2024 Future Leaders Forum
Presented by Full-Circle Aftercare
Future Leaders taking a selfie.

August 20-21, 2024
Hosted by The Zabor Funeral Home
5680 Pearl Road, Parma, Ohio 44129

Join us for the Future Leaders Forum in Cleveland, Ohio, where growing professionals, second-career staff, and emerging leaders gather to cultivate their potential within the funeral home industry. Embracing this year's theme, "Building Beyond Boundaries: Designing Your Dream Funeral Home" participants will explore visionary concepts and innovative strategies that can help shape the funeral home of the future.

This event provides a unique platform for attendees to share their experiences, exchange ideas, and collaborate on approaches to advance their careers while contributing to the growth and evolution of their respective funeral homes. With a focus on innovation thinking, participants will be encouraged to think ahead, envisioning ways to better serve the diverse needs of today's families while anticipating the evolving demands of tomorrow.

Through dynamic discussions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, attendees will gain valuable insights and practical tools to navigate the changing landscape of the funeral industry. The Future Leaders Forum offers a supportive environment to foster growth, creativity, and forward-thinking vision. Join us as we shape the future of funeral service together. CE Credits are available at the 2024 Future Leaders Forum! Visit our CE tracker for more information on available CEs.

Schedule

August 20

Time Description
9 AM Check-In
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Education Session (1 CE)
Using the "Supplier Sounding Board": How funeral directors can use vendors to make strategic decisions and increase the revenue of the firm with Matthew Van Drimmelen

In an evolving market, funeral directors must navigate numerous challenges to stay ahead and ensure the growth of their independently owned funeral homes. This session will explore the untapped potential of using vendors as strategic partners. By leveraging the insights and expertise of suppliers, funeral directors can make informed decisions, identify and capitalize on industry trends, and ultimately boost their firm's revenue. 

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Education Session (1 CE)
Fabulous Food for Funerals: Catering the Funeral Experience with Justin Zabor, CFSP

The sharing of a meal is a universal expression of caring and comfort. So why don't more funeral homes utilize this valuable extension of our services. This mouth-watering presentation is like no other: attendees will be immersed in the hospitality of The Zabor Funeral Home, tour onsite catering services, and try some of the delectable cuisine that the funeral home serves its families. This hands-on program will leave no palate unsatisfied and equip future leaders with powerful tools to enhance their funeral home's service offerings.

12:45 PM - 1:45 PM

Education Session (1 CE)
Ask the Experts: Key Considerations for Future Leaders with Adam Guthrie, Steve Waite, and Gregory McClary, CFSP 

Join us for an interactive discussion where tenured funeral service leaders come together to share their perspectives on what future leaders should know before pursuing managerial roles, or even ownership, of a funeral home. These leaders will touch on subjects such as what they wish they would have known before entering into a leadership position, tips for avoiding burnout, how to embrace innovation even when time and resources are limited, the top skills that every funeral home owner should have, and more. Future leaders will walk away with tips and resources to empower them to continue down the right path of leadership in the funeral profession. 

2 PM Leave for Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame
3 PM Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame Tour
Transportation and admission included in registration.
6 PM Off-Site Dinner
At your own expense.

 

August 21

Time Description
8 AM - 8:30 AM Check-In
8:30 AM - 10 AM

Education Session (1 CE)
The Financial Basics of a Funeral Home Business with Nelson Thulin

The numbers matter. Growing your call volume, average sales, and market share are all vital to your success, but you'll struggle to do any of these if your business isn't profitable. This session will cover the basics of financial performance of a funeral home business including budget creation, forecasting revenue, and projecting and controlling expenses. Learn how to manage a profitable and sustainable funeral home business. 

10:30 AM - 12 PM Designing Your Dream Funeral Home Hands-on Activity

 

Scholarship

The OGR Foundation is providing an exclusive opportunity for OGR funeral homes to enroll a staff member in the Future Leaders Forum! A scholarship of $350 is available to the first 15 Future Leaders who register for the Future Leaders Forum. Only representatives of OGR member firms are eligible for scholarships.

Registration

Pricing Information:
$199 for OGR Members
$249 for Non-Members
Registration closes on August 15, 2024. 

REGISTER NOW

Hotel Information

Fairfield Inn & Suites, Cleveland Tiedeman Road
5110 Tiedeman Road Brooklyn, Ohio 44144
Room block closes on August 1, 2024.

RESERVE HOTEL ROOM

 

FUTURE LEADERS FORUM PRESENTING SPONSOR
SPONSORED BY

 

Who are Future Leaders?

OGR Future Leaders are members who are not yet in primary decision-making roles at their funeral homes, regardless of age. Whether you are just starting out in the funeral service, you're starting a second career, or have been employed at a funeral home for 20+ years, this group is for you.

Ways to get involved with the Future Leaders

  • Join the Future Leaders Facebook Group for ongoing discussions
  • Attend the Annual Future Leaders Forum
  • Serve on the Future Leaders Committee
  • Contribute thought content to OGR for its blog, newsletter and magazine
  • Take advantage of microlearning opportunities throughout the year with content geared towards future leaders
Find out about upcoming Future Leader events and other opportunities by subscribing to our emails. Take two minutes to fill out THIS FORM or contact a[email protected] for more information.