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 - 7 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. Registration coming soon!

$795 NFDA members or eligible non-funeral directors; $990 nonmember funeral directors; fee includes light meals and refreshments

Professional Skills

NFDA Arranger Training

Registration: 7:30 - 8 a.m.
Seminar: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Lacy Robinson, CFSP
NFDA Director, Member Development

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
NFDA Education Manager

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)

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.