Agenda
Friday, September 8, 2023
1 P.M. – 6 P.M.
Certified Celebrant Training (17 CE hours)
Glenda Stansbury
InSight Institute
Kathy Burns
Insight Institute
Brought to you by InSight Institute and hosted by NFDA
Seminar Day 1: Friday 1 - 6 p.m.
Seminar Day 2: Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Seminar Day 3: Sunday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Set your firm apart from the competition and offer more to the families you serve! As families’ wishes continue to evolve, it is more important than ever to offer a variety of services that meet their needs and exceed their expectations. Fewer families incorporate religious rites into memorial services now so how can you fill that gap? Many funeral homes look to celebrants and find it most economical to train their staff to accommodate this growing demand for customized services. A certified celebrant works with a funeral director to provide a funeral service, memorial service or tribute that is personalized to reflect the personality and life of the deceased. (17 CE hours through InSight Institute)
Saturday, September 9, 2023
6:30 A.M. – 3 P.M.
Habitat for Humanity Build
Join NFDA as we help Habitat for Humanity Las Vegas improve the community and make home ownership a reality for a local family. There are three easy ways to support Habitat for Humanity Las Vegas.
8 A.M – 5 P.M.
Certified Celebrant Training (17 CE hours)
Glenda Stansbury
InSight Institute
Kathy Burns
Insight Institute
Brought to you by InSight Institute and hosted by NFDA
Seminar Day 1: Friday 1 - 6 p.m.
Seminar Day 2: Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Seminar Day 3: Sunday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
8 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
NFDA Arranger Training (8 CE hours)
Melissa Posey Loose, MA, LFD, CCO
Training and Development Manager | NFDA
Learn how to make the most of the arrangement conference through a creative, five-step process only available from NFDA. This high-energy, interactive program provides you with the tools you need to convey the value of the funeral to families and partner with them to design memorable life-tribute events. Through a combination of small- and large-group discussions, problem-solving and creative collaboration, you’ll leave with fresh approaches and new ideas to transform your arrangement conferences. (8 CE hours)
8 A.M. – 4 P.M.
NFDA Cremation Certification Program (7 CE hours)
Michael Nicodemus
Vice President, Cremation Services | NFDA
Whether you currently own or operate a crematory, are thinking of opening one, or want to evaluate a third-party crematory, this training is essential for your success. NFDA’s Cremation Certification Program™ covers best practices for safe, proper and ethical crematory operations; sets the standard for excellence, compliance and integrity in cremation services; and provides the information you require to address potential cremation liability issues. NFDA offers the only cremation certification program specifically created to protect funeral directors and the families they serve.
Seminar and test are based on the NFDA Cremation Standards for Funeral Service Professionals manual. CE and certification require passing the online Cremation Certification Test. (7 CE Hours)
Sponsored by 
Sunday, September 10, 2023
8 A.M. – 12 P.M.
Certified Celebrant Training (17 CE hours)
Glenda Stansbury
InSight Institute
Kathy Burns
Insight Institute
Brought to you by InSight Institute and hosted by NFDA
Seminar Day 1: Friday 1 - 6 p.m.
Seminar Day 2: Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Seminar Day 3: Sunday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
8:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
Managing Various Hospital and Trauma Cases (4 CE Hours)
Karl Wenzel, CFSP
Founder | Canadian School of Advanced PREP
Glyn Tallon, CFSP
Instructor | Canadian School of Advanced PREP
Expand your knowledge and comfort level to tackle the most difficult cases. Instructors will illustrate step-by-step techniques to make difficult embalming cases more manageable. Discover what works best for techniques and products with various levels of hospital and traumatized cases. Learn different techniques and chemicals that have proven to be successful. Learn what new products are aiding us in the prep room. We will examine conditions including edema, jaundice, cancers, decomposition and medical cases. (4 CE hours)
Safe Zone Training for Funeral Service Professionals (4 CE Hours)
Sara Murphy, PhD, CT
Death Educator and Suicidologist
The need to strengthen the relationship between the LGBTQ+ community and funeral service has become unprecedentedly visible in recent years. Increasingly, funeral service professionals seek education to fill learning gaps regarding this community in order to meet the needs of clients and staff with grounded and unbiased knowledge, strategies for allyship, and cultural humility. This four-hour workshop will provide the first-ever Safe Zone training offered publicly to members of the funeral service profession. As an internationally recognized, evidence-informed training program, Safe Zone workshops provide attendees with interactive education on LGBTQ+ identities, privilege and biases, cycles of oppression, the coming-out experience, and skill building for allies. Facilitated by an expert in grief and bereavement who is also an experienced Safe Zone trainer, this intensive workshop has been designed specifically to meet the needs of NFDA convention attendees and to address common scenarios for professionals in funeral service. (4 CE hours)
11 A.M. – 3 P.M.
23rd Annual Funeral Service Foundation Golf Classic
TOPGOLF, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
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Now in its twenty-third year, the Funeral Service Foundation’s golf outing has raised more than $1.6 million in support of its mission of investing in people and programs that strengthen funeral service and lift up grieving communities.
Experience all the perks of our annual Golf Classic in a social, casual and exciting atmosphere at Topgolf, just a 10-minute ride from Resorts World!
No matter your skill level, at Topgolf, you’ll be able to take a swing and score some points during our tournament-style golf games. You can also relax and enjoy great food and drinks while networking with your fellow funeral service professionals. And because each covered bay is climate controlled, you’re guaranteed to play no matter what weather comes our way.
11:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
Succession Planning and Investing in Key Employees
Patrick Cunningham
National Account Executive | Federated Insurance
Every business has long-term goals. To achieve those goals, two things need to happen: retain your key employees and have an exit strategy. Entrepreneurs have built their businesses through hard work and sacrifice. These owners deserve a great exit package, and a great exit package means knowing what your business is worth. This presentation will focus on rewarding key employees as well as price and common business valuation mistakes. (1 CE hour)
Sponsored by
Don’t Fear Transparency with Online Pricing
Marty Ludlum
Professor of Business Law | University of Central Oklahoma
Kara Gray Ludlum
CPA and Funeral Director | Osiris Funeral Software
Prepare your firm for online pricing, the new normal. Learn how to implement online pricing and what benefits transparency has to your firm. Explore how you can compete in areas other than just price. If you aren’t listing your prices online now, join us to learn why it’s an essential business benefit. (1 CE hour) (Translation available: Spanish)
Improv for Funeral Directors
Joseph Thomas, CFSP
Funeral Director | Shackelford Funeral Directors
For decades, improv comedy theatres like Second City, The Groundlings, and The Upright Citizens Brigade have offered training on how the principles of improv can relate to, and improve, business performance and customer service. Learn how you can take the basics of improv comedy and adapt them to the various scenarios funeral directors often encounter to enhance customer service, improve funeral plan execution, and help navigate unforeseen circumstances. (1 CE hour)
Delivering Phenomenal Preneed Experiences
Tyler Anderson
Vice President, Business Development | Precoa
Have you noticed a growing number of families don’t automatically value funeral service? Building on the latest research and data, learn why consumer norms are shifting and how preneed is the best way to innovate the customer journey. With a focus on proactively educating and connecting with families, find out how to increase your reach and build lasting brand awareness with preneed experiences that are nothing short of remarkable. You’ll discover why consistently engaging today’s customers will transform how they start experiencing your funeral home. (1 CE hour)
Foundations for Trust in Funeral Service
Melissa Posey Loose, MA, LFD, CCO
Training and Development Manager | NFDA
Helping families feel comfortable with the idea of interacting with a funeral service professional begins with that professional’s ability to connect. The need to ease anxiety and discover what each family values and how family members want to honor the life of their loved one can only be met through first building trust. When a high level of trust is achieved, that connection will open the doors for understanding bereaved families’ unique needs and desires for providing care and memorialization for their deceased loved one. This workshop reinforces how to understand what families need from funeral service professionals, how to better build trust with families, and what can be done to develop a customized approach for relating to families. (1 CE hour)
1:15 P.M. – 2:15 P.M.
Let’s Talk: Serving Today’s Families
Effie Anolik
Co-Founder & CEO | Afterword
The generational transition is happening with baby boomers approaching 75. Millennials are moving into the primary planner role, and they make purchasing decisions differently than their parents. Unlike previous generations, they’re forming an opinion before stepping foot into your funeral home: from visiting your website, reading Google reviews, and scanning your social media profiles. Your funeral home is perfectly curated to create a welcoming and safe environment, but without the proper online presence, you may never be given the opportunity to show the next generation of planners what makes you unique. (1 CE hour)
When a Child Dies: Creating a Community of Care
Betsy Hawley
Executive Director | Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition
Buffy Peters
Director | Hamilton’s Academy of Grief & Loss
Vicki Jay
Chief Executive Officer | National Alliance for Grieving Children
When a child dies, the need for support for both the family and the community is overwhelming. It does, however, provide an opportunity for funeral service to shine in a way that will be remembered forever. Join us as we discuss creative and innovative ways that your funeral home can reach out to community partners such as hospices, healthcare systems, schools, grief centers to create awareness and provide support following the death of a child. (1 CE hour)
How Do You Drive a Tesla Without a Battery?
Danny Jefferson
Managing Leader | Pierce-Jefferson Funeral & Cremation Services
Alan Creedy
Owner | Creedy & Associates
Danny will take the audience to a place of laughter, reflection, and learning as he works the audience to participate in the session. Using a question and answer “live interview” format with selected audience members, Danny and Alan will facilitate a discussion on a variety of topics, including recruitment and retention, tips to increase sales volume and cash flow, merchandising, caseloads and staffing, and motivational leadership. Our role as leaders is not to provide information…it is to facilitate transformation. (1 CE hour)
Stand Out to Tech-Savvy Families
Zack Moy
Co-Founder & CTO | Afterword
With changes to the FTC’s Funeral Rule looming, now’s the best time to reevaluate your internet presence. How can you best prepare to meet (and exceed) the potential new requirements on your website? And how can you support your digital visitors while standing out among the other homes in your area? Afterword has analyzed over 14,000 funeral home websites across America, and in this data-driven talk, we’ll present our insights on how you can create the best experience for your visitors. From website layouts to button placement, GPL formats to featured testimonials, and SEO to privacy guidelines, we’ll share case studies and specific recommendations you can follow. Discover how you and your business can go beyond the FTC Rule requirements, help families see what makes your home unique before they ever visit in person, and increase your chances at winning new families’ business. (1 CE hour) (Translation available: Spanish)
The Dirt on Natural Organic Reduction
Brienna Smith
COO | Return Home
Katey Houston
Services Manager | 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 were not given access to research or training. Still, we felt that it was our responsibility to be well informed on this new disposition method. Our team abandoned tradition and comfort for innovation and uncertainty out of complete necessity. Return Home began conducting research in January 2019 and has formulated a process that can be explained with complete transparency. Becoming properly informed on NOR is vital to ensure full service for families and continued education as new states pass legislation permitting NOR.
2:30 – 3:30 P.M.
50 Prep Room Tricks of the Trade [bold]
Dana Goodell
Director of Sales | The Embalmers Supply Company
As professional embalmers, we must work diligently to continue learning from our personal experiences, and to discover techniques and tricks of the trade from others. Discover 50 helpful hints that are tried and true that will refresh your mind and improve your knowledge and skill set in the prep room. (1 CE hour) (Translation available: Spanish)
Recording Native American Race on Death Certificates
Dr. John Hough
Health Scientist | Center of Disease Control and Prevention
Funeral Directors already fulfill some of the most important recording and reporting responsibilities in the U.S. National Vital Statistics System (NVSS), by faithfully completing the Death Certificate. Overall, procedures for recording decedents’ demographic characteristics are working well. But there is room for improvement. The U.S. National Center for Health Statistics studies the degree of accuracy of race assignments in national mortality data. Among whites and blacks, less than 1 percent of decedents had incorrect race assignment. Among Asian Americans, the rate of incorrect race assignment has improved, from 7 percent to less than 3 percent. But among Native Americans, that rate remains unsustainably high, at 40 percent. How can the NVSS collaborate with Funeral Directors to improve that rate? (1 CE hour)
Sponsored by
Mending the Generational Divide
Antonio Green
Funeral Director | James H. Cole Home for Funerals
Allyse R. Worland
Funeral Director | Embalmer & Celebrant
The typical funeral home in the United States is owned and/or operated by an individual of the Baby Boomer or early Generation X age range. The up-and-coming Millennial generation, which will soon become the successors in these businesses, act and operate very differently and are changing how businesses operate and are carving new paths in almost every industry, including deathcare. Owners and managers are now getting their first experience with the newest generation entering the workforce, Generation Z, which has vast differences from Millennials. Discover tools and tips for how to motivate and get the most productivity out of your younger staffers, while dispelling misconceptions and falsehoods about the younger generations. (1 CE hour)
Walking a Peaceful Path through Pet Loss
Anna McClain
Pet Loss Grief Support Specialist | PAWS Pathway
PAWS Pathway is our life path through pet loss where our pets have imprinted on our hearts with their paw prints, kisses, and cuddles, and we honor their memories through our future words/actions. This is a personalized way of going through pet loss that honors the human-bond and always embraces your special bond with your pet, while learning to acknowledge and grow through your grief. PAWS Pathway can be utilized through both Anticipatory Pet Grief and Pet Loss and helps one feel supported and embraced among others in a disenfranchised society. We’ll focus on the common obstacles of pet loss and help others find ways to help with their emotional and physical pain, including discussing anticipatory grief and understanding your pet’s quality of life. (1 CE hour)
Washington Insider: Current Federal Developments & What You Need to Know
Lesley Witter
Senior Vice President, Advocacy | NFDA
The decisions made by federal legislators and regulators in Washington DC impact your business every day. It is vital that NFDA remain the strongest voice for you, your business, the funeral profession, and the families we serve. Having a strong advocate keeping up with the ever-changing federal legislative and regulatory landscape and how it impacts your business and profession is vital to your success. Join NFDA’s federal lobbyist for a comprehensive review of federal legislative and regulatory issues facing funeral service today that will dictate the viability of your business and the funeral profession. (1 CE hour)
4 – 5 P.M.
PWC Re-Connect
HILTON RESORTS WORLD, ROSE TERRACE
The 2023 PWC ReConnect event, where friends, colleagues and past Professional Women′s Conference attendees can "ReConnect with a Winning Experience" and toast each other!
The Special Guest will be Ellen Wynn McBrayer, the recipient of the 2023 NFDA Inspiration Award.
This event is graciously sponsored by NGL.
Sponsored by
5:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M.
Welcome Party
HILTON RESORTS WORLD, ROSE ROOFTOP
Your convention adventure kicks off in style at the Welcome Party! Every year, this is the place to be. Join us and reconnect with old friends, plus make some new ones, while enjoying amazing music, hors d’oeuvres, and refreshments.
Will this be your first time attending the NFDA convention? Join us at the First-time Attendee Reception, starting at 5 p.m. before to the Welcome Party.
Sponsored by
Monday, September 11, 2023
8 – 9 A.M.
To View or Not to View: Restorative Techniques for an Open Casket
Amanda King
Embalmer and Funeral Director | Bailey Family Funeral Homes
Embalmers and funeral directors know all too well the “open casket challenge” – whether or not to leave the casket open for viewing. It’s an anxiety-ridden challenge that can be tackled with ease when we have a broader range of skills at our fingertips to elevate the appearance of decedents to look “more natural.” Let’s review several technical skills needed for both embalming and post-embalming, as well as color considerations and cosmetic application to better help achieve a pleasing appearance and succeed at this challenge. (1 CE) (Translation available: Spanish)
Suicide Risk Within the Deathcare Profession
Sara Murphy, PhD, CT
Death Educator and Suicidologist
Little to no public discussion or education has specifically addressed the risk of suicide for professionals working within the deathcare professions. Given the unique nature of the high-stress work undertaken by deathcare professionals as well as the historic silence around suicide within the profession, it is crucial that professionals can both give and receive the supports they and their colleagues need to recognize suicide risk and employ prevention and intervention practices. Dr. Murphy will focus on (1) differentiating between myths and realities of suicidality; (2) recognizing suicide risk within deathcare professions as well as traditional barriers to validating risk; and (3) developing helpful, research-supported responses to prevent suicide death loss within the profession. (1 CE)
Department of Defense Overseas Mortuary Operations
Mr. Trevor Dean
Program Analyst | Department of Defense
Ms. Brooke Gurevich
Director | United States Forces Korea Mortuary
Mr. Timothy Scott
Program Analyst | Department of Defense
Mr. Kevin Smith
Chief | Mortuary Affairs Division
The Department of Defense prescribes the highest preparation standards in the profession and applies those standards for those eligible to receive mortuary services. Learn the strict standards used by Department of Defense mortuaries worldwide, and how it can apply at your funeral home. Also learn how overseas mortuaries in the Pacific perform their duties and serve the communities in their region and how it may affect your funeral home.
The Importance of Proper Paperwork
Mike Nicodemus
Vice President, Cremation Services | NFDA
This program is designed to help funeral directors have a better understanding of the importance of having proper paperwork. Inaccurate, incomplete, and inferior paperwork can cause the funeral home considerable damage in a court of law if the funeral director has not taken the time to be certain all paperwork is filled in properly and correctly. Proper documentation is of the utmost importance when defending yourself in front of a judge and jury. (1 CE)
How to Invest Your Advertising Dollars Wisely
Bill Johnston
President | Post and Boost
Many funeral homes can’t conceive of advertising because they don’t believe it works for their business. That is a myth! Advertising can work and does work for funeral homes. Learn what roadblocks stand in the way and how you can overcome them. If funeral homes intend to remain profitable and expand in the world of growing cremation rates and shrinking margins, they need an advertising strategy faster than word-of-mouth. Discover how advertising works, what you can say, and gain tips on Radio, TV/Cable, Internet, Outdoor, and Facebook. (1 CE)
9:30 – 11:30 A.M
Momentum: Accelerate Your Performance Without the Burnout
Suneel Gupta
Author & Harvard Medical School Visiting Scholar
In the face of an exhaustion epidemic, it’s time to rethink how we view high performance. Grit and hustle have their place but are also scientifically associated with burnout. Gupta helps organizations increase performance, innovation, and creativity by showing why high-potential people and teams fizzle out. This presentation is rooted in Gupta’s study of the habits of extraordinary leaders who reached breakthrough levels of productivity, resilience, fulfillment, and momentum.
Service of Remembrance – 9/11 Never Forget
John LaBarbera
Battalion Commander | FDNY (Ret.)
On the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, join us as we remember the victims, in addition to the families and survivors whose lives were forever changed. John LaBarbera, Battalion Commander, FDNY (Ret.) will inspire us to reflect on the events of that day and honor the memories of all who died. We’ll also pay tribute to our funeral service family members who died during the past year. (Spanish translation available.)
Video provided by Tukios and Gifts provided by Messenger.
Sponsored by
12 – 5 P.M.
Expo Hall
The world’s largest funeral exposition is an adventure in itself! Leading suppliers will offer the latest products and services – along with exclusive offers – in the NFDA Expo Hall.
4 – 5 P.M.
All Star Recognition Ceremony
Join the NFDA Board of Directors as the association celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of funeral homes and funeral service professionals during the past year:
- 2023 NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award recipients
- NFDA’s Green Funeral Practice Certificate holders
- NFDA Cremation Certification designees
- NFDA Certified Preplanning Consultants
- Funeral Service Foundation scholarship recipients
- 2022-23 NFDA National Emerging Leaders Program graduates
- 2023 Meet the Mentors program participants
- NFDA International Professional Achievement Certificate holders
- Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice Certified Funeral Service Practitioners
- 2023 NFDA Inspiration Award Recipient
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
8 – 9 A.M.
Funeral Rule Update
Chris Farmer
General Counsel | NFDA
Learn the top Funeral Rule compliance issues and the steps your funeral home can take to avoid FTC Funeral Rule violations. Hear the latest information on the FTC review of the Funeral Rule which kicked off at the beginning of 2020 as well as a discussion of how the review process will play out. (1 CE hour)
Compassion Fatigue: How to Mitigate Funeral Care Burnout
Lynda Cheldelin Fell
CEO | International Grief Institute
While the value of compassion in funeral care has gained increased attention, it remains a neglected focus of training. Vicarious trauma leading to compassion fatigue is changing the way funeral professionals think about self-care. Participants will explore how repeated exposure to traumatic deaths coupled with lengthy, irregular hours and the constant output of empathy can affect their cognition and emotional balance. Learn 10 evidence-based techniques designed to mitigate the effects before it leads to career burnout. (1 CE hour)
Transformative Times: Deathcare for the Gender Diverse Community
Faith Haug
Program Chair | Arapahoe Community College Mortuary Science Program
The LGBTQA and transgendered communities face discrimination and difficulty navigating all areas of their lives – why should they face this in death, too? This comprehensive presentation will bring attendees up to speed on common terminology and pronoun usage and reveal how to effectively serve this community through specific examples of common situations a funeral professional might face. Attendees will also learn methods of preparing and cosmetizing the transgender decedent in a respectful and appropriate manner. (1 CE hour)
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in the Service of Families
Christopher Costello
Funeral Director
AI has come a long way since its inception and its growth has been exponential. The original purpose of AI was to take on routine tasks and automate them to free up time. AI has grown since then and now can create, plan and make more complex decisions. This is a powerful combination of tools but where does this fit in your toolbox to assist families? How do you leverage AI in the workplace? This seminar will cover types of AI you can use in your work environment to streamline process giving you and your team more time to service your families. (1 CE hour)
8 – 10 A.M.
Beyond the Funeral: How Savvy Funeral Professionals Connect with Their Communities
Georganne Bender
Partner | Kizer & Bender Speaking!
Community is incredibly important to today’s consumers. You get points for being a good corporate citizen, points for protecting the environment, points for recycling, up-cycling, and for the local charities you support. We’ll look at what you can do locally to become a better corporate citizen, engage potential customers, and encourage your community to see your business as a local partner. You’ll learn: How to be present in local activities; an easy exercise to help you brainstorm ideas; how to create partnership promotions with other successful, non-competing businesses; how to utilize Cause Marketing; why it’s necessary to toot your own horn, plus PR tricks to help you capture media attention. (2 CE hours)
9:45 – 10:45 A.M.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Loss and Grief
Dr. Tashel Bordere, PhD, CT
Researcher and Adjunct Faculty
Dr. Bordere will address diversity, equity, and inclusion in work with bereaved families. Drawing from research and case studies, she will examine individual and systemic factors that impact the meaning-making and experiences of families in after-death care. In a safe and supportive learning environment, participants will have opportunities to develop skills in uncovering systems of oppression, self-reflective practices, alliance formation, and culturally conscientious service delivery to diverse populations. (1 CE hour)
Tried and True Embalming Techniques: Past and Present
John Hill, CCO, CFSP
Embalmer and Funeral Director | James Funeral Home
The older generation of embalmers are “passing the baton” to the newer generation of embalmers. Those “old school” embalmers have many tips, tricks, and techniques they can pass down, and the “new school” has many innovations and improvements. Sadly, many old school embalmers don’t want to learn “new tricks” and the new school embalmers think the old school is outdated. This presentation will prove how both can coexist and are very much needed to step up everyone’s skills in the prep room so every family can have the final farewell of their loved one. Pictures, instructional techniques, and videos illustrating old and new techniques will be included. (1 CE hour)
Critical Role of Funeral Directors in Connecting Homicide Victims′ Families with Resources
Kristina Rose
OVC Director | Office for Victims of Crime
Karma Cottman
Chief Executive Officer | Ujima Inc. - The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community
There are funds available through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) to help lessen the financial burden on homicide victims′ families to pay for funerals, grief counseling, and other services. However, individuals living in underserved and underrepresented communities don′t always know these resources are available to them or are unable to easily access them. Funeral directors are in a unique position to serve as the bridge that connects families of homicide victims to crime victim compensation and assistance. This becomes especially important in the aftermath of gun violence when there may be multiple victims and resources are stretched thin. During this panel, you will hear from representatives from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Victims of Crime, the National Center for Culturally Responsive Victim Services, and a funeral director that has created a successful approach for ensuring survivors of homicide victims have access to services and resources.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Funeral: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
Tim Purves
Chairman | William Purves Funeral Directors
Tim Purves of Scotland was entrusted with the great honor of looking after the Scottish element of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral arrangements. From the initial, solemn days stationed at Balmoral Castle to the carefully managed boarding of a London bound aircraft, Tim will share his unique first-hand perspective. He’ll share his experience of traveling in the hearse with Her Majesty for the 7-hour drive from Balmoral Castle to Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh. Tim will also talk about his role in the ceremonial movement to St. Giles Cathedral and how he felt about being under the scrutiny of the watching crowds and world-wide media. Finally, Tim will share his unique experience of attending Her Majesty’s state funeral in West Minster Abbey with the Royal Family and many world leaders. (1 CE hour)
Engage and Empower: Time & People Management
Tim Bridgers, SVP
Head of Funeral Home & Cemetery Lending
Management is hard. It’s also vital to efficient and effective work as well as reaching your goals. Mismanaged people can lead to underperformance, mismanaged time can lead to an inability to meet goals, and mismanaged finances can lead to business failure. Ask yourself, “Am I maximizing my time? Are my management strategies enabling a thriving business?” There are a lot of theories and models out there for management. How do you identify the best one for you and your business? We will take a deep dive into time, financial, and people management and how to determine the best business strategies to reach your goals and win in the marketplace. (1 CE hour)
10:30 – 12 P.M.
Hacking the Rockstar Attitude – How to Ignite Rockstar Performance During Uncertain Times
Mark Schulman
World-class Drummer, Speaker & Author
Schulman’s high-energy, dynamic presentation can best be described as a rock show disguised as a keynote. In his engaging, interactive and entertaining performance, Schulman focuses on three core principles: Attitude, Behavior and Consequences. You can’t always control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude, which drives your behavior, and your behaviors determine your consequences. You’ll walk away with a blueprint for how to incorporate rock ‘n’ roll philosophy, techniques and swagger in order to overcome obstacles, drive performance and energize your work and personal life. Are you ready to rock? (Spanish translation available.) (1 CE hour)
Sponsored by
12 P.M. – 5 P.M.
Expo Hall
The world’s largest funeral exposition is an adventure in itself! Leading suppliers will offer the latest products and services – along with exclusive offers – in the NFDA Expo Hall.
12:30 – 2 P.M.
The Defense Never Rests
Chris Farmer
General Counsel | NFDA
Mike Nicodemus
Vice President, Cremation Services | NFDA
Victor March Sr., CPA, CFSP, CPC
President & CEO | MARCORP, LTD & Subsidiaries
Are you keeping your funeral home, crematory, cemetery and individual funeral directors out of legal trouble? Join our expert panel to discuss how you can reduce the risk of lawsuits and claims against your business. We’ll cover how to properly train your staff to avoid litigation, the importance of proper documentation, Indemnification Agreements, and procedures with your third-party crematory. (1.5 CE hours)
4:30 - 5:00 P.M.
NFDA 2023-24 Board Installation
Join us to install your 2023-24 NFDA Board of Directors.
5:30 – 7:30 P.M.
Funeral Directors Under 40 Party
Join your Under 40 colleagues at Flight Club for an incredible networking event on the famous Las Vegas Strip! Try your hand at Social Darts, where you will enjoy friendly games, bespoke cocktails, and delicious shareable bites in your own playing area. Located within the Venetian Resort, Flight Club offers a vibrant and captivating design, reminiscent of British pubs and fairgrounds with a modern twist, as well as striking interactive and imaginative art throughout the destination, providing guests with can’t-miss photo opportunities at every turn.
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
8 – 9 A.M.
Closing the Deal – Growth by Acquisitions
Jeff Smith
President | Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home
Today’s funeral environment benefits larger operators who can consolidate resources and dominate a market. Smith will demonstrate how this can be you! As a third-generation mid-market funeral home owner, our funeral home has grown over the last dozen years from one location to eight plus we started a cremation society. We went from serving 450 families a year to over 3,000, and we did it without investing our own money. You can, too! Learn step by step how to create a plan for growth by acquisition and execute that plan. What is involved, who you need on your team along with how to determine a good target, determine a fair value, obtain financing, combining the companies after you close and more. Gain the confidence to grow without fear. (1 CE hour)
Jeopardy of Jaundice
John Hill, CCO, CFSP
Embalmer and Funeral Director | James Funeral Home
Let’s discuss the reality, reoccurrence and resources when embalming a jaundice case. Discuss the proper procedure of case analysis, selection of fluids and injection techniques to achieve desired results. Upon completion, funeral practitioners will be able to better identify jaundice cases, the issues associated with these cases and the how to properly embalm a jaundice case. (1 CE hour)
9:00 A.M. – 12 P.M.
Expo Hall
The world’s largest funeral exposition is an adventure in itself! Leading suppliers will offer the latest products and services – along with exclusive offers – in the NFDA Expo Hall.
11:30 A.M.
Funeral Face-Off
Join us for the Funeral Face-Off Championship on September 13th where the winning team will be determined during the NFDA's International Convention and Expo in Las Vegas. Prizes include cash, free registration to future NFDA events and conferences, and the coveted "Precoa Cup".
In August ,14 three-person teams, comprised of funeral directors from all over the country, began competing in this funeral trivia event online. Eight teams will battle it out in head-to-head competition in front of convention attendees.
The questions, provided by American Board of Funeral Service Education faculty, cover much of the content taught to current mortuary science students...as well as some funeral pop culture sprinkled in just for fun. In the first two rounds, contestants had to earn as many total points as possible for their team score.
If you want to find out who wins the “Precoa Cup” be sure to watch the championship round on Wednesday, September 13th prior to the closing general session.
Sponsored by
12:15 – 1:30 P.M.
Embracing AI Technology – Practical Tools and Strategies for Funeral Directors
Dennis Yu
CEO | BlitzMetrics
Curious about the AI technologies that are revolutionizing the business landscape? Join Yu as we delve into the fascinating and often confusing world of AI. We’ve randomly selected a mix of NFDA members to implement some simple steps to enhance their marketing. We’ll reveal the results live and share action guides so attendees can immediately start using AI to optimize their website, edit videos, create ad campaigns and more. Yu will also fill us in on the common pitfalls that come with using AI such as hallucinations, false information, accidental plagiarism and SEO penalties. (1 CE hour)
Innovation Award
The Innovation Award was established in 2009 to recognize and promote creativity, innovation and excellence among funeral service suppliers and vendors. It is awarded each year at convention.
2023 Winners:
- 1st place: Bluewater Voyage Bouy
- 2nd place: Tug-Along by Mortuary Life Company
- 3rd place: Matan’s Life Map.
Our Sponsors