Building Bridges in the Deathcare Landscape
2024 Deathcare superconference
September 27-29, 2024
Seattle WA + Virtual Conference
September 27-29, 2024
Seattle WA + Virtual Conference
Update on the 2024 Deathcare Superconference Recording
October 30, 2024
Dear Community:
Thank you so much for your patience and understanding as we work to release the 2024 Deathcare Superconference recording. We truly value your interest in the Conference, and we apologize for the delay in reaching out and in making the recording available.
Two key members of our administrative team were deeply affected by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Western NC and have only recently been able to return to work.
Additionally, we realized shortly after the Conference that technical issues during the event will require professional editing of the recording. This process has extended our timeline, and we now expect the recording to be available closer to the New Year.
We regret that we weren’t able to meet our initial goal of releasing the recording within two weeks of the event, and we’re sorry for not providing this update sooner. Your continued support means a great deal to us, and we’re committed to making this recording available as soon as possible.
Warm regards,
2024 Deathcare Superconference Organizers
Thank you so much for your patience and understanding as we work to release the 2024 Deathcare Superconference recording. We truly value your interest in the Conference, and we apologize for the delay in reaching out and in making the recording available.
Two key members of our administrative team were deeply affected by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Western NC and have only recently been able to return to work.
Additionally, we realized shortly after the Conference that technical issues during the event will require professional editing of the recording. This process has extended our timeline, and we now expect the recording to be available closer to the New Year.
We regret that we weren’t able to meet our initial goal of releasing the recording within two weeks of the event, and we’re sorry for not providing this update sooner. Your continued support means a great deal to us, and we’re committed to making this recording available as soon as possible.
Warm regards,
2024 Deathcare Superconference Organizers
Learn About the 2024 Deathcare Superconference
Click or scroll for info about our speakers, agenda, organizers, sponsors and more.
2024 Conference Agenda
This event is NOT hosted, sponsored, or endorsed by The Seattle Public Library.
Any views that are discussed in this meeting are not a reflection of The Seattle Public Library’s views.
Any views that are discussed in this meeting are not a reflection of The Seattle Public Library’s views.
Friday, September 27th
Pre-Conference Social
6:45pm-9pm Pacific. Seattle Public Library - Central Branch, Reading Room (Map)
In-Person Only
Join us for a pre-conference social during which we'll land together in Seattle, gather, network, and enjoy light snacks and drinks. Our time together will open with a special mini-concert by Seattle-area members of the Threshold Choir. We'll highlight the work of some incredible folks working in our field and allow attendees to pick up their badges at the dinner.
Saturday, September 28th
Conference Events
10am-6pm Pacific. Seattle Public Library Central Branch (Map) / Online.
In-Person and Online
Online Participants: All Conference Events are in Pacific Daylight Time. Please use the Time Zone Calculator to verify your local time and see other specifics for you in bold.
Registration
10:00-10:30am PDT | 30 minutes
Pick up your badge and swag, grab a drink at our Coffee/Tea Bar sponsored by End of Life Washington, and find your preferred seats.
Welcome & Introduction
10:30-10:50am PDT| 20 minutes
Online Participants: Time Zone Calculator
Receive a warm welcome from our conference organizers and an introduction to our scheduled events.
Panel #1: Legal Issues
10:50-11:35am PDT | 45 minutes
Online Participants: Time Zone Calculator
How can we better align state and federal legislation with the current deathcare ecosystem? Through what avenues can we advocate for legislation better aligned with current deathcare practice?
Our Panelists are:
Learn more about our Panelists.
Our Panelists are:
- Ben Field, Attorney, Institute for Justice
- Kevin Díaz, JD, Chief Legal Advocacy Officer & General Counsel for Compassion & Choices
- Joyal Mulheron, Founder & Executive Director, Evermore
- Tanya Marsh, Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Law, Wake Forest University School of Law
- Isabel Knight, President of the National Home Funeral Alliance (moderator)
Learn more about our Panelists.
Conversation #1: Legal Issues
11:35-11:55am PDT | 20 minutes
Online Participants: Time Zone Calculator
How can we better align legislation with the current deathcare ecosystem in each of our communities?
There will be optional, randomly assigned five-minute breakout rooms for online participants.
There will be optional, randomly assigned five-minute breakout rooms for online participants.
Panel #2: Affordability
11:55am-12:40pm PDT | 45 minutes
Online Participants: Time Zone Calculator
What are the current systems in place to promote affordable deathcare? Panelists will discuss indigent death programs across the United States and court-appointed Public Guardianship Burial Programs.
Our Panelists are:
Learn more about our Panelists.
Our Panelists are:
- Heather Massey, Co-Founder, Equitable Disposition Alliance
- Victoria Haneman, Frank J. Kellegher Professor of Trusts & Estates at Creighton University School of Law
- Mel Bennett, Co-Founder, The Life Forest
- Dr. Kami Fletcher, Co-Founder, Collective for Radical Death Studies
- Ashley Johnson, President of the National End of Life Doula Alliance (moderator)
Learn more about our Panelists.
Conversation #2: Affordability
12:40pm-1:00pm PDT | 20 minutes
Online Participants: Time Zone Calculator
How might we improve affordability in deathcare in each of our communities?
There will be optional, randomly assigned five-minute breakout rooms for online participants.
There will be optional, randomly assigned five-minute breakout rooms for online participants.
Lunch
1:00pm-2:30pm PDT | 1 hour 30 minutes
If you registered before our September 15th deadline, pick up your boxed lunch courtesy of our sponsor Cremation Association of North America. You can also check out the many great options near the library!
Panel #3: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
2:30pm-3:15pm PDT | 45 minutes
Online Participants: Time Zone Calculator
How do diversity, equity, and inclusion issues impact how people access current deathcare systems, both formal and informal? Panelists will discuss their own experiences in accessing deathcare.
Our Panelists are:
Learn more about our Panelists.
Our Panelists are:
- Jasmine Cobb, Clinical Director and Lead Therapist at Visual Healing Therapeutic Services, PLLC
- Joe’l Simone, Funeral Director/ Embalmer & Death Care Educator
- Tiana Dargent, Founder, Queer Community Deathcare
- Alex Casas, Founder, Pale Hearse LLC
- Vienna Lopes Booth, Founder, Old Briar Botanicals
- Chris Ronk, Managing Funeral Director at the Co-Op Funeral Home (moderator)
Learn more about our Panelists.
Conversation #3: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
3:15pm-3:35pm PDT | 20 minutes
Online Participants: Time Zone Calculator
How might deathcare systems in our communities be expanded to provide more inclusive care for all?
There will be optional, randomly assigned five-minute breakout rooms for online participants.
There will be optional, randomly assigned five-minute breakout rooms for online participants.
Afternoon Break
3:35pm-4:15pm PDT | 30 minutes
Online Participants: Time Zone Calculator
Decompress and/or socialize with your fellow conference attendees!
Panel #4: Models of Care
4:15pm-5:00pm PDT | 45 minutes
Online Participants: Time Zone Calculator
What are our models for inclusive, affordable deathcare? Panelists will discuss A Place to Die, the Humane Prison Hospice Project, medical aid in dying (MAiD) care, Omega Homes, and more, as well as how these offerings might be expanded across the U.S.
Our Panelists are:
Learn more about our Panelists.
Our Panelists are:
- Dr. Aditi Sethi, MD, Executive Director and Founder of Center for Conscious Living & Dying
- Dr. Kaishauna Guidry, MD, HMDC, Mourning Dove Medical CEO
- Laura Musselman, Director of Communications, Humane Prison Hospice Project
- Lashanna Williams, Executive Director, A Sacred Passing
- Sara Williams, President, Funeral Consumers Alliance (moderator)
Learn more about our Panelists.
Conversation #4: Models of Care
5:00pm-5:20pm PDT | 20 minutes
Online Participants: Time Zone Calculator
How might these models of care impact the deathcare we provide in our own communities?
There will be optional, randomly assigned five-minute breakout rooms for online participants.
There will be optional, randomly assigned five-minute breakout rooms for online participants.
Closing Remarks
5:20pm PDT
Online Participants: Time Zone Calculator
Join us as we close out the conference with some final remarks from our organizers and a special thanks to our conference sponsors.
Sunday, September 29th
Post-Conference Events
In-Person Only
Tour of Recompose
10-11am PDT | 12-1pm PDT | | 2-3pm PDT | Recompose Seattle (Map)
In-Person Only
Have you heard of Recompose - Seattle's only full-service funeral home specializing in human composting?
Join us on one of three hour-long tour experiences, which offer a unique opportunity to tour Recompose within a community framework. You’ll see Recompose’s ceremony and community spaces as well as a portion of the vessel array in the Greenhouse, where human composting takes place. During the walk-through, you’ll learn about our history, values, goals, and the Recompose human composting process. The tour concludes with a seated Q & A session.
About tour assignment -- There will be paper sign-up sheets at the Conference itself, for folks to sign up for the Recompose Tour Time of their choosing. If you are not attending our Pet Cemetery Service Project at 2pm, please consider signing up for our 12pm or 2pm tours.
About transportation to Recompose -- Attendees are encouraged to connect to one another to arrange carpools or split the cost of a rideshare with each other. Joining this listserv is one option for those who would like to connect with others by email before the conference. There is a bus line to Recompose from the conference site, but it requires a ~1 mile walk from second bus stop to Recompose.
This offering is now completely booked. Thank you for your interest!
Join us on one of three hour-long tour experiences, which offer a unique opportunity to tour Recompose within a community framework. You’ll see Recompose’s ceremony and community spaces as well as a portion of the vessel array in the Greenhouse, where human composting takes place. During the walk-through, you’ll learn about our history, values, goals, and the Recompose human composting process. The tour concludes with a seated Q & A session.
About tour assignment -- There will be paper sign-up sheets at the Conference itself, for folks to sign up for the Recompose Tour Time of their choosing. If you are not attending our Pet Cemetery Service Project at 2pm, please consider signing up for our 12pm or 2pm tours.
About transportation to Recompose -- Attendees are encouraged to connect to one another to arrange carpools or split the cost of a rideshare with each other. Joining this listserv is one option for those who would like to connect with others by email before the conference. There is a bus line to Recompose from the conference site, but it requires a ~1 mile walk from second bus stop to Recompose.
This offering is now completely booked. Thank you for your interest!
Pet Cemetery Service Project
2pm PDT | Seattle-Tacoma Pet Cemetery at 23646 Military Rd S, Kent, WA 98032 (Map)
In-Person Only. Join the Facebook Event.
CFSTPC is excited to host the community outreach event at the deathcare superconference and meet conference attendees at the Seattle-Tacoma Pet Cemetery, a rare cultural resource. We will be cleaning memorial markers in the oldest section of the historic cemetery. The King County Historic Preservation Program (KC HPP) has provided us with state of the art instructions for cleaning. Home Depot Federal Way is donating the cleaning supplies.
We will have refreshments and a special gift for all conference attendees who participate as a thank you for your kind efforts.
The Community and Friends of Seattle-Tacoma Pet Cemetery (CFSTPC) is an intercultural grassroots coalition who works to preserve and protect a historic cemetery and its underserved neighborhood, this urban community's only green space. The 2.12-acre historic Seattle-Tacoma Pet Cemetery (STPC) est. 1950, a King County Landmark, sits on Kent's West Hill in unincorporated South King County, Washington State. Humans, pets, K-9 Officers, and service animals are all interred here, some as whole families. Internationally known "Little Tyke", a vegetarian lioness born at the Tacoma Zoo, is interred here amongst hundreds into the thousands of burials. All significant in one respect or another. This historic cemetery is also "officially eligible" for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) as determined by our Washington State Architectural Historian.
About transportation to the Pet Cemetery Service Project -- Attendees are encouraged to connect to one another to arrange carpools or split the cost of a rideshare with each other. Joining this listserv is one option for those who would like to try to connect by email before the conference.
We will have refreshments and a special gift for all conference attendees who participate as a thank you for your kind efforts.
The Community and Friends of Seattle-Tacoma Pet Cemetery (CFSTPC) is an intercultural grassroots coalition who works to preserve and protect a historic cemetery and its underserved neighborhood, this urban community's only green space. The 2.12-acre historic Seattle-Tacoma Pet Cemetery (STPC) est. 1950, a King County Landmark, sits on Kent's West Hill in unincorporated South King County, Washington State. Humans, pets, K-9 Officers, and service animals are all interred here, some as whole families. Internationally known "Little Tyke", a vegetarian lioness born at the Tacoma Zoo, is interred here amongst hundreds into the thousands of burials. All significant in one respect or another. This historic cemetery is also "officially eligible" for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) as determined by our Washington State Architectural Historian.
About transportation to the Pet Cemetery Service Project -- Attendees are encouraged to connect to one another to arrange carpools or split the cost of a rideshare with each other. Joining this listserv is one option for those who would like to try to connect by email before the conference.
2024 Conference Organizers
BUILDING BRIDGES IN THE DEATHCARE LANDSCAPE 2024 is jointly organized by Funeral Consumers Alliance, NEDA (National End-of-Life Doula Alliance), National Home Funeral Alliance (NHFA), and People's Memorial Association.
2024 Conference Details
Locations
- Seattle Public Library - Central Branch, Reading Room, 1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
- Saturday: Seattle Public Library, 1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
- Sunday: Recompose Seattle, 4 S. Idaho St, Seattle, WA 98134
This event is NOT hosted, sponsored, or endorsed by The Seattle Public Library.
Any views that are discussed in this meeting are not a reflection of The Seattle Public Library’s views.
Any views that are discussed in this meeting are not a reflection of The Seattle Public Library’s views.
Airports
- Seattle–Tacoma International Airport
- King County International Airport
Hotels
Click here for more info about the hotel block.
Our discounted hotel block at the Arctic Club Hotel is now full.
Our discounted hotel block at the Arctic Club Hotel is now full.
Parking
The Central Library has a 143-stall underground paid parking garage with an entrance on Spring Street between Fourth and Fifth avenues. More about parking.
Seating
We have both auditorium seating and conference seating available. All seating is the same price and will be set up for Q&A interaction with our speakers using our virtual platform (more info coming soon). Request the seating that best meets your accessibility needs; we'll do our best to meet your request, depending on availability. See below for more details.
Auditorium Seating
260 seats total
Our auditorium seating offers a same-room experience with our speakers, with projection screens and amplified sound for an enhanced experience. Q&A interaction with our speakers will be made possible through our virtual Q&A platform (more info coming soon). There is limited wheelchair space in the front row.
See the Seattle Public Library Meeting Rooms page (Auditorium) for more details.
See the Seattle Public Library Meeting Rooms page (Auditorium) for more details.
Conference Table Seating
80 seats total
Our conference table seating offers the amenities of a table and straight-backed chairs, with our speakers viewable on screen with amplified sound. Q&A interaction with our speakers will be made possible through our virtual Q&A platform (more info coming soon). Wheelchair seating is available at each table (we'll remove chairs as needed).
See the Seattle Public Library Meeting Rooms page (Meeting Room 1) for more details.
See the Seattle Public Library Meeting Rooms page (Meeting Room 1) for more details.
Accessibility
- Do you have a disability or special need which requires our awareness? Please let us know when you register. We strive to be an inclusive, accessible conference and will do our best to provide accessible options when possible.
- See our Seating Info above to request a seat that best needs your accessibility needs.
- All Seattle Public Library locations, interior book returns, restrooms and meeting rooms are ADA compliant. Each location has:
- Designated ADA parking spaces
- Automatic doors at all main entrances and elevator access to all levels
- Elevators at the Central Library provide verbal cues at each floor
- A number of bus routes stop at or near libraries. Contact Metro at 206-553-3000 for more information about accessible transportation.
Food & Beverages
We provide coffee and tea all day, and a boxed lunch on Saturday.
Your boxed lunch options include a turkey or vegetarian sandwich with gluten-free and dairy-free options, both with sides and a drink.
There are also many great options near the library!
Your boxed lunch options include a turkey or vegetarian sandwich with gluten-free and dairy-free options, both with sides and a drink.
There are also many great options near the library!
Student Discount
We're offering a discount on in-person registration for students! Visit our Registration page to learn more.
Recordings
Yes, we'll be making conference recordings available after the conference! Paid online registrants will receive a recording within a few weeks of the conference; they'll also be released to the public for free later this fall.
CEUs
We are unable to offer continuing education credits at this time but hope to do so in a future year!
Covid-19 Safety
Please note that our Covid policy is subject to change based on the most up-to-date public health recommendations and local guidelines.
As community deathcare organizations, accessibility and safety are core values. In the spirit of accessibility and safety, we ask that all attendees have a negative Covid test immediately prior to attending our in-person conference events. We are also encouraging but not requiring attendees to mask at this indoor event.
We are using an honor system approach and will not ask you to show us a negative test. If you would like us to provide a test for you, please indicate this when you register.
As community deathcare organizations, accessibility and safety are core values. In the spirit of accessibility and safety, we ask that all attendees have a negative Covid test immediately prior to attending our in-person conference events. We are also encouraging but not requiring attendees to mask at this indoor event.
We are using an honor system approach and will not ask you to show us a negative test. If you would like us to provide a test for you, please indicate this when you register.
Refund Policy
We understand that circumstances may arise that require you to cancel your attendance at our event. We offer a 30-day refund policy that provides a full refund if you cancel your registration more than 30 days prior to the start of the event (by Wednesday, August 28th).
If you need to cancel your registration less than 30 days before the event, we we will not be able to issue any refund. To request a refund, please contact us at [email protected] and provide your registration information. We will process your refund within 7-14 business days of receiving your request.
We strive to provide fair and reasonable refund policies for our attendees, while also ensuring that we are able to cover the costs associated with organizing and hosting the event.
If you need to cancel your registration less than 30 days before the event, we we will not be able to issue any refund. To request a refund, please contact us at [email protected] and provide your registration information. We will process your refund within 7-14 business days of receiving your request.
We strive to provide fair and reasonable refund policies for our attendees, while also ensuring that we are able to cover the costs associated with organizing and hosting the event.
2024 Conference Sponsors
The 2024 Deathcare Superconference is sponsored by Compassion & Choices, Keeper Memorials / Talk Death, Cremation Association of North America, End of Life Washington, Final Exit Network, Fitting Tribute Funeral Services, LLC, A Good Goodbye, Green Burial Council, Passages International, Titan Casket, Conservation Burial Alliance, and Recompose. Learn more on our Sponsors page.
Want to become a Conference Sponsor?
The deadline to become a sponsor is August 16, 2024.
Supporting us as a conference sponsor offers an opportunity to connect with our diverse deathcare community and gain valuable exposure and recognition for your brand. You’ll reach the people leading the charge in the deathcare movement!
Superconference Watch Parties
Host a Local Watch Party
If you can’t join us in Seattle, why not host a local, in-person WATCH PARTY?
Get the networking goodness at home AND nurture authentic conversation during our live panel discussions!
Get the networking goodness at home AND nurture authentic conversation during our live panel discussions!
Tips for getting started
- Purchase at least one ticket to the online conference. Then you can stream the conference with an unlimited number of friends if you gather in person!
- Identify a venue for your event. Do you know of a place in your community where you could stream the event and converse with others in a comfortable environment? Options might include your home or renting a room at your local library, activities center, or spiritual community.
- Decide how to collect RSVPs! This could be as easy as sharing your name and email address with us or creating an event page on social media or a site like Eventbrite.
- Send us your info! Let us know you’d like to host a public watch party by filling out this form. All we need is your name, city/state/country, and how you’d like interested folks in your local community to contact you.
- We’ll post your event info on our website so folks can begin to connect with you.
On the day of your watch party
- Have food and drinks on hand (invite folks to bring something to share!).
- Set an intention for your day and take breaks as needed.
- Take pictures! We’d love to share the excitement of your group with others in our post-conference media splash!
Thank you for hosting a watch party!
Find a Local Watch Party
Additional parties coming soon!
California - Mammoth Lakes
Colorado - Denver
Hosted by sky and nat.
Death & Grief Queer Meet-Up: Deathcare Superconference Watch Party! Learn more and RSVP on Eventbrite.
Death & Grief Queer Meet-Up: Deathcare Superconference Watch Party! Learn more and RSVP on Eventbrite.
Minnesota - Mankato
Hosted by Echo Yeoman of YeoDragon Wellness LLC.
I'm a Death & Bereavement Doula who would love to connect with other death workers & death open community members. You can learn more about me at my website. Please email me to connect.
I'm a Death & Bereavement Doula who would love to connect with other death workers & death open community members. You can learn more about me at my website. Please email me to connect.
New Mexico - Albuquerque
Hosted by Danielle Slupesky of Conscious Crossroads End of Life Services.
I share office space with another Death Doula and we are opening up our classroom/workshop space to host a watch party. We are providing people with food and drinks and the venue to watch the conference. To cover the catering & overhead costs we are asking for a total of $50 per attendee. People can register and pay at this link.
I share office space with another Death Doula and we are opening up our classroom/workshop space to host a watch party. We are providing people with food and drinks and the venue to watch the conference. To cover the catering & overhead costs we are asking for a total of $50 per attendee. People can register and pay at this link.
Oregon - Salem
Hosted by Dena Swift of Crossroads End of Life Doula Services LLC.
Reach out to Dena by email. Seating is limited * Attendees to purchase food & bevvy directly from venue.
Reach out to Dena by email. Seating is limited * Attendees to purchase food & bevvy directly from venue.
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