Schedule

From seminars on crucial industry topics led by leading professionals to engaging social events with opportunities to connect with colleagues and vendors with innovative products and services, this Convention is packed with can’t miss events. Here is your guide to what’s going on at Convention each day.

IN-PERSON CONTINUING EDUCATION

CE ACCREDITATION - COMING SOON

CONVENTION

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Registration Desk Open for In-Person Continuing Education

Convention registration badge pick-up available upon request until 5:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
In-Person Continuing Education

Hollywood East

Hosted by the New Jersey Funeral Service Education Corporation, attendees can earn up to five CEUs at live presentations in Ethics, New Jersey Law and New Jersey Preneed. Take advantage of this chance to get your questions answered live and network with your fellow funeral directors at a complimentary lunch. Separate registration is required.

8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Connected in Care Awards

Location TBD

Kick off the 2026 Convention by celebrating NJSFDA members who have displayed tremendous leadership and engagement with the association over the past year at this semi-formal cocktail party. NJSFDA members only. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Registration Desk Open

Coffee and Refreshments

Hollywood East and West

Available to all Convention Pass holders during education seminars.

9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Restoring Honor: Restorative, Cosmetic & Funerary Considerations for Donor and Autopsy Cases

with Amanda Marie Eilis King, CFSP, MBIT, MPS in Hollywood East

This presentation explores the specialized care, techniques and ethical considerations involved in preparing organ and tissue donor cases for viewing and funeral services. It emphasizes the importance of restorative art as a foundational skill in everyday embalming while addressing the unique challenges presented by donor cases, including delayed release, anatomical disruption and family expectations.

9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Helping, Not Heightening

with Lanae Strovers in Hollywood West

This course explores common sources of conflict during funeral planning and provides practical strategies funeral professionals can use to guide families through difficult conversations. Participants will examine family dynamics, learn techniques for empathetic communication and discuss approaches for addressing financial concerns with transparency and respect.

10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
General Session

Brighton Ballroom

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.

12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Buffet Lunch

Fresh Harvest Buffet

Available to all Convention pass holders.

1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Powered by Nature, Approved by Law: An NOR Panel Discussion

Moderated by George R. Kelder Jr., CFSP and Samantha L. Link, MPA in Hollywood East

Attendees of this course will have the opportunity to hear firsthand from operators currently offering natural organic reduction. Representatives from Earth Funeral, Return Home, The Natural Funeral and Mein Erde offer their experience and expertise to help prepare New Jersey funeral homes for the implementation of natural organic reduction, to better understand the step-by-step process of NOR and provide details on how your funeral home can offer natural organic reduction to the families you serve.

1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
U.S. Navy Burial at Sea Program

with Dr. Jennifer Lares, CFSP in Hollywood West

Lares will introduce participants to the U.S. Navy’s Burial at Sea Program, a disposition option for eligible military personnel from all branches of service. Discussion will include locations, preparation of casket or urn, and the overall process for arranging this service for a client's family

2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Integrating Death Doulas into Funeral Service: Law, Ethics, and Practice in New Jersey

with Isabel Knight in Hollywood East

Right now, funeral director associations across the country are considering whether to incorporate death doulas into the funeral home. This seminar will take attendees through a journey mapping exercise to see how death doulas can help bridge the gap between those who provide support before someone dies and the funeral directors who support after death.

2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
The Real Shortage in Funeral Service Isn’t Licensees

with Allyse R. Worland, CFSP in Hollywood West

This course examines the workforce and recruitment challenges that the industry faces because of the culture created within a funeral home and how they can foster an environment where funeral directors can thrive and funeral homes can retain talented staff.

4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Opening Reception and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Etess Arena

Join your colleagues for the opening of the Exhibit Hall. 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. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served along with open bars scattered throughout the Exhibit Hall.

9:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Convention Party

The Balcony at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Where slow jams, strong vibes and soulful live music come together to create a spectacular evening. Sway along with the music and enjoy cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres while conversing with other partygoers. Separate ticket purchase and ID required.

8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Registration Desk Open

Coffee and Refreshments

Hollywood East and Hollywood West

Available to all Convention Pass holders during education seminars.

8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Past Presidents Breakfast

Council Oak Steak & Seafood - By Invitation Only

NJSFDA Past Presidents are invited to join their fellow leaders for mimosas, breakfast and conversation. This is an exclusive gathering for NJSFDA Past Presidents and Executive Board members.

9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Restoring Honor: Restorative, Cosmetic & Funerary Considerations for Donor and Autopsy Cases

with Amanda Marie Eilis King, CFSP, MBIT, MPS in Hollywood East

9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Helping, Not Heightening

with Lanae Strovers in Hollywood West

10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Service of Remembrance

Brighton Ballroom

Join us as we honor NJSFDA members and industry colleagues who have died this past year. Everyone is welcome to attend this personalized commemorative 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.

11:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Exhibit Hall with Lunch

Etess Arena

Check out the newest products, services and solutions being innovated in the funeral industry. Lunch is included.

3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Powered by Nature, Approved by Law: An NOR Panel Discussion

Moderated by George R. Kelder Jr., CFSP and Samantha L. Link, MPA in Hollywood East

3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
U.S. Navy Burial at Sea Program

with Dr. Jennifer Lares, CFSP in Hollywood West

4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Integrating Death Doulas into Funeral Service: Law, Ethics, and Practice in New Jersey

with Isabel Knight in Hollywood East

4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
The Real Shortage in Funeral Service Isn’t Licensees

with Allyse R. Worland, CFSP in Hollywood West

5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Mortuary School Olympics

Brighton Ballroom

Watch as students from three Mortuary Schools compete in funeral service assignments, trivia games and physical challenges for a chance to be recognized as “Champions” of the Mortuary School Olympics.

6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The Last Call

Location TBD

Hosted by various New Jersey district associations, wrap up the Convention with this final casual Convention gathering by ordering a cocktail and enjoying the company of other funeral professionals. All are welcome.

In-Person Continuing Education

Hosted by the New Jersey Funeral Service Education Corporation, registrants can earn up to five CEUs in live presentations on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Courses will cover important topics for licensure renewal, such as Ethics, New Jersey Law and New Jersey Preneed.

Separate Registration Required

COURSE AND PRESENTER DETAILS REGISTER

Schedule

CONVENTION

Day 1

September 15

Day 2

September 16

Day 3

September 17

In-Person Continuing Education