The most successful companies constantly ask themselves, ?Where do we go next?? Never has that question been more relevant for cemeteries, crematories and funeral homes.
The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association?s 2010 Convention & Exposition, March 10-13 in San Antonio, Texas, has been designed to help attendees determine their ?Next Step? as they strive to meet the needs of a rapidly changing marketplace.
The Convention offers the most extensive selection of sessions ever assembled within the profession, with 84 hours of programming developed within 10 educational tracks. Among the six keynote presentations, speakers will offer expertise that is not only customized for the profession but in some cases represents original market research commissioned by the ICCFA specifically for this event.
?Not all conventions are created equal, and this year?s ICCFA Convention raises the bar yet again,? said Program Chair Nancy Lohman, CCFE, of Lohman Funeral Homes, Cemeteries and Cremation in Daytona Beach, Florida. ?Our keynote speakers will share expertise on our industry?s future consumers and what we need to know to succeed, and our educational tracks will drill deeply into topics that are vital for business owners and managers who are grappling with their companies? next step.?
Keynote addresses include:
? The Customer of Tomorrow: Rhonda Harper, chief executive officer of Real Truth Marketing and Joy and a former vice president of marketing and strategy for Walmart Stores Inc./Sam?s Club will offer original market research and analysis regarding how companies within our profession should position themselves today to reach the customer of tomorrow.
? Secrets of Marketing to Women: Genevieve Bos, co-founder and publisher of PINK, a magazine, Web site and events firm catering to professional women, will share her insights on how to connect with this key demographic group.
? Facebook May Not Be the Answer: Renowned Web guru Ze Frank will examine how death care companies can project themselves online in ways that are appropriate, productive and effective.
? Authentic Communication: Dr. Nick Morgan, communication coach and author of two books on public speaking and networking, will share lessons on communicating with authenticity and charisma.
? How to Profit from the Demographic Storm: Demographic researcher and author of ?The Age Curve? Ken Gronbach will analyze the cemetery, cremation and funeral service profession through the lens of shifting demographics and offer direction on how businesses need to evolve to survive and thrive.
? Building Your Social Network Through Social Capital: Tara Hunt, a community marketing specialist and author of the widely acclaimed business book ?The Whuffie Factor,? will discuss the explosion of social media and how businesses can tap into its power to build lasting networks and community.
Educational breakout tracks include:
? Event Planning
? Cremation Arranger
? Competing as an Independent
? Managing for Success
? Technology
? Green Services
? Marketing to the Latino Community
? Embalming
? Pet Loss Services
? Sales and Marketing
For complete program details and registration materials, visit www.iccfaconvention.com.
Founded in 1887, the ICCFA is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, cremation, funeral and memorialization profession. Its membership is composed of more than 7,400 cemeteries, funeral homes, crematories, memorial designers and related businesses worldwide.
