2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
How Can I Help? with Sherrie Dunlevy in Avalon 8
How Can I Help? with Sherrie Dunlevy in Avalon 8
One of the most devastating wounds from loss comes from something people rarely talk about: the loss of close friendships and relationships after the loss of someone they love. Friends and family find their grief compounded because people they thought they could count on for support, have simply disappeared from their lives. In this seminar, the presenter shares how this happened to her and her husband after the loss of their son, and what she has done to help it from happening to others.
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Understanding the Millennial Worker and How They Can Improve Your Business with Antonio Green in Avalon 11
Understanding the Millennial Worker and How They Can Improve Your Business with Antonio Green in Avalon 11
The typical funeral home in the United States is owned and or operated by an individual of the Baby Boomer or early Generation X age range. The up-and-coming Millennial generation, which will soon become the successors in these businesses, act and operate very differently. This session will help you understand why Millennials are so different than previous generations, provide ideas on how to motivate these employees, and prove how big of an asset they can be to the business.
3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Service of Remembrance Avalon 5
Service of Remembrance Avalon 5
Join us as we honor NJSFDA members and industry colleagues who have died this past year. Everyone is welcome to attend this personalized memorial event to share memories with families and friends. Anyone not registered for the Convention may request a badge to attend the Service of Remembrance at no charge.
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Opening Reception Wildwood Ballroom
Exhibit Hall Opening Reception Wildwood Ballroom
Join your colleagues for the opening of the Exhibit Hall on the first floor of Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center. This is an opportunity to take a first look at the products and services offered by our exhibitors and see what is trending in the industry. Complimentary beer and wine will be served with light hors d’oeuvres.
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Funeral Director and Intern Speed Networking Sea Isle Boardroom, First Floor
Funeral Director and Intern Speed Networking Sea Isle Boardroom, First Floor
Seize the chance to network with interns seeking employment opportunities during two Funeral Director and Intern Speed Networking sessions at Convention.
Eastwick College, Mercer County Community College, and American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service Education will be sending interns to meet with funeral directors. Interns from all schools are invited.
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Past Presidents Gathering by Invitation Only at the Seven Stars Lounge
Past Presidents Gathering by Invitation Only at the Seven Stars Lounge
NJSFDA Past Presidents are invited to join their fellow leaders for cocktails and conversation in the Seven Stars Lounge located behind the Diamond Club within the casino. This is an exclusive gathering for NJSFDA Past Presidents and Board members.
9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Funeral Directors Round-Up Eden Lounge
Funeral Directors Round-Up Eden Lounge
Join fellow funeral directors to close out day one of our Convention in our old stomping grounds, the Eden Lounge. All are welcome for affordable cocktails in a laid-back nightspot.
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Joseph Gawler's Sons Funeral Home of The Presidents with Duane Hills in Avalon 5
Joseph Gawler's Sons Funeral Home of The Presidents with Duane Hills in Avalon 5
In this seminar, Duane Hills, President of Joseph Gawler’s Sons Funeral Home in Washington, DC, gives an overview of Gawler’s history from its founding in 1850. Duane will explain what it takes to establish a funeral home, including how Gawler’s built their reputation in Washington and the 8 presidential funerals they were involved in. Duane will also discuss components of a high profile funeral, including the right to control law and how to manage families and the media confidentially.
9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Introduction to Advanced Reconstructive Surgery Techniques with Michelle Johnston, CFSP in Avalon 11
Introduction to Advanced Reconstructive Surgery Techniques with Michelle Johnston, CFSP in Avalon 11
In this seminar, attendees will learn how to gain confidence in the embalming room for major trauma cases. The presenter will demonstrate step by step instructions on how to disinfect, preserve, and restore tissues effected by trauma, severe burns and decomposition, focusing on open casket viewing by using innovative postmortem repair and tips for bone and soft tissue repair. The importance of acquiring proper legal authorizations prior to restoration and sensitive vocabulary to use while dealing with families will also be discussed.
9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Honoring Transgender People: Being A Funeral Professional for Everyone with Marc Markell in Avalon 8
Honoring Transgender People: Being A Funeral Professional for Everyone with Marc Markell in Avalon 8
Funeral directors are called on to assist families in making arrangements for loved ones, including those who identified as transgender in life. Transgender is a term used for those whose gender identity is different from their assigned sex at birth. Some arrangements may be made by family who affirm the deceased person’s gender identity and there is no dispute. Other arrangements may be made by families who disapprove of the person’s gender identity and arrangements may be difficult. Join Marc Markell as he helps attendees understand how to best serve a family of a transgender loved one.
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
How Can I Help? with Sherrie Dunlevy in Avalon 11
How Can I Help? with Sherrie Dunlevy in Avalon 11
One of the most devastating wounds from loss comes from something people rarely talk about: the loss of close friendships and relationships after the loss of someone they love. Friends and family find their grief compounded because people they thought they could count on for support, have simply disappeared from their lives. In this seminar, the presenter shares how this happened to her and her husband after the loss of their son, and what she has done to help it from happening to others.
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Understanding the Millennial Worker and How They Can Improve Your Business with Antonio Green in Avalon 8
Understanding the Millennial Worker and How They Can Improve Your Business with Antonio Green in Avalon 8
The typical funeral home in the United States is owned and or operated by an individual of the Baby Boomer or early Generation X age range. The up-and-coming Millennial generation, which will soon become the successors in these businesses, act and operate very differently. This session will help you understand why Millennials are so different than previous generations, provide ideas on how to motivate these employees, and prove how big of an asset they can be to the business.
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Wildwood Ballroom
Exhibit Hall Wildwood Ballroom
Check out the newest products and services being offered to the funeral industry at our 50,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall. Lunch is included.
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Funeral Director and Intern Speed Networking Sea Isle Boardroom, First Floor
Funeral Director and Intern Speed Networking Sea Isle Boardroom, First Floor
Seize the chance to network with interns seeking employment opportunities during two Funeral Director and Intern Speed Networking sessions at Convention.
Eastwick College, Mercer County Community College, and American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service Education will be sending interns to meet with funeral directors. Interns from all schools are invited.
3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Introduction to Advanced Reconstructive Surgery Techniques with Michelle Johnston, CFSP in Avalon 11
Introduction to Advanced Reconstructive Surgery Techniques with Michelle Johnston, CFSP in Avalon 11
In this seminar, attendees will learn now to gain confidence in the embalming room for major trauma cases. The presenter will demonstrate step by step instructions on how to disinfect, preserve, and restore tissues effected by trauma, severe burns and decomposition, focusing on open casket viewing by using innovative postmortem repair and tips for bone and soft tissue repair. The importance of acquiring proper legal authorizations prior to restoration and sensitive vocabulary to use while dealing with families will also be discussed.
3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Honoring Transgender People: Being A Funeral Professional for Everyone with Marc Markell in Avalon 8
Honoring Transgender People: Being A Funeral Professional for Everyone with Marc Markell in Avalon 8
Funeral directors are called on to assist families in making arrangements for loved ones, including those who identified as transgender in life. Transgender is a term used for those whose gender identity is different from their assigned sex at birth. Some arrangements may be made by family who affirm the deceased person’s gender identity and there is no dispute. Other arrangements may be made by families who disapprove of the person’s gender identity and arrangements may be difficult. Join Marc Markell as he helps attendees understand how to best serve a family of a transgender loved one.
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Night of Spirits: Convention Costume Bash The Pool at Harrah's
Night of Spirits: Convention Costume Bash The Pool at Harrah's
Join us for the Convention’s first ever costume party with live casino games and prizes featuring DJ Dario Valli (grandson of Frankie Valli) to kick off the spooky season. The party will take place at The Pool at Harrah’s Resort and hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be served. Must be over 21 to attend.
Separate Ticket Purchase and Photo ID Required
Prize winnings are considered 2023 taxable income at the fair market value of the prize amount. If you have questions on how to report taxable income on your tax return, please consult a tax professional.
8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Exhibit Hall Wildwood Ballroom
Exhibit Hall Wildwood Ballroom
Check out the newest products and services being offered to the funeral industry at our 50,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall. Breakfast is included.
11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
General Session Avalon 5
General Session Avalon 5
Join us for the annual business meeting of the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association. Witness the ceremonial installation of new board members, listen to executive reports of the Association’s entities and honor the future of funeral service with scholarship awards.
12:45 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Grab and Go Lunch
Grab and Go Lunch
Pre-packaged lunches will be provided in the prefunction space in front of Avalon 8.
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Pediatric Funeral Care with Amanda Marie Eilis King, CFSP, MBIT in Avalon 11
Pediatric Funeral Care with Amanda Marie Eilis King, CFSP, MBIT in Avalon 11
This presentation will explore in-depth ways to serve families that have experienced the devastating loss of a child. Amanda King will demonstrate ways to work alongside hospice for imminent pediatric cases and how to have early conversations with families. She will present options for how transfers can be done, and will share how to offer final viewings for those with and without embalming.
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Embalming is Science with Benjamin Schmidt in Avalon 8
Embalming is Science with Benjamin Schmidt in Avalon 8
This seminar will focus on the philosophy of using a scientific mindset to create a better baseline for communication and its application in the prep room. Attendees will walk away from this seminar with the ability to analyze and interpret the viability of sources of information, recognize errors in their own thinking, and implement critical thinking to better communicate with the families they serve and with each other.
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Pediatric Funeral Care with Amanda Marie Eilis King, CFSP, MBIT in Avalon 11
Pediatric Funeral Care with Amanda Marie Eilis King, CFSP, MBIT in Avalon 11
This presentation will explore in-depth ways to serve families that have experienced the devastating loss of a child. Amanda King will demonstrate ways to work alongside hospice for imminent pediatric cases and how to have early conversations with families. She will present options for how transfers can be done, and will share how to offer final viewings for those with and without embalming.
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Embalming is Science with Benjamin Schmidt in Avalon 8
Embalming is Science with Benjamin Schmidt in Avalon 8
This seminar will focus on the philosophy of using a scientific mindset to create a better baseline for communication and its application in the prep room. Attendees will walk away from this seminar with the ability to analyze and interpret the viability of sources of information, recognize errors in their own thinking, and implement critical thinking to better communicate with the families they serve and with each other.