Selected Independent Funeral Homes to Host 94th Annual Meeting in Boston Sept. 19-22

Funeral Industry Press Releases May 24, 2012
CDFuneralNews

We believe that every funeral director should have the tools to succeed. With the help of our field-leading partners, we publish daily funeral industry news and provide free tools to help our readers advance their careers and grow their businesses. Our editorial focus on the future, covering impact-conscious funeral care, trends, tech, marketing, and exploring how today's funeral news affects your future.


Selected Independent Funeral Homes to Host 94th Annual Meeting in Boston Sept. 19-22

Extreme motivational advocate and political commentator top speakers’ list during three days of industry education

DEERFIELD, ILL. — May 23, 2012 — Selected Independent Funeral Homes announced today that it will host its 94th Annual Meeting at The Westin Copley Place in Boston, Sept. 19-22, 2012, with registration open immediately. The event features a wide variety of educational sessions, renowned speakers, and diverse leisure activities. The meeting is open to professionals within the funeral industry pursuing continuing education and networking opportunities.

The event offers unparalleled educational sessions for professional learning and practical takeaways as well as valuable continuing education credit. In addition, Selected members will participate in lively discussion forums that facilitate the exploration of ideas and solutions from experts within the industry. The event also will feature the Selected Educational Trust’s Fundraising Gala as a social highlight of the packed schedule.

The event will jump start in high gear with a keynote address by Robyn Benincasa. In this compelling and enlightening presentation, the Eco-Challenge Adventure Racing World Champion and San Diego Firefighter will explore the mindset that allows groups of ordinary people to accomplish truly extraordinary things together, uncovering her “Eight Essential Elements of Human Synergy”.  Additionally, nationally renowned political columnist and commentator Mark Shields will be featured in a general session in which Shields will discuss the impact of Washington politics in the past, present, and future. A timely and relevant general session will feature Drs. Hoy, Long and Rutherford presenting how funeral industry professionals can help clergy understand funeral value. Bringing a light note to the meeting will be legendary comedian Frank King, who harkens from CNN’s Business Unusual and the Jay Leno writing room, as he entertains participants during lunch with his unique brand of “clean corporate comedy”.

“We’re very honored and thrilled to welcome such a prestigious and engaging panel of featured speakers at our Annual Meeting,” said Thomas Belford, 2012 President of Selected Independent Funeral Homes. “These professionals are the very best at what they do and I am excited to learn how their experiences and knowledge can inspire and inform our industry and professionals.”
In addition to stimulating Members Only sessions, the event will offer up a variety of educational opportunities for all funeral industry professionals to earn continuing education (CE) credits. Selected has made application for 11.5 hours of continuing education to the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. Upon approval, application will be made to all states requiring CE. To see a current list of each state’s approval status, simply visit www.selectedfuneralhomes.org. All of the meeting’s continuing education sessions are open to any funeral service professional. Non-members should contact Nicole Trefilek or Amy Hunt to obtain a registration form by emailing nicoled@selectedfuneralhomes.org or ahunt@selectedfuneralhomes.org.
Networking and organized recreational activities for Selected members also will be available, ranging from The Boston Freedom Trail, DUCK boat rides, tours of the Samuel Adams Brewery, a ride on the Spirit of Boston, and a tour of Fenway Park which is celebrating its 100th year. This all is in addition to the vast amenities available on-site at the Westin Copley Place, Boston, a AAA Four-Diamond winning property located in the heart of Back Bay. The property is linked to the Copley Mall via skybridge and is only a stroll away from additional shopping at the Prudential Building and Newbury Street, with the Grettacole Spa® and a number of dining choices among its many amenities.
Registration and meal packages start at $645 for members. Non-members may contact Selected at 1-800-323-4219 for pricing information, which is based on CE units. Room rate information is available on the Selected website by visiting www.selectedfuneralhomes.org/annual-meeting.
Room reservations must be made directly with the Westin by August 17. Members interested in attending may use Selected’s Concierge Marketplace atwww.selectedfuneralhomes.org/concierge to conveniently and securely register for the meeting and select meal options.
For more information, visit www.selectedfuneralhomes.org/annual-meeting or call 1-800-323-4219.

###

Editor’s Note:  High resolution photos of the featured speakers as well as the Selected logo are available upon request.

About Selected Independent Funeral Homes:  Founded in 1917 as National Selected Morticians, Selected Independent Funeral Homes (www.selectedfuneralhomes.org) is the world’s oldest and largest association of independently owned funeral homes. Members of the association are expected to operate according to specific standards and best practices in order to provide the public with reliable, high-quality funeral services and funeral-related information.