National Funeral Directors Association Asia Funeral Expo Conference MAY

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National Funeral Directors Association Asia Funeral Expo & Conference MAY 13 - 15, 2009, HONG KONG Where East Meets West to Advance Funeral Service It was unbelievable to sit with someone from across the world and realize that whether one conducts business in Kenosha, Wis., U.S.A., or a small town in Germany or Asia, we are all connected by our desire to serve those whose lives have been changed by the death of someone they love. How awesome to realize that we are all one with a common purpose! – William J. Althaus, Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Homes, Inc., Kenosha, Wis. 2009 Registration Brochure www.asiafuneralexpo.com Organizers : Official Supporter : Official Publication : Official Endorsement : U.S. Department of Commerce How to differentiate your services and meet the ever-changing needs and unique requests? How to communicate with and serve more multicultural families? How to handle the increase in transferring remains across countries or continents? Whatever the challenge, another funeral director, even in another part of the world, is facing the same or similar challenge. At the 2009 Asia Funeral Expo, you will: • • • • • Discover how connected we truly are in this profession. Share your expertise with peers from all over the world and learn from each other. Experience ﬁrsthand the cultures and customs of Asian families to better understand and serve them when they call. Build relationships with other funeral directors to help the families you both serve, particularly when repatriation is needed. Return with a renewed sense of pride in your profession, new ideas and new friends. What challenges are you facing when it comes to serving families? New this year! Receive continuing education credit (depending on the U.S. state in which you are licensed). To apply, you must register by February 1, 2009. Asia Funeral Expo is: • The premier hub for gathering funeral service leaders from around the world to meet and share customs, cultures and funeral service practices to better serve multicultural families. • An international platform for building relationships to collaboratively exchange information on emerging trends globally, in such areas as green funerals, cremation and cemeteries. • A unique opportunity to attend workshops and forums delivered by top U.S. and international leaders in funeral service. • The ﬁrst and only funeral show endorsed by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The U.S. Department of Commerce is pleased to grant Trade Fair Certiﬁcation to AFE 2009. It is a favorable opportunity to explore global markets. – Michael Thompson, Program Manager, Trade Fair Certiﬁcation Program, U.S. Dept. of Commerce 1. Be in Hong Kong and Build on the Success of AFE 2008! • More than 2,000 attendees represented buyers, delegations, associations, ofﬁcials and funeral professionals from over 36 countries/regions and territories. • More than 17 media outlets from around the world reported on the event. • 85% of exhibitors found AFE effective in building relationships with clients. • 90% of attendees rated AFE 2008 as good or excellent. The majority of visitors: 1.) Are from Asia Pacific & Americas 18% 68% Europe & Africa Asia Pacific & Americas 14% China 2.) Represent funeral homes, trading firms & cemeteries 2% 3% Government Body Association 17% 21% Manufacturer Cemetery & Others 25% • 95% of attendees found the conferences very professional. Source: AFE 2008 exhibitor and attendee surveys Distributor/ Trader 32% Funeral Home 3.) Come to source suppliers & business partners 12% 19% Evaluating future market Understanding different funeral culture Thank you for your meticulous arrangements and hospitality. I believe every attendee fully gained from the expo, conferences and reception. I look forward to next year’s gathering with you in Hong Kong. – Futein Paciﬁc Enterprise Co., Ltd. 25% Collecting market information 1% Others 43% Sourcing suppliers & business partners 2. New for 2009! Continuing education credit will be available this year, depending on the U.S. state in which you are licensed. If you wish to apply for continuing education credit, you must register by February 1, 2009. AFE is dedicated to bringing attendees a quality international platform for cultural exchange as well as business development. To enrich the AFE experience and pursue excellence, AFE Green and AFE Cemetery will be features of AFE 2009. • Increase social awareness of Green Funerals in global communities. • Share up-to-date information on eco-friendly funeral services and products. • Facilitate idea exchange among funeral professional on best practices, opportunities and challenges. • Contribute to ecological restoration and conservation. • Congregate funeral professionals in the cemetery sector across nations to facilitate information exchange and interaction. • Connect cemetery specialists with partners and clients for more business opportunities. • Foster the sharing of expertise and knowledge to advance professional practice. • Gain ﬁrsthand insight and new ideas through exhibits, site visits and tours. As you are probably aware, there are many Asians living in our part of the world at the foot of Africa, and it is an opportune time to learn how to best serve them when it comes to funerals and repatriation. – Elsabe Basilio, President, National Funeral Directors Association of South Africa 3. Q & A about Hong Kong Q: When is the best time to visit Hong Kong? A: Hong Kong is an all-year-round destination. It enjoys a mild climate from the middle of September to the end of February, while the weather from May to mid-September is rather warm and humid. Eighty percent of Hong Kong’s precipitation occurs between May and September, with August registering the highest rainfall. For a detailed weather forecast, visit http://www.hko.gov.hk/wxinfo/currwx/current.htm. Q: Do I need a visa to visit Hong Kong? A: Visitors from most countries can enter Hong Kong without a visa for periods of seven days to six months, depending on nationality. Check with any Chinese embassy or consulate for the latest status. Q: Where is the best area to stay? A: Hong Kong is compact, so visitors are never too far from shopping and major sights. Hong Kong also has an excellent transportation system so visitors can easily reach other areas, no matter where they stay. Most hotels are located in the heart of the city, in Central, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island and in Tsim Sha Tsui and Tsim Sha Tsui East in Kowloon. There are also a growing number of resortstyle hotels in the New Territories that offer relaxing alternatives. Q: Is local transportation easily accessible? A: Public transportation via bus, ferry or train is efﬁcient, relatively inexpensive and user-friendly. The system covers extension areas of Hong Kong, with signs in English and Chinese. Q: Will I be expected to pay tips? A: Most restaurants will levy a 10 percent service charge, but waiters will expect to be given some loose change. Restaurants that don’t add a service charge will expect a 10 percent tip. However, tipping is left to your discretion. Bellboys, porters, restroom attendants and taxi drivers will happily accept loose change. Q: Will I be able to use my electrical equipment in Hong Kong? A: The standard electrical voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts AC, 50HZ, so you will need an adaptor for your 100-volt appliances and electrical equipment. The majority of electrical outlets in Hong Kong take a threepronged plug. You can buy an inexpensive adaptor for your equipment when you arrive in Hong Kong. Q: Where can I get Internet Access in Hong Kong? A: Most hotels have Internet access. You can also access the Internet for free at many coffee shops, large shopping malls, major MTR stations and public libraries in town. For people bringing their laptops to Hong Kong, Wireless Broadband service is common at major shopping malls and coffee shops. If you use a modem, note that the BT system used in Hong Kong will gradually be replaced by the RJ system. If you are still using the BT plug, you can buy a BT–RJ adaptor in Hong Kong to solve the connection problem. Q: Is Hong Kong safe for the visitor? A: Yes, Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world even at night, when people may walk alone with conﬁdence. Q: Is English widely spoken? A: Very widely spoken. There will be no problems in communicating with people in most hotels, restaurants and even some taxis. 4. Pre-Conference Tours: Optional tours prior to AFE 2009 offer the opportunity to explore Beijing, China and surrounding sites. To register for a tour package, make hotel arrangements, or request more information, contact World of Travel at 800-548-5670 (614-451-4411) or laurie@worldoftravel.com. Option 1: May 10-17, 2009, Hong Kong Expo Package Roundtrip scheduled air from the U.S. west coast, six-night accommodations at the Renaissance Hotel, roundtrip transfers in Hong Kong between the airport and hotel, breakfast daily, and Hong Kong Island Tour. NOTE: A funeral home visit will be arranged during your stay. SPECIAL NOTE: A Chinese Visa is NOT required if you are only visiting Hong Kong. Cost per person: (Does not include Expo Registration Fee.) $3,440 Single standard room (NFDA member) $2,593 per person, 2 to a standard room (NFDA member) $2,793 per person, 2 to a standard room (Nonmember) $3,640 Single standard room (Nonmember) *Optional insurance available. Prices vary based on the package. **Upgrade to a Superior Harbour View Room for an additional $225 per person based on double occupancy. *** Upgrade to a Superior Harbour View Room for an additional $475 single. Option 2: Five-night Land Package Hotel accommodations for ﬁve nights at the Renaissance Harbour View Hotel in a standard room, taxes and breakfast daily. NOTE: Private transfers and Hong Kong Island sightseeing tour is available for purchase at an additional cost. Cost per person: (Does not include Expo Registration Fee.) $1,073 per person, 2 to a standard room (NFDA member) $1,690 Single standard room (NFDA member) $1,173 per person, 2 to a standard room (Nonmember) $1,790 Single standard room (Nonmember) *Optional insurance available. Prices vary based on the package. **Upgrade to a Superior Harbour View Room for an additional $200 per person based on double occupancy *** Upgrade to a Superior Harbour View Room for an additional $400 single. Option 3: Four-night Land Package Hotel accommodations for four nights at the Renaissance Harbour View Hotel in a standard room, taxes and breakfast daily. NOTE: Private transfers may be purchased at an additional cost. Cost per person: (Does not include Expo Registration Fee.) $856 per person, 2 to a standard room (NFDA member) $1,399 Single standard room (NFDA member) $956 per person, 2 to a standard room (Nonmember) $1,499 Single standard room (Nonmember) *Optional insurance available. Prices vary based on the package. **Upgrade to a Superior Harbour View Room for an additional $175 per person based on double occupancy *** Upgrade to a Superior Harbour View Room for an additional $350 single. 5. Option 4: May 6-11, 2009, Pre-China Option, Beijing Only Depart U.S. on May 6, arriving Beijing on May 7, 2009. Transfer to your deluxe hotel in Beijing for a fournight stay. Sightseeing includes Tian An Men Square, the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall, Ming Tomb, underground palace of Ding Ling, the Museum of Changling, Kunming Lake and the Summer Palace. A Peking Opera performance is included as is breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. On May 11, transfer from your hotel to the Beijing Airport for your ﬂight to Hong Kong. SPECIAL NOTE: A China Tourist Visa IS required for this pre-tour. Cost per person: (Does not include Expo Registration Fee.) $1,899 Single standard room (NFDA member) $1,599 per person, 2 to a standard room (NFDA member) $1,799 per person, 2 to a standard room (Nonmember) $2,099 Single standard room (Nonmember) *Optional insurance available. Prices vary based on the package. Option 5: May 6-11, 2009, Pre-China Option with Beijing & Xian (Terra Cotta Warriors) Depart U.S. on May 6, arrive in Beijing on May 7, 2009. Transfer to your deluxe hotel in Beijing for the next three nights. Visit Tian Me Square, the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall, Ming Tomb and Palace of Changling. On May 10, 2009, transfer from Beijing to Xian and transfer to your deluxe hotel for one night. Visit the renowned Terra Cotta Warriors site - one of the most impressive archeological wonders of the world and see the magniﬁcent imperial Bronze Chariot. A Peking Opera performance is included in Beijing as is breakfast, lunch and dinner in Beijing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in Xian along with an enjoyable evening at the Tang Dynasty. On May 11, 2009, depart Xian for Hong Kong. Cost per person: (Does not include Expo Registration Fee.) $1,799 per person, 2 to a standard room (NFDA member) $1,999 per person, 2 to a standard room (Nonmember) *Optional insurance available. Prices vary based on the package. $2,099 Single standard room (NFDA member) $2,299 Single standard room (Nonmember) 6. Hong Kong is the hub of Asia for international gathering! • Building on its foundational free market economic policy, Hong Kong has developed into a modern, vibrant and cosmopolitan services economy, underpinning the role of the city as a global business platform. • In 2007, the number of major exhibitions open to both trade and public visitors rose 71%, with an 18% increase in overall number of visits from outside Hong Kong. (Source: The Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association (HKECIA) 2007 exhibition survey.) • Hong Kong hosts more than 45 recurrent trade shows each year. Its success as a preeminent trade fair location lies in its superb exhibition facilities, its proximity to buyers and sellers, and in the important small details that mean so much to a show’s success. • With a central location in Asia Paciﬁc, Hong Kong is an international business, trade and ﬁnancial hub. Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) More Space, More Opportunities • Nearly 800,000 square feet of exhibition and meeting space located on the magniﬁcent and renowned Victoria Harbour • More than 70% of exhibitions are international events. • The annual attendance of the HKCEC has now reached 4.6 million, including exhibitors and delegates along with top buyers and decision makers from more than 150 countries and regions from around the world. • Voted “Best Convention and Exhibition Centre in Asia Paciﬁc” in the 2008, 2007 and 2005 industry surveys. • The HKCEC is adjacent to the Convention Plaza, which also includes the 860-room Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Hong Kong, the 549-room Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, a 39-story ofﬁce tower, a 592-unit 46-story serviced apartment tower, shopping arcade and an underground car park. National Funeral Directors Association Asia Funeral Expo & Conference MAY 13 - 15, 2009, HONG KONG m i National Funeral Directors Association Asia Funeral Expo & Conference MAY 13 - 15, 2009, HONG KONG AFE will no doubt generate tremendous knowledge, as well as the mutual exchange of culture, products and services for those who attend this event between the Asian and Western funeral industries. – Henry Kwong, V.P., Business Development, Rose Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary, Canada Register today! For additional information about how you can be a part of this extraordinary event, contact Deborah Andres, NFDA International Relations Director, at 800-228-6332 (or 262-789-1880), extension 1554, or dandres@nfda.org.