Breakfast
(8:30-9:30 a.m.)

Step 1: Meeting Expectations and Boosting Market Share
(8:30-9:30 a.m.)

Ron Salvatore, a certified crematory operator and trainer with Matthews Cremation Division, explores the history of cremation, how crematories operate and how to incorporate proper procedures into normal operations. You’ll learn:

   •    How to operate equipment safely and effectively.
   •    How to determine which cases to cremate first, last and in between
   •    How to gain market share by following and enforcing proper procedures.

Break
(9:30-9:45 a.m.)

Step 2: Catering to Families, the Environment and Regulators
(9:45-10:45 a.m.)

Salvatore teaches you about all the environmental factors that play a role in operating a crematory. Build a better relationship with families, local authorities and regulators and discover:
   •   How to operate a cremator safely and profitably  
   •   How to avoid problems with local authorities, regulators and others
   •   How to save hundreds of thousands of dollars by properly maintaining
       your cremator
   •   How to handle unusual materials during the cremation process
  

Break
(10:45-11:00 a.m.)

Step 3: Maximizing Returns
(11:00-Noon)

Have you ever wondered if it would make sense to install a crematory at your funeral home or cemetery? Or perhaps you want to explore serving pet owners and buying a pet cremator. Depending on where you operate, you might also be able to buy an alkaline hydrolysis unit.

Salvatore delivers all you need to know about the cost of adding these options. You’ll discover:
   •    How to determine if it makes sense to keep using a third party
   •   How much it costs to buy a cremator or add another cremator
        to your operation
   •    And much more!

Lunch
(Noon-1:15 p.m.)

Step 4: How to Avoid Cremation-Related Litigation 
(1:15-2:45 p.m.)

Mike Nicodemus, manager of cremation operations at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Homes and the president of CANA, shares his abundance of knowledge on litigation and how to keep it from devastating your firm.

Nicodemus oversees cremation operations at 10 locations and is the chairman of the Cremation Association of North America’s Crematory Operations Certification Program. He’s been an expert witness in dozens of cases, so he knows how funeral homes and crematories can avoid devastating judgments.

During this session, you’ll learn:
   •   How to create a rock-solid cremation authorization form
   •   How to minimize your liability during the chain of custody process
   •   How to determine if you need to turn away a case
   •   How to evaluate third-party crematories, vendors and your own employees
   •   How to work with insurance companies to minimize dangers

Break
(2:45-3:00 p.m.)

Step 5: How to Avoid and Respond to Lawsuits
(3:00-4:00 p.m.)

Chris Farmer, general counsel of CANA, formerly served as a corporate counsel for Service Corporation International. He’s also the general counsel for the Texas Funeral Directors Association, and he’s handled hundreds of lawsuits targeting funeral homes, crematories and cemeteries.

Many death-care professionals approach Farmer after being sued and tell him they wish they’d gone to a program like this one. He’s happy to help them, but it’s better to get his expert guidance before you get sued.

In this session, Farmer helps you avoid and prepare for battles in the courtroom. With Farmer as your guide, you’ll learn:
   •   How to document everything and use this to your advantage
   •   How to respond to formal and informal investigations
   •   How to determine when you need to hire a lawyer
   •   How to figure out if you should settle a case
   •   How to learn from your mistakes

Farmer normally bills clients hundreds of dollars an hour for his expert guidance, so this session alone is worth the cost of your registration. You’ll be jotting down notes the entire session, but you’ll be glad you did!

BONUS: Q&A Panel
(4:00-4:30 p.m.)

Our cremation experts answer all your questions about working with third-party crematories, complying with local and national regulations, cremation procedures and how to avoid and respond to litigation. Ask them anything you want as you seek to maximize cremation revenue and protect your business.