Day two is off to a great start! This morning, members came together for our Opening Session and Keynote Address before connecting with Preferred Partners, colleagues, and fellow funeral service professionals. The conversations are getting started, and there’s plenty more ahead.

What a way to kick off the Annual Meeting! From Selected Study Groups to welcoming new and first-time participants, today was all about connecting with fellow members and preparing for the days ahead. And tonight, we’ll celebrate the start of it all at our Welcome Celebration!

As conversations continue around the proposed merger between Selected and NFDA, we know many members have questions. To help provide clear, accurate information, we've created an FAQ page. Read the FAQ here: nfda.org/better-together/

Selected and the NFDA are announcing that both organizations signed a letter of intent to pursue a merger bringing the associations together. We look forward to collaborating with our members to strengthen Selected and the profession we care deeply about. nfda.org/better-together/

Our donors are are helping to write the story of Selected Educational Trust. Introducing the 2025 Donor Honor Roll, showcasing all donors & sponsors that helped to further our mission. We are thankful to each person & organization featured in these pages: bit.ly/4r2002S

Anthony Asta (Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, AZ) and Ryan Hughes (Hughes Family Tribute Center, TX) led an inspirational NextGen Idea Exchange this morning in sunny Puerto Rico. Selected Members shared best practices, creative strategies, and real-world lessons from their firms.

Congratulations to Jayme Broussard Toeppich of Broussard's Mortuary, TX and Anthony Geisen of Geisen Funeral, Cremation & Reception Centre, IN for being chosen the 2026-2027 NextGen Advisory Group Co-Chairs. We can’t wait to get started!

Today at the NextGen Seminar, participants had time to unwind and enjoy beautiful Puerto Rico! We spent time soaking up the sun, relaxing by the pool, and exploring all that San Juan has to offer. A perfect day to connect, recharge, and enjoy each other’s company.

Today’s Culture Counts Panel brought insights from Selected Members Meghan Burmeister (Busch Funeral and Crematory Services, OH), Ryan Hughes (Hughes Family Tribute Center, TX), Jay McAfee (Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, SC), and Jonathan Kepner (Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home, NC)!

Selected’s 2026 NextGen Seminar is underway in San Juan, Puerto Rico! Today’s session with Dr. Jenipher Cornelius guided participants through advanced coaching skills, difficult conversations, and inspiring teams. Thank you to everyone joining us!

Congratulations to David Mayne Root of Pierson's Funeral Service in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, our 2026 NextGen Professional of the Year! Join us in congratulating David on this well-deserved recognition!

The Trust wants to help you hone your leadership skills! Apply now for a scholarship to the 2026-2028 class of the Selected Leadership Academy. We will be awarding 2 scholarships that cover the full 2-year tuition! Submit your application before Jan 31: ow.ly/2fHK50XKAwr

That’s a wrap on the 2025 Annual Meeting! A huge thank you to our members, partners, speakers, staff and all attendees for making this year’s meeting unforgettable. We can’t wait to see you next year in Louisville, KY!

We’re closing out the 2025 Annual Meeting with a crowd favorite, the Futures Session! Members heard from experts about what’s next for funeral service—including evolving aftercare expectations, digital engagement and how to connect with families in a rapidly changing world.

General Session speaker Christie Pink with The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center presented “A Culture of Excellence” yesterday! Attendees learned how to empower employees, boost engagement and create exceptional customer experiences. #SelectedNOLA2025

At today’s Opening Session, Commander Kirk Lippold, USN (Ret.), shared his keynote drawing on his experience commanding the USS Cole during a terrorist attack. He highlighted how accountability and leadership can guide teams through the toughest challenges. #SelectedNOLA2025

The 2025 Annual Meeting Welcome Celebration brought the sights, sounds and flavors of New Orleans to life. Attendees reconnected with peers, made new friends, enjoyed incredible food and drinks and celebrated the achievements of the Selected Educational Trust. #SelectedNOLA2025

It’s Selected Study Groups Day! In our Luncheon Keynote, The Business of Sleep with Dr. Davana Pilczuk, attendees are discovering how sleep and circadian rhythms impact productivity, decision-making and even the timing of tough conversations. #SelectedNOLA2025

We’ve arrived in New Orleans! Our team is onsite and ready to welcome you to the 2025 Annual Meeting. We can’t wait to Let the Good Times Roll! #SelectedNOLA2025

Selected Independent Funeral Homes solemnly honors the memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and pays tribute to the courage of the first responders and families forever impacted. #PatriotDay #NeverForget