July 2020

Page A27 JULY 2020 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS S ec t i on A NFDA Leadership Conference: Inspiring Sessions, Leading Experts, Two Ways to Attend BROOKFIELD,WI— The National Funer- al Directors Association (NFDA) looks forward to welcoming the funeral pro- fession’s state and national leaders to the 2020 Leadership Conference, taking place August 2-5 at the Belmond Charleston Place in Charleston, SC. For the first time, NFDA is giving attendees two ways to at- tend this dynamic event, offering both in- person and virtual conference options.  “The safety of our members remains NFDA’s highest priority and this was not an easy decision,” said NFDACEO Chris- tine Pepper, CAE. “We listened to state association leaders and carefully studied CDC and state guidance for meetings and events. We also scrutinized the ability of our host hotel to follow best practices for cleaning, disinfecting and providing a safe experience for guests. After extensive dis- cussions, the board of directors decided to move forward with an in-person gathering coupled with a virtual conference option – which will mirror the in-person event – for those who aren’t comfortable traveling or are unable to join us in person.” During the 2020 Leadership Confer- ence, attendees will hear from a variety of experts: NFDA president-elect Randy Anderson and secretary Dutch Nie will help state as- sociation leaders understand how they can take their commitment to the profession to the next level through service on the NFDA Board of Directors. Lowell Aplebaum, CAE, CPF, is the News Association Continued on Page A28 CEO of Vista Cova, a company that part- ners with organizations on strategic vi- sioning and planning, creating stronger stakeholder connections, and reimagin- ing value and engagement. He will help attendees discover how to help their state associations deliver value and exceptional experiences for members. Andra Watkins is the New York Times best-selling author of Not Without My Fa- ther: OneWoman’s 444-MileWalk of the Nat- chez Trace, a memoir about a dysfunctional family adventure. During her talk, Watkins will share the story of why she walked 444 miles to make a memory with her father. During her talk Change Redefined: Turn Uncertainty Into Competitive Advantage, Meridith Elliot Powell will show at- tendees how to attract more business, re- tain top talent, and leap into position to win during this unprecedented time. Her straightforward approach contains real- life strategies that can be put into place when attendees return home. The Leadership Conference wouldn’t be complete without the popular “Breakout by Office” discussions during which asso- ciation officers and executives break into peer groups to talk about challenges they face in their roles and share strategies for success. Importantly, virtual attendees will be able to join these breakout sessions. In all, both in-person and virtual attend- ees can earn up to seven CE credits by at- tending this year’s Leadership Conference. GO ONLINE TOORDER FREE COPIES TOSHARE WITHTHE FAMILIES YOU SERVE. (Simply pay shipping.) F u n e r a l S e r v i c e F o u n d a t i o n . o r g In partnership with Responding to the loss of your loved one during the COVID-19 pandemic Sara Murphy, PhD, CT Foreward by Alan D. Wolfelt, PhD GRIEVING ALONE TOGETHER Grief Booklet Ad NOMIS.indd 3 5/14/2020 10:16:46 A M