Convention Sessions

Our Attendees enjoyed sessions across the two main days of our Convention. Here's some of the session highlights: 

• Attorney Michael Sharkey shared case studies he has worked on involving funeral homes, crematories, and cemeteries which were involved in litigation. He shared insights on risk management and how our members can protect themselves, their businesses, and the families they serve. He shared a particularly emotional case about controlling the right to final disposition that moved the entire room. His session was the most popular of the entire Convention!

• The Green Bay Packer's Public Affairs Manager, Katie Hermsen, shared details about her decade-long career working for the premier football team in the state. She described the public relations hardships and successes she's dealt with and how funeral directors can take her "less is more" approach when responding to public issues. Always remember the most important three questions to ask yourself before responding publicly: "Does it need to be said? Does it need to be said by me? Does it need to be said by me now?"

• Amanda Hartwig, CEO of Bo's Heavenly Clubhouse, shared her non-profit's goal of helping families navigate the unimaginable pain of experiencing the loss of a child. Telling her own personal story of loss, Amanda shared how talking candidly about grief is one of the best tools families have to navigate the troubling roads ahead. Our job as funeral directors doesn't stop at the funeral. We need to be following up with our families to ensure their needs are being met at every stage of grief. Bo's Heavenly Clubhouse has helped thousands of families with financial assistance, care packages, emotional support groups and retreats, commemorative walks, and much more. Visit the Bo's Heavenly website to learn more about resources to help your grieving families.

• Our WFDA Lobbyists Rebecca Hogan and Caty McDermott held a Policymaker Panel with Senator Jamie Wall and Rep. Dean Kaufert. The discussion surrounded current WFDA legislative initiatives, such as SB 288 (the "Purple Light Bill") that was introduced last month. Our lawmakers discussed how the bill is being received currently as well as their predicted responses to future legislation, such as cremation permit law updates. WFDA Past President Matthew Myrhum joined and discussed the Legislative Committee's recent Legislative Day in Madison this past May, emphasizing the importance of familiarizing lawmakers with the work of funeral professionals and vice versa. Our WFDA Lobbyists continue to try and get our funeral directors in front of WI State legislators as frequently as possible to build relationships and mutual understanding about our issues. 

• Tim Koch of Metro First Call and Mike Horan of Horan Funeral Home in Chippewa Falls delivered a case study on the steps they took to care for an individual weighing over 800 pounds. With special permission from the family, Mike and Tim walked funeral directors through every decision they made and every unique challenge they faced during removal, to transport, to embalming, to final disposition and beyond. As one of our members put it, "It's the best program I've seen in years." Through this practical and relatable session, attendees got to experience the quick problem-solving and out-of-the-box thinking needed from Mike and Tim as they put special consideration into every step of the process.