REGISTRATION OPEN 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM 

• 8:00 – 9:00 AM
  PRAYER BREAKFAST
  Join fellow worshippers for a morning of breakfast and fellowship. Thanks to generous sponsorships, the annual ICCFA prayer breakfast is free to the first 60 individuals who arrive on a first-come, first-served basis.
  
• 8:30 – 10:00 AM
  MORNING WELCOME COFFEE
• 9:00 – 10:00 AM
  KEYNOTE – Ignite Moments! How to Become a ‘Customer Company’
  Brian Solis
  What does ‘great’ look like to today’s customer? How has their digital lifestyle or relationships with industry-leading brands changed their standards for what great customer engagement and services look like? As ‘the godfather of CX’ and the author of one of the most transformative books on CX innovation, Brian will talk about what it means to become a ‘customer company’ in an evolving hybrid world, one where digital and AI are blurring the lines between physical and online experiences. It all starts by purposefully becoming a ‘customer company’, putting people at the heart of the business. In this exciting and captivating keynote, Brian will transform traditional customer touch points into ‘ignite moments.’ He’ll demonstrate how ignite moments deliver personalization, ‘warmth’, and connected experiences that people love, remember, and share.
  Brian Solis is a world-renowned digital anthropologist and futurist who has been called “one of the greatest digital analysts of our time.” Forbes called him “one of the more creative and brilliant business minds of our time.” He is also an award-winning author and global keynote speaker on disruptive trends and technologies and their impact on businesses, markets, and societies.
  
• 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  EXPO HALL OPEN (WITH BRUNCH)
• 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
  PAST PRESIDENTS LUNCH
• 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  EXHIBIT TEARDOWN
• 1:00 – 2:00 PM
  Embalming the Autopsy Case:  Techniques that Work
  Shun Newbern CFSP, Metropolitan Mortuary
  The session will include best practices for embalmers and funeral directors, to include the importance of the embalmer for the following topics:
  • communication with the funeral director and the family about the valuable time to conduct an autopsy;
  • sufficient time for practically difficult procedures;
  • the need of sufficient arterial chemicals and sundries to master preparation for autopsy embalming for visitation or ship out;
  • the need to reinvent the embalming wheel, using new technology and new ideas in proper casket presentation when there is trauma.

  Shun has nearly 30 years of dedicated funeral service experience and is the owner of Metropolitan Mortuary, in Jurupa Valley, CA.  At Metropolitan he provides affordable excellence through themed services full of the unexpected.  He educates consumers  about the value of an open casket viewing, and demonstrates this through embalming and the art of restoration. His unexpected service results in proving healing to hurting hearts and establishing return business.  Shun is a licensed embalmer, funeral director, crematory manager and cemetery manager. The presentation will bring a fresh insight and proven techniques that every practitioner can incorporate to improve embalming results.
  Preserving Celebrations in a Cremation-centric World
  Moderator: Kent Robertson, Foundation Partners Group
  Panelists: Barbara Kemmis, CANA; Mark J. Krause, Foundation Partners Group; Cole Waybright, Foundation Partners Group; Joe Sharps, Musgrove Mortuary at West-Lawn
  As the cremation rate across America continues to rise, funeral directors, cremationists, and cemeterians are challenged to find new and innovative ways to preserve the celebrations of life that are so important in bringing closure to grieving families, as well as to preserving their bottom lines. Rising cremation rates do not have to mean lower profits. Innovative and creative deathcare professionals are streamlining their operations and creating new revenue streams by educating and catering to the unique needs of cremation families. This session will feature a panel of influential cemetery, cremation, funeral service and memorialization leaders. The panel will share proven strategies and practical “how to” advice on topics including consumer and staff education, signature services and approaches to service packaging, consumer trends, and cemetery strategies and design that help reframe the discussion around permanent memorialization.
  Kent Robertson (MODERATOR) is President & CEO of Foundation Partners Group, a national leader in innovative funeral and cremation services with more than 260 locations serving more than 150,000 families each year. Kent is an experienced executive and visionary corporate leader who oversees the company’s long-term growth, vision and strategy.The company has nearly doubled in size since Kent joined as Chief Operating Officer in March 2020. Before joining Foundation Partners, Kent was founder and CEO of Fenix Parts, a leading recycler and reseller of OEM automotive products, and spent more than 20 years with Stericycle, the nation’s leading provider of compliance-based solutions. Kent is a member of the ICCFA Board of Directors, has extensive presentation experience.
  Barbara Kemmis is Executive Director of the Cremation Association of North America where she promotes all things cremation through member programs, education and strategic partnerships. After more than 20 years of experience in association leadership, Barbara knows that bringing people together to advance common goals is not only fun, but the most effective strategy to get things done. A Certified Association Executive (CAE), Barbara previously served as Director of Member Services at the American Theological Library Association and Vice President of Library & Nonprofit Services at the Donors Forum (now Forefront). She is an experienced presenter who holds a masters in library science from Dominican University, a graduate certificate in nonprofit management from North Park University and a B.A. from Earlham College.
  Mark J. Krause is Foundation Partners Group Vice President of Government & Industry Relations and former President of Krause Funeral Homes & Cremation Services of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is a fourth-generation funeral director and has been in funeral service since 1976. Mark is a founder and past President of the Funeral Service and Cremation Alliance of Wisconsin (FSCA), Past President of Preferred Funeral Directors, International (PFDI) and served as ICCFA President from 2008 to 2009. Mark is a nationally recognized funeral professional educator and regularly speaks at national, regional, and state conventions and seminars. In 2008, he addressed the International Chinese Funeral Exposition in Shanghai. He served as a professor and Dean at ICCFA University, has chaired numerous national and state funeral profession conventions, and regularly contributes to industry publications.
  Cole Waybright is Vice President of Sales Operations for Foundation Partners Group and a Licensed Funeral Director. He is a graduate of Alderson-Broaddus University and the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science.  After starting his career as a funeral director at independent funeral homes in Ohio and West Virginia, Cole moved to Service Corporation International (SCI). There he advanced from Managing Funeral Director to Corporate Trainer to Senior Area Sales Director covering four states. Throughout his career Cole has held a variety of leadership positions in both at need and preneed sales, as well as cemetery sales. Cole is the former chair of the West Virginia Funeral Directors Association PAC and was on the board of the West Virginia Cemetery and Funeral Home Association.
  Joe Sharps is a Licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer and Manager of Musgrove Mortuary at West-Lawn, in Eugene, Oregon. Prior to working for Musgrove Family Mortuary, he taught embalming and other funeral education classes at Mt. Hood Community College. He holds a degree in Funeral Service Education from Mount Hood Community College and a Sociology degree from the University of Oregon. Joe is an active community volunteer and environmental conservationist. He serves as a youth football coach, is a member of the Eugene Executive Association, and is a dedicated volunteer with the Izaak Walton League and Ducks Unlimited, which are among America’s most successful conservation organizations.
  Digital Marketing: Turning Challenges into Opportunities
  Welton Hong, Ring Ring Marketing
  This session is designed to empower funeral homes to thrive amidst the current demographic shifts. We will explore effective digital marketing strategies, tailored for the unique dynamics of the funeral industry, that drive growth even in times of declining death rates. The session also emphasizes maximizing preneed and at-need calls, and preparing for the inevitable surge of Baby Boomer passings. Attendees will leave with actionable insights and tools to not only safeguard their current market position but also to seize upcoming opportunities in their local market.
  Welton is a leading expert in helping funeral homes convert leads from online directly to the phone line. He’s the author of the book Making Your Phone Ring with Internet Marketing for Funeral Homes and a regular contributor to the Memento Mori, The American Funeral Director magazine, and several other publications.
  Navigating the Future of Deathcare: The Power of Mentorship in our Changing Workplace.
  Lisa Baue, Your Funeral Coach
  ‘Navigating the Future: Power of Mentorship in a Changing Workplace’ illuminates the indispensable role of mentorship in the evolving professional landscape. Drawing on my 40+ years of experience as a woman leading businesses in the traditionally male-centric deathcare profession, this workshop reveals the transformative power of mentorship, especially as Millennials and Gen Z step into leadership roles. It underscores how effective mentor-mentee relationships can significantly influence the bottom line and profitability of businesses. Attendees will walk away with an understanding of the profound impact mentorship programs can have, not only on individual growth and leadership development but also on the overall success and sustainability of their enterprises.
  Lisa is a 44-year licensed funeral director and the former President/CEO of Baue Funeral Homes Crematory and Cemetery in St. Charles, MO, for 32 years. She grew her family’s small one location business to four funeral homes, a Flower & Gift Shop, an 80-acre cemetery, a Centralized Cremation & Care Center, a Cremation Society, and a Pet Cremation business serving over 2500 families a year. Lisa sold her business in 2019 to the Park Lawn Corporation and, in 2021, founded her coaching and consulting business, Your Funeral Coach, which helps owners, managers, and death care professionals grow themselves and their companies. Lisa also hosts one of the Top 5 podcasts in the profession that discusses business best practices, leadership learning, women in the profession, and caring and mentoring staff.

• 2:30 – 3:30 PM
  Honoring Lives Online: Weaving Digital Legacies into the Fabric of Funeral Planning
  Robyn Sechler, GoodTrust
  “Honoring Lives Online: Weaving Digital Legacies into the Fabric of Funeral Planning” explores strategies to navigate the delicate balance between making digital assets accessible to family members for remembrance, while also responsibly managing and shutting down unnecessary accounts to protect privacy and prevent vulnerabilities. By delving into real-world examples, practical steps, and the emotional considerations involved, this presentation equips funeral industry professionals with the tools to guide families in preserving a meaningful digital legacy while mitigating potential risks. Join us to discover how to honor lives online while safeguarding their digital footprint.
  Robyn Sechler, VP of Marketing at GoodTrust, is a passionate advocate for preserving legacies. Robyn has been helping families protect what matters through estate planning and memory preservation for many years. Her personal and professional experiences have made her an expert in legacy preservation, and she uses that passion to help others plan for their future. In her free time, Robyn enjoys spending time with her husband, 3 kids, and mini-Goldendoodle.
  The Science of Leading People
  Aaron Butler, Domani Preneed
  As a leader in your organization, one of the most crucial skills needed is the ability to lead and develop people — but people are tricky. Adults learn differently. They can resist change. And, frankly, when you’re running a funeral home, it can be difficult to find the time to have the consistent conversations and coaching your team needs.
  This session is built to upgrade you as a leader and mentor, by providing you with the cognitive science and data of how we learn and develop as people, as well as take-away strategies, exercises and resources to improve your abilities in significantly less time.
  Aaron is the Director of Field Development at Domani Preneed. Having worked in the deathcare space for nearly a decade, Aaron has spent the majority of his career as a sales leader and organization builder. He resides in Saratoga Springs, UT with his wife and three sons.
  Plan For Success And Succession In Your Business
  Jake Johnson, Johnson Consulting Group
  Succession planning and driving enterprise value upward should always be on our minds as owners, managers, and key stakeholders in a business. Jake will review steps to be considered when developing your succession plan. In doing so, he will identify the key drivers that build enterprise value for the owner and how can we communicate that all the way down to the frontline employees.
  As President & CEO at Johnson Consulting, Jake began his career at Keystone Group Holdings (now Dignity Memorial Network) as Associate Director, Corporate Development, where his financial analysis and forecasting expertise was foundational to the firm’s growth. Jake’s ability to problem solve business issues contributes to his success in owning a funeral business in Sun City, Arizona. Jake’s educational credentials include a BSBA degree in Management with an emphasis in Accounting and Financial Analysis from Xavier University. His foundation in accounting and EBITDA forecasting is complemented by technology savviness and management qualifications in business development and operations.
  A Simple Cremation Mistake (2:30 – 4:30 pm)
  Don Ferfoilia, Jr., ICCFA, Poul Lemasters, Esq.
  In a world where consumers define cremation as simple, what happens when the cremation ends with a simple mistake? In this case, two families have received each other’s set of cremated remains. Are consumers willing to overlook and forgive this simple mistake or do they expect compensation?  If it is compensation, exactly how much can this simple mistake cost your cremation business? In this program you will watch first-hand a mock trial in action.  Watch as the facts, based on real cases from the deathcare profession, are presented in this courtroom setting mock trial. Participants will see the trial unfold and see how the jury decides. At the conclusion of the trial, we will also take time to talk with the jury to better understand the consumer’s perspective of what it’s like to be on the other end of this issue. This trial will last 2 hours, educate the audience, and provide steps they can implement to help protect them from liability as well as a better understanding of the consumer’s view of cremation.
  Don is a fourth-generation funeral director involved with his family’s funeral firm in the Southeast Cleveland area. In addition to being a funeral director he is an attorney who is a principal with the law firm of Donald B. Ferfolia, Jr., LTD, located in Brecksville, Ohio. The combination of law, funeral service, and family business experiences have provided Don with a unique skill set that enables him to assist clients in solving many different types of problems. He enjoys helping firms deal with the daily challenges of running a closely held business including regulatory compliance, proactively managing accounts receivable issues and succession planning.
  Poul Lemasters, Esq., is the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association’s (ICCFA) cremation programs coordinator and serves as a special counsel to the ICCFA on cremation legal issues. He is an attorney and principal of Lemasters Consulting, a funeral profession consulting company. Lemasters holds both funeral director and embalmer licenses in Ohio and West Virginia. Additionally, he teaches business law at the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He is also the publisher of Parliament magazine.
  
• 4:00 – 5:00 PM
  Establish Your Funeral Home as the Resource Your Community Needs
  Brianne Niedermyer, Homesteaders Life Company
  Today’s consumers can access more information about funeral services than ever before – which makes your role as a funeral professional even more important. Your guidance is needed to help families learn about and navigate all their options and dispel common misconceptions. In this session, you’ll learn practical, experience-based tips for differentiating your firm’s services by establishing yourself as the trusted advisor your community needs. With these insights, you’ll be better prepared to help families plan ahead for themselves or remember and honor their loved ones.
  Brianne Niedermyer is a Training and Development Specialist with Homesteaders Life Company. Having grown up in her family’s funeral home, she brings a strong background and passion for the funeral profession. Since joining Homesteaders in 2010, Brianne has earned numerous awards, including Account Executive of the Year in 2020. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Iowa State University and is participating in Homesteaders’ Emerging Leaders Program.
  The Power of First-Party Data: Your Website is Worth More Than You Think
  Charlie Cole, Tribute Technology
  Did you know your funeral home is already constantly collecting valuable data about your community? It’s called first-party data, and it’s the most powerful untapped resource you’ve probably never heard of before… and you already have it at your fingertips! There are proven strategies to leverage this data to engage with families faster and better than ever before. Tribute Technology CEO Charlie Cole, who has extensive experience in the world of eCommerce and innovation, will outline the best practices for protecting and securing your data so you can transform data into loyal families, helping your firm grow to new heights.
  Charlie Cole is Chief Executive Office of Tribute Technology and a digital marketing expert with deep understanding of data, ecommerce, and a passion for supporting small businesses. Previously, he was Chief Executive Officer of FTD. Before joining FTD, Charlie served as the first Global Chief eCommerce Officer for Samsonite while simultaneously serving as Chief Digital Officer for Tumi. Earlier in his career, he held executive positions and led digital transformations at Assembled Brands, Schiff Nutrition and Lucky Brand Jeans.
  A Star Forever
  Ana Palencia, Señoriales Corporación
  The loss of a beloved pet is an experience that can be profoundly painful for any animal lover. Our pets become an integral part of our lives, and when they depart, they leave behind a void that is hard to fill. We will delve into the poignant experience of losing a pet and how we can honor their memory. Under the title “A Star Forever”, we aim to emphasize the concept that our lost pets continue to shine in our hearts and memories like stars that never fade away.
  Ana Palencia, a Guatemalan with a background in Legal and Social Sciences, has excelled in both the professional and academic aspects. She holds a degree in Managerial Competencies from the Tecnológico de Monterrey and has experience in project management. With a solid track record at Señoriales Corporación, Ana Palencia successfully leads programs like “Guau Señoriales”, providing support to families during challenging times. Her dedication extends from Guatemala to Mexico with programs such as “Pet Dignity”, offering funeral services for pets. Ana Palencia has extensive academic expertise, professional leadership, and social commitment, providing a huge and positive impact on her surroundings.
  Become the Leader You Would Follow
  Robbie Pape, Sr. Vice President and Regional Partner of Carriage Services
  Strong professional women in a man’s world have played pivotal roles in breaking barriers and challenging societal norms.  Determination, resilience, and leadership have paved the way for gender equality and empowered countless individuals. Women have excelled proving that gender should never limit one’s potential. This session will help define leadership, help motivate and empower one to pursue their dreams, regardless of societal expectations. At the conclusion of the session, there will be an interactive discussion lead by the Women in Leadership Executive Committee members.
  Robbie Pape is Sr Vice President of Operations & Regional Partner for Carriage Services. She serves as President for ICCFA as well as being a member of the Finance Committee. She has served as ICCFA Secretary and Director. Robbie is active in the Cremation Association of North America and served as a board member until the fall of 2021. Since joining the industry in 1991, Robbie has held numerous positions including internal audit, finance, cemetery and funeral home operations and process improvement, systems implementation, cemetery records digitization, funeral and cemetery financial controls, and bronze memorial design/storage.
• 4:00 – 5:00 PM
  ORG BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING 
• 5:00 – 6:00 PM
  EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION RECEPTION