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.
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.
**Repeated from Monday**Feel like you are an ax juggler some days? The ever-changing funeral landscape can cause disruption and stress, leaving you feeling constantly on edge. From staff shortages, high burnout and the pressure to stand out, even the most seasoned professional can feel that there’s simply no time to actually lead.
Together, we’ll learn how to press the pause button and discover practical tools for reflecting, recharging and navigating disruption. Cate will share a self inventory to evaluate your own strengths, shortcomings and the ways you sabotage yourself as a leader. You’ll explore how your “iron rules” may be blocking you from being the powerhouse leader you want to be. Cate’s powerful “4 rooms” leadership formula will help you gain greater clarity, confidence, courage and resilience. You’ll leave with tools for being more decisive, navigating change with a bulletproof vest, greater self-regulation and getting that spring back in your step. (1 CE hour)
**Repeat from Tuesday**
In today’s competitive landscape, companies are struggling with disengaged employees, high turnover and a rise in “quiet quitting.” Traditional actions such as increased compensation and remuneration don’t seem to work. In this session, we’ll explore a new approach to increasing employee engagement and reigniting your team. (1 CE hour)
Using Allen’s unique mindset methodology and his practical 5-step strategy, we will:
**Repeat from Tuesday**End Well is a nonprofit dedicated to the belief that all people should experience the end of life in a way that matches their values and goals. Through events and resources, End Well has created a growing global community where conversations around end of life, grief, loss and caregiving lead to transformative impact. We’ll hear from three of the speakers from 2023’s End Well event as they share their personal stories that have universal resonance. We will also discuss the natural synergies between funeral service professionals and the End Well movement. Join us for meaningful end of life conversations and discover the impact of not only living life to the fullest but planning positively for the end. (1 CE hour)
This session dives into the critical topic of providing equitable and respectful deathcare for the LGBTQIA+ community. Using data and extensive research, we’ll share practical tools, vocabulary and resources for navigating unique needs and special considerations.
Together, we will explore the history of traumatic death in the LGBTQIA+ community including the HIV/AIDS epidemic, data about queer discrimination in healthcare and the tragic reality of contemporary trans femicide. You will learn key terminology for working with queer families and discover specific prosthetics and garments for trans bodies. Other topics include the role of “chosen family” in queer spaces, working with difficult family-of-origin members and how to avoid non-consensual degendering. You will leave the session with a deeper understanding of specific deathcare needs for queer individuals and how to make all funeral homes more inclusive spaces. (1 CE hour)
Massages are not just for the living! One of the most underutilized steps during embalming is massage. Discover how massage techniques significantly enhance embalming results, improving tissue pliability, color and fluid distribution. We’ll take a deep dive into the art and science of massage, exploring the importance of knowing, listening to and working with the body. We’ll discuss different ways to massage the body as well as proper body mechanics to prevent your own injury. After all, everyone could use a good massage! (1 CE hour)
This program offers valuable tips to help embalmers achieve perfection, even with the most challenging cases. It covers everything from basic procedures to those requiring extra care due to factors such as cause of death, embalming delays, autopsies, organ and tissue donation, edema, jaundice, and trauma. Discover the unique challenges these scenarios pose for both experienced and novice embalmers. Learn why taking the time to perform the procedure correctly from the start can save you from longer correction times later. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and knowledge in the embalming room. (1 CE hour)
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.
Professor Jason Arday is a social commentator, presenter, and public speaker, but at three years old, he was diagnosed with global development delay and autism spectrum disorder. He did not speak until he was eleven years old and could not read or write until he was eighteen. Today he is the 2002 Professorial Chair of Education (Sociology of Education) at the University of Cambridge, making him the youngest-ever Black academic to hold a Professorship at Cambridge and one of the youngest academics ever appointed to a Professorial Chair in Oxbridge’s history.
In addition to sharing his story of hope and inspiration worldwide, Jason has been a prolific fundraiser having raised over £5 million pounds for 80 British charities over an 18-year period. He has won numerous national and community fundraising awards for achievements such as: running 30 marathons in 35 days, 300 miles in 3 days and 600 miles in 6 days; relief work in South America and West Africa installing water points for access to clean water; and setting up drives across London to develop facilities for individuals experiencing homelessness. The highlight of these fundraising achievements culminated in the selection to be an Olympic Torch Bearer for the London 2012 Olympics.