Disposition Demystified: NFDA’s 2026 Virtual Conference Offers a Deep Dive Into Today’s Emerging Options

Earn up to six CE hours without leaving the funeral home.

Brookfield, Wis. – “I’ve heard about water cremation, but I don’t really know how it works.” “My loved one was a veteran. Is burial at sea possible?” “I want something greener.” “What exactly is natural organic reduction?” “I just want to make the right choice.” 

These are just a few of the real questions families are asking about disposition and the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) will address them head-on during its 2026 virtual conference, “Disposition Demystified,” taking place February 17 and 18, 2026. 

This two-day, insight-rich online event will help funeral service professionals deepen their understanding of traditional, emerging and alternative disposition methods. As consumer expectations continue to shift, attendees will gain the clarity and confidence needed to educate families, navigate legal considerations and strengthen their service offerings. 

The virtual conference will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT each day. Participants will learn from experts who bring practical experience, legal insights and hands-on knowledge of today’s full spectrum of disposition options. 

“Disposition Demystified is designed for any funeral service professional who wants to stay informed, remain competitive and better serve today’s evolving consumers. This virtual format makes it easy and affordable to earn up to six CE hours without leaving your funeral home, while gaining practical knowledge about the rapidly changing disposition landscape,” said Laura Sear, NFDA Director of Education. 

Sessions Include: 

Day One – Tuesday, February 17

• “The Importance of Proper Paperwork” presented by Michael Nicodemus, vice president, cremation services, NFDA: An essential review of documentation practices that protect funeral homes from liability and ensure compliance with cremation and disposition requirements.
• “The U.S. Navy Burial at Sea Program” presented by Dr. Jennifer Lares, CFSP, founder, Mulling Mortician: A detailed look at eligibility, preparation guidelines and ceremonial elements of this meaningful veteran tribute, featuring video footage from an actual ceremony onboard.
• “Meeting Families Where They Are: Alkaline Hydrolysis in Practice” presented by Thomas Tierney, owner and funeral director, John F. Tierney Funeral Home: An accessible walkthrough of water cremation including the science, environmental benefits, common family questions and real-world insights from Connecticut’s first facility to offer it.

Day Two – Wednesday, February 18

• “Green Light on Green Funerals” presented by Darren Crouch, president, Passages International: Explore the growing demand for green alternatives and learn how funeral homes, cemeteries and cremation providers can meet consumer needs while expanding revenue opportunities. Crouch was recently named to the 2025 TIME100 Climate list, recognizing 100 global leaders advancing meaningful climate action through innovation and business leadership.
• “Natural Organic Reduction 101” presented by Mandy Stafford, preplanning and partnerships manager, Return Home: A clear, science-based overview of natural organic reduction, including process details, environmental advantages and guidance on confidently discussing it with families.
• “Understanding the Legal Landscape of Alternative Disposition Methods” presented by Chris Farmer, general counsel, NFDA: A timely examination of the regulatory, statutory and compliance issues shaping both traditional and alternative disposition offerings in the U.S.

“Disposition Demystified” will include live discussions and Q&A opportunities with presenters and fellow attendees. The conference will be emceed by Gabe Schauf, a licensed funeral director, program director and instructor with the Milwaukee Area Technical College Mortuary Science Program, and host of the NFDA podcast “A Brush With Death.” 

Funeral service professionals appreciate the high-quality of NFDA’s virtual events. Said one attendee at the 2024 virtual conference, which focused on consumer trends, “This had the same energy, flash and excitement as the Convention. I didn’t think you could make me feel like I was at a national convention while on a webinar, but this was a grand slam!” 

Register Today 

Registration for “Disposition Demystified” is now open. Fees include presentations, handouts and up to six CE hours.

• First registrant from an NFDA-member firm: $285
• First registrant from a nonmember firm: $330
• Additional registrant from the same organization: $215
• Student (accredited mortuary science program): $55

Participants can register at NFDA.org/Virtual or by calling 262-789-1880. Registration closes at 12 p.m. CT on February 16, 2026. 

NFDA is the world’s leading and largest funeral service association, serving more than 20,000 individual members who represent nearly 11,000 funeral homes in the United States and 49 countries around the world. NFDA is the trusted leader, beacon for ethics and the strongest advocate for the profession. NFDA is the association of choice because it offers funeral professionals comprehensive educational resources, tools to manage successful businesses, guidance to become pillars in their communities and the expertise to foster future generations of funeral professionals. NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.nfda.org.

Leadership Starts Here: NFDA Announces 2025-26 Class of Emerging Leaders 

Brookfield, Wis. – The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is thrilled to introduce the 17 funeral service professionals selected to participate in the 2025-26 National Emerging Leaders Program. This year-long leadership development experience empowers participants to grow as visionary, values-driven leaders in their funeral homes, communities and the profession at large. 

Since its inception, the National Emerging Leaders Program has nurtured nearly 60 promising professionals, providing them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to lead with purpose. Through a combination of in-person and virtual learning, mentorship and invaluable networking, participants are equipped to inspire meaningful change in funeral service. 

The 2025-26 program will begin with a retreat at NFDA headquarters in Brookfield, Wisconsin, in June, and will conclude at the 2026 NFDA Leadership Conference. Participants will also engage in a series of approximately seven virtual learning sessions throughout the year, led by top funeral service leaders and experts from outside the profession. 

The members of the 2025-26 National Emerging Leaders Program class are:

• Kerri Bittner, Elm Ridge Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Muncie, Indiana
• Elijah Bragg, Heritage Funeral and Cremation, Spokane, Washington
• Dane Chasca, McPherson Funeral Services, Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada
• Renee Childs, A.A. Rayner & Sons Funeral Home, Chicago, Illinois
• Madison Crihfield, Covington Funeral Home, Covington, Tennessee
• Desirae Delgado, Harrell Funeral Homes, Austin, Texas
• Ryan Drake, Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, Owosso, Michigan
• Monica Hall, Hill’s Mortuary, Statesboro, Georgia
• Caitlin Johnson, Evanson Jensen Funeral Home, Mott, North Dakota
• Nicole Lutz, Mueller Memorial, Saint Paul, Minnesota
• Michael McGaffigan, McGaffigan Funeral Home, Pepperell, Massachusetts
• Andrea Rief, Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home, Council Bluffs, Iowa
• Tina Spedden, Lee Funeral Homes, Owings, Maryland
• Loran Spence, Carmon Community Funeral Homes, Windsor, Connecticut
• Jarell Springfield, Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, Merrillville, Indiana
• Katlyn Taueetia, Coleman-Taylor Funeral Services, Cecil, Pennsylvania
• Tyler Wilson, Arch L. Heady & Son Funeral Home – Okolona Chapel, Louisville, Kentucky 

“Leadership is not about a title – it’s about service, vision and impact,” said NFDA President Christopher P. Robinson, CFSP, CCO. “NFDA’s National Emerging Leaders Program is one of the most important ways we’re preparing the next generation of professionals to carry our profession forward with integrity and innovation. I congratulate this year’s class and look forward to watching their growth and leadership in the years to come.” 

The program is open to all licensed funeral professionals in the United States and Canada – regardless of NFDA membership – who are in the early stages of their careers. Participants are selected through a competitive application process. NFDA extends its sincere thanks to the Funeral Service Foundation for its generous support of the National Emerging Leaders Program. 

“The leaders we cultivate today will shape the future of funeral service,” said John Heald, chair of the Funeral Service Foundation Board of Trustees. “That’s why the Funeral Service Foundation is proud to support this transformative program: it equips talented professionals with the tools, connections and confidence they need to grow, lead and make a lasting difference in the communities they serve.” 

To learn more about the program, visit NFDA.org/EmergingLeaders. 

NFDA is the world’s leading and largest funeral service association, serving 20,000 individual members who represent nearly 11,000 funeral homes in the United States and 49 countries around the world. NFDA is the trusted leader, beacon for ethics and the strongest advocate for the profession. NFDA is the association of choice because it offers funeral professionals comprehensive educational resources, tools to manage successful businesses, guidance to become pillars in their communities and the expertise to foster future generations of funeral professionals. NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit NFDA.org. 

Lead with Purpose: Apply for NFDA’s National Emerging Leaders Program Today

Brookfield, Wis. – The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) has begun accepting applications for the 2025-26 National Emerging Leaders Program. Since its inception, this transformative program has nurtured 58 funeral service professionals, equipping them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to excel as leaders in their funeral homes, communities, and the funeral service profession at state and national levels. 

This comprehensive year-long leadership experience will empowers 20 select participants to lead with vision, integrity and influence, providing them with tools and strategies to inspire and guide others. Additionally, participants will benefit from mentorship opportunities and high-level networking with leaders in the funeral service profession. 

The 2025-25 program will begin with a retreat at NFDA headquarters in Brookfield, Wisconsin, June 22-24, and conclude during the 2026 NFDA Leadership Conference. Participants will engage in approximately seven virtual learning sessions throughout the year, featuring insights from both funeral service experts and distinguished leaders from outside the profession. 

The NFDA National Emerging Leaders Program is open to all licensed funeral professionals in the United States and Canada – regardless of NFDA membership status – who are in the early stages of their careers (first-career funeral directors licensed at least three years or second-career funeral directors licensed at least one year). 

“Being part of something bigger than myself – a program dedicated to advancing the future of funeral service – has been an inspiring and humbling experience,” said Sarah Ziesmer, a 2024-25 National Emerging Leaders Program participant with Heritage Funeral Home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. “Sharing space with like-minded, passionate individuals from across the country has been one of the most impactful aspects of the program. The knowledge and tools I’ve gained are invaluable, and I’m eager to bring what I’ve learned back to my team. My goal is to empower my staff, strengthen our services and contribute to the evolution of funeral service.” 

“As a participant in the National Funeral Directors Association’s Emerging Leaders Program, I found the experience to be invaluable for both my professional and personal growth,” said 2024-25 National Emerging Leaders Program participant Marshall Loring of Messinger Indian School Mortuary in Scottsdale, Arizona. “The program is thoughtfully designed to engage, support and develop future leaders in our profession. The mentorship from seasoned professionals was a cornerstone of the experience as well, providing guidance and encouragement every step of the way.”

The National Emerging Leaders Program requires an investment of $1,500, covering retreat fees, registration for the 2026 NFDA Leadership Conference, approximately seven virtual learning sessions led by expert speakers and facilitators, printed educational materials, continuing education hours, and extensive networking opportunities. To help offset costs, participants will receive a travel reimbursement of up to $500 for the retreat and up to $500 for the 2026 Leadership Conference.    

For more information and to apply, visit NFDA.org/EmergingLeaders. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. CST on April 15. Selected participants will be announced in early May. NFDA extends its gratitude to the Funeral Service Foundation for its generous support of the National Emerging Leaders Program. 

“Investing in leadership development ensures a stronger, more resilient future for the funeral service profession and the families we serve,” said John Heald, chair of the Funeral Service Foundation Board of Trustees. “The Funeral Service Foundation is proud to support NFDA’s National Emerging Leaders Program, which empowers professionals to grow, connect and lead with purpose.” 

NFDA is the world’s leading and largest funeral service association, serving 20,000 individual members who represent nearly 11,000 funeral homes in the United States and 49 countries around the world. NFDA is the trusted leader, beacon for ethics and the strongest advocate for the profession.

NFDA is the association of choice because it offers funeral professionals comprehensive educational resources, tools to manage successful businesses, guidance to become pillars in their communities and the expertise to foster future generations of funeral professionals. NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit NFDA.org.