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Our Workshop Speakers

Managing Director | LTJ Funerals International

Bolanle Okusanya Feyita | Nigeria

π“πŽππˆπ‚: Who is the African Client

As the world becomes more interested in understanding cultural experiences and how Black lives matter, combined with the increase in economic migration across the world, there is a global increase of the African diaspora. This means many more will settle, live, and eventually die in a β€˜foreign’ land.

Africa is often mistaken as a country instead of the continent with more than 50 unique countries with individual customs and traditions. However, the countries and subsequently funeral customs can be broadly classified into zones for the purpose of understanding the how, what, when so for example practices in West Africa have almost no similarities with those in Sub-Saharan or Southern Africa.

This workshop is intended to offer funeral service professionals of all backgrounds an informative glimpse into revaluating the needs of the "African' client and how to best serve them. It will also explore funeral customs and of this diverse continent.

A multifaceted entrepreneur and pioneer with diverse experience spanning ove two decades.

She combines culturally intelligent makeup education with 3rd generation funeral services and philanthropy. As a funeral services specialist, Bolanle has a unique ability to navigate funerals, making them accessible to this generation and the next.

She founded LTJ Funerals International after tragedy and personal loss to offer professional, compassionate, and insightful support to families. In addition, she has a unique understanding and sensitivity to the unique customs and diversity in end-of-life traditions across Nigeria, Africa and even beyond.

Bolanle is also an avid traveller who has lived and worked across continents, stimulating speaker, writer and presenter featured in leading publications and media.

President of the International Federation of Thanatologists Associations FIAT-IFTA

Marek Cichewicz | Poland

π“πŽππˆπ‚: FIAT IFTA - the role of a global organization in the funeral industry

My multiannual experience has taught me that business is primarily the art of building relations, including those friendly ones. Money is just their result.

I perceive the funeral industry through the prism of innovations.

I have been developing the new quality of the funeral industry in Poland for over 14 years. Since 2007, I have been managing Bongo International Funeral Services (www.bongo.com.pl), which specialises in the top-quality services of transporting the bodies of those who passed away abroad. We are among the few in the deceased’s transport business who hold the ISO 9001-2015 certificate. Our assets include a thorough knowledge of foreign law, habits and rites in different countries or religions and the experience we have gained through tens of thousands of funerals we carried out worldwide. We are proud of the trust myriads of customers put in us, including government institutions and diplomatic posts (references, certificates and letters of acknowledgement can be found at https://bongo.com.pl/o-nas/o-nas). In addition, we had the privilege of repatriating the bodies of renowned and outstanding people. You will learn more at https://bongo.com.pl/wspomnienia.

I have been passionately supporting the development of the eKlepsydra start-up in the domestic and international markets. The system acts as an e-obituary, It is designed to use a single and simple message to arrange family and friends meeting during the funeral ceremony and commemorate the deceased. With eKlepsydra, flowers can be ordered for the funeral and paid for online. Also, the application allows for online streaming of the ceremony. Our partner funeral homes particularly value these solutions as they contribute to promoting their services and increasing sales. More information about the eKlepsydra system can be found on https://www.eklepsydra.pl/

I am a partner to Centrum Pogrzebowe KLEPSYDRA. In 2016-2020, the company developed a crematory, funeral home and new necropolis in PodgΓ³rki Tynieckie (a Cracow’s district). That was a public-private partnership project with the city of KrakΓ³w, the first of this type in Poland, with an estimated value of PLN 24.5 million. More information about the PodgΓ³rki Tynieckie necropolis is available at https://www.cmentarzkrakow.pl/.

I strive to build a national network of funeral companies which would provide deceased’s families with services of comparable quality throughout Poland.

I am active on the international stage in the development of the funeral industry. I am the President of the International Federation of Thanatologists Associations FIAT-IFTA, the greatest industry association in the world, which groups members from over 80 countries. My duties include coordinating matters involving the international transport of the deceased.

Adjunct professor of Mortuary science

Dominick Astorino | USA

π“πŽππˆπ‚: Practical Restorative Art for the Modern Embalmer

This fast-paced lecture is a rapid fire β€œcrash course” designed to demonstrate the endless possibilities of restorative art when it is supported by proper embalming education. The one-hour lecture will address common problems and offer proven solutions. Attendees will leave the presentation understanding the value of education and how proper technique can produce results otherwise thought impossible. This lecture will use high-definition photos and cover topics such as discolorations, motor vehicle accidents, gunshot trauma of the head and face, and methods of treatment for lacerations and abrasions.

Dominick J. Astorino is an adjunct professor of mortuary science both at Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago and Wayne State University in Detroit where he wrote and teaches courses in embalming, restorative art, pathology and microbiology. Innovations such as the creation of a hands-on cranial reconstruction lab as well as teaching advanced techniques by applying basic principles have earned him accolades and awards from students and colleagues alike.

His work in the field of restorative art and reconstructive embalming has been highlighted in numerous publications worldwide as well as by invitations to present lectures across the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. In 2019, Dominick started the Kenyan Embalming Education Initiative which brought a standard of care, education and supplies to the underprivileged mortuary workers in Kenya; in 2020 Dominick presented the first embalming education seminar on the continent of Africa. A proponent of education, Dominick holds degrees in cellular biology and mortuary science and sits on the restorative art curriculum review committee for the American Board of Funeral Service Education.

Mr. Astorino is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in the states of Michigan and Illinois and is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, Michigan Funeral Directors Association, Illinois Funeral Directors Association, and the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice.

Marketing & Communicatons | Pilato SpA

Rossella Piovesan| Italy

π“πŽππˆπ‚: Virtual Tour of the Pilato factory

A LIVE Virtual Tour of the Pilato Factory giving you a sneak peek into their world of hearses, will be presented by Rossella Piovesan all the way from Italy

Innovators since 1963 with cutting-edge design and a vision of the Future.

Innovate is the inspirational motto of our company: a vision of global growth through technological evolution with a vision that is always oriented towards future. We are constantly investing resources to generate value in the cars we make, and we are committed to improving our impact on the environment. So, the future is going greener with the Hybrid Plug-in engine range, which guarantees the best drive for the specific selected route with a mix of energy, power, and range for the journey.

Creating professional vehicles tailored for the funeral industry which truly reflect all funeral cultures.

Connecting the many different transport needs of operators.

Producing refined, sophisticated and exclusive vehicles with a unique, immediately recognisable style.

Founder and Owner of Storm Combat

Ivana Ries | South Africa

π“πŽππˆπ‚: Hijacking in South Africa 2023: Pre-Emptive Measures

- The Global Underground Economy
- Crime Syndicate Operations, Current MO, and Ambush Strategies
- Applications from the War in Iraq and Afghanistan
- Soft Skills and Survival Under Pressure

Ivana is a full time, professional Tactical Close Quarter (Hand-to-Hand) Combat Instructor, Tactical Firearms Instructor (ITA / PFTC), Bladed and Edged Weapons Instructor (FMA),

Israeli Krav Maga Instructor and Black Belt (Trained by Ex-Special Forces). She is a licensed and qualified Mixed Martial Arts Instructor through the International MMA Federation (IMMAF) and is a registered instructor with MMA South Africa. She is an Affiliate Coach of Quan Wessels (BJJ/MMA/Wrestling).

Ivana specialises in teaching advanced close quarter combat to members of special police units, VIP/Close Protection Officers/Bodyguards, Armed and Unarmed Security Personnel, members of Emergency Medical Services and Emergency Responders.

She is a sought-after conference speaker. She further specialises in tactical risk mitigation strategies for all road users, including Transport and Logistics Companies, Fleet Owners as well as the public. In addition, Ivana is actively involved in projects to curb gender-based-violence as well as human trafficking.

Chiropractor

Dr Kanwal Sood | South Africa

π“πŽππˆπ‚: The Big Back Theory

- Am I at risk? Do I need a scan, injection and/or surgery?
- What can I do? What should I avoid?
- Posture, lifting & ergonomic best practices
- What are the treatments & approaches that work, and who should I see?
- Demo component with Q&A

I have been in private practice for the past 14 years. This time has also included working with a club rugby team, treating on-site at 2 major corporates, supervising Chiropractic interns and being involved in best evidence training of spine providers overseas.

In 2017 I formed a group practice collaboration called KZN Spine care in order to engage & educate the public and wider medical community in Durban- this was inspired by mentor & co-founder Dr Junaid Shaik and by the work of Spine Care partners.

I am fascinated by the machine that is the human body and I enjoy integrating various approaches & disciplines that minimize pain & suffering while maximizing well-being, performance, and clarity of mind.

Spine-related issues are often complex & all-encompassing, so I believe that they can actually serve as a springboard for self-care at many levels- a massive opportunity for large-scale health care reform.

Having been fortunate to work in different settings and with a variety of patient types, my special interests include innovative interdisciplinary care programs, community health models and training & support of all spine practitioners.

Group Chief Executive Officer | Icebolethu Group

Nomfundo Mcoyi | South Africa

π“πŽππˆπ‚: Icebolethu Group - A proudly South African Story

Nomfundo Mcoyi who has become a multi-skilled entrepreneur and community builder based in KwaZulu-Natal. She founded Icebolethu Funerals 13 years ago which has grown to be Icebolethu Group, a conglomerate comprised of 10 companies. Icebolethu Group has over 120 branches in KZN, Gauteng and including one in the United Kingdom. The group employs over 1700 staff and the funeral division holds over 500 000 funeral policies to date making it one of the leaders in the industry.

Nomfundo transformed a funeral parlour into a group of successful companies, to attest to this Icebolethu Funerals alone has an annual turnover of more than R500 000 000. She has managed to excel in the funeral and financial sector, and through Icebolethu Academy she is empowering smaller businesses in her industry by providing training on the various industry regulations and guidelines.

Ms. Mcoyi is the Board Member of Services SETA where she chairs the Governance Committee. She’s currently the Chairperson of SAFPA in KwaZulu Natal.

Her business achievements have resulted in the following local and international awards and recognition:

β€’ Winner of the Standard Bank Top Business, Top Brand Award - KZN – 2022
β€’ The Global Impact for Business Services and Community Development by Global African Awards in 2021.
β€’ Top Businesswomen for 2019
β€’ Lioness Award in 2018 by Women of Africa in the UK
β€’ Amongst her many accolades, Nomfundo has recently published a book titled β€œBoardroom to the Kitchen with Nomfundo Mcoyi.”
β€’ She is also the Founder and Chairperson of Icebolethu Foundation which has established a host of initiatives that are geared towards improving the lives of underprivileged communities including building homes for families in need.

Ms. Mcoyi personally mentors 65 young girls through the Rhoda Girls initiative which is a holistic programme that is empowering young African women to be the best they can be and be leaders in society.

Chief Executive Officer | Sirius Lex

Germa Beukes | South Africa

π“πŽππˆπ‚: Money laundering and the funeral industry

I am a legal professional, specialising in Compliance in the financial services industry. I am passionate about my clients and my career in Compliance, but I am also a firm believer in balance in all areas – especially work-life-balance.

At Sirius Lex, we firmly believe in good trust relationships as a basis for ensuring adherence.

Although risk management principles and methods are universal, each client has unique needs and we customise our methodology to match these needs – we approach each client uniquely.

Sirius is the name of the brightest star in the night sky. Lex is the Latin name for Law. The combination of the two words are meant to illustrate a smart way of looking at, and adherin to legislative requirements. This is essentially what compliance is all about – obeying the law, meeting legal requirements and meeting specified standards.

Owner | Brand Contact

Monwabisi Thethe| South Africa

Facilitator | Open Mic Session | The Voice of the Industry

Monwabisi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology and Business Systems from the University of Pretoria, as well as a Post-Graduate BA Honours in Brand Leadership and Communications from VEGA.

An avid sports enthusiast, previously representing his province in cricket and soccer, Monwabisi’s love of sport keeps him physically fit and mentally disciplined. He is the Co-founder and Editor Director at BLQ (formerly, Blaque) Magazine which is aimed at the discerning global African and focuses on African lifestyle, creativity and aspirations. He also owns Brand Contact, a brand activations and marketing agency, as well as a number of restaurants.

Monwabisi is a passionate and tenacious all-rounder, who inspires and motivates the people around him. He is a great connector who builds strong working relationships with his peers and colleagues and excels in environments which challenge him.

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