July 21-26, 2023
Emory University | Atlanta, GA

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Join Us For ICCFA University 2023!

ICCFA University is held for five days each July. Students enroll in one of the University’s eight colleges and spend the entire five days learning about that area of the profession. Students who complete four colleges become ICCFAU graduates (the CEO program does not count towards graduation), but attending four years is not required for enrollment. Some students enroll for one or two years, attending just those colleges that are most relevant to their jobs. But many students do choose to go on to study for four years or more as a way of broadening the scope of their knowledge.

Register Now!
Check out this year’s schedule

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

Registration for the ICCFA’s most in-depth educational event is now open! Choose from one of our eight colleges, then spend the week learning from experts across the deathcare profession while making lifelong friends! Class sizes are limited so act now to reserve your spot! Registration must be received by July 12. After this date, registration will be on-site only.

Register Today!

Registration Rates

Price
One-Day Cremation Operator Registration $500
All Colleges $2,100
Graduate Program $3,000

Colleges

ICCFA University currently has eight colleges for attendees to enroll in. Each is overseen by their respective Dean, an expert in the area of deathcare that the college focuses on. In many of the colleges, our Deans are joined by outside professors who provide individual expertise in the college.

The current colleges are:

  • College of 21st Century Services | Dean Glenda Stansbury
  • College of Cremation Services | Dean Jim Starks, CFuE, CCrE
  • College of Funeral Home Management | Dean Mathew Forastiere
  • College of Hospitality & Customer Experience | Dean John Bolton, CCE, CCrE, CSE, CXE
  • College of Land Management & Grounds Operations | Dean Gino Merendino
  • College of Leadership, Management & Administration | Dean Gary Freytag, CCFE
  • College of Technology | Dean Nick Timpe, CSE
  • J. Asher Neel College of Sales and Marketing | Dean Daniel Thomas

The ICCFAU Graduate Program

The faculty of ICCFA University is adding a new program to the curriculum this year, the ICCFA University Graduate Program! The ICCFA University Graduate Program is designed for C-Suite leaders and senior executives who are ready to drive collaboration, innovation, and growth while reaching the highest levels of leadership. Limited to only 12 participants, this intimate and highly interactive program will be conducted by industry leaders and leading non-industry professionals and will offer fresh insight and learning to empower you to improve the performance of your operations and lead your organization more effectively. Students will be able to learn in traditional classroom settings, one-on-one instruction, and in unique group projects.

Some of the speakers slated to instruct in the inaugural ICCFA University Graduate Program are:

  • Jay Dodds, CFSP, President & Chief Operations Officer of Park Lawn Corporation
  • Darin Drabing, President & Chief Executive Officer of Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks & Mortuaries
  • Gary Freytag, CCFE, President & Chief Executive Officer of Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum
  • Bob Gordon Jr., CCE, President & Chief Executive Officer of Cypress Lawn Cemetery Association
  • Robbie Pape, Senior Vice President of Operations & Regional Partner of Carriage Services

Due to limited class size, it will be necessary to verify your graduation from the ICCFA University. Please do so using the link below.

If you are not a graduate, please attach a letter of recommendation from an ICCFA University Dean or the ICCFA University Chancellor. A member of the ICCFA staff will contact you once your pre-requisites have been verified

Apply for the Graduate Program

ICCFA University 2023 Schedule of Events

Dean Glenda Stansbury

Friday, July 21 

  • 2:00–5:30 PM Registration & Check-in
  • 4:30–5:00 PM Orientation
  • 5:00–6:00 PM University Reception
  • 6:00 PM Dinner

Saturday, July 22 

  • 8:00 AM Breakfast
  • 8:45 AM
    Introductions –Glenda Stansbury
  • 9:00 AM
    Celebrant TrainingGlenda Stansbury and Kathy Burns
  • 10:30 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM
    Celebrant Training (continued)
  • 12:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30 PM
    Celebrant Training (continued)
  • 3:00 PM Break
  • 3:30 PM
    Celebrant Training (continued)
  • 5:00 PM Dinner
  • 7:00 PM Sports Night
    Join your ICCFAU colleagues for a friendly game!

Sunday, July 24 

  • 8:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00 AM
    Celebrant Training (continued)
  • 10:30 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM
    Celebrant Training (continued)
  • 12:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30 PM
    Celebrant Training (continued)
  • 3:00 PM Break
  • 3:30 PM
    Celebrant Training (continued)
  • 6:00 PM Dinner 

Monday, July 24 

  • 8:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00 AM
    Celebrant Training (continued)
  • 10:30 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM
    Celebrant Training (continued)
  • 12:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30 PM
    Celebrant Training (continued)
  • 3:00 PM Break
  • 3:30 PM
    Celebrant Training (continued)
  • 6:00 PM Dinner
  • 7:00 PM Student Night

Tuesday, July 25 

  • 8:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00 AM
    Essentials of Public Speaking Basics Carol Little
  • 10:30 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM
    Essentials of Public Speaking Basics (continued) Carol Little
  • 12:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30 PM
    Essentials of Public Speaking Basics (continued)Carol Little
  • 3:00 PM Break
  • 3:30 PM
    Essentials of Public Speaking Basics (continued)Carol Little
  • 4:30 PM University Graduation
  • 5:30 PM Graduate Reception 

Wednesday, July 26 

  • 8:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00 AM
    Summary Panel/Q&A Best Practices with Firms Utilizing CelebrantsGlenda Stansbury
  • 10:00 AM Presentation of Certificate 

Dean Jim Starks, CFuE, CCrE

Friday, July 21  

  • 2:00–5:30 PM Registration & Check-in
  • 5:00–6:00 PM Welcome Reception
  • 6:00–7:00 PM Dinner

Saturday, July 22 

  • 8:00–9:00 AM Breakfast
  • 8:45–9:00 AM
    Introductions – Jim Starks, CFuE, CCrE
  • 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
    Operator Certification – Poul Lemasters, Esq., Larry Stuart Jr.
  • 10:30–11:30 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
    Operator Curriculum Continued – Poul Lemasters, Esq., Larry Stuart Jr.
  • 12:30–1:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30–3:00 PM
    Operator Curriculum ContinuedPoul Lemasters, Esq., Larry Stuart Jr.
  • 3:00 – 3:30 PM Break
  • 3:30–5:00 PM
    Operator Curriculum ContinuedPoul Lemasters, Esq., Larry Stuart Jr.
  • 5:00 PM Dinner
  • 7:00 PM Sports Night 
    Join your ICCFAU colleagues for a friendly game!

Sunday, July 23 

  • 8:00–9:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:30 AM
    This & That – Jim Starks, CFuE. CCrE
  • 10:30–11:00 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
    The 4 Pillars for Success – What Every Leader Needs to Do to Maintain a Successful Cremation Business – Lori Salberg Bolton, CSE, CXE
  • 12:30–1:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30– 5:00 PM
    Bus Tour: Real World Look at All Aspects of Cremation ProvidersClift Dempsey, CCFE; Chad Eubanks
  • 5:00 PM Dinner

Monday, July 24  

  • 8:00–9:00 AM Breakfast
    Administrator Curriculum
  • 9:00–10:30 AM
    Cremation & Crematory Risk Management: Go Ahead. Don’t Bother. I Dare You!Jim Starks, CFuE, CCrE
  • 10:30–11:00 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
    Innovative Approaches to Cremation ConsumersGary Freytag, CCFE
  • 12:30–1:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30–3:00 PM
    Reducing Your Liability to Add to Your Bottom Line – Poul Lemasters, Esq.
  • 3:00–3:30 PM Break
  • 3:30–5:00 PM
    Cremation and Today’s Consumer: Relevance Equals Revenue – John Bolton CCE, CSE, CCrE, CXE
  • 5:00 PM Dinner
  • 7:00 PM Student Night  

Tuesday, July 25 

  • 8:00–9:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:30 AM
    Are Cremation Consumers Adapting or Creating Change?Brent Thomas
  • 10:30–11:00 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
    Know Your Cremation ConsumerDoug Gober
  • 12:30–1:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30–3:00 PM
    The Sky’s the Limit – Getting Creative with Cremation Families – Angelique Simpson
  • 3:00–3:30 PM Break
  • 3:30–4:30 PM
    The Sky’s the Limit – Getting Creative with Cremation Families, cont.Angelique Simpson
  • 4:30–5:45 PM University Graduation
  • 5:45 PM Graduate Reception

Wednesday, July 26 

  • 8:00–9:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:00 AM
    Bring it Together – Open Forum  – Jim Starks, CFuE, CCrE
  • 10:15–10:30 AM Presentation of Certificate

Dean Mat Forastiere

Friday, July 22 

  • 2:00–5:30 PM Registration & Check-in
  • 4:30–5:00 PM Orientation
  • 5:00–6:00 PM University Welcome Reception
  • 6:00–7:00 PM University Dinner  

Saturday, July 23 

  • 8:00–9:00 AM  Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:30 AM
    Course Introduction & The “Why” of Funeral Service  – Mat Forestiere
  • 10:30–11:00 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
    Workshop – Your “WHY” & Personal Value StatementMat Forastiere
  • 12:30–1:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30–3:00 PM
    Value Communication: Arrangement & Presentation Skills Mike Watkins
  • 3:00–3:30 PM Break
  • 3:30–5:00 PM
    Your Team: Leading, Coaching, and Directing Mat Forastiere
  • 5:00 PM Dinner
  • 7:00 PM Sports Night 
    Join your ICCFAU colleagues for a friendly game!  

Sunday, July 24 

  • 8:00–9:00 AMBreakfast
  • 9:00–10:30 AM
    Thanatology: Theory & Application Part 1Dr. Lynn Gibson
  • 10:30–11:00 AM  Break
  • 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
    Thanatology: Theory & Application Part 2Dr. Lynn Gibson
  • 12:30–1:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30–3:00 PM
    The Legal Aspects of Funeral and Cemetery Service Poul Lemasters, Esq.
  • 3:00–3:30 PM  Break
  • 3:30–5:00 PM
    Forecasting & Key Performance Indicators – Mat Forastiere
  • 5:00 PM  Dinner 

Monday, July 25 

  • 8:00–9:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:30 AM
    Crematory & Prep Room Management Part 1Lauren Blevins, CCFE, CPLP
  • 10:30–11:00 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM 
    Crematory & Prep Room Management Part 2Lauren Blevins, CCFE, CPLP
  • 12:30–1:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30–3:00 PM 
    Embracing People Seeking InformationMike Watkins
  • 3:00–3:30 PM  Break
  • 3:30–5:00 PM
    Continuous Care: Customer Relationship Management – Mike Watkins
  • 5:00 PM Dinner
  • 7:00–8:00 PM Student Night 

Tuesday, July 26  

  • 8:00–9:00 AM  Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:30 AM
    Technology: Definition & Application – Lori Salberg Bolton, CSE, CXE
  • 10:30–11:00 AM  Break
  • 11:00 AM–12:30 PM 
    Workshop: Technology Assessment – Lori Salberg Bolton, CSE, CXE
  • 12:30–1:30 PM  Lunch
  • 1:30–3:00 PM
    Grass Roots MarketingPhil Zehms
  • 3:00–4:30 PM  Break
  • 4:30–5:45 PM  University Graduation
  • 5:45–7:00 PM Graduate Reception

Wednesday, July 27

  • 8:00–9:00 AMBreakfast
  • 9:00–10:00 AM 
    Final Thoughts – Mat Forestiere
  • 10:00 AM Presentation of Certificate 

Dean John Bolton, CCE, CCrE, CSE, CXE

Friday, July 21 

  • 2:00–5:30 PM Registration & Check-in
  • 4:30 PM Orientation
  • 5:00 PMUniversity Welcome Reception
  • 6:30 PMUniversity Dinner

Saturday, July 22 

  • 8:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:30 AM
    How CX Strategy Helps Scale Company Growth – John Bolton, CCE, CCrE, CSE, CXE
  • 10:30 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
    A Beginner’s Guide to Building World Class Hospitality –Darin Drabing
  • 12:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30 PM
    Who Are You Serving?: Building the Personas – John Bolton, CCE, CCrE, CSE, CXE and Lori Salberg Bolton, CSE, CXE
  • 3:00 PM Break
  • 3:30–5:00 PM
    Who Are We Serving? Your Customers, Their Journey – Lori Salberg Bolton, CSE, CXE
  • 5:00 PM Dinner
  • 7:00 PM Sports Night
    Join your ICCFAU colleagues for a friendly game!

Sunday, July 23 

  • 8:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00 AM
    CX Journey Workshop – Lauren Blevins, CCFE, CPLP
  • 10:30 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM
    Beyond the Service and Where to BeginLauren Blevins, CCFE, CPLP
  • 12:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30 PM
    Using Graveside Catering to Create a WOW for Your FamiliesJohn Gouch Jr.
  • 3:00 PM Break
  • 3:30 PM
    Hospitality WorkshopLauren Blevins, CCFE, CPLP, and John Gouch Jr.
  • 6:00 PM Dinner 

Monday, July 24 

  • 8:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:30 AM
  • Hospitality Isn’t Just About Being Nice! The Legal Liabilities and Risk Management in Hospitality ServicePoul Lemasters, Esq.
  • 10:30 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
    Looking Beyond the UrnClift Dempsey, CCFE
  • 12:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30–3:00 PM
    Measuring CXLori Salberg Bolton, CSE, CXE
  • 3:00 PM Break
  • 3:30–5:00 PM
    Technology and Customer ExperienceNick Timpe, CSE
  • 6:00 PM Dinner
  • 7:00 PM Student Night 

Tuesday, July 25 

  • 8:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:30 AM
    Successful Cemetery Events 101Phil Zehms
  • 10:30 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
    Cemetery Event WorkshopPhil Zehms
  • 12:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30–3:00 PM
    Experiential FacilitiesDavid Krall
  • 3:00 PM Break
  • 3:30 PM
    Putting it all Together: Your Recipe for Success – John Bolton, CCE, CCrE, CSE, CXE and Lori Salberg Bolton, CSE, CXE
  • 4:30 PM University Graduation
  • 5:45 PM Graduate Reception 

Wednesday, July 26 

  • 8:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:00 AM
    From Scratch: Building a Successful Funeral Business from the Ground Up – Doug Gober
  • 10:00 AM Presentation of Certificate

Dean Gino Merendino

Friday, July 21 

  • 2:00–5:30 PM Registration & Check-in
  • 5:00–6:00 PM University Welcome Reception
  • 6:00–7:00 PM University Dinner

Saturday, July 22 

  • 8:00–9:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:30 AM
    Exceptional Cemetery Maintenance – Experience the Difference!   – Gino Merendino
  • 10:30–11:30 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM –12:30 PM
    Creating a Committal Service that Everybody Talks About  – John Gouch Jr.
  • 12:30–1:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30–3:00 PM
    Using Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) for OSHA Compliance  – Jeff Kidwiler, CCE, CSE; Poul Lemasters, Esq.; Gino Merendino
  • 3:00–3:30 PM Break
  • 3:30–5:00 PM
    Applying Technology to Cemetery Operations  – Nick Timpe, CSE
  • 5:00 PM Dinner
  • 7:00 PM Sports Night 
    Join your ICCFAU colleagues for a friendly game!

Sunday, July 23

  • 6:30–7:15 AM Breakfast
  • 7:15–8:30 AM
    Cemetery Tour
  • 8:30–10:30 AM
    Train the Trainer  – Gino Merendino
  • 10:30–11:00 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
    Train the Trainer (continued) 
  • 12:30–1:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30–3:00 PM
    Cemetery Sustainable Practices – Dave Barnett
  • 3:00–3:30 PM Break
  • 3:30–5:00 PM
    Creative Cemetery Development – Dave Barnett
  • 5:00 PM Dinner

Monday, July 24 

  • 8:00–9:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:30 AM
    Healing Grief  – Dr. Adam Cooper
  • 10:30–11:00 AMBreak
  • 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
    Arlington National Cemetery: Restoring Honor  – Jack Lechner, CFSP
  • 12:30–1:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30–3:00 PM
    Transforming Deathcare Education  – Jack Lechner, CFSP
  • 3:00–3:30 PM Break
  • 3:30–5:00 PM
    Modern Cemetery Development  – Gary Freytag, CCFE
  • 5:00 PM Dinner
  • 7:00 PM Student Night

Tuesday, July 25 

  • 8:00–9:00 AMBreakfast
  • 9:00–10:30 AM
    Cremation: Changing the Face of Traditional Memorialization  – John Bolton, CCE, CCrE, CSE, CXE
  • 10:30–11:00 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
    Graveside Safety  – Gino Merendino
  • 12:30–1:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30–3:00 PM
    Cemetery Liability Issues  – Poul Lemasters, Esq.
  • 3:00–3:30 PM Break
  • 3:30–4:30 PM
    Internal Relationships – Gary O’Sullivan, CCFE
  • 4:30–5:45 PM University Graduation
  • 5:45 PM Graduate Reception

Wednesday, July 26 

  • 8:00–9:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:00 AM
    Wrap-Up  – Gino Merendino & Jeff Kidwiler, CCE, CSE
  • 10:00 AMPresentation of Certificate

Dean Gary Freytag, CCFE

Friday, July 21 

  • 2:00–5:30 PM Registration & Check-in
  • 4:30–5:00 PM Orientation
  • 5:00–6:00 PM University Reception
  • 6:00 PM University Dinner

Saturday, July 22 

  • 8:00–8:55 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:30 AM
    Become a Leader Worth Following! – Darin B. Drabing
  • 10:30–11:00 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
    The Facebook Formula: Secrets for Taking Your Business Viral on Facebook – Zachary Garbow
  • 12:30–1:30 PMLunch
  • 1:30–3:00 PM
    A Case Study in Leadership – Gary Freytag, CCFE
  • 3:00–3:30 PM Break
  • 3:30–5:00 PM
    Corporate Culture: How Strong Is Your Foundation? – Gary Freytag, CCFE
  • 5:00 PM Dinner
  • 7:00–9:00 PM Sports Night
    Join your ICCFAU colleagues for a friendly game!

Sunday, July 23 

  • 8:00–8:55 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:30 AM
    Communication and the Art of Effective Feedback – Carol Little
  • 10:30–11:00 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
    First Let’s Kill All the Lawyers! – Gary Freytag, CCFE
  • 12:30–1:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30–3:00 PM
    Trust as a Manager – Ashley Freeman
  • 3:00–3:30 PM Break
  • 3:30–5:00 PM
    Navigating Difficult Conversations  – Ashley Freeman
  • 5:00 PMDinner

Monday, July 24 

  • 8:00–8:55 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:30 AM
    Leadership & Communications – Own It!  – Robbie Pape
  • 10:30–11:00 AMBreak
  • 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
    Our Greatest Assets – Mark Brown, David Kelley
  • 12:30–1:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30–3:00 PM
    Using Your Strengths to Prevent Burnout  – Ashley Freeman
  • 3:00–3:30 PM Break
  • 3:30–5:00 PM
    Crafting Your Career Purpose Statement  – Ashley Freeman
  • 5:00 PM Dinner
  • 7:00 PM Student Night

Tuesday, July 25

  • 8:00–8:55 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:30 AM
    Funeral Home and Cemetery Accounting: Keys to Affecting Your Bottom Line – Bill Williams Jr.
  • 10:30–11:00 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
    Business Law: A Funeral Home and Cemetery Legal Outlook – Poul Lemasters, Esq.
  • 12:30–1:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30–3:00 PM
    Your Marketing & Branding Mantra: Building Customer Loyalty – Doug Gober
  • 3:00–3:30 PM Break
  • 3:30-4:30 PM
    Title TBA – Bob Gordon Jr.
  • 4:30–5:45 PM University Graduation
  • 5:45-6:15 PM Graduate Reception

Wednesday, July 22 

  • 8:00–8:55 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:00 AM
    Corporate Culture (continued) / Best Practices / Q&A – Gary Freytag, CCFE
  • 10:00–10:30 AM Presentation of Certificate

Dean Nick Timpe, CSE

Friday, July 21

  • 2:00–5:30 PM Registration & Check-in
  • 5:00–6:00 PM Welcome Reception
  • 6:00 PM  Dinner

Saturday, July 22 

  • 8:00–9:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:30 AM
    New Technology in an Old ProfessionNick Timpe, CSE
  • 10:30–11:30 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM–12:30 PM 
    People, Process, Technology: Solving the Right Problem  – Jason Cavett
  • 12:30–1:30 PM  Lunch
  • 1:30–3:00 PM
    Embracing Change: Strategies for Helping Staff Continually Improve and Adapt to New TechnologyOlga Piehler
  • 3:00–3:30 PM Break
  • 3:30–5:00 PM
    Strategic Planning for IT Resources  – Christina DiBari
  • 5:00 PM Dinner
  • 7:00 PM Sports Night
    Join your ICCFAU colleagues for a friendly game!

Sunday, July 23  

  • 8:00–9:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:30 AM 
    21st Century RecordkeepingTim Kolasa and Nick Timpe, CSE
  • 10:30– 11:00 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
    Leveling Up Your Funeral Home Operation with TechnologyJosh McQueen
  • 12:30–1:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30–3:00 PM 
    Customer Experience and Client Follow-up: Surveying for ResultsLori Salberg Bolton, CSE, CXE
  • 3:00–3:30 PM Break
  • 3:30 pm – 5:00 PM
    Virtual Tours, Customer Surveys, and Reports Lab

    Nick Timpe, CSE; Tim Kolasa; Lori Salberg Bolton, CSE, CXE; John McQueen
  • 5:00 PM  Dinner  

Monday, July 24 

  • 8:00–9:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:30 AM
    Why Digital First Impressions Matter: Also Known as “You Spent $1M on Your Cemetery Entrance but Your Neighbor’s Kid Built Your Website” Jason Cavett
  • 10:30–11:00 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
    Digital Marketing: What’s Working Right NowWelton Hong
  • 12:30–1:30 PM  Lunch
  • 1:30–3:00 PM
    Social Media Lab: Google Listings and Reviews – Welton Hong
  • 3:00-3:30 PM Break
  • 3:30–5:00 PM
    Social Media Lab: Facebook Strategy and Content Creation Welton Hong
  • 5:00 PM Dinner
  • 7:00 PM  Student Night  

Tuesday, July 25 

  • 8:00–9:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:30 AM
    Embracing Change: Strategies for Helping Staff Continually Improve and Adapt to New TechnologyOlga Piehler
  • 10:30–11:00 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
    How to Choose and How to Use a CRMDaniel Thomas
  • 12:30–1:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30–3:00 pm 
    Lab: Live Website Evaluations – Jason Cavett and Nick Timpe, CSE
  • 3:00–3:30 PM Break
  • 3:30–4:30 PM
    Lab: Case Studies Applying Principles from the Week Jason Cavett and Nick Timpe, CSE
  • 4:30–5:45 PM University Graduation
  • 5:45 PM Graduate Reception 

Wednesday, July 26 

  • 8:00–9:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:00 AM
    Where to Go from Here? Applying Technology to Your Firm – Nick Timpe, CSE
  • 10:00 AM Presentation of Certificate

Dean Daniel Thomas

Friday, July 21 

  • 2:00–5:30 PM Registration & Check-in
  • 5:00–6:00 PM Welcome Reception
  • 6:00–7:00 PM Dinner  

Saturday, July 22 

  • 8:00–9:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:30 AM
    Welcome and Class Outline – Daniel Thomas
  • 10:30–11:30 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM–12:30 PM 
    Discovering Your Secret Numbers and How to Use Them DailyMitch Bennett
  • 12:30–1:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30–3:00 PM
    What Will and Will Not Work in 2022 For Getting More BusinessWelton Hong
  • 3:00–3:30 PM Break
  • 3:30–5:00 PM 
    Learn the Six Most Powerful Ways to Influence Your Prospects to BuyAndres Aguilar
  • 5:00 PM Dinner
  • 7:00 PM Sports Night
    Join your ICCFAU colleagues for a friendly game!

Sunday, July 23 

  • 8:00–9:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:30 AM
    You Have the Social Media Lead, Now What? – Daniel Thomas
  • 10:30–11:00 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
    Prospecting Made Easy and Effective: The Key to Your Sales SuccessMitch Bennett
  • 12:30–1:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30– 3:00 PM
    Raising the Bar: Applying Technology to Family Engagement – Nick Timpe, CSE
  • 3:00–3:30 PM Break
  • 3:30–5:00 PM
    What a Lawyer Can Teach Me About Sales – Poul Lemasters, Esq.
  • 5:00 PM Dinner

Monday, July 24 

  • 8:00–9:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:30 AM
    The Power and Process of An Effective Recruiting and Compensation System – Patrick Downey, CCE
  • 10:30–11:00 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
    Why Systematic and Compelling Pre-Need Presentation is Critical to Influence Today’s Consumer – Kyle Aler
  • 12:30–1:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30–3:00 PM
    The Nuts and Bolts of an Effective Lunch and Learn Program – Kyle Aler
  • 3:00–3:30 PM Break
  • 3:30–5:00 PM
    The Process of Service and Opportunities Through an Effective Aftercare Program – Speaker TBA
  • 5:00 PM Dinner
  • 7:00 PM Student Night 

Tuesday, July 25 

  • 8:00–9:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:30 AM
    Five Disciplines of SuccessGary O’Sullivan
  • 10:30–11:00 AM Break
  • 11:00 am–12:30 AM
    Coaching and Communication Techniques to Keep Your Team Positive and Productive – Patrick Downey, CCE
  • 12:30 pm – 1:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30–3:00 PM
    Cremation Myths Debunked – Nectar Ramirez
  • 3:00–3:30 PM Break
  • 3:30–4:30 PM
    People Are There. Why Aren’t You? – Daniel Thomas
  • 4:30–5:45 PM University Graduation
  • 5:45 PM Graduate Reception

Wednesday, July 26 

  • 8:00–9:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00–10:00 AM
    Closing Thoughts: Golden NuggetsDaniel Thomas
  • 10:00 AM Presentation of Certificate

The ICCFA University Graduate Program is under the leadership of the ICCFA University Chancellor.

Friday, July 21 

  • 2:00–5:30 PM Registration & Check-in
  • 4:30–5:00 PM Orientation
  • 5:00–6:00 PM University Reception
  • 6:00 PM Dinner

Saturday, July 22 

  • 8:00 AM Breakfast
  • 8:45 AM
    Introductions – University Chancellor
  • 9:00 AM
    Leadership Training – Dave Brown
  • 10:30 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM
    Leadership Training (continued) – Dave Brown
  • 12:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30 PM
    Leadership Training (continued) – Dave Brown
  • 3:00 PM Break
  • 3:30 PM
    How to Effectively Work with Your Board of Directors – Darin Drabing
    As a C-Suite leader, it is often difficult to navigate the world of Board of Directors in order to have an effective, cohesive organization. Join Darin as he guides you through the ins and outs of effective Board of Directors Management. The class will study the best practices of Board selection, organization, committee structures, deliverables, for profit vs non-profit, the need for diversity and much more.
  • 5:00 PM Dinner
  • 7:00 PM Sports Night
    Join your ICCFAU colleagues for a friendly game!

Sunday, July 24 

  • 8:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00 AM
    Staying on the Right Side of the Grass – and Lawsuits – Poul Lemasters, Esq.
    We all ‘hear’ the story about someone who had a lawsuit, but somehow never hear the details. Did they really get sued, or just threatened? Was it even a lawsuit or was it something else? Did they just settle? What did the insurance company do? What is the process of an issue that may or may not become a lawsuit? As a leader of my company – what role do I play?This course will provide a detailed look into several deathcare situations that can become a bigger issue, if you don’t handle them correctly. From a subpoena to a demand letter; a state regulatory matter to a federal OSHA violation; a customer complaint to a bad viral online review; this course will use real examples to:
    • Analyze several issues, all based on actual lawsuits and claims;
    • Discuss the cause of the underlying issue;
    • Identify the steps involved in each claim, from initial response to settlement;

    • 1. Discover steps to prevent issues from happening; and
    • 2. Create plans to implement practices into your business.
  • 10:30 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM
    Strategic Planning, Part I – Bob Gordon, Jr.
  • 12:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30 PM
    Strategic Planning, Part II – Bob Gordon, Jr.
  • 3:00 PM Break
  • 3:30 PM
    People, Process, Technology: Leading Organizational Change – Jason Cavett
    As the leader of your organization, you are responsible for its direction and growth. Vendors and consultants often try to sell the silver bullet of “XYZ Software” or “ABC Process” will solve all your problems. But a piece of software or a process, by itself, is just another get rich quick scheme and often results in organizational frustration, split fiefdoms, and failure to achieve the goals you have for your organization. Ultimately, this can lead to lack of confidence in leadership and difficulty in future endeavors. This session will cover an approach to organizational growth that creates a bed of solid rock on which to grow. Rather than throwing technology at the problem or goal, you will walk away with a plan for developing an organizational environment where your tools support and enable your growth.
  • 6:00 PM Dinner 

Monday, July 24 

  • 8:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00 AM
    Importance of High-Level Digital Marketing – Welton Hong
    Welton Hong, the founder/CEO of Ring Ring Marketing, will deliver a presentation on the most effective high-level strategies for cemetery and funeral home success. Owners and operators face a variety of challenges in 2023, and no one understands better than Welton how employing the correct approaches—and doing so in the proper order—ensure excellent ROI and maximum protection of market share in a local area. He’ll explain which techniques work best for generating at-need calls (focusing on search) and preneed sales (focusing on Facebook). He’ll also delve into when it makes sense to concentrate on branding and how to do so. Welton’s breakdown of digital marketing strategies will provide attendees with an objective big-picture perspective they can use to generate greater success in 2023 and beyond.
  • 10:30 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM
    The Power of Strong Leaders – Jay Dodds
    Leadership is a powerful ideal and being a strong leader takes skill. Great managers possess a balanced level of both leadership and managerial skills. What exactly are these characteristics and what distinguishes the two varying skill sets. We will dissect both sides of the coin and clearly define what skill sets are necessary to be a great leader, but also a strong manager. Similar to the Yin and Yang, a strong leader must have strong managerial tendencies in order to lead from a position of strength and clarity.
  • 12:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30 PM
    Key Performance Indicators – Mat Forestiere
    In this course students will learn to use KPI’s to understand their business’s performance and identify areas of focus. The financial metrics of a business speak a language. As leaders of the business it is our responsibility to translate that language into action. Mat will share a methodology for turning key performance indicators into action plans that narrow focus, drive execution, and lead to results that meet and exceed performance expectations.
  • 3:00 PM Break
  • 3:30 PM
    A Culture with Employee Engagement – Lori Bolton
  • 6:00 PM Dinner
  • 7:00 PM Student Night

Tuesday, July 25 

  • 8:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00 AM
    Applied Finance in Deathcare – Gary Freytag
    Regardless of what role you have, understanding finance is critical to assessing the health of your organization. Finance drives both current decision-making and long-term planning. Should we build a new reception facility? Is my cemetery endowment large enough to maintain the grounds? How well am I managing critical resources? This class will take students through financial analysis as applied to cemeteries and funeral homes. It will teach how to understand financial statements, critical ratios, financial modeling, cash flow, return on investment, portfolio theory, and business valuation.
  • 10:30 AM Break
  • 11:00 AM
    Finance Workshop – Gary Freytag
    Part two of the Finance model will apply the theories introduced in Applied Finance to analyze the very different real-world problems faced by cemeteries and funeral homes.
    • Cemeteries

    • How much does it cost to maintain the grounds?
    • Am I making money operating the cemetery?
    • Are my goods and services priced appropriately?
    • Should I be in-sourcing or outsourcing functions?
    • Is my endowment invested for the long haul?

    • Funeral Homes

    • How can I tell what is appropriate workload for a funeral director?
    • What is my business worth?
    • Can I afford to expand my operation or facilities?
    • Why should I sell pre-need funerals if I lose money?
    • If I am profitable, why am I always short on cash?
    • How can I finance an acquisition?
  • 12:30 PM Lunch
  • 1:30 PM
    Effective Communication – Robbie Pape
    “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” George Bernard Shaw
    Join Robbie Pape in this 90-minute session where participants will have the opportunity to look at their communication style from a different perspective and gain insight as to why it may be making their relationships more difficult instead of smoother. Effective communication is at the heart of every interaction and yet it so often falls short and creates frustration, the need for rework, and often, in our industry, a failure at our one shot to serve with excellence. What’s in your communication blind spot? Are you willing to look?
  • 3:00 PM Break
  • 3:30 PM
    Motivation – Doug Gober
  • 4:30 PM University Graduation
  • 5:30 PM Graduate Reception 

Wednesday, July 26 

  • 8:00 AM Breakfast
  • 9:00 AM
    Graduate Program Wrap-Up
  • 10:00 AM Presentation of Certificate 

ICCFA University Yearbook

Check out some of the amazing photos from ICCFA University 2022! Whether you’re looking of photos with friends and new connections, want to see photos of our graduation ceremony, or are looking for your class photo – click the button below and start reliving the incredible experience again.

ICCFAU 2022
ICCFAU 2021
ICCFAU 2019

HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS

Emory Conference Center Hotel at Emory University
1615 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329

Phone: 404.712.6000
Toll Free: 1.800.933.6679
Fax: 404.712.6025

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, ample meeting space, conference dining facilities, and well-appointed guestrooms, the Emory Conference Center Hotel is an all-inclusive venue that will provide the perfect backdrop for learning from the best in the profession, connecting with colleagues from every area of the cemetery, cremation, and funeral service profession, and making the lifetime friendships that are the hallmark of the ICCFA University experience.

The room rate in the ICCFA block is $169 per night (excluding any taxes and fees).

Click here to book your stay

Scholarships

Every year, the ICCFA Educational Foundation offers scholarships to attend ICCFA University. This generosity allows the ICCFA to provide the incredible educational experience of ICCFAU for free!

  • Those who are awarded a scholarship will receive their tuition (which includes meals) paid in full.
  • Please note: All scholarship winners will be responsible for their hotel and transportation.

The deadline to apply for a scholarship is Friday, April 28, at 11:59 PM EDT.

Click Here to Apply