June 4 - DAY 1

8:30 am Registration Opens & Continental Breakfast

Sponsored by Implant Recycling

9:00-9:15 am Conference Opens

Welcome, Opening Remarks, and Introductions

9:15-10:15 am

Mitch Smith, eFuneral Partner

Funeral Rule Compliance and Online Sales: What You Need to Know

Is your funeral home in full compliance with the FTC Funeral Rule? Between review of the existing rule, increased enforcement efforts and public scrutiny around rule violations, it seems like everyone in the funeral profession is concerned about the future of price disclosure regulations. Learn what we know about the FTC’s recent crackdown on violations, what it may mean for the future of funeral pricing and disclosure requirements and how digital tools can be part of an effective FTC compliance strategy. 

10:15-10:30 am Snack Break

Sponsored by Global Atlantic Financial Group

10:30-11:15 am

Tony Armogida, Global Atlantic Financial Group

Distinguishing Your Funeral Home: Beyond the Standard Services

In this transformative session, we’ll embark on a journey to discover what truly makes funeral home unique and how to share that with the community effectively. 

11:15-11:30 am Break

11:30-12:30 pm

Jon Lefrandt,  Elevia (Formerly Domanicare)

Pre-emptive Marketing and the Consumer Experience

This session will explain what pre-emptive marketing means, why the consumer experience is important, and how your business can make the shift from being reactive to proactive without affecting your budget. With a decrease in brand loyalty and increased access to information at their fingertips, consumers are turning to Google reviews to support their purchasing decisions. Research shows that peer-purchasing insights influence consumers’ decision-making process more than any other marketing strategy. Discover why Google reviews should be a No. 1 priority, how to tastefully generate Google reviews and how to create meaningful experiences for your families. 

12:30-1:45 pm Lunch

Sponsored by Elevia

1:45-2:45 pm

Chris Cruger, The Foresight Companies

If Not Now, When? What Does Your Future Hold?

With over 45% of owners looking to retire within the next five years and less than 25 percent of owners with a succession plan, we have a problem. Succession planning has never been more important than it is today. The funeral and cemetery profession continues to be a highly fragmented with an aged ownership base. 

2:45-3:00 pm Break

3:00-4:00 pm

August Esposito, Implant Recycling

Immersive Technologies and the Funeral Industry

Are families choosing direct cremation because they no longer care about funerals? Rainbox VR believes that people still care but their needs have evolved, and we have struggled to find the right tools and solutions. Rainbox VR will demonstrate how new immersive technologies can meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s families. Learn about the opportunity to guide and shape the future of death care so it remains in the hands of funeral directors and not in the hands of silicon valley. 

5:00-6:00 pm Cocktail Party

 Sponsored by Implant Recycling

June 5 - DAY 2                         

8:30 am Day 2 opens & Continental Breakfast
Sponsored by Implant Recycling   

9:00-10:00 am

Glenda Stansbury, Insight Books, Inc.

Brent Patterson, Tribute Memorial Care Southwest   

Blocked, Burned out, Blasé: How to engage your staff to become creative and enthusiastic professionals

One of the most pressing issues in funeral service today is staffing. Finding and keeping funeral professionals is an on-going topic of conversation. 

Statistics show that within the next 10 years, approximately 2000 Baby Boomer funeral directors will be retiring. 

According to NFDA "Over 60% of funeral homeowners said they will retire in five years.”

Statistics also show that mortuary school enrollment is up 24%. So, why are we struggling to find people to hire and watching some of our staff walk out the door?

This workshop will provide some ideas, suggestions and food for thought as we look toward the future of our profession and providing the right environment to grow and nurture employees. 

10:00-10:15 am Break

10:15-11:15 am

Jennifer L. Wright-Berryman Ph.D., University of Cincinnati School of Social Work

The Funeral Business and the LGBTQIA+ Community: Barriers and Solutions to Building a Partnership

The presentation explores the intricate relationship between the funeral business and the LGBTQIA+ community, shedding light on the barriers impeding a harmonious partnership and proposing viable solutions. Delving into the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in funeral planning and services, it addresses issues ranging from lack of inclusivity and sensitivity to discriminatory practices. Moreover, the session offers strategies for fostering a more inclusive environment within the funeral industry, emphasizing the importance of education, policy reforms, and cultural competence. By identifying obstacles and presenting actionable solutions, it aims to pave the way for a more supportive and respectful partnership between the funeral business and the LGBTQIA+ community.
 

11:15-11:30 am Break   

11:30-12:30

Greg Grabowski, Hospice Advisors

Building Bridges: Funeral Homes and Hospice Collaboration

This program equips funeral service professionals with invaluable insights for cultivating meaningful relationships with local hospice providers. Learn how leveraging Hospice Medicare Data can reveal collaboration opportunities, ensuring services resonate with hospice patients and families. Discover successful ideas that enhance synergy and create value for hospice providers. Explore the crucial role of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems in personalized communications, emphasizing strategic planning alignment for sustainable collaboration. Most importantly, introduce Simon Sinek's "Why concept" for fostering authentic connections. “Hospice professionals don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” 

12:30-1:30 pm Lunch

Sponsored by Precoa

1:30-2:30 pm

Tyler Anderson, Precoa

From Challenge to Opportunity: Innovating to Attract New Families and Build Lasting Value

Being able to adapt to today’s changing consumer landscape is essential to staying relevant. Learn about the latest innovations driving preneed forward. These innovations are not only being used to address the two biggest challenges facing the profession today – the rising cost of doing business and declining revenue per call, but also to create the highest quality experience for families, advance funeral planners, and funeral homes. Discover how technology designed to foster more outstanding experiences and deeper connections can help funeral homes stay top of mind for years to come. 

2:30 -2:45 pm Ice Cream Break

Sponsored by Homesteaders Life Company

2:45-4:00 pm Speakers Panel Discussion

Join us for an engaging panel discussion and Q&A session featuring all session presenters. Our panelists bring a wealth of experience and insight to the table. Our speakers will share their expertise, innovative strategies and practical solution. This dynamic dialogue promises to offer valuable perspectives and foster collaboration. 

4:00 pm Conference closes