Registration is now open for the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) 2010 Professional Women’s Conference. Hosted in Savannah, Ga., at The Mulberry Inn, April 9-11, this year’s conference will focus on the fundamentals of funeral service and is the only event of its kind to bring together funeral directors, vendors, educators and more in a unique format that features highly-respected presenters, generates a wealth of new ideas and offers the tools to thrive.
Christine Hendershot, of Batesville Casket Company, will lead off the conference with “What Is Your GRASP on Cremation Consumers?” This engaging workshop will take an in-depth look at how consumers view cremation and introduce a new approach to cremation arrangements.
Day two of the conference begins with “The Embalmer’s Tool Kit,” a presentation by Frank Walton of Tidewater Community College. Walton will discuss embalming challenges and items that can be used to perform an expert job in a case where time may be limited.
Additional workshops at this year’s conference include:
“Funeral Packages,” presented by Scott Gilligan, Gilligan Law Offices. During this encore presentation of the most highly-attended workshop from the 2009 NFDA Convention, participants will learn the answers to critical questions related to funeral packages and the Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule.
“Unlocking the Mysteries of a Pet Deathcare Service,” presented by Coleen Ellis, Two Hearts Pet Loss Center. Attendees will learn how to effectively incorporate pet services into an existing brand and preneed efforts.
In an effort to support women in funeral service, April 9 is designated Funeral Service Foundation Fund Day. Attendees will visit locations around the city, discovering why Savannah is “America’s Most Haunted City.” Registration for this optional event is $85; a portion of the net proceeds from this event is tax-deductible and benefit the Women in Funeral Service Fund or the Professional Women’s Conference Scholarship Fund. Visit www.funeralservicefoundation.org for more information on scholarship opportunities for this year’s conference.
The NFDA Professional Women’s Conference registration fee for NFDA members is $449; $599 for nonmember, licensed funeral directors; $449 for nonmember, non-funeral directors. Second registrants from the same organization are $399. Registration for mortuary science students is $60. Registration fees increase after the early-bird deadline of March 8. All conference registrations must be made by March 25. Registration can be obtained by calling NFDA at 800-228-6332, or visiting www.nfda.org/professionalwomensconference.
NFDA has arranged for a special room rate of $175 (plus tax) at The Mulberry Inn. To secure the discounted room rate, attendees should call 877-468-1200 or 912-238-1200 and state they are with the National Funeral Directors Association. All hotel reservations must be made by March 15.
The 2010 NFDA Professional Women’s Conference is generously supported by The Dodge Company, Nomis Publications, Homesteaders Life Company and Messenger.
