DEERFIELD, ILL. — June 4, 2014 — Selected Independent Funeral Homes announced today that it will host its 96^th Annual Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing, Sept. 17-20, 2014, with registration open immediately. Featuring a diverse collection of speakers, educational sessions, and fun networking and social activities, the meeting is open to professionals within the funeral industry interested in pursuing continuing education and networking opportunities.

Funeral service professionals can participate in valuable educational sessions and seminars eligible for continuing education credit. Non-members also are welcome to attend the Opening, General and Closing Sessions, which will feature renowned speakers including Eric Boles and Don Hutson as well as spotlighting Selected members in the new Best Practices Competition and graduates of the Selected Leadership Academy.

Selected has made application for up to 10.5 hours of continuing education for applicable sessions from the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice and all states requiring continuing education. For the most up-to-date list of approvals received, members can call Stefanie Favia at 1-800-323-4219 or visit www.selectedfuneralhomes.org/continuing-education. All of the meeting’s continuing education sessions are open to any funeral service professional.

Selected members will enjoy closed discussion forums and breakout sessions allowing for open sharing on topics of concern and interest amongst their peers. Also on tap is a members-only welcome reception and dinner, daily meal functions and an Association Update from Selected Executive Director Rob Paterkiewicz.

Friday evening (Sept. 19) will feature the Selected Educational Trust’s Fundraising Gala, which will be held at Philadelphia’s Independence Seaport Museum. The evening offers an opportunity to explore the museum’s maritime history exhibits, enjoy an elegant dinner and live Philadelphia Soul music and dancing plus take in the sweeping views of the Delaware River on spacious, outdoor patios. Returning will be the Gala’s popular Silent Auction and some of the best networking to be had, all in support of the Educational Trust, with proceeds going toward current and future projects to benefit the independent funeral service profession.

“We couldn’t be happier with the line-up and venue of this year’s Annual Meeting,” said Lance Larkin, 2014 President of Selected Independent Funeral Homes. “This is another opportunity for funeral industry professionals to come together to experience all our Annual Meeting has to offer. The people we attract are truly the best of the best, and I am excited for the interaction and learning that is sure to take place in the great American city of Philadelphia.”

Registration and meal packages start at $855 for members. Non-members may contact Selected at 1-800-323-4219 for pricing information, which is based on CE units. Information on room rates is available by visitingwww.selectedfuneralhomes.org/annual-meeting. Room reservations must be made directly with the Hyatt by calling 1-215-928-1234. While the deadline for room reservations is Aug. 15, participants are urged to book their rooms as soon as possible for best availability.

For more information, visit www.selectedfuneralhomes.org/annual-meeting or call 1-800-323-4219.