September 4, 2025
4:00PM - 5:00PM EDT

Webinar: The ABCs of Mortuary Shipping

Online Registration is Open!

Registration:

Register Online Here

Can’t make it live? No problem! If you register but are unable to join the live webinar, you’ll automatically receive access to the on-demand version. Once the recording is available, you’ll receive an email with instructions to connect and view the program at your convenience.

Webinar Reminders:

• Each online participant must register and attend with their own unique email address
• To ensure your attendance is recorded, join the program from the unique link provided in your confirmation email
• Each participant must be on the program for a minimum of 50 minutes to be eligible for CE credit 
• If you have never used Zoom on your device, you will need to download the Zoom desktop application or the Zoom mobile app to view the webinar. Please note: Internet Explorer is no longer a supported browser. For the best experience, we recommend using Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari.
• If you have trouble viewing the webinar, please call SeminarWeb support at (737) 201-2059.

Price:

• Member: $45.00
• Non-Member Member: $65.00

Continuing Education:

• 1 CE Hour, Laws & Rules, pending approval with the State of Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors

Summary:

As presented at the 2025 OFDA Convention and Exhibition, this practical and informative program gives funeral professionals the essential tools to confidently manage the complexities of shipping and receiving human remains. Focusing on international cases, it covers legal requirements, documentation, timelines, and common procedural challenges. Attendees will also learn how to set realistic expectations and communicate effectively with families. Gain expert insight and real-world solutions to navigate this critical aspect of funeral service with confidence and care.

What you will learn:

• Understand the rules, regulations and procedural requirements for shipping and receiving human remains.
• Identify common challenges and solutions in managing domestic and international cases.
• Gain practical knowledge to better prepare funeral directors for the complexities of these situations.

Presenters:

Kahlen M. Knapik
Licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer and Crematory Operator
Vice President, National Mortuary Shipping & Cremation
At-Large Director, OFDA Board of Directors

Kahlen is a licensed funeral director, embalmer, and crematory operator with over 24 years of experience in mortuary shipping. He began his career at National Mortuary Shipping & Cremation (NMS) in 2001 and currently serves as Vice President. Throughout his tenure, Kahlen has worked in all aspects of the company—including trade embalming, cremation, shipping, and senior leadership—and has been instrumental in building strong partnerships with funeral service professionals nationwide. He is known for his deep industry knowledge and commitment to the NMS tradition of assisting hometown funeral directors with out-of-town deaths. A summa cum laude graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, Kahlen was awarded the prestigious Mu Sigma Alpha Award and also holds a bachelor’s degree in business. He has written extensively and delivered numerous continuing education programs on mortuary shipping and cremation for local, state, and national funeral director associations and educational institutions. In addition to his role at NMS, Kahlen serves as an At-Large Director on the Ohio Funeral Directors Association Board of Directors