Scanning for CE Has Never Been Easier!

This year, if you want CE credit for the workshops and events you attend, you must download the NFDA app! Once downloaded, simply scan the QR code on your way out of each workshop or event. App sponsored by Tribute Technology.

Watch for more information on how to get and use the app as we get closer to Convention.

All times shown are Pacific Time.

NFDA does not endorse and is not responsible for views expressed by the speakers.
Workshop recordings will be available for purchase in the NFDA store.

8 – 9 a.m. | Workshops (1 CE hour)

Funeral Rule Update

Compliance & Legal
Chris Farmer
General Counsel | NFDA

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. (1 CE hour)


Compassion Fatigue: How to Mitigate Funeral Care Burnout

Professional Skills
Lynda Cheldelin Fell
CEO | International Grief Institute

While the value of compassion in funeral care has gained increased attention, it remains a neglected focus of training. Vicarious trauma leading to compassion fatigue is changing the way funeral professionals think about self-care. Participants will explore how repeated exposure to traumatic deaths coupled with lengthy, irregular hours and the constant output of empathy can affect their cognition and emotional balance. Learn 10 evidence-based techniques designed to mitigate the effects before it leads to career burnout. (1 CE hour)


Transformative Times: Deathcare for the Gender Diverse Community

Customer Service
Faith Haug
Program Chair | Arapahoe Community College Mortuary Science Program

The LGBTQA and transgendered communities face discrimination and difficulty navigating all areas of their lives – why should they face this in death, too? This comprehensive presentation will bring attendees up to speed on common terminology and pronoun usage and reveal how to effectively serve this community through specific examples of common situations a funeral professional might face. Attendees will also learn methods of preparing and cosmetizing the transgender decedent in a respectful and appropriate manner. (1 CE hour)


Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in the Service of Families

Customer Service
Christopher Costello
Funeral Director

AI has come a long way since its inception and its growth has been exponential. The original purpose of AI was to take on routine tasks and automate them to free up time. AI has grown since then and now can create, plan and make more complex decisions. This is a powerful combination of tools but where does this fit in your toolbox to assist families? How do you leverage AI in the workplace? This seminar will cover types of AI you can use in your work environment to streamline process giving you and your team more time to service your families. (1 CE hour)


8 – 10 a.m. | Workshops (2 CE hours)

Beyond the Funeral: How Savvy Funeral Professionals Connect with Their Communities

Business Operations
Georganne Bender
Partner | Kizer & Bender Speaking!

Community is incredibly important to today’s consumers. You get points for being a good corporate citizen, points for protecting the environment, points for recycling, up-cycling, and for the local charities you support. We’ll look at what you can do locally to become a better corporate citizen, engage potential customers, and encourage your community to see your business as a local partner. You’ll learn: How to be present in local activities; an easy exercise to help you brainstorm ideas; how to create partnership promotions with other successful, non-competing businesses; how to utilize Cause Marketing; why it’s necessary to toot your own horn, plus PR tricks to help you capture media attention. (2 CE hours)


9:45 – 10:45 a.m. | Workshops (1 CE hour)

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Loss and Grief

Professional Development
Dr. Tashel Bordere, PhD, CT
Researcher and Adjunct Faculty

Dr. Bordere will address diversity, equity, and inclusion in work with bereaved families. Drawing from research and case studies, she will examine individual and systemic factors that impact the meaning-making and experiences of families in after-death care. In a safe and supportive learning environment, participants will have opportunities to develop skills in uncovering systems of oppression, self-reflective practices, alliance formation, and culturally conscientious service delivery to diverse populations. (1 CE hour)


Tried and True Embalming Techniques: Past and Present

Technical Skills
John Hill, CCO, CFSP
Embalmer and Funeral Director | James Funeral Home

The older generation of embalmers are “passing the baton” to the newer generation of embalmers. Those “old school” embalmers have many tips, tricks, and techniques they can pass down, and the “new school” has many innovations and improvements. Sadly, many old school embalmers don’t want to learn “new tricks” and the new school embalmers think the old school is outdated. This presentation will prove how both can coexist and are very much needed to step up everyone’s skills in the prep room so every family can have the final farewell of their loved one.  Pictures, instructional techniques, and videos illustrating old and new techniques will be included. (1 CE hour)


Critical Role of Funeral Directors in Connecting Homicide Victims′ Families with Resources

Customer Service
Kristina Rose
OVC Director | Office for Victims of Crime
Karma Cottman
Chief Executive Officer | Ujima Inc. - The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community

There are funds available through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) to help lessen the financial burden on homicide victims′ families to pay for funerals, grief counseling, and other services. However, individuals living in underserved and underrepresented communities don′t always know these resources are available to them or are unable to easily access them. Funeral directors are in a unique position to serve as the bridge that connects families of homicide victims to crime victim compensation and assistance. This becomes especially important in the aftermath of gun violence when there may be multiple victims and resources are stretched thin. During this panel, you will hear from representatives from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Victims of Crime, the National Center for Culturally Responsive Victim Services, and a funeral director that has created a successful approach for ensuring survivors of homicide victims have access to services and resources.


Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Funeral: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

Business Operations
Tim Purves
Chairman | William Purves Funeral Directors

Tim Purves of Scotland was entrusted with the great honor of looking after the Scottish element of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral arrangements. From the initial, solemn days stationed at Balmoral Castle to the carefully managed boarding of a London bound aircraft, Tim will share his unique first-hand perspective. He’ll share his experience of traveling in the hearse with Her Majesty for the 7-hour drive from Balmoral Castle to Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh. Tim will also talk about his role in the ceremonial movement to St. Giles Cathedral and how he felt about being under the scrutiny of the watching crowds and world-wide media. Finally, Tim will share his unique experience of attending Her Majesty’s state funeral in West Minster Abbey with the Royal Family and many world leaders. (1 CE hour)


Engage and Empower: Time & People Management

Business Management
Tim Bridgers, SVP
Head of Funeral Home & Cemetery Lending

Management is hard. It’s also vital to efficient and effective work as well as reaching your goals. Mismanaged people can lead to underperformance, mismanaged time can lead to an inability to meet goals, and mismanaged finances can lead to business failure. Ask yourself, “Am I maximizing my time? Are my management strategies enabling a thriving business?” There are a lot of theories and models out there for management. How do you identify the best one for you and your business? We will take a deep dive into time, financial, and people management and how to determine the best business strategies to reach your goals and win in the marketplace. (1 CE hour)


12 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Expo Hall

Expo Hall

The world’s largest funeral exposition is an adventure in itself! Leading suppliers will offer the latest products and services – along with exclusive offers – in the NFDA Expo Hall.


12:30 – 2 p.m. | Tuesday Conversation Café (1.5 CE hours)

The Defense Never Rests

Compliance & Legal
Chris Farmer
General Counsel | NFDA
Mike Nicodemus
Vice President, Cremation Services | NFDA
Victor March Sr., CPA, CFSP, CPC
President & CEO | MARCORP, LTD & Subsidiaries

Are you keeping your funeral home, crematory, cemetery and individual funeral directors out of legal trouble? Join our expert panel to discuss how you can reduce the risk of lawsuits and claims against your business. We’ll cover how to properly train your staff to avoid litigation, the importance of proper documentation, Indemnification Agreements, and procedures with your third-party crematory. (1.5 CE hours)


4:30 - 5:00 P.M. | NFDA 2023-24 Board Installation

NFDA 2023-24 Board Installation

Join us to install your 2023-24 NFDA Board of Directors.


5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Funeral Directors Under 40 Party

Funeral Directors Under 40 Party

Join your Under 40 colleagues at Flight Club for an incredible networking event on the famous Las Vegas Strip! Try your hand at Social Darts, where you will enjoy friendly games, bespoke cocktails, and delicious shareable bites in your own playing area. Located within the Venetian Resort, Flight Club offers a vibrant and captivating design, reminiscent of British pubs and fairgrounds with a modern twist, as well as striking interactive and imaginative art throughout the destination, providing guests with can’t-miss photo opportunities at every turn. Ticket price includes 2 drink tickets, hors d'oeuvres and unlimited game play for two hours. Hurry, tickets are limited.

Dress: Casual


Register for this session as part of your convention registration.

Cost: $75 per person.
You may also register onsite at one of the registration desks.