Home Agenda  Preconvention Seminars

Preconvention Seminars

Separate registration is required for the 2019 NFDA International Convention & Expo.

NFDA does not endorse and is not responsible for views expressed by the speakers.

Friday, October 25 - Sunday, October 27

Business Operations, Customer Service, Professional Skills

NFDA-Hosted Certified Celebrant Training

Brought to you by InSight Institute and hosted by NFDA

Presented by Glenda Stansbury and Matthew Bailey, InSight Institute 

Registration: Friday 12:30 p.m.
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)

Separate registration required.

$795 NFDA members or eligible non-funeral directors; $995 nonmember funeral directors; fee includes light meals and refreshments

Saturday, October 26

Professional Skills

NFDA Arranger Training

RLacy Robinsonegistration: 7:30 - 8 a.m.
Seminar: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Lacy Robinson, CFSP
Director, Member Development, 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)

Separate registration required.

$475 NFDA members and qualifying nonmembers; $605 nonmember funeral directors; $160 mortuary students; fee includes refreshments and lunch

 

Preneed, Professional Skills

NFDA Certified Preplanning Consultant Seminar and Exam

Seminar: Saturday, October 26 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Exam: Sunday, October 27 8 – 10:15 a.m.

Carmella Hansen, M.S.Ed.
Director, Education, NFDA

Consumers demand service excellence and look for professional credentials. You can promote exceptional funeral preplanning and preneed standards by earning the internationally recognized NFDA Certified Preplanning Consultant™ designation. Ethics, preplanning principles, FTC compliance, basic contract law, customer service, funding options, communication skills, marketing principles, consultative sales, and the value of the funeral are covered. The NFDA CPC Standards Manual is the basis of the seminar and exam. You must be eligible to participate and prepare in advance (apply early!). The manual is shipped upon application approval. (8 CE hours)

Separate application required.

$495 NFDA members and qualifying nonmembers; $655 non-member funeral directors; fee includes refreshments and lunch

 

Compliance and Legal, Cremation

NFDA Cremation Certification Program

RMike Nicodemusegistration: 7:30  – 8 a.m.
Seminar: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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 based on NFDA Cremation Standards for Funeral Service Professionals. CE and certification require passing the online Cremation Certification Test. (7 CE hours)

Separate registration required.

$495 NFDA members and qualifying nonmembers; $655 nonmember funeral directors; $160 mortuary students; fee includes refreshments and lunch

Sunday, October 27

Technical Skills

Embalming and Reconstructive Techniques for Trauma, Including Organ and Tissue Cases

Seminar: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Vernie Fountain, CFSP
Embalmer, Postmortem Reconstructive Specialist, Fountain National Academy

Discover new, as well as tried and tested, techniques presented by master embalmer Vernie Fountain! This information-packed seminar will examine head and eye trauma, crushing injuries, autopsy cases, gunshot wounds, soft-tissue repair, and much more. Learn tips and discuss techniques for use by embalmers when preparing various types of challenging cases – from the non-traumatized to the most severely traumatized cases. Practice discussing trauma injuries with families, and how to improve the quality and appearance of the decedent for viewing and promote the value of embalming and visitation. (4 CE hours)

Separate registration required.

$170 NFDA members or eligible non-funeral directors; $225 nonmember funeral directors

Continuing Education: Sessions and workshops at the 2019 NFDA International Convention & Expo are approved for continuing education by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice (APFSP), most state boards, and by many Canadian provinces. State and province CE approval varies, and it is the individual participant's responsibility to verify approval for CE in the state(s) in which the individual is licensed. Schedule subject to change.