VFDA Winter Conference SCHEDULE
January 18-19, 2026
7:30AM to 9:30AM – Registration/Event Check-in.
7:30AM to 9:30AM – Breakfast (If you are not a hotel guest, please check in at our registration table first).
9:30AM to 10AM – Welcome, Opening Remarks, and Sponsor Appreciation.
10AM to 11AM (1 CE Hour) – Motivational Speaker Janine Stange on
Choose to Rise: 5 Keys to Maintain Balance + Ignite Momentum Speaker Bio
11AM to 12 Noon (1 CE Hour) – Chesterfield County Sheriff Karl Leonard on The Fentanyl Crisis.
12 Noon to 1PM (1 CE Hour) – Chesterfield County Sheriff Karl Leonard, on
Revive Training and How Narcan Can Save Lives.
Speaker Bio
1PM to 1:30PM – Break and Light Lunch by Groovin' Gourmet.
1:30PM to 2:30PM (1 CE Hour) – Sandra Nichols PhD of Panacea Behavioral Health & Wellness on
Compassion Burnout and Stress in Funeral Service.
Speaker Bio
2:30PM to 3:30PM – Words From our Sponsors in the VFSA.
3:30PM to 4:30PM (1 CE Hour) – Mandy Stafford of Return Home on
Natural Organic Reduction (Human Composting).
Speaker Bio
4:30PM – Closing Remarks and Drawing for three $100.00 Visa Gift Cards Donated by Our Awesome
VFSA Sponsors. (Must Be Present to Win).
5PM – Break
5:30PM to 7PM – Cocktail Reception and Young Leaders Gathering.
7PM – Appetizers and Buffet Dinner by Groovin' Gourmet.
7:30AM to 9:00AM – Registration/Event Check-in.
6AM to 9:00AM – Breakfast (If you are not a hotel guest, please check in at our registration table first).
9AM to 9:30AM – Welcome and Sponsor Appreciation.
9:30AM to 11:30AM (2 CE Hours)– Matthew T. Metchke, CFSP, Dover Air Force Base Port Mortuary.
Speaker bio.
11:30AM to 12PM – Break and Light Lunch.
12PM to 1PM (1 Law CE Hour) – Angie Bezik of Principle Advantage Government Relations Group and VFDA Lobbyist.
Read More Speaker bio
1PM to 2PM (1 CE Preneed Hour) – Blair Nelsen with the State Board of Funeral Directors & Embalmers will provide Updates and Preneed Information.
Speaker bio
2PM to 2:30PM – Closing Remarks and Drawing for three $100.00 Visa Gift Cards Donated by Our Awesome
VFSA Sponsors. (Must Be Present to Win).
3PM to 5:30PM – VFDA Board Meeting
5:30PM to 7PM –Kickback Snack Buffet *for Monday Night Hotel Guests only.
VFDA 2026 Winter Conference - VFDA Day at your Virginia Capitol
- An Overview of the Annual Legislative Advocacy Event
Introduction
The VFDA leadership is bringing back “VFDA Day at Your Virginia Capitol” as a signature event of the Virginia Funeral Directors Association (VFDA) Winter Conference. This finale` to the annual Winter Conference is designed to bring together funeral service professionals from across the Commonwealth to engage directly with lawmakers and their staff to educate them on our profession and advocate for the VFDA’s 2026 Session policy positions. The VFDA Winter Conference’s A Day at your Virginia Capitol is a valuable event for those committed to legislative advocacy and professional development. Engaging with key legislators at the Virginia Capitol empowers funeral service licensees to be proactive in shaping the future of their profession while ensuring the needs of their communities are represented at the highest levels of state government.
A Day at the Virginia Capitol Timeline
- “Pre-game” Meeting: Attendees will meet in the morning in downtown Richmond to gather information and pick up talking points to have on hand for their visits with legislators. (8:00 a.m. - Location to be determined but will be walkable to Capitol Square.)
- Meetings with Lawmakers: VFDA members who have signed up in advance and by the deadline provided will have scheduled appointments with their state senators, delegates and staff to discuss VFDA’s priorities and share personal stories. (Between 8:30 – 11:30)
- Introduction in the Capitol - House of Delegates or State Senate Gallery: VFDA will be introduced from the floor of the House of Delegates and/or Senate by a legislator. These official recognition of guests in the gallery acknowledged by the Speaker of the House or the Lt. Governor an official daily calendar item during what is known as the “morning hour” and will be livestreamed and available for public viewing on the Virginia General Assembly website. (Usually between noon and 1:00 p.m.)
- Capitol Tours: Attendees have self-guided tour, guided tour and group tour options of the Capitol, the Executive Mansion and the Supreme Court. The Capitol Guides desk is located just inside the public Bank Street Capitol entrance. Additional details will be provided. (At your leisure.)
Impact on the Profession
VFDA Day at the Virginia Capitol not only strengthens the voice of the VFDA within state government but also educates our members on the legislative process. Participating funeral service professionals will gain valuable advocacy skills and contribute to the advancement of the funeral service profession in Virginia.
