Conversation Cafés

(In person only)

Selected Preferred Partners will offer unique educational insight into topics that matter to you and your firm. A schedule of topics, times and meeting rooms will be posted to this page soon.

Conversation Café Schedule:

Monday, September 29
10:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

C&J Financial
Evangeline

Three Simple Strategies to Increase Your Bottom Line

This session will show you how you address the difficult conversation about payment with your families. It will also address the effects payment discussions can have on your bottom line, not to mention the positive or negative effects it can have on the satisfaction of those families.

Ring Ring Marketing
La Salle

Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Digital Marketing for Funeral Homes Amid Low Death Rates

This is a session designed to empower funeral homes to thrive amidst the current demographic shifts. We will explore effective digital marketing strategies, tailored for the unique dynamics of the funeral industry, that drive growth even in times of declining death rates. The session also emphasizes maximizing preneed and at-need calls, and preparing for the inevitable surge of Baby Boomer passings. Attendees will leave with actionable insights and tools to not only safeguard their current market position but also to seize upcoming opportunities in their local market.

Tukios
Orleans

The AI Disruption: Technology's Role in the Future of Funeral Service

This session will explore how artificial intelligence and digital tools are transforming the way families engage with the funeral profession, and identify the key innovations we should be tracking today. The discussion will cover the emerging technologies we expect families to use, the tools funeral directors can utilize now, and how deathcare technology can bridge the gap between funeral professionals and the evolving needs of the families they serve.

Monday, September 29
4:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

American Coach Sales
Evangeline

Driving Excellence: Maximizing Value and Impact with Today's Funeral Vehicles

Explore today’s funeral car models and the features that enhance both function and presentation. Learn key financial considerations when deciding between leasing and financing coaches, limousines, and removal vehicles. Discover innovative marketing strategies that help families see the emotional and symbolic value of including funeral vehicles in their loved one’s procession. Plus, look ahead to future body styles and models to come.

Facultatieve Technologies
La Salle

Should You Add Pet Cremation to Your Funeral Home Business?

• Why even think about it?
• Market opportunity
• Is it a strategic fit?
• Equipment
• Staffing
• Risks

MKJ Marketing
Orleans

Beyond the Building: Smarter Growth Strategies for Larger Firms

In today’s market, the challenge isn’t just competition, it’s the sheer number of very small funeral homes that handle only 20–50 calls annually. Instead of overpaying for costly real estate, discover innovative strategies to expand your business by merging smaller firms or acquiring their assets — like name, pre-need files, and phone numbers — without buying the property. This approach helps both parties; the larger firm grows efficiently, and the smaller firm can sell or repurpose their building for greater value. In this session, Glenn shares a practical roadmap to grow smarter, not just bigger

Tuesday, September 30
9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

@need Marketing
La Salle

The Role of AI in the Consumer Journey

Join the team at @need Marketing for a poignant discussion on the true merits of using AI technology to connect with families on the consumer journey. Discover how to match AI tools to specific demographics, when and where to incorporate them, and how to maintain a personal touch through it all.

Tribute Technology
Orleans

3X the Traffic, 3X the Impact: Unleashing the True Power of Obituaries

Obituaries draw more eyes than anything else on your site — yet most firms barely scratch the surface of what they can do. Join Courtney Gould Miller to discover practical, proven ways to multiply that attention: boost search rankings, drive social shares, and craft obits that engage families long after they’re posted. Learn how to turn every obituary into a living engine of trust, traffic, and brand growth.

Tuesday, September 30
2:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Cadence
La Salle

Pillars of Support: Elevating Grief Care in Funeral Service

Funeral homes have found themselves in the unique position to lead the future of grief support, serving as one of the earliest and most trusted touchpoints after a death. In a landscape where grief resources are fragmented, underutilized, and often inaccessible, virtual support groups and a diversified approach to grief support provide scalable, meaningful care that meets families where they are. This session will explore how, by proactively guiding families toward grief support, funeral homes can positively shape client families’ grief journeys, foster lasting loyalty, and stand out in a competitive market.

Funeral Directors Life
Evangeline

Funeral Directors Life Start Up: Empowering Funeral Home Ownership in Underserved Communities

The Funeral Directors Life Start Up initiative equips passionate funeral professionals with the support, resources, and guidance needed to establish thriving, independently owned funeral homes in the areas they're needed most. Join Funeral Directors Life’s Kevin Gaffney, Regional Sales Vice President, and Jason Gazaille, Vice President of Finance, to learn how the Start Up program bridges the gap between underserved communities and aspiring funeral home owners.

Private Label Caskets
Orleans

Increase The Value of Your Cremation Business

Year after year the volume of cremation services increases, but in many cases, this has had a negative impact on overall value per call. Let’s not avoid the cremation business. They can be as lucrative as traditional if families are fully informed of all options that allows them to truly memorialize in the most meaningful way. We have added more than just the viewing and funeral service in a way that has been very well received and created long lasting value for families. Make it an event for them, tie it to merchandise and create memories. Surveys from cremation families shows the impact of our efforts.