new paths forward. We encourage exhibitors to decorate their booths with a rustic, outdoor, or lodge-style flair that brings the theme to life.
To kick things off, John will host an Opening Night Campfire Social, featuring a cornhole tournament, live DJ, and hearty hors d'oeuvres — a relaxed and lively way to unwind, network, and enjoy time with fellow attendees after a full day on the trail.
Beyond the exhibit hall, we encourage you to take advantage of the many opportunities to connect with fellow exhibitors and funeral directors throughout the convention. Whether swapping stories, sharing successes, or building new relationships, the OKFDA Convention provides the perfect setting to strengthen your presence within Oklahoma’s funeral service community.
Thank you for being an essential part of the 123rd Annual Convention and Expo. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to a rewarding and successful partnership. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with details and access to the hotel room block.
We’ll see you on the trail this April.
Sincerely,
Dustin B. Pierce
Executive Director
Automobile Vendors
Entrance Door is 88 inches wide by 108 inches tall.
Liquid- or gas-fueled vehicles, boats or other motor craft shall not be located indoors except as follows:
Batteries are disconnected.
Fuel in fuel tanks does not exceed one-quarter tank or 5 gallons (19 L) (whichever is least).
Fuel tanks and fill openings are closed and sealed to prevent tampering.
Vehicles, boats or other motor craft equipment are not fueled or defueled within the building.
None at this time.
2024 Convention Sponsors
Platinum Convention Sponsor |
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Gold Convention Sponsors |
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Silver Convention Sponsors |
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Bronze Convention Sponsors |
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| Copper Convention Sponsors |
| Genesis Whole-Body Donation |

