Untapped Potential: How Preneed Programs Bring Value to Businesses and Families Alike

CANA Funeral Industry News Funeral Industry Press Releases January 10, 2019
CANA 2019 Summit Speaker Montage
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Untapped Potential: How Preneed Programs Bring Value to Businesses and Families Alike

WHEELING, IL — From consumer misconceptions to our own false assumptions, preneed programs present a number of hurdles. But a successful preneed strategy is not only possible, it is critical for business success in today’s environment.

Unfortunately, the rare but well-publicized instances of insurance and trust fraud have colored some consumers’ view of preneed planning. At the same time, many owners and managers suspect the lack of interest is due to the rise in cremation, assuming families may not be willing to prepay for this increasingly dominant form of disposition. The facts, however, tell a different story.

Whether your preneed program has stagnated or you have never considered one, it’s time to rethink your strategy. This additional source of revenue can be a boon to your business — particularly if you are looking to sell anytime soon. And just as important, it brings peace of mind to customers.

At CANA’s Art of Selling Cremation 2: A Preneed Summit on February 5 in Las Vegas, five leading experts will dispel common myths and lay out the elements of a successful preneed plan involving cremation.

If you’re looking to start a preneed program, the Summit will help you determine the right target demographic, effectively market, generate leads and make the sale. If you already have a preneed program, the Summit will help you reevaluate it. You’ll get new perspectives and practical takeaways to reinvigorate your approach.

This one-day intensive is more than just sitting and listening. You’ll have the chance to ask questions and get feedback from the speakers and your peers about what works.

You’ll hear from these preneed cremation experts:

Vinnie Faccinto

SVP Operations & Business Growth, SMART Cremation

Faccinto starts the day with an important message — “You Cannot be All Things to All People” — and uses demographics to show exactly why you can’t and shouldn’t try.

Heather Kiteley

President, Guaranteed Funeral Deposits of Canada (GFD)

Kitely gets you thinking about “The Art (and Science!) of Creating a Successful Preneed Program” in our hyper-informed digital society. Prepare to have your preneed assumptions challenged and learn how to hack your processes to benefit your business and the families you serve.

John Baker

Regional VP, National Guardian Life Insurance Company

Baker talks “Progressive Marketing Concepts,” sharing ways to simplify your marketing and amplify it across all channels.

Dean Lambert

SVP Marketing & Communications, Homesteaders Life Insurance Company

In “Lead Generation: Cutting to the Chase,” Lambert provides the metrics for creating a sustainable marketing strategy for success, and when it may be time to change tactics.

Mitch Rose

CEO, The Woodlawn Cemetery and President of CANA

Rose closes the deal with “Strategic Selling Strategies,” incorporating cremation demographics from CANA. Learn selling strategies that will strengthen both value and satisfaction for families choosing cremation.

CANA’s Art of Selling Cremation 2: A Preneed Summit also offers continuing education credits and a chance to escape the winter blues in sunny Las Vegas. Plus, CANA’s 2019 Cremation Symposium starts that night (February 5), offering two days of even more education and inspiration for running a better business and delivering the best service for your customers.

Don’t wait — the Early Bird deadline ($100 savings for each event) ends Friday! The complete program and details are at www.cremationassociation.org/CANAheroes. See you in Vegas!

About CANA

Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,300 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization.