Agenda

8 – 8:15 a.m.
Welcome
Gabe Schauf, Instructor, Milwaukee Area Technical College Mortuary Science Program; NFDA Podcast Host, A Brush with Death

8:15 – 9:15 a.m.
Conveying Value: Are You Prepared?
Mike Nicodemus, Vice President, Cremation Services, NFDA
Melissa Posey Loose, Training and Development Manager, NFDA
What do you say when a family you are serving says “We don’t want a service?” Join us to discuss how you and your staff can better convey value to the families you serve. Learn how using effective dialog on the phone, in person and online helps to lead the conversation and provide options. Don’t miss this opportunity to educate yourself and be prepared for the next family you serve!

9:15 – 9:30 a.m.
Break

9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Communicating the Value of a Funeral with Cremation
Sara Murphy, PhD, Death Educator, University of Rhode Island
The COVID-19 pandemic unquestionably altered all facets of death, dying, and bereavement in our contemporary life – from how people died to the ways in which survivors grieved and memorialized their loved ones. Join Dr. Murphy for a discussion of the value of funeral services for individual grief trajectories, and how to educate families who choose cremation about the psychosocial benefits of services. Develop helpful and empathic communication strategies while offering choices for memorialization, ritual, and services with cremation. Discover a new perspective in educating families about the importance of funeral services.

10:30 – 10:45 a.m.
Break

10:45 – 11:45 a.m.
How to be Successful in Pet Cremation
Rick Harris, Owner and Licensed Funeral Director, Harris Funeral Home and Pets at Peace
As a licensed funeral director, Rick knew what happens behind the scenes when a person dies, but when a beloved dog died, the services for grieving pet owners were not available in his city. Rick will share how he started and grew his pet cremation brand and co-branded it with his funeral home. He’ll share what makes his pet cremation business unique and successful, and what he’s learned along the way. Rick will also provide tools to research a possible opportunity for pet cremation in your own market.

11:45 a.m.
Closing Remarks

8:00 – 8:15 a.m.
Trivia

8:15 – 9:15 a.m.
Cremation Liability: Protecting Your Firm and Your Families
Chris Farmer, General Counsel, NFDA
Chris Farmer will explore cremation liability issues that funeral homes face on a day-to-day basis, with a focus on the common mistakes and shortcomings that can lead to a lawsuit. Discover the steps you can utilize to reduce the risk of liability, including use of a detailed cremation authorization form, receipts, and other cremation disclosure and authorization forms. Special emphasis will be placed on using checklists and implementing best practices to reduce the risk of liability.  

9:15 – 9:30 a.m.
Break

9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
The Dirt on NOR
Katey Houston, Services Manager, Return Home
Brienna Smith, Chief Operating Officer, Return Home
Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) was legalized in Washington State in 2019. This unprecedented change in law has been a point of concern and contention within the industry. As licensed funeral professionals, we felt that it was our responsibility to be well informed on this new disposition method. Return Home began conducting research in January 2019 and have formulated a process that can be explained with complete transparency. This session is for funeral professionals who seek information and education on NOR, which is vital to ensure full service for families and continued education as new states pass legislation permitting NOR.

10:30 – 10:45 a.m.
Break

10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
The Contemporary Cremation Consumer
Mark Krause, Vice President of Industry and Government Relations for Foundation Partners Group
Jeannie Davies, Certified Life Celebrant and Interfaith Minister
Krause and Davies will examine how typical funeral homes present cremation to the consumer and contrast that with how exceptional funeral homes present, explain and deliver contemporary cremation services. Understanding the contemporary cremation consumer is the key. Discover to how to create an experience environment and educate staff on ways to personalize cremation. Learn how the use of a celebrant can enhance the cremation service experience for families.

11:45 a.m.
Closing Remarks

Thank you to our sponsors: