General Education
Jump to a Specific Session:- Opening Session
- General Session
- Attracting and Retaining Talent: Insights from Selected Educational Trust Scholars
- Membership Business Session and Association Update
- Futures Session
Opening Session
Monday, September 298:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
(In-person and virtual livestream)
This traditional kick-off to the Annual Meeting includes Remembering Our Colleagues and the Keynote Address.
Remembering Our Colleagues
Each year at the Annual Meeting, we take time to honor and remember the members of our community we have lost since we last gathered. This meaningful tradition offers a moment of reflection and remembrance, as we celebrate the lives and legacies of our colleagues together.
Keynote Address
Leadership & Accountability When It Matters
In a rapidly evolving world, leadership is the defining point between success and failure. The privilege and burden of leadership comes with a level of accountability that many aspire to emulate, and anyone can rise up to and achieve. Commander Kirk Lippold, USN (Ret.) was the Commanding Officer of the USS Cole when it came under a fatal terrorist attack by al Qaeda in the port of Aden, Yemen, on October 12, 2000. During his command, he and his crew distinguished themselves by saving the American war ship from sinking. This event is widely recognized as one of the most brazen acts of terrorism by al Qaeda prior to September 11, 2001.
Using his experience from this devastating terrorist attack as a backdrop, Commander Lippold conveys how the principle of integrity created a diverse and inclusive environment for leadership where his crew felt empowered with a sense of ownership, seizing the opportunity to be responsible for their ship, and not just their jobs. Their own sense of personal accountability and leadership proved to be a guiding principle in the crucible of combat. Commander Lippold shares why his "Pillars of Leadership" are must-have business tenets for any success-oriented team.
Commander Kirk Lippold, USN (Ret.)
Meet Commander Kirk Lippold, USN (Ret.)
Commander Lippold is a popular inspirational figure and leadership speaker
who is in high demand with Fortune 500 companies, leading financial institutions,
and top industry associations. And at a time when everything we’ve come to know is
being reshaped international events and political dynamics, Commander Lippold reveals
how to lead teams and
manage challenges successfully in the face of financial, national security, and global uncertainties.
A compelling storyteller, Commander Lippold draws upon his Pillars of Leadership to offer strategies he learned and applied to instill integrity into his team members and mitigate crises throughout his naval career. With takeaways for organizations on assessing their own successes and failures to prepare for what the future may hold, his lessons learned can make the difference when it matters most. Learn more about Commander Lippold here.
General Session
Monday, September 292:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(In-person and virtual livestream)
A Culture of Excellence: Building Success from Within
Employee mindset has everything to do with whether your business survives or thrives because engaged employees create engaged and loyal customers.
Through this session, The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center, an award-winning employment brand, shares best practices on how to activate and sustain a culture where valued and empowered employees own the customer experience. Our trusted processes take the guesswork out of selection, onboarding, upskilling and retention of talent. Leaders ready to transform their organization will walk away with actionable ideas to elevate experiences and engage employees.
Distinctive Topics:
- The Ritz-Carlton Culture: Through this in-depth review, you will learn about The Credo, Motto, The Three Steps of Service, The Employee Promise and the 12 Service Values of The Ritz-Carlton.
- Simple, Sustainable Processes: One cannot extend legendary service without having robust systems and processes in place. You will hear about the selection process at The Ritz-Carlton and how we onboard talent and reward and recognize our associates.
- Employee and Customer Engagement: The foundation of driving customer engagement is having engaged employees. You will be introduced to the three levels of employee engagement and shown techniques that will enable you to personalize your service and create emotional connections.
- The Importance of Empowerment: Empowering your employees is an imperative component of legendary service. You will learn about The Ritz-Carlton Empowerment Guidelines, including how these reduce problem resolution costs and create consistently exceptional service.
The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center
For over two decades, The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center has leveraged the systems
and processes of the Ritz-Carlton brand to deliver award-winning services that have
allowed thousands of clients to improve customer and employee engagement,
innovate their culture, and differentiate themselves.
Our methodology is rooted in the legendary Gold Standards of The Ritz-Carlton and the practices and processes that have allowed us to win two Malcolm Baldrige Awards—the first and only hotel to do so. Through organizational transformation and application of our best practices, our business continues to deliver some of the biggest launches, innovations, and transformations worldwide. Seeing our clients lead their markets, drive loyalty, attract new customers, and receive awards for their innovation is the measure of our success.
The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center is an unequaled partner in the journey to refine and innovate service excellence and customer engagement, and to transform organizational culture. Learn more about The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center here.
Thank you to the sponsor Tribute Technology.
New! Attracting and Retaining Talent: Insights from Selected Educational Trust Scholars
Tuesday, September 301:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
(In-person and virtual livestream)
Witness the impact that the Trust’s programs are having on the future of the profession in this special spotlight session. Past recipients of Trust scholarships—now working within the profession—will share their experiences and perspectives on fostering a workplace that welcomes and retains the next generation of funeral service professionals. Through a moderated discussion, panelists will offer firsthand insights into what new hires seek in an employer, the challenges they face and the strategies that have helped them succeed. Attendees will gain practical takeaways on how to cultivate an employee-centered culture that enhances staff satisfaction, professional growth and long-term retention.
Rachel Gunderson, Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care
Membership Business Session and Association Update
Wednesday, October 19:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of funeral service. 2025-2026 Board Chair Christopher Waite and President Barbara Risher Welch will share their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping the profession, offering forward-looking strategies to help independent funeral homes navigate professional changes.
Highlights of this session include:
- Outgoing Officers’ Recognition
- Installation of Incoming Board Members and Officers
- Incoming Officers' Addresses: 2025-2026 Board Chair Christopher Waite and President Barbara Risher Welch will provide their views of funeral service and outlook for the Association for the coming year.
- Membership Milestones recognition: Celebrate the legacy of Selected's 50-, 75- and 100-year members with a special tribute.
- Members also will hear from Selected's Executive Director and CEO Rob Paterkiewicz, on the status of the association.
Christopher Waite, Barbara Risher Welch and Rob Paterkiewicz
Futures Session: Bridging the Tradition and Technology Gap
Wednesday, October 110:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
(In-person and virtual livestream)
A member favorite, the Futures Session brings together four top experts to explore what’s next for funeral service. The funeral profession is undergoing rapid transformation. As families increasingly start their arrangements online, aftercare expectations evolve, and technology reshapes consumer behavior, funeral professionals must rethink how they connect with their communities. The challenge? Bridging the growing gap between funeral homes and the families they serve in an era of digital engagement and changing traditions.
In this thought-provoking session, leaders – Michael Anderson (@need Marketing), Rachel Drew (Cadence), Matthew Van Drimmelen (Full-Circle Aftercare), and Courtney Gould Miller (Tribute Technology) – will explore the forces shaping the future of funeral service. From harnessing AI and digital tools to redefining aftercare and fostering long-term family loyalty, this session will leave you with valuable insights and actionable takeaways to help you navigate the future with confidence.
Michael Anderson, Rachel Drew, Matthew Van Drimmelen and Courtney Gould Miller