LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. — Nov. 17, 2023 — Selected Independent Funeral Homes is excited to travel to The Bahamas for the 2024 NextGen Seminar Jan. 28-Feb. 1. For more than four decades, Selected’s NextGen program (formerly known as “Under Forty”) has brought together young funeral professionals, as well as those new to the profession, to share experiences, learn from each other and build meaningful relationships to help them thrive in the funeral service profession. The four-day NextGen Seminar, held annually, offers educational and networking sessions for its participants.
This year’s Seminar will feature two dynamic sessions:
John Meyer is Vice President of Information Technology at Flanner Buchanan, Washington Park Cemetery Association, Private Label Caskets, Fewell Monument and other associated companies of the Buchanan Group. Meyer understands the challenges and rewards technology offers and will provide his insights and recommendations based on his experiences in funeral service specifically, as well as in the general tech industry.
A speaker from the Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center will share how the brand principles which set the legendary Ritz-Carlton hotels apart can be applied to foster a culture of personalized service and genuine care. Participants will discover exactly how to anticipate and fulfill unexpressed needs, pivot quickly to customize interactions, and make indelible impressions that create passionate internal and external brand advocates.
In addition, participants will have a chance to address the issues that matter most to them during the “Next Practices Exchange” session facilitated by NextGen Co-Chairs Allison Lee of Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Garner, N.C. and William Haben of Haben Funeral Home & Crematory, Skokie, Ill.
During the Seminar, Selected also will recognize the recipient of the 2024 NextGen Professional of the Year Award, which highlights career achievements, community/organization involvement and awards/achievements of funeral professionals under the age of 50.
“The NextGen Seminar gives me a lot of content,” said Josh Blake of Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home in Waco, Texas. “I’m able to take these conversations back home, apply these ideas and share them with our staff.”
The 2024 NextGen Seminar is sponsored in part by Kelco Supply Company.
Visit the Selected website for complete information on the 2023 NextGen Seminar, including available continuing education credits.
###
About Selected Independent Funeral Homes: Selected Independent Funeral Homes delivers innovative and pertinent resources, solutions and ongoing support necessary for enduring excellence to its international network of independently owned death care providers who aspire to be the very best in their profession. Members of Selected operate according to specific standards and best practices to provide the public with reliable, high-quality service and funeral-related information.
Editor’s Note: Photo attached. Additional photos available upon request. Promotional video URL: https://youtu.be/aqxLrvpUJ6U?list=PLKEnbdjFzME_xtcME4ErmNbwl3ghIkzXa.
