VFDA Day at Your Virginia Capitol - VFDA 2027 Winter Conference - January 19, 2027

The VFDA Day at Your Virginia Capitol is a signature event of the Virginia Funeral Directors Association (VFDA) Winter Conference. This finale to the annual Winter Conference is designed to bring together funeral service professionals from across the Commonwealth to engage directly with lawmakers and their staff to educate them on our profession and advocate for the VFDA’s 2027 General Assembly Session policy positions. The VFDA Winter Conference’s A Day at Your Virginia Capitol is a valuable event for those committed to legislative advocacy and professional development. Engaging with key legislators at the Virginia Capitol empowers funeral service licensees to be proactive in shaping the future of their profession while ensuring the needs of their communities are represented at the highest levels of state government.

A Day at the Virginia Capitol Timeline

• 8:00 am Policy Briefing: Attendees will meet in the morning in downtown Richmond to gather information and pick up talking points to have on hand for their visits with legislators. (8:00 a.m. - Location to be determined but will be walkable to Capitol Square.)
• 8:30 am - 11:30 am: Meetings with Lawmakers: VFDA members who have signed up in advance and by the deadline provided will have scheduled appointments with their state senators, delegates and staff to discuss VFDA’s priorities and share personal stories. 
• 12:00 Noon to 1:00 pm: Introduction in the Capitol - House of Delegates or State Senate Gallery: VFDA will be introduced from the floor of the House of Delegates and/or Senate by legislator(s). The official recognition of guests in the gallery acknowledged by the Speaker of the House and/or the Lt. Governor is an official daily calendar item during what is known as the “morning hour” and will be livestreamed and available for public viewing on the Virginia General Assembly website. 
• 1:00 pm Lunch & Capitol Tours: Lunch is available in the General Assembly Building Cafeteria or nearby Truist Building Third Floor Cafeteria.  Attendees have the option to take advantage of self-guided tours, guided tours and group tours of the Capitol, the Executive Mansion and the Supreme Court. The Capitol Guides desk is located just inside the public Bank Street Capitol entrance.  Advance registration is encouraged. 

Impact on the Profession

VFDA Day at the Virginia Capitol not only strengthens the voice of the VFDA within state government but also educates our members on the legislative process. Participating funeral service professionals will gain valuable advocacy skills and contribute to the advancement of the funeral service profession in Virginia.

All are welcome!