Thursday, May 15
4:30 – 5:15 p.m.
Badge Pick-Up
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Welcome Reception
Kick off the conference in style at our Welcome Reception, where you'll experience culture, connection, and celebration. Enjoy a tamales and tostadas bar and classic Mexican churros dessert inspired by local flavors. Enjoy a Pueblo Greeting which includes a handmade necklace. Experience the traditional Pueblo Dancers with a vibrant performance, and get a taste of the rich traditions that make this destination unique. This is the perfect opportunity to mingle with fellow attendees, soak in the atmosphere, and set the tone for an unforgettable conference.
Sponsored by NGL
Friday, May 16
7:30 – 8:00 a.m.
Badge Pick-Up / Breakfast
8:00 – 8:30 a.m.
Welcome
8:30 – 10:00 a.m.
Turning Setbacks into Comebacks: MINDSET OF CHAMPIONS
Dawn D. Tryba, MBA, CPMBC, CMC, PMP
In this engaging and interactive session, you will explore how to reframe setbacks and failures as powerful steppingstones toward success. By cultivating a champion’s mindset, you will learn to embrace challenges, foster resilience, and unlock your full potential both personally and professionally.
Sponsored by Carriage
10:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Break
10:15 - 10:45 a.m.
Inspiration Award Presentation and Funeral Service Foundation Scholarship Recognition
Inspiration Award sponsored by NGL
10:45 – 11:45 a.m.
Real Talk: Self-Care, Relationships and Growth
Leili McMurrough and Anna Nesbit
In this session, Leili McMurrough and Anna Nesbit will explore the vital role of self-care, the power of support networks, and the journey of personal growth. They will discuss how to redefine self-care beyond traditional concepts and share practical strategies for recognizing when we've overextended ourselves; both inside and outside of the workplace. The discussion will include building and relying on a supportive network, the importance of asking for help, and navigating real-time conversations with family. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to better balance their personal and professional lives.
11:45 – 12:00 p.m.
Break Announcements
12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch Break (On Your Own)
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Balancing Grief, Family Dynamics, and Financial Conversations in Funeral Service
Lanae Strovers
Funeral Directors are faced with many difficult conversations, from family dynamics to tough financial decisions. Join Lanae for a hands on and interactive discussion about how to serve families through this difficult time.
Sponsored by Tukios
4:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Offsite Passages Tour
Join us for an offsite visit and tour of Passages International's head offices. Buses will leave the hotel and transport you to Passages' main US offices where you will learn what makes them the global leaders in sustainable and eco-friendly funeral solutions. The event will include drinks, hors d'oeuvres and a tour of their 30,000 square foot operation. You will meet several of their team, learn how their many products and services can benefit the families you serve, your business and the planet. This unique opportunity will include a "behind the scenes" look at how products are made and customized.
The Passages event will be followed by dinner (included with your registration fee) and continued networking at a well-known local New Mexican restaurant where margaritas and other cocktails will be available. Buses should be back at the hotel by 8:00 p.m.
Sponsored by Passages, Return Home and French
Saturday, May 17
7:30 – 8:00 a.m.
Breakfast
8:00 – 8:30 a.m.
Welcome
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
The Art of Self-Reflection: Harnessing the Power of YOU
Tina Paulus-Krause
Self-reflection is a powerful, often overlooked leadership skill that can significantly enhance your effectiveness, team growth, and overall success. Leaders who regularly practice self-reflection and emotional intelligence are proven to have 90% more influence on their teams and foster higher engagement, according to TalentSmart. By embracing self-reflection as a key leadership tool, you can evolve continuously and drive meaningful results. In this session, you’ll explore your leadership style, uncover your strengths and “shadows,” and show you how to leverage both to enhance personal growth, improve relationships, and achieve better outcomes in your career and organization.
Sponsored by Funeral Women Lead
10:30 – 10:45 a.m.
Break
10:45 – 11:45 a.m.
Breakout Session
Breakout 1: Escaping Perfectionism
Emily K. Howard
Perfectionism is a condition with which many women struggle. At times, the pressure to be perfect can feel daunting and even lonely. Emily, a business leader, wife, mother, and friend will offer her thoughts, ideas, and personal stories of how to escape perfectionism and embrace the perfect, non-perfect person you are.
Breakout 2: Balanced Leadership: Driving High Performance with Empathy
Nectar L. Ramirez
Servant leadership is all about putting the needs of others first, but that doesn't mean you neglect your own well-being in the process. In our industry, so driven to serve, when you're in a position of leadership, creating a balance between caring for others and taking care of yourself is key to sustaining long-term success.
Sponsored by Precoa
11:45 – 12:00 p.m.
Lunch Announcements
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch
Sponsored by Homesteaders
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Breakout Session
Breakout 1: Integrating AI in Human Resource Systems: Legal Considerations and Ongoing Training Strategies
Jamie Hasty
This session explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in human resources systems, focusing on both its benefits and the critical legal considerations that HR professionals must navigate. Participants will gain insights into leveraging AI tools effectively while ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Additionally, the session will address strategies for ongoing soft skills training necessary to manage these advanced systems efficiently amidst busy work schedules.
Breakout 2: Creative Applications: A New Approach for Mastering the Prep-Room and Beyond
Autumn Cooper
This engaging presentation will explore innovative techniques and practical tips for the embalming room. Autumn will probe into best practices for effective embalming, share expert tricks to enhance your workflow, and uncover surprising off-label uses for embalming products. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, this session will provide valuable insights to elevate your skills and expand your embalming toolkit.
Sponsored by Dodge
2:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Break
2:45 – 3:45 p.m.
Recharge, Reconnect, and Revitalize with Be You Disco
Carolina Panoff
Be You Disco offers a one-of-a-kind wellness experience designed to help destress, recharge, and reconnect. Through an immersive blend of music, movement, and mindfulness, participants are guided to release tension, boost energy, and foster authentic connection. Unlike traditional team-building activities, Be You Disco creates a judgement-free space where individuals can let go of stress, move their bodies freely, and experience the joy of being fully present. This experience promotes mental clarity, team cohesion, and a renewed sense of creativity, all while boosting morale and productivity. It's not about dance skills - it's about self-expression, fun, and reconnecting to what matters most: yourself. Leave feeling lighter, more connected, and ready to take on challenges with fresh energy.
Sponsored by SCI and Elvia
3:45 – 4:00 p.m.
Closing Remarks
5 p.m.
Optional off-site Parting Stone Tour
Join us for an off-site behind-the-scenes experience at Parting Stone’s laboratory headquarters, where innovation meets tradition in deathcare. Witness the solidified remains process firsthand and meet the team pioneering this groundbreaking new form of remains. This interactive event offers insights into Parting Stone’s story, technology, and industry trends. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks while networking with fellow professionals. Complimentary bus transportation will be provided from the hotel. Spots are limited RESERVE YOUR SEAT HERE
Sponsored by Parting Stone
5pm departure from hotel.
Sunday, May 18
7:30 – 8:00 a.m.
Breakfast
8:00 – 8:30 a.m.
Welcome
8:30 – 10:00 a.m.
From Awareness to Action: Advocacy for Impact
Lesley Witter, MPA, CAE
Lesley will focus on the unique role women play in funeral service, national associations and Congress. Lesley’s practical advice and motivational guidance will empower you to not only follow your passions but also to turn them into a force for positive change. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to make a lasting impact on the causes that matter most to you! Lesley will provide examples of how funeral service professionals can become more involved in advocacy and will offer opportunities to learn about federal legislation that impacts funeral service.
10:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Break
10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
Resilience and Renewal
Chrissy May
In this interactive closing keynote, we'll address the unique challenges women face in funeral service and explore healing methods to manage grief, anxiety, and stress with resilience. This session offers actionable tools for emotional well-being through guided exercises and reflection. Expect meaningful interactions, heartfelt guidance, and a safe space to realign and tap into your inner strength, leaving with renewed inspiration and clarity.
Sponsored by Precoa
11:15 – 11:30 a.m.
Gift Card Giveaway / Closing Remarks
Sponsored by Messenger
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Book Signing with Chrissy May
Sponsored by Precoa
