2025 National Convention - Vietnam
at New World Saigon Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Monday, 24 March 2025 from 12:00 PM - Thursday, 27 March 2025 to 11:00 PM (AUS Eastern Daylight Time) + Add to calendar24/03/2025 12:0027/03/2025 23:00Australia/Sydney2025 National Convention - Vietnam2025 National Convention - Vietnam
Monday, 24 March 2025 from 12:00 PM - Thursday, 27 March 2025 to 11:00 PM (AUS Eastern Daylight Time)
Organiser
Deanne Brown
0398599966
deanne.brown@afda.org.au
Address
New World Saigon Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
76 Le Lai Street
Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City 700000 Viet Nam
Event web page: https://www.stickytickets.com.au/jc5m9New World Saigon Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
76 Le Lai Street
Ben Thanh Ward, District 1 Ho Chi Minh City 700000
Viet NamDeanne BrownfalseDD/MM/YYYY2880
Tickets
$1,100.00
Includes Welcome Reception, 3 x days of Education Sessions & Keynote Luncheon, City Sights Tour, Dinner Cruise, War Remnants Museum Tour and Gala Dinner
$1,100.00
Includes Welcome Reception, 2 x days Education Sessions, Keynote Luncheon, City Sights Tour, Dinner Cruise, Partners Cooking Class, War Remnants Museum Tour and Gala Dinner.
$0
Includes Welcome Reception, 3 x days of Education Sessions & Keynote Luncheon, City Sights Tour, Dinner Cruise, War Remnants Museum Tour and Gala Dinner
$190.00
Includes exclusive rooftop use, canapes and 3 hours of free flowing drinks at Chill Skybar (6.00pm-9.00pm)
$130.00
Includes Opening Ceremony, Memorial Service, Industry Reports, Education Session and lunch (9.00am-1.00pm)
$130.00
Includes 3.5 hour hosted tour to many Saigon attractions including shopping time at the Ben Thanh Market (1.30pm-5.00pm)
$200.00
Includes 4 hour dinner cruise with exclusive use of Saigon Princess Boat along Saigon River, live entertainment, seated dinner and free flowing drinks (6.30pm-10.30pm)
$250.00
Includes Education Sessions and Keynote Luncheon (9.00am-3.30pm)
$160.00
Includes 2 course lunch, free flowing drinks and guest speaker (1.00pm-3.30pm)
$130.00
Includes Education Sessions and catering breaks (9.00am-1.00pm)
$150.00
Includes transfers to Hoa Tuc Restaurant, private cooking class and lunch (Note: this runs at the same time at the education sessions (9.00am-12.00pm)
$50.00
Includes transfers and guided tour of the War Remnants Museum. (1.30pm-3.30pm) Warning: Graphic war related content may be confronting
$195.00
Includes 4 hour seated dinner with free flowing drinks and live entertainment (7.00pm-11.00pm)
$55.00
Includes return transfers and hosted tour from 8.30am-1.30pm
$85.00
Includes return transfers and hosted tour from 8.30am-3.30pm
** Ticket prices may vary slightly based on the payment method selected at checkout.
Details
On behalf of the AFDA National Executive, I am delighted to invite members and industry colleagues to the 2025 AFDA National Convention at the New World Saigon Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from Monday 24 March to Thursday 27 March 2025.
The four-day program features a fantastic education program with a variety of sessions from international speakers, and an exciting social schedule, including city tours with Tai Chi in the park, and a Saigon Princess dinner cruise. Partners can enjoy a private cooking class, and optional post-convention tours to the Cu Chi Tunnels or Mekong Delta are also available.
We thank our sponsors, especially our National Corporate Partners – Foresters Financial, Hyqual Australia, Funeral Plan Management/Australian Unity, ACC Higgins, FireHawk Funerals, Prime Grafix, Key Business Advisors, AFRM Claims Advocacy, Direct Mortuary Transfers and InvoCare Memorial Parks & Gardens for their ongoing support.
Register now to take advantage of the early bird rate, available until 17 January 2025.
I look forward to seeing AFDA Members and Suppliers there.
Kelly Scott, AFDA National President
To view the full program and brochure click here
If you plan to bring your kids, please contact Deanne Brown at the National Office for prices and to register.
For groups of 4 or more full registrations, a 10% discount applies, however staff must all be registered at the same time.
Please contact Deanne Brown at the National Office to register groups.
Cat Thao Nguyen is the Managing Director of Global Ready LLC and Lumina Learning Partner, helping organisations and individuals lead inclusively in a globalised world. With a diverse career spanning corporate law, private equity, and international education, she has played a pivotal role in strengthening trade, cooperation, and cultural ties between Vietnam and Australia.
John Adams is a fourth-generation funeral director, respected podcast host, and dedicated advocate for incorporating death, dying, and bereavement education into the UK national curriculum. In his first presentation, John will discuss the importance of death education, the progress of his campaign for legislative change, and the role of funeral professionals in supporting these vital conversations.
In his second presentation 'Leadership Through Change' John will explore the evolution of the industry from traditional practices to personalised, diverse services. He will address growing societal expectations for tailored care, the rise in unattended funerals, and the challenges of recruiting and retaining skilled staff.
Simon Pugh is the CEO and majority shareholder of QLM Label Makers, one of Asia-Pacific’s largest label and packaging companies with over 500 team members. Simon has led QLM’s growth and expansion from a small family business to overseeing the acquisition of the QLM Group’s investment and coordinate its presence throughout Asia-Pacific. A passionate adventurer, Simon has travelled to over 90 countries, hitchhiked across Africa, and recently trekked to Everest Base Camp.
Colin Wilson, founder and director of Key Business Advisors (KBA), leads his business with determination, passion, and motivation. Colin’s presentation will cover being ‘an employer of choice when managing staff’ focusing on three key topics: Leadership, Communication and Culture in driving the right behaviours for your funeral home to excel.
Marc Foi brings a unique blend of passion for new technology and a dedication to transforming the funeral industry. As the Founder and CEO of FireHawk Funerals CRM, now supporting over 1,000 funeral locations worldwide, he is committed to helping funeral directors streamline their operations and harness the latest innovations to drive success. Marc will guide us through the latest developments in AI, exploring its risks, rewards, and practical tips.
Greg Shorland has over 20 years’ experience working in training and assessment frameworks and is passionate about leveraging technology to engage learners effectively. Greg has been working with AFDA since 2022 and has been pivotal in developing the Funeral Learning Hub. Greg’s presentation will provide an overview of the Funeral Learning Hub and explore how technology, including AI, can personalise the learning and assessment journey.
- Welcome Cocktail Reception Cocktail
- Opening Ceremony, Education Sessions Smart Casual
and Keynote Luncheon
- Afternoon Activities and Partners Program Casual
- Dinner Cruise Smart Casual
- President’s Gala Dinner White Night Soiree Theme
Cu Chi Tunnels
Date: Friday 28 March 2025
Time: 8.30am – 1.30pm
Cost: AUD $55 per person
Embark on a journey to the Cu Chi area, once the operational base for Vietcong guerillas who played a pivotal role during the war. Witness the hand-dug tunnels, initially excavated during the 1940s French occupation and later expanded in the 1960s. These tunnels were lifelines during the war, serving as hideouts, supply routes, and communication channels. This 120km network endures as a profound war memorial.
Mekong Delta
Date: Friday 28 March 2025
Time: 8.30am – 3.30pm
Cost: AUD $85 per person
Venture out of the city, through a panorama of verdant rice paddies and tranquil villages in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s agricultural heartland, fondly known as the ‘rice bowl’. As roads are sparse, boats are the main means of transport, offering a glimpse into the river’s vastness. Enjoy a peaceful sampan ride amidst lush palms before returning to the mainland for a seafood lunch.
To make an accommodation booking please book online at: www.australiawideconferences.com.au/afda2025
Please do not book accommodation directly with the hotel – AFDA are holding a room block and accommodation bookings are being managed by Australia Wide Conferences:
Jon Doland, Australia Wide Conferences
Mobile: 0407 904 600
Email: jon@australiawideconferences.com.au
All accommodation bookings must be made prior to Friday 20 December 2024. After this date it is at the hotels discretion whether to accept reservations which will be at best available hotel rate and subject to availability. Bookings are not secured until Jon Doland receives your booking request and has emailed you a confirmation of your reservation. Please note that payment is due once the booking is confirmed and will be processed by the hotel against the credit card supplied within 48 hours.
Important Details: As per Vietnam legal requirements for international events, AFDA is required to apply for a conference license. This is being coordinated by Destination Asia (Vietnam). All delegates and partners/ family attending the convention must provide a colour scanned copy of their passport to AFDA when registering. AFDA will supply this to Mr Phan Hong Son, MICE Account Manager at Destination Asia. All passport PDF’s must be received by 17 January 2025 to deanne.brown@afda.org.au.
(Click on each logo to be taken to the sponsors website)
Refund Policy
Refunds up to 30 days before the event, Refunds are available up to 21 February 2025. After this date, registrations will not be refunded. All cancellations must be received in writing to Deanne Brown via deanne.brown@afda.org.au.
View Policy Document
Where
Organiser Information rss
Deanne Brown
Australian Funeral Directors Association
0398599966