PAGE 1
2015
CONFERENCE INFORMATION & SPONSORS
PAGE 2
SPEAKERS & CE COURSES
PAGE 3
REGISTRATION FORM
PAGE 5
SCHEDULE
PAGE 7
ANNUAL CONVENTION
EMBASSY SUITES
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA
MAY 5-7, 2015
EARLY REGISTRATION
DEADLINE:
April 21, 2015
REGISTRATION BROCHURE
The 2015 Nebraska Funeral Directors Association Annual Convention is once again the place to be for professionals involved in
the funeral home industry. The convention will feature educational sessions requested by funeral home professionals that will
draw members from across the state.
CO N VENTION H IGH LIGH TS
For three days in May, funeral directors from across the state will come together in Lincoln to take advantage of leading-edge educational
programming and an exhibit hall offering tools, ideas, and products applicable to their everyday work lives.
In addition to enjoying the luxuries of the Embassy Suites, you will also enjoy the following benefits by attending the NeFDA Convention:
• Up to 13 hours of continuing education options, featuring sessions delivered by nationally recognized, knowledgeable speakers.
*4 additional hours may be earned for passing the State Exam.
• The opportunity to view the newest innovations and products at our many Exhibit Hall booths.
• With an anticipated attendance of more than 125 funeral directors and suppliers, networking opportunities are plentiful. Numerous
social events provide attendees the opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences on a frequent basis.
Be sure to mark May 5-7, 2015, on your calendar now. The deadline for early registration is April 21, so take a few minutes today to
complete the registration form in this brochure as registration fees are higher after April 21. We look forward to seeing you in Lincoln!
CO NFE RE NCE L O C A T I O N
EMBASSY SUITES HOTEL
1040 ‘P’ Street, Lincoln, NE
1-800-EMBASSY OR 402-474-1111 www.embassysuiteslincoln.com
2 0 1 5 P r o g r a m Co mmit t e e
Be sure to identify yourself as an NeFDA Convention atTendee
to receive the group rate of $144 (plus taxes) Single/Double
rate for a King or Double Suite. The room block closes on
April 12.
Vaughn Wright
Harman-Wright Mortuary, Beatrice
The Embassy Suites is located in downtown Lincoln and offers a true
two-bedroom suite with all the comforts of home. Complimentary,
cooked-to-order breakfast and an evening reception are offered to each
attendee staying at the Embassy Suites. Additional breakfast/reception
tickets are available for attendees not staying on site; please ask the
front hotel desk for details.
PARKING
Self parking is available in city-owned garages at 10th & Q or 11th &
Q for a maximum of $9 per day. Valet parking is available for $17 per
vehicle per night.
Bradley Perdue, Chair
Zabka Funeral Home, Seward
Mark McBride
Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral Home, Kearney
Tim Strauser
Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg
Kathi Schildt
NeFDA Executive Director
Tiffany Fougeron
NeFDA Associate Director
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EXHIBIT ORS
• The Convention provides a great chance
to renew or establish relationships with
industry vendors. Come learn about
products, services, and equipment that will
be beneficial to your business. Be sure to
thank them for their continued support of
NeFDA.
AT T IRE
• Business casual is recommended, with the
exception of the Annual Banquet, where
registrants are encouraged to dress in
business attire. Please bring a jacket as
room temperatures may vary.
SPONSORS
Dia m ond Le ve l
NEF DA M EM BERSH IP
BUSINESS M EETIN G
• The Association’s annual membership
meeting provides not only an opportunity
to elect the organization’s future leadership
and conduct official business, but a chance
to obtain important information that will
make your membership investment more
valuable and help your business. The
meeting on Wednesday morning will give
you a chance for both insight and input.
Platinum Level
Gold Level
ENT ERT AINM EN T/
SOCIAL F UNCT ION S
• Mingle with colleagues and friends at the
•
S ilver Level
•
B ro n ze L ev e l
opening night activities. The exhibit hall and
Wine & Cheese Reception will provide an
excellent opportunity to visit with vendors
and to catch up with friends.
The Outgoing President’s Reception will
be held Wednesday evening, May 6 from
6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Following the reception,
join family and friends for the annual
convention banquet where we honor our
award recipients.
For the banquet entertainment, local
humorist T. Marni Vos will provide
attendees with an uplifting, entertaining
evening. She is as funny as she is inspiring.
T. Marni Vos leaves her audience not only
with an additional communication tool, but
she leaves them laughing, free of stress,
and ready for change.
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SPEAKERS & CE
CO URS E S
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Bill Lauber has been a licensed funeral director
and embalmer for over 25 years and is owner
of funeral establishments in Milford and Friend.
He served on the Policy Board for the National
Funeral Directors Association, has served as the
state association’s Legislative Chairman for over 12
years and is a past president of the NeFDA.
Jon Reichmuth is the owner of Reichmuth Funeral
Home in Elkhorn. He is licensed in Nebraska and
Iowa. Jon has served on the Legislative Committee
and on the Policy Board for the National Funeral
Directors Association and is a past president of the
NeFDA.
Nebraska Issues Forum (1 hour CE)
This workshop will bring you up-to-date on issues facing everyone
doing business in Nebraska. One of the main issues that will be
discussed is the changing continuing education requirements for the
preneed insurance license which was covered under LB 198.
Ken Whittaker has been affiliated with funeral
service for over 50 years and has been a licensed
funeral director and embalmer for over 42 years.
He is the founder, consultant, education director
and sole proprietor of Whittaker Funeral Support
Services, L.L.C. Ken has been employed with
the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service for over
33 years having served as Dean of Students and
full-time instructor in the subjects of embalming, restorative art &
cosmetology, speech, funeral service ethics, funeral service history
and Texas State Law. Ken is a past member of the Embalming,
Restorative Art, Communications and Funeral Service History Review
Committees of the American Board of Funeral Service Education
and a current member of NFDA, ICCFA, TFDA, North Texas FDA, the
Dallas County Funeral Directors Association and The British Institute
of Embalmers.
Does Your Service End With Final Disposition? (1.5 hours CE)
For the funeral home that believes their obligation to the customer
is basically over once final disposition takes place, they are certainly
not fulfilling a full service funeral facility concept. The need to look at
all of the things a funeral home and staff can offer their families well
after the service is concluded. From a serious after-care program to
the variety of after service calls to make sure the family does not feel
abandoned, can probably lead to maintaining a family’s devotion
to their chosen funeral home. This program will offer a variety of
effective ways funeral home staff can make sure they are continuing
to serve long after the funeral itself is complete and final disposition
takes place.
Making the Best ‘First Impression’ (1 hour CE)
How important it is that more individuals in the funeral profession
understand how critical it is to always be mindful of the age-old
cliché, You never have a second chance to make a first impression.
It can be extremely important to evaluate the times each and
every day when anyone on the funeral home staff may encounter
a potential customer for the first time and what they need to do
to create a positive connection that can benefit everyone involved.
Individuals in funeral service must work very hard to help the public
understand how important it is that they feel good about who
becomes responsible on the part of funeral service for taking care
of the living and ultimately being accountable for respectful care of
the dead.
State Exam Review (4 hours CE - if passing)
Attendees will be able to take the open book State Exam. Passing the
exam will give attendees 4 hours of CE and meet the requirement for
taking the exam once every ten years. This is a new exam period which
means everyone is eligible to take the exam. All licensees must take this
exam at least once by 2016 in order to be able to renew their license.
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Susan Ann Koenig is an attorney turned executive
coach, speaker, and writer. She inspires and
empowers successful executives, professionals and
leaders to make their greatest contribution. Susan
has coached hundreds of leaders in business,
government, non-profits, and the professions
across the United States. Susan graduated summa
cum laude from Drake University and obtained
her law degree from Northeastern University School of Law in
Boston. Susan is a graduate of the Academy for Coaching Excellence
in Sacramento, California, and a Professional Certified Coach of
the International Coach Federation. Susan’s undeniable passion
for providing practical tools and powerful insights is seen in her
enthusiasm for sharing how to move to the next level in your life with
greater ease.
The Energy of Eulogy (2 hours CE)
As her family eulogist, Susan Ann Koenig knows that eulogies honor
the deceased and comfort the bereaved. But what if your own eulogy
inspired you to make your greatest contribution? In this powerful
presentation we will look at how you are leading your business,
living your life, and leaving your legacy. Join Susan Ann Koenig for
an opportunity for insight coupled with practical principles for your
business.
Kim Medici Shelquist is an experienced
marketing and communications professional.
Prior to joining Homesteaders in 2009, she led
the business development and communications
team at Hospice of Central Iowa. She currently
leads Homesteaders’ planning and developing
team following five years as Director-Marketing
Communications where she oversaw creative and
marketing services in support of Homesteaders’ customers in their
development of marketing initiatives that include public relations,
advertising and direct mail programs. Kim holds a bachelor’s degree
in journalism and a master’s of business administration.
She has also completed the Funeral Celebrant Certification program
provided by the In-Sight Institute featuring Doug Manning and
Glenda Stansbury as well as the NFDA’s Certified Preplanning
Consultant course.
Seek First to Understand How is Hospice Changing Funeral Service? (2 hours CE)
Seek first to understand. The late Stephen Covey made this concept
#5 on his list of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” but long
before that, St. Francis of Assisi made it part of his prayer for divine
guidance. Perhaps nowhere are these words more relevant than in
the efforts to form effective relationships between funeral service
and hospice care professionals. Funeral service and hospice care
professions increasingly find their paths crossing. It’s important that
we continue to develop these relationships in order to best serve
families. This presentation will provide key facts about hospice,
explore the role hospice plays in end-of-life planning and services
and help funeral professionals understand how to initiate and grow
relationships that better serve the funeral home, the hospice, and
most importantly, the patient and family.
SPEAKERS
COURSES
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&
CE
Thursday, May 7, 2015
T. Marni Vos is a former high school instructor
who used humor and creativity to inspire and
motivate students to go beyond their potential.
Through laughter and communication she
continues to educate people in all walks of
life to meet their challenges with a light heart
and the echo of laughter. Her humor is fresh,
refreshing, honest and clean. Her presentation
is original in style, extremely funny, and uplifting in content. In
today’s business environment, where every skill counts, humor,
laughter, and creativity can provide a winning edge.
Nic Douglas has been a licensed funeral director
and embalmer in Nebraska and Iowa for 16
years. He owns and operates Douglas Trade
Service & Crematory in Omaha. In November
2014, Nic transported and cremated a Nebraska
Medical Center’s patient who died from the
Ebola virus. Nic will discuss his interaction with
various local, state, and federal agencies and the
various procedures used in handling this high profile case and give
a personal account of his experience when called to serve in this
unique situation
Healer, Healing and Humor (1 hour CE)
There are four attributes to our health: the physical, mental,
emotional and spiritual. Our attitudes, perceptions, as well as
our chosen responses affect not only the above attributes, but
those we work with, and those that we serve. The best of humor
is described, not as jokes, but anything that results in joy and
laughter. Humor lifts us to our healing, and assists us in our well
being
Lessons Learned from the Field: First Ebola Removal in the
United States (1.75 hours CE)
Ebola developed in Texas in late September at Texas Presbyterian
Hospital in Dallas. The CDC and the State Department of Health
worked with the local health department to devise a plan in case
the patient expired. Days before the death, the CDC determined
that the original course of action required to much exposure and
set the State of Texas looking for an alternative. Global Mortuary
Affairs, received the call on the 2nd of October, worked in concert
with the state until the death. The guidelines of CDC and the wishes
of the Department of State Health Services are the make-up of
this program. Interrupting the guidelines, insuring safe handling
and transport, as well as bio-containment, cremation and finally
returning the cremated remains. The program is designed to point
out the down falls in the system regarding communications, and
preparedness, as well as highlighting how these problems became
a starting point for conversations and change after the event was
over. We will cover the timeline to the initial call, field operations
and bio containment processes, and finally the cremation.
Mark Robertson is the Emergency
Preparedness Coordinator at the University of
Nebraska in Lincoln. Mark received the 2014
Nebraska Lieutenant Governor’s Be Prepared
Award for Excellence in Risk Communication,
recognizing his efforts in raising awareness of
risks and hazards, and highlighting the need for
all Nebraskans to be prepared.
Emergency Operations at UNL (1 hour CE)
Like you, Mark Robertson has seen the seemingly endless stream
of disasters in the media. Are we prepared in Nebraska? Do we
knock on wood and hope it doesn’t happen here? Or can we be
prepared?
His presentation will be an overview of emergency management
activities and teams at UNL. The conversation will include an inside
look at Unified Command at Memorial Stadium for Nebraska
Football, your safety plan, incident command, Departmental
Emergency Operations Center, Family Assistance Center, Joint
Information Center and more.
David Patterson, CFSP, has been a licensed
funeral director and embalmer since 1986. He
is the Owner and Operations Director of Global
Mortuary Affairs, LLC, the largest domestic and
international shipping service in Dallas. He has
been a member of the National Disaster Medical
System since 1999 service as a Mortuary Office
and most recently prompted to Operations
Section Chief for FEMA Region VI. He has deployed to every
major incident since 9/11 where he served as an identification
Officer in the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Manhattan.
David also served in Joplin, MO. David also has served the state
as the Committee liaison for the Texas FDA Disaster Response
Team and the Texas State DHHS. David also led the team in field
deployments to Hurricane Ike. David has been appointed as part
of the Governors Division of Emergency Management Committee
as the voice of the funeral industries disaster response through
the State of Texas Department of Public Health Preparedness
Council as well as the steering committee on mass fatalities in
Texas. David has been appointed to the Center for Disease Control
steering committee on Ebola representing the funeral profession.
IM PORT ANT DAT ES
December 2014
• Membership dues deadline
April 12, 2015
• Room block at Embassy Suites closes
April 21, 2015
• Last day to register at the reduced registration fees
• Last day to purchase banquet tickets at reduced fees
May 5, 2015
• Exhibitors arrive in the morning
• First session begins at 12:30 p.m.
• Exhibit Hall opens; wine and cheese reception from
4:00-7:00 p.m.
May 6, 2015
• Memorial service begins at 10:30 a.m.
• Business Meeting begins at 11:00 a.m.
• Exhibit Hall open from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
• President’s Reception begins at 6:00 p.m.
• Banquet featuring T. Marni Voss
PAGE 7
SC HE DULE
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Registration Desk Open
12:30 - 1:15 pm
(.75 Hour CE)
Nebraska Issues Forum - Bill Lauber, Jon Reichmuth & Jon Edwards
1:15 - 2:45 pm
(1.5 Hours CE)
Does Your Service End With Final Disposition? - Ken Whittaker
2:45 - 3:00 pm
Break
3:00 - 4:00 pm
State Exam Review - John Rice (Earn up to 4 Hours CE)
3:00 - 4:00 pm
(1 Hour CE)
Making the Best ‘First Impression’ - Ken Whittaker
4:00 - 7:00 pm
(1 Hour CE total
from Exhibit Hall)
Exhibit Hall and Wine & Cheese Reception
Sponsored by Keith M. Merrick Company, Inc. & Artco Casket Company Inc.
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
7:00 am - 5:00 pm
7:00 - 8:00 am
8:00 - 10:15 am
(2 Hours CE)
Registration Desk Open
Continental Breakfast / Past President’s Breakfast
The Energy of Eulogy - Susan Ann Koenig
10:15 - 10:30 am
Break
10:30 - 11:00 am
2015 Memorial Service
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
(1 Hour CE)
12:00 - 1:00 pm
1:00 - 3:30 pm
(1 Hour CE total
from Exhibit Hall)
Business Meeting
• NFDA Update • NeFDA Business Meeting
• Remember the Fallen • Heartfelt Memorial
Buffet Lunch
Exhibit Hall Open
Seek First to Understand - How Hospice is Changing Funeral Service - Kim Medici Shelquist
3:30 - 5:30 pm
(2 Hours CE)
Sponsored by Homesteaders Life Company
6:00 - 7:00 pm
Outgoing President’s Reception
7:00 - 8:30 pm
Banquet, Officer Remarks and Officer Installation
Sponsored by Federated Insurance
8:30 - 10:00 pm
Entertainment by T. Marni Vos
Thursday, May 7, 2015
7:00 am - 12:00 pm
8:00 - 9:00 am
(1 Hour CE)
9:00 - 10:00 am
(1 Hour CE)
10:00 - 10:15 am
10:15 am - 12:00 pm
(1.75 Hours CE)
12:00 - 12:15 pm
Registration Desk Open
Healer, Healing and Humor - T. Marni Vos
Emergency Operations at UNL - Mark Robertson
Break
Mass Fatality & Ebola Preparations for the Death Care Profession
- David Patterson & Nic Douglas
Closing Remarks and Adjournment
Prsrt Std
U.S. Postage
PAID
Lincoln, NE
Permit No. 1359
521 First Street, PO Box 10
Milford, NE 68405
EX HI BI TO R S
( as of 3. 13. 15)
AFCTS
All Mortuary Services
Artco Casket
Aurora Casket Company, LLC
Baines Professional Vehicles
Bass-Mollett
Batesville
Capital City Transfer Services, Inc.
CFL Pre-Need
Complete Bio-Recovery
Contemporary Concepts
Des Moines Area Community College
Douglas Trade Service & Crematory
Federated Insurance
funeralOne
Hotel
Reservations
Hanley Coach Sales
Homesteaders Life Company
Kansas City Kansas Community College
Keith M Merrick Co., Inc.
Messenger
Mullen Coach
Nebraska Vault
Preferred Mortuary Services
The BLC Group
The Dodge Company
The Heritage Company
United Heritage Life Insurance Co.
Vance Creek Woodworks
Wilbert Manufacturers of Nebraska
Wilbert Memorials
Call NeFDA
402-761-2217
More about
NeFDA
Smartphones, scan these QR codes to learn more about NeFDA. Not all QR code content will work on all devices.
402-761-2217 (phone) • 402-761-2224 (fax) • [email protected] • www.nefda.org
2015 Nebraska Funeral Directors Association Annual Convention
Embassy Suites - Lincoln, Nebraska - May 5-7, 2015
To register more than one person (other than spouse), please see the back of this form.
Name (as you want it to appear on your badge)__________________________________________
Spouse__________________________________________________________________________
Company Name ___________________________________________________________________
Address__________________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip______________________________________________________________________
Telephone_______________________________
Email (provide for verification of registration only) _________________________________________
 If you require special accommodations, check box and attach a statement of needs.
Registration Fees:







On or Before
04/21/15
After
04/21/15
First Member Registration........................... $125$175
Additional Member Registration.................. $100$120
Non-Member................................................ $325$425
Spouse.......................................................... $60$80
Student.......................................................... $25$45
Apprentice..................................................... $70$90
KFDA Member or SDFDA Member............. $125$175
$______________
$______________
$______________
$______________
$______________
$______________
$______________
Special Events:
 Wine & Cheese Reception (Tuesday) No Charge
___ Attendees
 Past Presidents Breakfast (Wednesday)No Charge ___ Attendees (Open to Past Presidents Only)
 Business Meeting (Wednesday)
No Charge
___ Attendees
 Lunch Buffet (Wednesday)
No Charge
___ Attendees
 President’s Reception (Wednesday) No Charge
___ Attendees
 Banquet (Wednesday)................................... $35$70
___ tickets x fee = $______________
TOTAL OF TICKETED EVENTS $______________
Payment Method
p Check (Payable to NeFDA)
p Visa p Mastercard
Name as it appears on credit card __________________________________________________________
Account # __ __ __ __
__ __ __ __
__ __ __ __
__ __ __ __
Exp. Date: _____ /______
Signature _____________________________________________________________________________
Billing or invoice services are not provided. Payment must arrive before the event.
On-site registration is provided, but only credit card or check payments will be accepted before entry is allowed into the event.
When you provide a check as payment, you authorize us either to use information from your check to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account
or to process the payment as a check transaction. When we use information from your check to make an electronic fund transfer, funds may be withdrawn from
your account as soon as the same day we receive your payment, and you will not receive your check back from your financial institution.
(If multiple registrants, please complete both sides of application.)
Additional Convention Registrations (provide information that is different from page 1):
Name (as you want it to appear on your badge)__________________________________________
Spouse__________________________________________________________________________
Company Name ___________________________________________________________________
Address__________________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip______________________________________________________________________
Telephone_______________________________
Email (provide for verification of registration only) _________________________________________
 If you require special accommodations, check box and attach a statement of needs.
Name (as you want it to appear on your badge)__________________________________________
Spouse__________________________________________________________________________
Company Name ___________________________________________________________________
Address__________________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip______________________________________________________________________
Telephone_______________________________
Email (provide for verification of registration only) _________________________________________
 If you require special accommodations, check box and include a statement of needs.
Registration Policies: Attendees registered on or before Tuesday, April 21 receive the early registration
discount. Only registered individuals with badges or tickets may attend Convention events. Spouses must
register to participate in the exhibit hall reception and lunch.
Cancellation Policy: Registrants canceling on or before April 21, 2015, will receive full refunds. After April
21, those canceling will receive a refund less a $10 cancellation fee. Banquet ticket fees cannot be refunded
after April 21.
Continuing Education Credits: Funeral Directors can earn up to 13 CE hours at convention.
Spouse Registration: This registration is offered only to spouses not employed in the funeral service
profession and includes continuing education sessions and exhibit hall functions.
Student Registration: Includes continuing education sessions, exhibit hall admission and lunch.
2
W AYS T O
FAX:
RE G I S T E R :
MAIL:
Complete form and fax both sides to 402.761.2224
Complete form and mail with payment to:
NeFDA Convention
521 First Street, PO Box 10
Milford, NE 68405