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For Immediate Release: February 3, 2026

Brookfield, Wis. – The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) will host its 2026 Embalming & Restorative Art Seminar in early May at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science (PIMS), offering funeral service professionals an immersive, skills-focused learning experience centered on advanced embalming techniques and restorative art application. The seminar will take place May 4–6 or May 6–8, 2026, with two identical Headzo and Embalming seminar options offered on different dates to provide greater flexibility for attendees’ schedules.

Led by experienced faculty from PIMS, the seminar combines live embalming demonstrations, in-depth lectures and guided restorative art application using Headzo models, allowing participants to strengthen both technical proficiency and critical decision-making in the preparation room.

In an increasingly complex preparation environment, NFDA’s Embalming & Restorative Art Seminar offers a rare opportunity to step away from day-to-day demands and engage in immersive, in-person instruction focused on real-world application. Participants leave with practical techniques they can implement immediately, renewed confidence in the preparation room and a fresh perspective on their work.

In-Depth, Practical Education

The Embalming & Restorative Art Seminar is designed to move beyond theory, giving attendees the opportunity to observe, ask questions and apply techniques in real time. Seminar content includes: 

• Embalming risk management, with a focus on identifying common challenges, minimizing risk and making informed choices throughout the embalming process
• Live embalming lectures and demonstrations, covering arterial injection, case analysis and preparation techniques
• Anatomy of facial features, emphasizing structure, proportion and how anatomical understanding informs restorative outcomes
• Cranial reconstruction techniques, including skull reconstruction using Skullzo
• Restorative art techniques, such as wound filler and wax application, cosmetic techniques and color selection using Headzo
• Hair placement and finishing techniques, focusing on natural, lifelike presentation 
• Ask the Experts panel discussion, offering participants direct access to instructors to explore complex cases and real-world scenarios

Embalming and restorative art instruction will be led by Michael Burns, the dean of faculty and students at PIMS, and Nicholas Ricci, an instructor at PIMS. NFDA General Counsel Christopher Farmer will share insights on managing legal risks in the prep room. 

Educational Content, Offered on Two Schedules

NFDA is offering the Headzo and Embalming Seminar twice, with the same instructors, curriculum and hands-on experience delivered during two different date blocks. Attendees may choose the option that best fits their schedule, with confidence they will receive the identical educational content regardless of which session they attend. 

Registration Options

With two identical Headzo and Embalming sessions offered on different dates, participants can select the schedule that best fits their professional and personal commitments.

Headzo and Embalming Seminar – choose from: 
•    Monday, May 4, at 10 a.m. through Wednesday, May 6, at 5 p.m. or 
•    Wednesday, May 6, at 8 a.m. through Friday, May 8, at 11:30 a.m.

Registration includes one-and-a-half days of Headzo and Skullzo restorative art training, one full day of embalming education, a restorative art kit and all related program materials. Select meals and refreshments included. Cost – Member Licensed Funeral Director or Student: $459; Nonmember Licensed Funeral Director: $659

There is also an option to only register for the day-long Embalming Seminar featuring live demonstrations on a donor body. 

Embalming Seminar – Wednesday, May 6, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Designed for those seeking focused embalming education, this option includes a full day of embalming instruction, a restorative art kit, breakfast and lunch, and all program materials. Cost – Member Licensed Funeral Director or Student: $399; Nonmember Licensed Funeral Director: $599

What Attendees Are Saying

NFDA’s Embalming & Restorative Art Seminar attendees consistently report leaving the seminar with new techniques they can apply immediately in their preparation rooms. One 2025 attendee shared, “Everything that was provided was immensely valuable. I am looking forward to the next seminar.” Another attendee noted, “I think it was perfect. I can’t wait to get back to the funeral home to implement these new techniques.”

Scholarships Available

Thanks to the generosity of its donors, the Funeral Service Foundation is providing five scholarships to attend the 2026 NFDA Embalming & Restorative Art Seminar. The scholarships are for the Headzo and Embalming Seminar taking place May 4-6. Valued at up to $1,459, each scholarship covers registration fees, a lodging stipend of $250 each night for two nights and a $500 travel stipend. Applicants must be licensed embalmers (NFDA membership not required). To learn more and apply by March 5, visit NFDA.org/EmbalmingSeminar or FuneralServiceFoundation.org/Scholarship-Opportunities. Applicants will be notified of their status by early April.

Register Early to Secure Your Spot

Registration must be received by April 27, and space is limited to ensure an effective hands-on learning environment. The seminar is approved by the American Board of Funeral Service Education and most state licensing boards; participants should verify continuing education approval in their licensed states.

To register or learn more, visit NFDA.org/EmbalmingSeminar or call 262-789-1880.

NFDA is the world's leading and largest funeral service association representing 20,000 individual members who represent nearly 11,000 funeral homes in the United States and 49 countries around the world. NFDA is the trusted leader, beacon for ethics and the strongest advocate for the profession. NFDA is the association of choice because it offers funeral professionals comprehensive educational resources, tools to manage successful businesses, guidance to become pillars in their communities and the expertise to foster future generations of funeral professionals. NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit NFDA.org.

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Media Contact: Jessica Koth, 262-814-1536, JKoth@NFDA.org