Selected Independent Funeral Homes held its Annual Meeting at The Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans, Louisiana, September 28-October 1, 2025.

More than 330 attendees explored strategies for leadership, business growth and service excellence while earning as many as 10 continuing-education credits. A notable highlight was the keynote presentation by retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Kirk Lippold, whose “Pillars of Leadership” inspired attendees with lessons in integrity, accountability and resilience.

Attendees also gained insights from The Ritz-Carlton’s renowned “culture of excellence,” with education focused on employee engagement, sustainable processes and legendary service.

Said Barbara Risher Welch, president of Selected, about the event: “The vibrancy of New Orleans was the perfect setting for building relationships with like-minded professionals and gaining fresh inspiration to elevate the service we provide to our communities.”

Selected’s 108th Annual Meeting will be held September 2-5, 2026, at the Omni Louisville Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. SelectedFuneralHomes.org