Continental Breakfast

Sponsored by Carriage Services

Welcome, Opening Remarks, and Introductions

Conference Wi-Fi Sponsored by Elevia

Cole Waybright, Homesteaders Life

Company

Session desription: In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, disconnected tech tools can slow down operations, create inefficiencies, and hinder collaboration. This session explores the power of integrated technology solutions and how

they create efficiency, streamline processes, and enhance customer

experience. Learn how seamless tech integration eliminates silos, improves

data accuracy, and supports business growth. Join us to discover the benefits of a connected tech ecosystem and how to implement it successfully.

Sponsored by Continental Computers

Brent Thorson,TerryBear Urns 

Session Description: Learn how to position your firm as the go-to option for cremation families

- in a way that your community AND your competitors will notice. From

knowing what your next families search for online to making sure it's your

name that appears when they're looking, you'll walk away knowing how

to attract more cremation families. But we won't stop there! Once you

have them, we'll give you some innovative ways to start the conversation differently, deliver unforgettable experiences and even include some extra tips on what we call "the basics" that often get overlooked.

Takeaways:

1. Walk away knowing how to position your firm as the go-to option for cremation families online. With so many people searching for cremation options every day, very few firms take the right steps to make sure they're the obvious choice. Want to serve more families? Follow these tips to help families fully understand their cremation options so less families come to you with a direct-cremation decision already made.

2. Learn new ways to start conversations around cremation options. As leaders in the memorialization space, we'll show attendees everything from our "just show them" method to specialized tips on opening doors to more services with cremation.

3. Attendees will be inspired by what's possible with the right cremation strategy. With a growing cremation rate, being setup for success is key to serving as many families as possible. Each person will leave the event with new insights on what's possible to bring more opportunities to their firm.

Sponsored by Homesteaders Life Company

Workshop description: The funeral profession is evolving—and with it come new challenges that require fresh thinking and collaborative problem-solving. In this interactive, in-person workshop, attendees will be divided into small groups and tasked with tackling real-world issues facing funeral service today. Whether it’s staffing shortages, embracing technology, serving diverse families, or navigating shifting consumer expectations, this session is designed to bring industry professionals together to brainstorm, share, and develop actionable solutions. Each group will be assigned a specific challenge and guided through a structured, hands-on process that encourages discussion, creativity, and peer learning. At the end of the session, groups will present their ideas and insights, sparking a broader conversation that can help shape the future of funeral service. Come ready to collaborate, contribute, and leave inspired—with new ideas, new connections, and a renewed commitment to innovation in the profession.

Sponsored by Elevia

Speaker and Session coming soon.

Sponsored by Continental Computers

Sponsored by Continental Computers

August Esposito, Implant Recycling

Session description: For possibly the first time ever, we have the ability to take an industry from only being thought about at a time of need, to an industry that is closely worked with for the entirety of life, as well as afterlife. What role will the funeral director take in the future of death care? Do you want to be the one to guide families through the limitless possibilities of AR VR and XR? Or should the families do it on their own? Should it be a tech companies' responsibility? Takeaways: 1. After the presentation attendees will have a good understanding of augmented reality, virtual reality, mixed reality and artificial intelligence. Attendees will have a clear understanding of how Rainbox VR – and potentially other companies – plan on utilizing these technologies in the funeral industry. 2. Funeral professionals will go home pondering how the scope and practice of their profession may evolve. As a result, they may think of how they may want to get involved early on in shaping content, identifying new educational and training needs, and what guidelines and regulations may be needed to be put in place 3. Our hope is that attendees will be as excited as we are to recreate and rejuvenate this industry in ways we never could have imagined possible. Together, we should feel permitted and empowered to facilitate a spectacular experience.

Networking and cocktail party

Sponsored by Implant Recycling

Sponsored by Carriage Services 

Jon Lefrandt, Elevia 

Innovate to Serve: Using AI and Automation to Enhance Funeral Care From Automation to Connection - Leveraging AI for a Stronger Business.

AI and automation are no longer futuristic concepts—they’re part of our daily lives, from navigation apps that optimize traffic flow to smart June 3-4, 2025 Crowne Plaza Resort

Asheville, NC

assistants that streamline our tasks. But how can funeral professionals harness this technology to enhance service, improve efficiency, and ultimately spend more time where it matters most—with families? Jon Lefrandt, Founder and CEO of Elevia and ForGrief.com, will lead an interactive session on integrating AI and automation into funeral home operations. Whether you’re facing changes in consumer behavior, increasing competition, or staffing constraints, this session will provide practical tools and insights to help you stay ahead. Attendees will explore: • The power of AI tools like ChatGPT—see a live demo and learn how it can assist with content creation, client communication, and administrative tasks.

• Algorithms in action—understand how everyday AI-driven systems, like traffic lights, make life easier and how similar automation can optimize your workflows.

• Modernizing client interactions—leverage tools like Elevia to create personalized customer journeys, analyze text-message transcripts, and enhance service through social listening.

• Maximizing human connection through technology—learn how AI can free up valuable time, allowing funeral professionals to focus more on meaningful interactions with families. This session will provide actionable strategies and real-world applications, helping you embrace AI and automation to drive your business forward.

Takeaways:

1. Practical AI Integration – Learn how to incorporate AI tools like ChatGPT to streamline operations, improve communication, and enhance personalization.

2. Strategic Innovation – Discover how automation, customer journey mapping, and social listening can optimize service delivery and business growth.

3. Efficiency Without Losing the Human Touch – Understand how AI can help maximize your time, allowing you to focus on building stronger relationships with the families you serve.

Sponsored by Terrybear Urns

Barcley Cadet, Carriage Services

Session Description: The Evolution of Talent Acquisition • Recruitment vs Talent Acquisition • How to attract and retain Talent • Bridging the Gap (New Funeral Services professional -> Seasoned Funeral Services Professionals) • Importance of relationships with Mortuary Schools • DE&I hiring initiatives • Social Media! • Q&A Takeaways: 1. Learn to Attract and Retain Talent 2. Learn to Bridge the Gap within funeral professionals

3. Importance of Relationships with Mortuary Schools

Sponsored by Wilbert 

Hosted by Tony Russo join us for an engaging panel and attendee discussion and Q&A session. This is an opportunity to ask question of the speaker and attendees and learn more from your peers. This dynamic dialogue promises to offer valuable perspectives and foster collaboration.

Sponsored by Homesteaders Life Company