2024 Agenda

Take charge of your own safety in the care center. This workshop will empower you to become proactive in meeting key OSHA regulations and making the care center a safer space. (1 CE hour)

In this session, we will cover:

• Safe Lifting and Ergonomics: Learn about proper lifting techniques and ergonomic resources to prevent back and body injuries – a common concern as the average body weight in America continues to rise.
• Breathing Safety: OSHA ventilation compliance requires at least 15.5 air exchanges per hour; make sure that formaldehyde laden air is fully “exhausted” via the ductwork to the outside atmosphere.
• OSHA Safety Equipment: We'll review the proper use and location of emergency showers and eyewash stations, crucial equipment while working with formaldehyde.
• Chemical Labeling and Safety Signage: Learn how to identify potential hazards and follow safe handling and storage procedures for all chemicals, including everyday cleaning products.
• Decluttering for a Safer Environment: Discover how a well-organized workspace minimizes clutter, creating clear walkways and reducing the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Gain tips for implementing effective organization strategies.

Learn to become a trusted guide for your families, able to walk alongside a grieving spouse long after the service is over. This session provides you with the tools and knowledge to truly support families long-term in a meaningful way. Our resources include:

• How to identify a liaison who can advocate for and support the spouse/family.
• A practical checklist of ways that other loved ones can offer genuine help.
• Alternatives to unhelpful platitudes; and
• A free guidebook for organizing next steps and tracking assets, benefits, and important tasks.

We will also discuss creative ways to stay connected and how to guide families to valuable resources, as well as future options such as memorials that commemorate anniversaries. Never be at a loss again when a grieving spouse asks post-service, “Now what do I do?” (1 CE hour)

Take a fascinating look back through history with the Victorian Undertaker. Learn about the tools of the trade and customs of the day and how the role of an Undertaker from the 1800’s evolved into the role we know today as a Funeral Director. (1 CE hour)

For five years, Foresight has surveyed consumers to uncover attitudes and behaviors regarding funeral service. The goal of this research has been to deliver meaningful and fact-based data to educate our profession on consumer trends. Recently, we’ve also begun surveying funeral professionals regarding their perceptions of consumer attitudes and we’ve revealed an important disconnect. What we found was a profession not responding to and, in some cases, actively avoiding, how consumers want to do business…a profession too often resisting changes in the marketplace without a long-term strategic plan on how to handle a new, evolving and less “traditional” consumer.

This session will dive into the data, highlight the most critical information and explore the future of funeral service by providing a snapshot into the attitudes and behaviors of your consumer. (1 CE hour)

Emaciated cases present unique challenges for funeral professionals. This workshop will equip you with the skills and techniques to confidently restore emaciated decedents and offer families the opportunity of open casket viewing. We'll discuss the emotional impact of severe weight loss on families and how we can approach conversations with compassion and sensitivity. You’ll gain knowledge of specialized embalming procedures for emaciated cases, including tissue rehydration and pressure point management.

Discover innovative cosmetic techniques to achieve a natural, peaceful appearance, and explore advanced padding and support methods to create a healthy, natural, and dignified appearance, allowing all families to see their loved one in a better way. (1 CE hour)

Does the idea of putting on a “community event” get you excited or make you want to run for the hills? 

A successful event is one of the best ways for your funeral home to engage new families and establish yourself as a thought leader in your community, but there are also many challenges and potential pitfalls. With proven strategies and popular examples drawn from over 2,200 events held in the past year alone, you’ll learn key tactics to drive interest, increase attendance and make every community event a success. (1 CE hour)

Embark on a transformative journey as we explore the world of death doulas and their collaborative role in creating a deeply profound end-of-life experience. In this session, we will uncover the extraordinary ways in which the doula’s distinct skill set seamlessly intertwines with traditional funeral services. Learn about the historical roots of death doulas and the evolution of their practices. Discover how adding the role of a death doula can help you reshape the way you approach end-of-life support, offering families a more comprehensive and compassionate experience. (1 CE hour)

Many of today's families are opting for personalized celebrations of life, often leading them down the path of DIY planning. We’ll explore the evolving mindset of the modern funeral consumer and their desire for unique, personalized experiences, and we’ll identify motivating factors such as perceived cost concerns and incomplete understanding of what funeral professionals offer. Our primary discussion will focus on how the arrangement meeting can be an opportunity for creative ideas; you will have the chance to exercise your own imagination while outlining an imaginative service based on a given scenario. This session, led by award-winning Joe E. Pray (five-time Keeping It Personal Winner), will equip you with the tools to craft unforgettable celebrations of life. (1 CE hour)

A staggering 93% of our communication with the families we serve in the funeral professional is non-verbal. Everything from our attire and body language to the ambiance of the funeral home sends powerful messages about our service quality. Every touchpoint, from the parking area and exterior to the entrance and lobby, contributes to the impressions we make. The design and comfort level of the facility, as well as elements like service programs, multimedia presentations, and the arrangement of caskets and urns, all play a role in shaping the experience for families and mourners alike. (1 CE hour)

Recently the EPA released their draft formaldehyde risk assessment including their proposed new formaldehyde exposure limit. Join Lesley Witter and Dr. Marisa Kreider to discuss the implications for your business and funeral service.  

Funeral professionals are witnessing a significant increase in cremations with no burial, often resulting in unclaimed urns. This session tackles this sensitive topic head-on, exploring ways to address forgotten urns while raising your funeral home's profile in the community. Together we’ll explore effective ways to engage with your community by offering meaningful memorials for children, civilians, and veterans (and/or spouses). Our experience demonstrates a significant rise in pre-planning inquiries following these services; not only do they provide closure for unclaimed urns but also foster strong relationships with community groups, businesses, and potential clients. (1 CE hour)

In this engaging presentation, industry veteran Court Bluford will guide you on a journey to transform your funeral business in the digital age. We’ll explore cutting-edge technologies like NFC tags, mobile apps and automated communication to elevate funeral services. Learn innovative tools akin to Uber-like services for efficient deliveries and hearse coordination, enhancing logistics and client experiences. Delve into tech-driven strategies for fostering enduring connections with clients through personalized interactions, nurturing trust, and loyalty. Uncover tactics for harnessing social media and online platforms to unlock unique revenue streams and fortify your funeral home’s digital footprint. (1 CE hour)

This presentation is a comprehensive guide for funeral directors seeking to enhance their understanding and support for families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We'll begin with an exploration of ASD, delving into its diverse characteristics and potential challenges faced by individuals and their families during the grieving process. You will gain valuable insights into effective communication strategies tailored to meet the unique needs of those on the autism spectrum. Practical guidance on creating inclusive and accommodating funeral environments, including physical space modifications and sensory sensitivity considerations, will be provided.

We will also address the importance of cultural competence, fostering empathy toward the experiences of individuals with ASD and their families. Through case studies and interactive discussions, you will develop adaptable and compassionate approaches to funeral services, ultimately improving customer satisfaction and positioning your business as a leader in inclusive and sensitive funeral care. (1 CE hour)