Agenda

8 - 8:45 a.m. 
Golf Tee Times
Grayhawk Golf Club

Join us on the Talon course at Grayhawk, which was designed by 1981 U.S. Open and 1979 PGA Champion, David Graham, and golf course architect Gary Panks. It’s one of the most exciting and dramatic tests of Sonoran Desert golf in the Southwest! Included in your ticket price are greens fees, cart, range, drink tickets, lunch, and prizes!

4 - 5:30 p.m.
Registration

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Welcome Reception

7:30 - 8 a.m.
Continental Breakfast

8 - 9 a.m.
Welcome & Introduction
Jack Mitchell IV, CFSP, CCSP, NFDA President

NFDA Business

Meet the Candidates: NFDA Board of Directors Officers and At-large 2023-25 Candidates

9 - 9:15 a.m.
Break

9:15 - 10:15 a.m.
Building the Human for Tomorrow
Cassi Chandler, CEO of Vigeo Alliance

Leadership expert and former FBI special agent assistant director Cassi Chandler leads a compelling overview of how emerging advances in technology, along with constantly changing global, social, and economic factors will present unforeseen challenges for organizations and employees as we move toward the future of work. Chandler prepares leaders to meet the challenges of today and in the future by sharing thoughtful strategies for how anyone can know, grow, and extend their power in a manner that influences and inspires confident teams that are optimally positioned to meet the ever-evolving needs of the organization.

10:15 - 10:30 a.m.
Break

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Breakouts by Office
Discuss topics related to your specific role on the board while sharing ideas that are important to your association’s success.

12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Service on the NFDA Board of Directors (Optional Session)
Wondering what it takes to serve on the NFDA Board of Directors? Join us for this brief, informal presentation, and open Q & A session. NFDA Board members Dutch Nie and Randy Anderson will provide an overview of the expectations and commitments (financial, travel and time) and the process for seeking a position.

7:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast

8 - 8:20 a.m.
National Emerging Leaders Program Graduation
Help Celebrate the 2022-23 Graduates!

8:20 - 8:50 a.m.
NFDA 2023 Future’s Forum Panel Discussion
Chris Farmer, NFDA General Counsel

8:50 - 9:15 a.m.
FTC Update
Chris Farmer, NFDA General Counsel

9:15 - 9:30 a.m.
Break

9:30 - 11 a.m.
Strategic Plans That Work: Development & Implementation
Bob Harris, CAE, President, Harris Management Group, Inc.

Review guidelines for creating effective strategies that drive organizational success, including practical advice on developing a comprehensive plan that aligns with business objectives, defining clear goals and measurable outcomes, and the steps needed to achieve them. Harris will also cover the implementation process, including how to communicate the strategy to stakeholders, engage employees, and track progress. Learn best practices for developing and implementing successful strategies that drive growth and competitive advantage.

11 - 11:15 a.m.
Break

11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Voting for At-large NFDA 2023-25 Board of Directors Candidates
This is an open session; however, only designated state association representatives are eligible to vote.

6 - 8 p.m.
Southwest Soiree at the Heard Museum of American Indian Art

Let’s close out our Leadership Conference with a bang, filled with southwestern flair! Explore the Heard Museum of American Indian Art while you enjoy visiting with friends, old and new. The museum features 12 exhibition galleries and outdoor sculpture gardens you can experience throughout the evening. After an inspiring stroll through the museum’s collections, order your favorite cocktail at the open bar and savor culinary delights at the dinner and dessert buffet. While you dine, hoop dancers and sounds of the southwest will delight your senses. Interested in taking home a one-of-a-kind remembrance of your time in Phoenix? Be sure to check out the impressive gift shop featuring local artists and vendors. This event is sure to be the soiree of the season!

Dress code is summer casual, we’ll enjoy our time together both inside and out.

Read more about the museum here.

7:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast

8 - 8:35 a.m.
ABFSE and The Conference Updates
Robb Smith, Executive Director, ABFSE
Jon Rettig Sr., President, & Dalene Paull, Executive Director, The Conference

8:40 - 9:30 a.m.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Funeral: A Behind the Scenes Look
Tim Purves, Director, 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. Hear his story 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 perspective from attending Her Majesty’s state funeral in West Minster Abbey with the Royal Family and many world leaders.

9:30 - 9:45 a.m.
Break

9:45 - 11:15 a.m.
Compassion Fatigue in Funeral Service: How to Mitigate Burnout
Lynda Cheldelin Fell, Founding Partner, 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 repeat 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.

11:15 - 11:30 a.m. 
Closing Remarks
Jack Mitchel IV, CFSP, CCSP, NFDA President