Speaking & Seminars

Practical Preneed Insights for Industry Professionals.

Duane speaks from 20+ years of field experience — not a PowerPoint template. Every presentation is grounded in what actually works in North Carolina and South Carolina funeral homes today.

Duane Cutlip is available for keynotes, breakout sessions, workshops, and continuing education presentations at state association conferences, funeral home retreats, carrier events, and community educational programs. He is a practitioner-speaker — not an academic or career consultant — which means audiences leave with insights they can put to work the next week.

Speaking Topics

The 5 Preneed KPIs That Predict Your Funeral Home's Future
Preneed Compliance in the Carolinas: What's Changed and What's Coming
Building a Community-Based Preneed Pipeline
The Cremation Shift: Adapting Your Preneed Strategy
From Zero to Profitable: Launching a Preneed Program That Works
Carrier Selection for Funeral Home Owners: What Every Contract Should Say
Digital Preneed: What Actually Works for Lead Generation in 2026

Custom topics available. Duane has deep expertise across preneed sales, NC/SC compliance, carrier selection, community outreach, and funeral home business operations.

Where Duane Speaks

State Association Conferences

NCFDA, SCFDA, and NFDA events. Available for keynotes, breakout sessions, and panel presentations. Speaking at association events is typically complimentary — Duane considers it an investment in the profession.

Funeral Home Staff Retreats

Half-day and full-day educational sessions for funeral home teams. Content is tailored to the specific funeral home — its current program, staff skill level, and growth goals.

Carrier & Vendor Events

Training events for preneed insurance carriers, preneed marketing firms, and funeral home vendors. Duane provides content on the independent funeral home perspective, sales strategy, and regulatory compliance.

Community Educational Events

Workshops for churches, Rotary clubs, senior centers, and community organizations on funeral planning, Medicaid and preneed, and end-of-life preparation. Duane has extensive experience making these conversations accessible and non-frightening.

Industry Events — 2026

Key preneed and funeral industry events where Duane is available to speak or present:

NFDA International Convention & Expo

Oct 25–28, 2026 · Charlotte, NC

In Duane's home state. Pursuing speaking slot.

NCFDA Conference & Exhibition

2026 (TBD) · North Carolina

NC home turf. Regular speaker.

SCFDA Mid Winter Conference

February 2026 · Columbia, SC

Annual SC industry event.

SCFDA Summer Convention

June 7–9, 2026 · Myrtle Beach, SC

Annual SC conference.

Kates-Boylston Preneed Planning Symposium

May 2026 · Virtual

Preneed-specific virtual symposium.

Book Duane for Your Event

To discuss availability, topics, and logistics for your event, call or send a message. State association events are typically complimentary; private engagements are $1,500–$5,000 depending on format and travel.

Speaking Inquiry

Tell Duane about your event — he'll let you know if he's available and whether the topic is the right fit.