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.
How to Enhance Revenue with Cremation Families
Mike Schoedinger, President, Schoedinger Funeral Home & Cremation Service
Funeral service professionals continue to face challenges as consumers shift away from “traditional funerals.” Positioning a funeral home in today’s market amid rising cremation rates and educating consumers requires a multifaceted marketing approach. Schoedinger will explore a multi-tiered strategy to both increase revenue per cremation family and increase the number of cremation families served. Discover how diversifying options for cremation families, along with establishing diversified brands which target distinct consumers, can lead to increased revenue. Schoedinger will review how his firm handles phone shopper calls and is able to convert calls into customers by knowing and effectively conveying his firm’s value proposition. “Delivering the goods” and following up with resources that support the value proposition are key to success.
9:15 – 9:30 a.m.
Urn Prizes Trivia Contest or Take a Break - Your Choice!
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Proven Strategies to Differentiate Your Cremation Business and Lead Your Market
Isaac Miller, Chief Operations Officer, MKJ Marketing
The competition for cremation business is intense. And with discount providers leveraging digital ads, e-commerce businesses allowing for online planning in minutes, and more full-service businesses taking cremation seriously, that competition will only increase. At the same time, there is an information gap with consumers – many don’t even realize it’s possible to have a funeral or memorial with cremation. How do you differentiate your firm and explain what you do in this hyper-competitive environment? The answer is not to just drop your price – there are many ways to become the cremation leader in your market, even if you are not the least expensive. Miller will explore how to prepare staff to talk about the differences in your cremation process and offerings, including giving examples of what has worked in competitive markets. Learn how to make every family a “cremation with services” family while maintaining pricing integrity.
10:30 – 10:45 a.m.
Urn Prizes Trivia Contest or Take a Break - Your Choice!
10:45 – 11:45 a.m.
Cremation Liability: Protect Your Firm and Your Families
Chris Farmer, NFDA General Counsel
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.
11:45 a.m.
Closing Remarks
12 – 12:45 p.m.
Innovation Showcase
Tyler Yamasaki, CEO, Parting Pro
Wayne Read, CEO, Thumbies
August Esposito, Sales Representative, Implant Recycling
Cremation technology has developed into a highly advanced process in which every aspect is managed and monitored in detail, requiring continuous innovation to keep pace with ever-changing times. Join this exciting moderated panel discussion with the experts in the field. There will be ample opportunity for Q&A allowing greater interaction with the panel. Plus, 75 attendees of this event will receive a dining gift card valued at $20.
Sponsored by: