CFS Unity Through
Learning Expo
APRIL 23-25, 2025 at Malcolm X College
Hosted by:
Best of all, unlike other costly conventions, this expo is completely FREE! To keep it accessible to all, we simply ask that you commit to attending all three days and share this incredible opportunity with your network.
Hotel Accommodations: If you are looking to stay downtown, We’ve block some rooms at the Hampton Inn and Suites Chicago Medical District UIC for your convenience.
Expo Details
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Wednesday 04/23
5:00pm Check In 6:00-6:50pm
Meet The Coroner
Coroner Overview and Q & A 1 FD
7:00-7:50pm Chain of Custody: Tech-Enabled Compliance for Decedent Tracking Zach Moy 1 FD
8:00-8:50pm Understanding Substance Use Disorder: From Neuroscience to Narcan Training Andrea Usry 1 EMB
Thursday 04/24
8:15am Check In 9:00-9:20am
Sponsor Slot
Compassion Funeral Service N/A
9:20-10:10am Save My Ink Forever Kyle Sherwood 1 EMB
10:20-11:10am Human Trafficking Awareness Kate Boller Gosewich 1 FD
11:20-11:40am Sponsor Slot Vantage Point Pre-Need N/A
11:40am-12:30pm 7 Layers of Highly Effective Funeral Directors Jerri Reed-Taylor 1 FD
12:20-1:30pm Trade Show/ Lunch 19 Vendors 1 FD
1:30-2:20pm Embalming Chemicals in the Wild Ben Schmidt 1 EMB
2:30-3:20pm Sponsor Slot Malcolm X College /The Digital Registry N/A
3:20-3:40pm Sponsor Slot American Coach Sales N/A
3:40-4:30pm Sexual Harassment Nhemya Ward 1 SH/ General
Friday 04/25
8:15am Check In 9:00-9:20am
Sponsor Slot
Compassion Funeral Service N/A
9:20-10:20am Embalming and Restoration of a Decomposed Female Sean Sweetman 1 EMB
10:30-10:40am Sponsor Slot Vantage Point Pre-Need N/A
10:40am-12:20pm Reconstructive Surgery Following Severe Trauma Vernie R Fountain 2 EMB
12:20-1:30pm Trade Show/ Lunch 19 Vendors 1 FD
1:30-2:20pm What They Don’t Teach You in Mortuary School Jerri Reed-Taylor 1 FD
2:30-3:20pm Sponsor Slot Malcolm X College N/A
3:20-4:10pm Enemies of a Good Result Jack Adams 1 EMB
4:10-5:00pm Sexual Harassment Nhemya Ward 1 HR
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Zack Moy
Chain of Custody: Tech-Enabled Compliance for Decedent Tracking
Andrea Usry
Understanding Substance Use Disorder: From Neuroscience to Narcan Training
Kyle Sherwood
Funeral Director and Embalmer for 7 ½ years. Third generation mortician. Master Embalmer.
SAVE MY INK FOREVER
Learn how they developed a unique proprietary process for preserving tattoos. Their Mission is to help carry on a loved one’s story, to ensure that the spirit and legacy of the loved one can live on for generations to come. Save My Ink Forever focuses on creating an everlasting memorial and creates more than just a picture: the family receives the ACTUAL TATTOO, as a framed piece of art, presented to the family in a dignified manner.
This presentation will touch on their background in the funeral industry; how they started the company; a history of tattoos; statistics of tattoos in the US; the funeral laws and legality involved; and finally the process, from signing of legal documents, instructional training, shipping and packaging and the final product.
Katie Boller
Katie Boller Gosewisch is the Executive Director of the Alliance to End Human Trafficking (the Alliance). She began leading the organization’s mission against trafficking and exploitation in May 2022. With a career spanning over 20 years in the nonprofit sector, Katie is deeply committed to serving vulnerable populations, emphasizing advocacy, community engagement, and access to resources for marginalized people. Her experience, including executive leadership roles at Living at Home Network and WeCAB, showcases her dedication to providing impactful services. Katie holds a Master of Arts in Systematic Theology and a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and History, underlining her work’s foundation in faith and principles of justice, fairness, and dignity. At the Alliance, she uses her expertise to further its trinity mission of education, advocacy, and survivor support, striving for a world free of human trafficking.
Human Trafficking Awareness
Human trafficking is a global crime against human dignity, and it is the fastest growing criminal industry—second only to the illegal weapons trade. In this presentation we will cover what human trafficking is from a legal standpoint and the various types of trafficking that occur both in the United States and abroad. We will discuss common misconceptions about what human trafficking looks like as well as indicators that people can watch for. We will further discuss risk factors for possible victimization and ways to help work toward the prevention of human trafficking in your community.
Sean Sweetman
Sean Sweetman MBIE is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer who is the Northern Illinois Chicagoland sales representative for The Dodge Company. Sean is the Chaiman Emeritus of The British Institute of Embalmers. Sean is also the co-author of Creating Natural Form; Restorative Art Theory and Application. Sean is an instructor of embalming lab at Worsham College of Mortuary Science where he also sits on their Board of Directors.
Embalming and Restoration of Decomp Female
We as embalmers see more and more difficult cases, decomp bodies are no exception. In this presentation I will demonstrate how case analysis along with proper chemical selection are paramount in achieving optimal results. Attendees will leave feeling confident they have the tools and knowledge to succeed.
Ben Schmidt
Ben Schmidt, MBIT, is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in two states and has been a funeral service educator for nine years at two mortuary colleges. He is currently an Assistant Professor at Northeast Texas Community College. In addition to his teaching role, he serves as the Community Engagement Coordinator at Frigid Fluid. He is also a textbook author, the host of two podcasts, and co-host of the NFDA’s Funeral Face-Off Trivia. Ben has presented both locally and internationally, including at The Cremation Association of North America’s first embalming CE event and the Belgian Institute of Thanatopraxie’s 50th Anniversary.
Embalming Chemicals in the Wild
The phrase “embalming chemicals” has a plethora of meanings used to describe everything from what we find in our prep rooms to a way to scare the general public. We all know about formaldehyde, but what about the dozens of other types of chemicals in our fluid bottles, and how they are used? In this lecture, we will differentiate between the categories of chemicals, explain their uses, and more importantly, identify where we find them in our everyday life and how they function.
Vernie Fountain
CFSP (Certified Funeral Service Practitioner) Embalmer & Post Mortem Reconstructive Surgery Specialist, Funeral Director, Retired Private Investigator, Licensed Auctioneer
Internationally known speaker and instructor Vernie Fountain has been associated with funeral service since 1965. As a graduate of the Kentucky School of Mortuary Science, Fountain became licensed as a funeral director in 1972 and as an embalmer in 1977. For eighteen years, until December 1995, he owned and operated Fountain Mortuary Service in Columbia, Missouri, which responded to over one-thousand deaths annually and had five divisions: Embalming and Transportation, Forensic and Clinical Autopsy/Investigation, Cemetery (Exhumations & Grave openings), Embalming Consulting and Fountain National Academy of Professional Embalming Skills.
He currently owns and operates Fountain Embalming Services, Fountain National Academy of Professional Embalming Skills and Forensic Investigative Resources of the Midwest (F.I.R.M.) a licensed and insured private detective agency that has a main focus of death investigations and exhumations. All are headquartered in Springfield, Missouri.
Fountain National Academy of Professional Embalming Skills, which was founded in May 1990, is a full-time venture for Fountain as the Academy’s founder and primary instructor. As a well-known speaker he travels throughout the United States and abroad speaking at State and National Funeral Directors and Embalmers conventions teaching post-graduate education to embalmers. His focus is on teaching highly specialized embalming and postmortem reconstructive surgery techniques that can be performed on the most massively traumatized case imaginable. FNA is dedicated to providing quality post-graduate embalmer education and the research and development of new techniques to treat the highly traumatized case with the goal of an open-casket viewing. Fountain National Academy offers several in-depth embalming and postmortem reconstructive surgery seminars at its training facility located in Springfield, Missouri. Professional embalmers from across the United States, England, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Korea, Grenada, Seychelles, Germany, France, Belgium, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Switzerland, Australia, South America, India, Nigeria, French West Indies, Czech Republic, Denmark, Sweden, South Africa, Japan and the Philippines have attended these seminars. The Academy has a European representative in Ireland and an Australian representative located in Australia.
Reconstructive Surgery Following Severe Trauma
This 2-hour presentation will discuss the importance of viewing after traumatic Injury has occurred to a decedent. It will identify many techniques to repair severe trauma conditions. The goal is to allow for viewing of the body.
Jerri Reed-Taylor
Jerri Reed-Taylor is a skilled funeral service professional, author, restorative artist, and business professional. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois Jerri has always had a passion for the art of funeral service and a desire to help others. At the tender age of nine, she decided that she was going to become a funeral director and devote her life & career to serving others. Jerri is a proud graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science. After graduating from Worsham College she obtained her licensure as a Funeral Director & Embalmer, Certified Crematory Operator (CANA), a certified pre-need consultant (CPC) and a certified funeral service professional (CFSP). Jerri earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Corporate Communications and a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in marketing. She also has completed the coursework and requirements to be a certified funeral service practitioner (CFSP) and certified funeral service general manager (CFSGM). Jerri currently practices as a licensed funeral director/embalmer while holding licensure in two states (Illinois & Indiana). Jerri is the President of Reed-Taylor Funeral Service, a full-scale funeral service that she operates alongside her sister, Jorrie V. Reed. Jerri is very active in the local state and national funeral service organizations. Jerri is a mentor and educator of personal & business development and estate planning/readiness. Her love for education stems through her service as an adjunct professor in the mortuary science program of Malcolm X College. Jerri currently serves on the board of the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice (APFSP) and has been a seminar speaker/presenter for various organizations within the funeral and business industry. Jerri believes in the importance of the funeral service professional being the complete and total resource in a family’s time of need. In 2020, she created an educational blog titled, “The Funeral Director’s Report”. The blog gives audiences insight on funeral trends, tips & tidbits, as well as educational information that funeral directors want you to know! In Augst 2022, Jerri founded Sisters In Service, a non-profit organization that enriches women in funeral service as well as provides sincere sisterhood for women in death care industry. Jerri is a devoted wife to her husband, Jerrell and a loving mother to her two beautiful children daughter, Jernie & her son, Jerren. Jerri looks forward to continuing to serve her community and surrounding areas by assisting families, creating memorable tributes for their loved ones and supporting fellow colleagues through professional development and enrichment.
7 Layers of Highly Effective Funeral Directors
Based on the book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by author, Stephen R. Covey this seminar takes a deeper look at the funeral service professional. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Funeral Director educational seminar equips learners with foundational human skills like emotional intelligence, proactive problem solving, and self-leadership. This seminar is tailored for today’s evolving workplace as an effective funeral service professional, the 7 Habits unleash profound growth at every level.
Jack Adams
4th generation of FD-embalmers in the Adams family. Graduated Worsham in 1964 with brother Tom. Worked in family funeral service to funeral homes doing removals, embalming and directing with huge growth for over 25 years. Repesented Dodge Company in Northern Illinois for 30 years and authored in the Dodge magazine for over 30 years. Gave educational seminars in most all states and many international venues.
Enemies of a Good Result
The program will cover the challenges and criticisms that must be addressed by our technical staff. Funeral home policies should be practiced by all departments including the prep room. Ways to meet the challenges and and increase your personal value will be discussed.
Nhemya Ward
A Chicago native, I am passionate about helping others achieve their personal, educational, and professional goals. It is no surprise these passions would lead me to on a career path in Funeral Services and Education. I started my professional education career as an instructor at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale Mortuary Science Program and soon after spent a decade as Program Director of Mortuary Science at Ivy Tech Community College. I now serve as an Associate Dean at Malcolm X College in Health Science and Career Programs. I am also the proud owner of Learn Forward Consulting Solutions, LLC, committed to supporting funeral service professionals in educational and training development.
Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
Sexual Harassment Prevention training. This training seeks to bring awareness and understanding of the Sexual Harassment mandated training as outlined by the State of Il.
More speaker updates coming soon. Please check back for further information.
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Interested in becoming a sponsor? Click here for more details and how to register.
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Interested in becoming a sponsor?
Sponsorship Information
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We invite you to partner with us for our upcoming “Unity Through Learning Expo”, scheduled for April 23-25, 2025, at Malcolm X College in Chicago, Illinois. This event promises to be even bigger and better, bringing together funeral professionals, students, and leaders to share knowledge, explore industry innovations, and foster meaningful collaborations.
Malcolm X College
1900 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612Setup Times: 7a.m.-8 a.m April 24th. (2 Day Vendor Expo)
Visibility:
Showcase your products and services to a targeted audience of funeral service professionals.Networking:
Connect with industry leaders and decision-makers.Engage with attendees and build valuable connections.
Brand Recognition:
Increase awareness and recognition of your brand within the funeral service community.Receive recognition in event materials and during announcements.
Promotion:
Logo placement on event signage and promotional materials.Support Education:
Contribute to the advancement of knowledge and skills in the funeral service industry. -
Supporting Sponsor: $250
Support Compassion Funeral Service in providing free Continuing Education to Funeral Directors. (Only company name. No logo on media produce)Vendor Sponsorships Packages
Includes:
- Company Logo on any Media produced
- Booth space with one six foot table and 2 chairs
- Free Lunch
- Email list of all attendees upon request
Silver – Single Table: $750
Special Discount: Register before January 30, 2025, and get table for the price of $675
Gold – Double Table: $1375
Special Discount: Register before January 30, 2025, and get two tables for the price $1235
Platinum – Speaker & Table: $2500 Limit 8 spots
Table at event and 20-25 minutes of speaking time in front of the 3rd largest US market! -
To secure your sponsorship or for more information, please contact:
Shawn Cremer C/O Compassion Funeral Service at Shawn.Cremer@Compassionfs.com or 815-814-1873 or Register Online
Don’t miss this opportunity to support education in the funeral service industry while promoting your brand to a targeted audience. Register today to reserve your spot as a vendor sponsor at the Compassion Funeral Service Continuing Education Event!
Register Today!
Want to learn more?
Contact Shawn Cremer at 815-814-1873