Pursuing Passion

...discovering meaningful work in the funeral industry

Speakers and Panellists

2019 saw a fantastic line up of sessions, speakers and panellists at the AIFP Annual conference.  

Kicking Off …Our Keynote Speaker | A Passion Filled Bucket List…

Trav Bell – The Bucket List Guy

Trav says “People think they are going to live forever and that they have all the time in the world to do all the things that they want to do in their life. But in reality, life gets cut short for most and they end up having regrets.”
This opening session will inspire you to stop sleepwalking through your life and offers you a new perspective to look at your lives.

Session One | It’s Time to Change

Asha Martin, Founder and Designer Requiem Funeral Technology

Asha will discuss the changes in technology options now available to funeral industry professionals, including funeral planning, marketing platforms and how the implementation of technology in the workplace can create more efficient processes to operate with minimal staff.

Session Two | Panel | Lifting the Lid on the Industry

Everything you might want or need to know about working in the funeral care and allied industries.

Journalist and author Kellie Curtain will facilitate a panel conversation about the breadth and depth, the possibilities for finding passion in the funeral industry with:

• Death Doula | Dr Annetta Mallon, Gentle Death Events and Planning; 
• Funeral Director | Ian Arthur, Ian Arthur & Sons Funerals; 
• Funeral Transport expert | Kerry McKeon Professional Transfer Services; 
• Embalmer | Craig Kerr, Greenhaven Funerals; and 
• Celebrant | Mario Anders, Treasured Ceremonies

Session Three | Building Better Business

William Siebler, Marketing Strategist

What you can do to build your business? William will talk about ways to build your business – marketing strategies, relationship building, business development that you can explore and apply for better business outcomes.

Session Four | Playing to Your Strengths

Braith Bamkin, The Target Market Guy

How does a middle age Anglo-Australian male become a sought-after Laugh Yoga Leader as well as a successful Executive Director in the international business franchise, BNI. Braith Bamkin has had a varied career that has seen great highs and distinct lows but has embraced his journey to lead him to a place where his strengths are his tool kit.

During this session, Braith will share his journey with you and give you some practical tools to find your strength in any industry and you might even get a laugh or two.

Session Five | Stories of the Pursuit of Passion

After lunch you’ll hear from three dedicated people about their personal experiences in the pursuit of passion… Megan, Michelle and Chuck will be talking about their passion in their respective careers and lives.

Personal Experiences of Pursuing Passion

Megan Thornton, Florist, Mordialloc Florist

Michelle Gardiner, Social Worker & Advocate, The Aspire Series

Chuck Watson, Home Funeral Specialist, Barefoot Funerals

Session Six | It’s a Man’s World (or is it?)

Kellie Curtain will be joining us again to facilitate the conversation on gender impact in the funeral care industry.

Gavin Heritage, Heritage Funerals and Kathy Hodge, Independent Funeral Industry Support Services.

      

Gavan and Kathy talk about working in the industry from a male and female perspective, as well as the changing gender balance in the industry.

Session Seven | Overcoming Overwhelm

– Real Self Care That Works With Work! (and this is NOT really about eating more vegetables or exercising)

Margo Field, Go See Margo

Margo will deliver a very practical and interactive session – the strategies on offer are essentially about humanising your life and being more you.