Compliance & Legal
Funeral Rule Compliance and Update on the FTC Funeral Rule
T. Scott Gilligan, NFDA General Counsel
Patricia Poss, FTC Funeral Rule Coordinator

Learn the top Funeral Rule compliance issues and the steps your funeral home can take to avoid FTC Funeral Rule violations. Hear the latest information on the FTC review of the Funeral Rule, which kicked off at the beginning of 2020, as well as a discussion of how the review process will play out.

Business Management & Operations
A Reimagined Funeral and Cemetery Profession Post-Pandemic
Christopher Cruger, Partner and COO, The Foresight Companies, LLC

In what is undoubtedly the most transformative time in generations, The Foresight Companies conducted a study of consumers to put empirical data behind the speculative trends about how COVID-19 will impact the funeral and cemetery industry – both in the short-term and the long term. An industry that has been slow to embrace technology and innovation was thrust into an entirely new way of interacting with consumers. In a time of uncertainty, confusion, and dramatic change, Cruger will provide insights for the industry on how the business model must evolve and adapt to the “new norm".

Business Management & Operations
A Radically Simple Blueprint for Success and Growth
David Hernandez Jr., Founder, Jersey Memorial Group

Running a deathcare company is unlike any other profession. Simply understanding the unique qualities of a funeral home or cemetery is not a guarantee for success. How does a leader guide their company to growth or the next level? What is the hallmark of an exceptional owner, CEO, or manager? Is it call volume, market share, or revenues? Quite simply, it is the returns of that company over the long term. Hernandez will examine the importance of capital allocation and the best way to deploy your company resources, why business purchases must be viewed as investments, and the importance of cash flow to long-term value.

Professional Skills
Final Acts of Care Following the Death of a Child
Offered in partnership with the Funeral Service Foundation
Betsy Hawley, MA, Executive Director, Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition

After the death of a child, as the funeral professional, you are not only receiving the child's body but the heart and soul of the family. Learn how to bring your expertise and compassion to the family as you guide them in the difficult decisions from transferring the care of their child to you to their final goodbye. Hawley will review lessons learned from an innovative partnership between the Funeral Service Foundation, NFDA, and the Collaborative of Pediatric Palliative Care Coalitions to improve the end-of-life experience for families and the community following the death of a child. You'll leave with a recently published toolkit designed to support funeral professionals in guiding families through this emotional process.

Technical Skills
Reconstructive Techniques for Severe Trauma
Vernie Fountain, CFSP, MBIE, Founder, Fountain National Academy

Renowned teacher Vernie Fountain will examine numerous embalming techniques and discuss a wide variety of methods to restore severe trauma cases to allow for an open casket viewing during the visitation and funeral. Fountain, will cover situations you encounter daily in your preparation room. You'll discover common-sense tips and techniques to help you more effectively tackle the challenging cases you face.