2025 WCCFA Spring Summit:

Off the beaten path: Taking your practical skills to the top

Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Time: 9am-4pm

Location: Einan's at Sunset | 915 Bypass Hwy Richland, WA 99352

Lodging Recommendations: Home 2 Suites, Homewood Suites, Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Courtyard, The Lodge at Columbia Point

WCCFA is thrilled to invite you to our 2025 Spring Conference, a day filled with valuable education, networking, and fun! This conference will provide ample opportunities to connect with industry professionals and gain new insights to drive your success. A certificate of completion will be provided for CEUs.

THANKS TO THE GENEROSITY OF OUR SPONSORS, WCCFA WAS ABLE TO DISCOUNT THE 2025 SPRING CONFERENCE EARLY REGISTRATION BY OVER 50% FOR OUR MEMBERS & NON MEMBERS.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

2025 WCCFA Premier Sponsor:

2025 WCCFA Venue Sponsor:

2025 WCCFA Lunch Sponsor:

Thank You to Our 2025 Spring Summit Exhibitors:

NOBLE METAL SOLUTIONS
THE WILBERT GROUP

Live Suicide Prevention Training via Zoom

September 24, 2024 | 3:00 -5:00 PM

Free for Members, $30 for Non Members

Registration for Sponsors now open!

Registration for attendees opens on Monday, Sept. 9th, 2024

WCCFA is offering a Suicide Prevention Training in September, to help raise awareness during Suicide Prevention Month, on this critical topic. Because of the workshop format of this webinar, we are capping this webinar at 35 attendees. We are opening up now with a Call for Sponsors. Full registration will open on Monday, 9/9/2024. With your sponsorship, you will help make this webinar possible for our community! You will receive 1 admittance to the webinar with your sponsorship, and other benefits, listed below.

The training is designed to equip staff, employees and community members with the skills to identify warning signs of a suicide crisis and effectively intervene by questioning, persuading, and referring people to help (QPR). This is an interactive training with videos and activities designed to provide knowledge and courage to reach out to someone who is struggling.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR:

CALL FOR SPONSORS:

Join us for the WCCFA’s upcoming live webinar on suicide prevention, a crucial topic for the deathcare industry. We are seeking sponsors to support this important event. For just $500, your logo will be featured on all marketing materials and introductory slides, and you’ll receive exclusive access to the webinar. As a sponsor, you’ll also have a valuable 2-minute opportunity to address attendees before the event begins. Help us make a difference in this vital area and showcase your commitment to supporting the community.

We Hope to See You at Our 2024 Spring Conference!

Fees: WCCFA Members - $225 | Non-Members - $275 | Students - $95

*If you haven't renewed your 2024 membership, please reach out to wccfa@aminc.org to renew your membership!

Call for Sponsors: We are excited to announce a variety of sponsor levels and vendor opportunities for our 2024 Spring Conference.

Thank You to Our 2024 Spring Conference Sponsors!

Lunch Sponsor

Speaker Sponsor

Break Sponsors

Fees: WCCFA Members - $195 | Non-Members - $249 | Students - $95

Topics Include:

• The Relevance of Restorative Art

• Defending the Truth: Embalming, Social Media, & Bias

• Principles & Methods of Reconstructive Embalming

• Practical Restorative Art

About the Speaker:

Dominick Astorino
Adjunct Professor | Restorative Art, Microbiology & Pathology

Dominick J. Astorino is an adjunct professor of mortuary science both at Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago and Wayne State University in Detroit where he wrote and teaches courses in embalming, restorative art, pathology, and microbiology. Innovations such as the creation of a hands-on cranial reconstruction lab as well as teaching advanced techniques by applying basic principles have earned him accolades and awards from students and colleagues alike.

His work in the field of restorative art and reconstructive embalming has been highlighted in numerous publications worldwide as well as by invitations to present lectures across the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. In 2019, Dominick started the Kenyan Embalming Education Initiative which brought a standard of care, education, and supplies to the underprivileged mortuary workers in Kenya; in 2020 Dominick presented the first embalming education seminar on the continent of Africa. A proponent of education, Dominick holds degrees in cellular biology and mortuary science and sits on the restorative art curriculum review committee for the American Board of Funeral Service Education.

Mr. Astorino is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in the states of Michigan and Illinois and is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, Michigan Funeral Directors Association, Illinois Funeral Directors Association, and the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice.

Cost: WCCFA Members - $25 | Non-Members - $45

CEU: 1 CEU provided

About the Presentation:

We're told the most dangerous phrase in business is "we've always done it this way", but is that actually true? Join funeral director, embalmer, and host of Undertaking: The Podcast, Brian Waters, CFSP, MBIE, as he "Questions Everything" and examines how we think as funeral professionals. Brian will motivate you to analyze your processes and procedures while sharing ideas he's learned from industry leaders.

About the Presenter:

Brian Waters, CFSP, MBIE 

Brian grew up in the apartment above Waters Funeral Home in Hartford City, Indiana which is owned and operated by his parents, Ted and Kay Waters. He graduated from Blackford High School in 2001 and Vincennes University in 2003, where he majored in Funeral Service Education under John Alsobrooks. During his time at Vincennes University, Brian worked and trained with Donald Fredrick at Duesterberg-Fredrick Funeral Home in Vincennes.

 Brian has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer in Indiana since 2005, working alongside his father Ted, mother Kay, and brother Tod. He is a member of the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice, earning the Certified Funeral Service Practitioner designation in 2018. In 2022, he was invited to join the British Institute of Embalmers. Brian hosts and produces Undertaking: The Podcast with Middletown, Indiana funeral director Ryan Ballard. Currently in it’s third year, Undertaking: The Podcast interviews industry leaders and covers industry news for listeners in over 55 countries.

Date: Wednesday, June 8, 2022
Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Costs: WCCFA Members - $25 | Non-Members - $45
CEU: 1 CEU provided

Presentation:

Join us, with Jordyn Powloski, a Senior Business Success Partner with CEO Masters Forum, as she illustrates a different perspective to increase employee leads NOW and for the FUTURE generations of death care industry workers. Using current best practices, Jordyn will introduce how to increase employee conversion and retention ratios and facilitate the difficult discussion surrounding our own future with inevitable industry changes. Every attendee will leave with a new perspective on what the future death care industry will look like, ideas to create career interest, and a tool to leverage their employee retention as they create an environment where their employees love what they do.

Meet Our Presenter:

Jordyn Powloski, CEO Masters Forum 

Jordyn has worked alongside SME companies in the manufacturing, design, hospitality, service, fabrication, alcohol, and tech industries to instill organizational structure, best practices, and innovative thinking into every facet of their businesses. As a fellow entrepreneur that has successfully completed a full-cycle profitable venture, Jordyn brings a realistic, fearless, and intuitive approach to mix with classic business theories and best practices.

Date: Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Topic: Are you diversifying your site to raise your cemetery's profile? Thinking outside the box by using cemeteries as a community space will attract new visitors, create a place of reflection and enable a connection between the cemetery and visitors. 

Guest Speaker: Renè Negrete from Inglewood Park Cemetery joins us to discuss how cemeteries are reinventing the way that they engage with communities. 

Ask The Panel: There will also be an opportunity for attendees to pose their own questions, and to join in with the discussions.

Date: Wednesday, October 27th, 2021

Time: 5:45 PM - 6:00 PM Networking Social | 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Presentation Webinar

Costs: WCCFA Members - $25 | Non-Members - $45

* 1 CEU provided

Presentation

Funeral homes and cemeteries face an uphill battle attempting to encourage families to create a plan for their funeral and interment.

Discomfort with the topic, the complacency and distraction of daily routines, and uncertainty over their own preferences results in the well-known low rate of adoption for Pre-Planning. These apparently insurmountable mindsets may suggest that marketing should focus exclusively on the At-Need segment.

But the Pre-Planning segment is too important to be ignored. But how can you engage a seemingly disinterested audience to begin a dialog about their arrangements? Fairmount Memorial Association will share their insights from their strategy to generate pre-planning leads through content marketing and social media.

Meet Our Presenters:

Jerry Quinn, Owner, MESMERO 

Jerry has over 25 years of marketing and advertising experience. Jerry’s professional career began in Spokane at a local ad agency. In 1998 he moved to San Francisco and made the leap to national agencies as a pioneering digital media leader where he worked on developing digital media campaigns for clients Apple, US Airways, LasVegas.com, 20th Century Fox, Home Shopping Network and more. Jerry later returned to the Northwest to lead Microsoft’s direct response advertising network. Discovering a passion for working with local advertisers and marketers, he started MESMERO in 2018 with the goal of helping local businesses transform and evolve their marketing in an increasingly digital landscape. An Eastern Washington University graduate, Jerry also served in the 82nd Airborne Division. He has two children, enjoys restoring pinball machines, but currently spends all his free time restoring his 1910 house.

Candace Aramburu, Director of HR & Marketing, Fairmount Memorial Association

Candace is the Director of HR and Marketing for Fairmount Memorial Association. She has 10+ years of marketing experience working in several different industries including banking, and for a private environmental company. Her passion for people, community outreach and ‘real’ content is what makes her standout in her role. Candace currently serves on the WCCFA Board of Directors. She is always looking for new innovative ways to educate people on cremation and memorialization. Her hobbies include spending time at the lake, baking and hanging with her family. Candace, her husband Matthew and their two sons reside in Cheney, WA.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Date: Wednesday, May 26th, 2021
Time: 5:45 PM- 6:00 PM Networking Social Time
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Presentation Webinar
Cost: WCCFA Members - $25 / Non-Members - $45

Register Now to RSVP! - 1 CEU provided!

Presentation

Cremation is on the rise. Everyone believes this is the gamechanger that affects everyone. The truth is that there is more that is affecting deathcare providers than just cremation. Regulations are more rigorous. Family dynamics are changing. Options for disposition are evolving. And, if you haven’t noticed, lawsuits seem to be more common. It seems deathcare is plagued with issues. If you just sit and listen to all the issues you may just give up and run for the hills. But what issues are really at the forefront? Is there anything deathcare can do to triumph over the new challenges?  

This presentation provides a look into 5 issues that affecting deathcare and include Virtual Arrangements; Identification Issues; Conflict; Ethics; and Outside Information. (I’ll give you a hint on that last one, we will be talking about alternative disposition and even a little FEMA) Oh - and if you’re scratching your head and still trying to label what ‘deathcare’ includes, it isn’t simply the funeral home or the cemetery, it is all of deathcare providers.  More than identifying the issues, this presentation will also outline solutions so you – the provider – are ready and able to face the issues. 

This presentation will last 1 hour and educate the audience on trends and changes in the world of deathcare providers and offer simple steps they can implement to help protect them from potential liability.

This presentation will target funeral homes, cemetarians, arrangers, managers, and those individuals who offer and provide funeral, cemetery, and cremation services. Informal lecture with audience participation including questions during lecture, audience sample scenarios, and relevant “hands-on stories”.

Meet Our Presenter

Poul Lemasters, ESQ.

Poul began his career in deathcare more than 20 years ago as a funeral director and embalmer. He quickly recognized that the growing risk and liability in deathcare along with the lack of support and resources for those in this profession made for a deadly combination. So, he decided to go to law school—and he passed!

Today, Poul uses his unique background in both deathcare and law to provide resources and counsel to other deathcare professionals. He gets calls for assistance in risk management, daily operational conflicts, form and contract reviews, valuations, and regulatory matters. Basically, all the exciting issues our profession has to offer. Poul advises several funeral homes, crematory, cemetery, and trade associations across the United States. He also shares his know-how with those in the field by serving as Cremation Coordinator and Advisor for ICCFA's Cremation Education Program.

You're always welcome to call Poul to learn about proactive prevention for your business, or for some reactive counseling after you get sued.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Time:
5:45 - 6:00 Networking Social Time
6:00 - 7:00 Presentation Webinar

Costs:
WCCFA Members - $25
Non-Members - $45

Register:
Click here to Register 1 CEU provided!

Learning Objectives

• Why employee retention is even more important than recruiting and selection.

• The power of first impressions.

• Simple, take-home tips and tools to retain the best.

• Why retention is never about the money.

• How to create a “culture of accountability” that “retains the best, but not the rest”

Meet Our Presenter
Mel Kleiman, Humetrics
Certified Speaking Professional Mel Kleiman is an internationally-known speaker, trainer, author, and consultant whose expertise is employee recruiting, selection, and retention. With over 30 years of research and consulting work to his credit, Mel is known for helping organizations improve their employee hiring and retention processes through high impact, high energy presentations that deliver hands-on, practical information and advice that can be put to immediate use.

He also serves as president of Humetrics (which he founded in 1976) and is a member of several human resource-related boards and organizations as well as a longstanding member of the Society for Human Resource Management and the National Speakers Association.

The author of five books, including the bestselling Hire Tough, Manage Easy, Kleiman has also written hundreds of articles for business, trade, and association websites and publications.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Title: Cyber Security: What You Need To Know
Date: Thursday 25th February 2021
Time: 12:00pm EST
Duration: 1 hour 
Click here to Register.

Overview

✅ An overview of current cyber threats 
✅ Practical, low cost, risk-mitigation controls 
✅ We'll share information about support and signpost you to resources and further guidance for your teams
✅ Live Q&A session

Who'll be Speaking?

Simon Whittaker, CEO, Vertical Structure

Simon is CEO of Vertical Structure. VSLTD are an independent cyber security advisory company specialising in providing human focused security and penetration testing services for web applications, cloud infrastructure and mobile applications.

The majority of his work involves consulting with companies to perform security and penetration testing and helping improve processes and procedures. 

Moderator: Neil Sherrin, VP Business Development N. America, PlotBox

Overview -

Date: February 18, 2021.
Time: 11:00 am
Registration Form: Register Today!

About the Event

Has the past year been stressful for you? Feeling stretched thin? It doesn’t have to be that way. Imagine a meaningful and lasting solution for dealing with stress. Laughter and other simple tools can reduce stress immediately, boost the immune system, and increase joy. Learn how to laugh your way to health, happiness, and new ways of looking at life.

Join us for a special webinar with Nancy Weil, the founder of The Laugh Academy and Member Resources Director for the Order of the Golden Rule, to:

• Learn how to use humor appropriately with co-workers and clients,

• Combat compassion fatigue, and

• Discover the three steps that remove stress from your life.

Nancy Weil is a leading authority on the relationship between humor and grief and is known for her energetic, entertaining, and content-rich programs. For the past ten years, her monthly column has been featured in Funeral Home and Cemetery News. She has certifications as a Grief Management Specialist, Grief Services Provider, Funeral Celebrant, and Laughter Leader.

Overview

Date: Wednesday, February 17th, 2021.
Time: 5:30 - 6:00 Networking Social half-hour; 6:00 - 7:00 Presentation Webinar
Costs: WCCFA Members - $25, Non-Members - $45
Register: Click here to RSVP! 1 CEU provided!

Learning Objectives

• CANA/Homesteaders Cremation Motivations Research - Learn seven insights from consumers who chose cremation and describe their experiences.

• Green Funeral Trends - Key learnings and insights from the First Ever Green Funeral Conference presented by CANA and Passages International.

• Cremation Trends - close the evening with interactive session of Q&A to discuss topics on our mind including, but not limited to radiation in the crematory, alkaline hydrolysis, natural organic reduction.

Meet Our Presenter

Barbara Kemmis is Executive Director of the Cremation Association of North America where she promotes all things cremation through member programs, education and strategic partnerships. After more than 20 years of experience in association leadership, Barbara knows that bringing peo together to advance common goals is not only fun, but the most effective strategy to get things done.

Barbara has served two prior professions as the Director of Member Services at the American Theological Library Association and Vice President of Library and Nonprofit Services at the Donors Forum (now Forefront). Barbara earned a master’s degree in library science from Dominican University, a graduate certificate in nonprofit management from North Park University and a B.A. from Earlham College.

Thank you to our Sponsor!

“Cemeteries and Customer Experience” Webinar
We are excited to offer you a new, unique webinar!

AFTR Founder and CEO Joe Schechter will be joining the WCCFA to host a webinar on the connection between customer experience and digital transformation. The webinar will showcase new technologies that allow cemetery customers to make remote connections and order on-demand concierge services like flower placement.

Date: Thursday, November 12th
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm PST
Platform: Zoom
Cost: Free!
Register: Click here to register to attend.

Presenter: Joseph Schechter, Founder and CEO, AFTR
From a very early age, Joe Schechter has been highly skilled at conceptualizing creative business ideas and working tirelessly to bring them to life. With an extensive background in real estate, he quickly leveraged his on the ground experience as a broker into successful real estate investment ventures.

Click here for more of Joe's bio.

Register Now

CE CREDITS for Funeral Directors

Due to Covid-19, opportunities to earn CE credits have been a challenge.

The WCCFA & Cairn Partners are sponsoring two opportunities for Funeral Directors to earn CE Credits for FREE!

CE CREDIT1 CE Credit earned for each 1-hour webinar participation.

COST
FREE to participate!
Click here to register then select the Join Meeting as an Attendee link

CE CREDITS for Funeral Directors

Due to Covid-19, opportunities to earn CE credits have been a challenge.

The WCCFA & Cairn Partners are sponsoring two opportunities for Funeral Directors to earn CE Credits for FREE!

CE CREDIT
1 CE Credit earned for each 1-hour webinar participation.

COST
FREE to participate!
Click here to register then select the Join Meeting as an Attendee link

Thank you for joining us at our 26th Annual Spring Conference! "How to Thrive Where Death and Innovation Meet"

Did you attend the conference and want your CEU Certificate? Great! Click here to complete the evaluation survey. Our Joint Conference qualified for 4.45 CEU's. Complete the survey, and your certificate will then be emailed to you.

WCCFA values excellence, and we’d like to hear your thoughts and ways to improve. Please complete our evaluation survey by clicking here.

Again, thank you for your participation!

Thank you to our Event Sponsors:

Thank you to our Morning and Afternoon Break Sponsor:

Location:

Davenport Hotel
111 South Post ST
Spokane, WA 99201

WCCFA's June 13th Social Education Hour!
Compassion Fatigue: Reclaim the Joy of Caring

Join Us! Wednesday, June 13th from 3:00pm - 5:00pm. 
After Hours Social 5:00-6:00 (Drinks & Appetizers Provided)

Hosted by Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory - 508 North Government Way Spokane, WA 99224. 2 CEU's credits available.

Space is limited! To reserve your seat call: 509-838-8900.

As Care Professionals, You Most Likely Joined the Field with The Intent To Help Others. However, As You Work To Meet Your Families Critical Needs In And Day Out, You May Find It Difficult At Times To Maintain A Healthy Balance In Your Own Life.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
*Learn what causes compassion fatigue and burnout.
*Identify personal risk factors & symptoms.
*Recognize the professional and personal impacts of compassion fatigue.
*Identify the challenges of preventing compassion fatigue and the skills to help minimize burnout.

Thank you to our event sponsors:

WCCFA's 25th Annual Spring Conference!

"From The Inside Out: The Internal Customer"
Join Us March 21st, 2018!

Our 25th annual spring conference focuses on "From The Inside Out: The Internal Customer"! This conference is designed to provide practical and timely education and information for members of the death care profession. 

Who Are YOUR Internal Customers?

• Internal Customers are the people who work for your organization and;
• They depend on you and the work you do in order to complete their own tasks
• Employees, team members, colleagues, etc...

Click here for the Agenda!

Click here for the Speaker Bio's!   

Registration is Open!
WCCFA Members - Only $99
Non-Members - Only $159
Students - Only $50
Click here to register for your discounted rate today!

Exhibitor Registration is Open!
Registration includes (2) two representatives (all meals and sessions included), a 6' table with 2 chairs and electricity for only $250! Additional representatives $75.
Click here to secure your exhibitor table today!

Sponsorships Available:
Get your company in front of our attendees! Sponsorships are limited secure yours today! Includes: Your logo and recognition on our website, conference email communications, quarterly newsletter, on-site signage and agenda recognition.
Click here to secure your sponsorship today!

Location and Accommodations:
Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Bellevue
3225 158th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98008.
Click here for directions.
Group block rate ends on March 6th! Reserve your discounted room rate early with our group code: X03!

We encourage you to reserve your accommodations early to receive your discounted room rate of $169.00! Reference WCCFA 2018 or code X03 & call (425) 644-2500 OR click here to book online directly. Deadline for the room block is February 28th!

Dear WCCFA Member,

We hope you will mark your calendar, and plan on joining fellow members at our upcoming November 28th Social Education Hour!

Date: Tuesday, November 28th
Time: 5:30 - 7:30pm
Location: Evergreen Washelli, 11111 Aurora Ave. North Seattle, WA 98133
CE Credits: 1.5 CE Credits offered!
Cost: $30 (includes light meal)

Speaker lineup with be forthcoming soon!

Click here to register to attend!