THANOS
RETHINKING
TOMORROW
DISCOVER CROATIA
NEW NATIONAL
MEMBER OF FIAT-IFTA
EMBRACING
SUSTAINABILITY
IN THE FUNERAL
INDUSTRY
103
MAGAZINE
AUTUMN 2023
The World Organization of Funeral Operatives
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BOLOGNA ITALY
2024
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LEVEL
Dear colleagues and friends,
ime, measured by daily tasks and industry
meetings, passes hastly. We have alread
reached the second half of the year! From the
perspective of the FIAT-IFTA president, the first
half of this year was successful and promising. The
highlight was undoubtedly the FIAT-IFTA Annual
Meeting 2023 in Varna. The inpecable organisation
by the Union of the Funeral Companies in Bulgaria
made it a great sucess and it was fantastic to see
such a large group of members attending the
meeting.
This issue of THANOS magazine features coverage
of the meeting. I cordially invite you to read it, as
we spent a great time in Bulgaria, not only working
on new projects, but also networking and simply
enjoying time together, discovering the Bulgarian
culture and hospitality.
In this issue of THANOS magazine you will also find
many interesting articles on new technologies in
the funeral industry and sustainability. We look to
the future, but still remain attentive to what is most
important in our daily service – the grieving family.
I am very happy to see an increasing interest and
involvement of FIAT-IFTA members in preparing
materials for our magazine.
What awaits us in the second half of the year?
I cordially
invite
all
repatriation
companies
or those interested in repatriation of human
remains by air to a unique IATA (International
Air
Transportation
Association)
webinar:
“Compassionate Transportation – all you need to
know about the transport of human remains by
air.” Two dates have been set for early September.
Meanwhile, the supervised practical embalming
workshop organized by SORTEM in cooperation
with FIAT-IFTA and ALTIMA will take place in mid-
September in Barcelona as part of the FIAT-IFTA’s
Global Education Program. Interest in this
workshop is so high that we are already planning
the next editions. I warmly encourage FIAT-IFTA
members to send inquiries and applications.
We also have many funeral fairs, conferences or
events ahead of us. If you like to plan, stay up to
date by following our calendar of events on our
website www.thanos.org/events . I cordially invite
you all to save the date of next year’s FIAT-IFTA
convention on your diaries. The meeting will be
held in Krakow on September 18-20, 2024. I will be
delighted to welcome you to my home country and
one of Poland’s most beautiful cities.
I look forward to seeing you all in next few months
at some of the many funeral events taking place
around the world.
Marek Cichewicz
FIAT-IFTA President
Marek Cichewicz
FIAT-IFTA President
THANOS MAGAZINE
THANOS magazine, the official magazine of FIAT-IFTA
Editor-in-Chief: Katarzyna Supa, e-mail: fiatifta-magazine@thanos.org
Editorial Office: FIAT-IFTA – The World Organization of Funeral Operatives,
Apolloweg 325, 8239DC, Lelystad – NL
Design & DTP: PRZECINEK.studio
All materials are copyrighted. Reprinting and use of materials require
permission from the FIAT-IFTA Office. Editors reserve the right to shorten texts
and change the titles of submitted materials. FIAT-IFTA Office is not liable
for the content of advertisements and promotional materials.
Feel invited to create the Thanos Magazine together with us and advertise your products and services: fiatifta-magazine@thanos.org
Photo by Sándor Kerekes for OTEI
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 103 – AUTUMN 2023
NETWORKING, EDUCATION
AND CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
SUMMARY OF THE FIAT-IFTA
ANNUAL MEETING 2023 IN VARNA
By Katarzyna Supa, editor-in-chief of THANOS magazine
and Emerson De Luca, FIAT-IFTA Executive Secretary
he 52nd FIAT-IFTA I.C.D. Annual Meeting
2023, hosted by the Union of the Funeral
Companies in Bulgaria on the occasion of
their 30th anniversary of the establishment
of the organization, was held in Varna
from June 7 to 9. The meeting served as
a platform for integration, knowledge
sharing, and experience exchange among
FIAT-IFTA members, fostering international
collaboration. Additionally, the visit to
Bulgaria provided a remarkable chance
to immerse oneself in Bulgarian culture,
traditions,
and
hospitality,
offering
a unique glimpse into the local way of life.
The vibrant city of Varna played host to a significant
annual
gathering
and
conference,
drawing
approximately 300 attendees from FIAT-IFTA member
companies across Europe and various corners of
the globe as well as members from the Bulgarian
Association.
The
event
boasted
an impressive
international
representation,
with
participants
from many countries. Among the diverse nations
represented were Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany,
Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malta,
Mexico, Mongolia, Mauritania, Poland, Romania,
Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
The Netherlands, UK, Ukraine, USA, and others.
At this year's Annual Meeting, the primary
focus revolved around crucial organizational
matters. Attendees engaged in discussions
encompassing
various
significant
topics,
including a comprehensive review of the board of
directors' activities over the preceding 12 months,
an examination of the organization's financial
statements for 2022, and the presentation of
the budget for 2023. Additionally, the meeting
involved
the
evaluation
and
approval
of
membership
applications
from
prospective
Associate,
Active,
and
National
Members.
Another noteworthy highlight was the discussion
concerning amendments to the organization's
constitution, a process that will continue with
direct communication to FIAT-IFTA members.
Ultimately, the proposed constitutional changes
will be put to a vote at the forthcoming I.C.D.
Meeting in 2024. Addressing this matter holds
paramount significance, as it aims to align
the document with contemporary times and
accommodate the structural transformations
that have occurred within the organization in
recent years.
Photo: UFCB Press Service/deyanstoevphotography
4
No. 103 – AUTUMN 2023 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBER’S NEWS
During the I.C.D. Meeting, also the work of the FIAT-
IFTA Funeral Heritage Steering Committee was
presented and once again all FIAT-IFTA members
were invited to share their knowledge of intangible
funerary heritage in their countries in the Funeral
Heritage Report 2024. Much attention was also
given to the celebration of the 20th anniversary of
the UNESCO's Convention for the Safeguarding of
the Intangible Cultural Heritage adopted on October
17, 2003. As a proud UNESCO-accredited NGO,
FIAT-IFTA took part in this celebration. We renewed
our commitment to safeguard Intangible Cultural
Heritage as an intrinsic part of the bereavement
process, and therefore an inherent aspect of our
work.
The Assembly also approved the transformation
of the FIAT-IFTA Funeral Exchange Program into
the FIAT-IFTA Global Education Program and the
establishment of an education committee. Under
this new program, the inaugural educational activity
will be a supervised practical embalming workshop in
Barcelona, scheduled to take place from October 10th
to October 13th, 2023. This workshop, organized by
SORTEM in collaboration with FIAT-IFTA and ALTIMA,
a funeral services company, aims to provide hands-on
training and expertise. More information about this
workshop can be found at www.thanos.org
Furthermore, an upcoming webinar focused on
the Transportation of Mortal Remains by air will
be organized by IATA this September, serving as
a significant training event. FIAT-IFTA members
will receive information regarding this webinar via
email. It is noteworthy that IATA generously offers
FIAT-IFTA members a 30% discount for the IATA
HOSTED BY:
THIS FANTASTIC MEETING IN VARNA WAS POSSIBLE THANKS TO MANY SPONSORS:
UFCB – The Union
of the Funeral
Companies in
Bulgaria
LIK-M OOD
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 103 – AUTUMN 2023
MEMBER’S NEWS
Compassionate Transportation Manual (CTM) 2023.
Further details about this offer can be found on
www.thanos.org .
FIAT-IFTA
Conference
2023
addressed
digital
solutions tailored for the funeral industry, Bulgarian
funeral customs and sustainable practices in the
funeral industry and thanatopraxy in particular
the use of formaldehyde thanks to the illuminating
presentations of Ms. Nuria Capdevila and Mr. Craig
L Caldwell. An interesting perspective was provided
also by a panel discussion on “Thanatopraxis and
Sustainability” expertly moderated by Mr Gus Nichols
from Ireland. Panelists included Mr. Craig L. Caldwell
from the UK, Ms. Mylena Cooper from Brazil,
Mr. Antton Loinaz from Spain, and Mr. Dominic
Vernhes from France, offering diverse perspectives
and insights on the subject matter.
Representatives of funeral companies from all
over the world also participated in technical visit
to the Varna Crematorium and toured the Varna
Archaeological Museum, showcasing rich collections
related to funerary culture and the Varna Gold
Treasure, visited the beautiful "Dormition of the
Mother of God" Cathedral, which is a symbol of
the city, and took a trip back in time with the Retro
Museum, which contains exhibits from the period
1944-1989 that tell in artefacts how Bulgarians lived
under socialism.
The evening Gala Dinner was an opportunity to
celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Union of the
Funeral Companies in Bulgaria. The sponsors,
thanks to whom a fantastic meeting in Varna took
place at a very high level, were also honored. The
evening event was also a fantastic opportunity to
enjoy an excellent folklore performance presenting
the music and folk dances of Bulgaria.
We cordially invite all funeral companies to
join the FIAT-IFTA – The World Organization
of Funeral Operatives – www.thanos.org /
www.fiat-ifta.com
See more pictures
from the event
In 2024 we meet again at the
17th FIAT-IFTA Convention and 53rd I.C.D. Annual Meeting of FIAT-IFTA
in Krakow, Poland.
The meeting will take place on 18-20 September 2024
in CKF_13 Fabryczna Conference Center.
Save the date in your diaries! We are looking forward to seeing you!
Watch video from FIAT-IFTA
Annual Meeting 2023 in Varna
6
No. 103 – AUTUMN 2023 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
Organised by
22-24 NOVEMBER
PARIS NORD VILLEPINTE EXHIBITION CENTRE
FUNÉRAIRE
PARIS 2023
International funeral trade exhibition
CONTACT US
info@salon-funeraire.com - Tél. : +33 (0)1 44 54 33 55
ORDER YOUR BADGE ON
www.salon-funeraire.com
Benefi t from a preferential rate
with the code PAR23TH
CHANGE OF VENUE IN 2023
TO PARIS NORD VILLEPINTE
FIAT-IFTA celebrates 2003 UNESCO ICH Convention anniversary
The year 2023 marks the twentieth anniversary
of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the
Intangible Cultural Heritage – twenty years since
the Convention was adopted, on 17 October
2003, by the 32nd session of the General
Conference of UNESCO.
FIAT-IFTA is proud to be a UNESCO-accredited
NGO and to be part of the 20 years celebration
of the 2003 Convention. At this celebration, we
renew our commitment to safeguard Intangible
Cultural Heritage. Intangible Funeral Culture is
an intrinsic part of the bereavement process,
therefore an intrinsic element of the work we do.
Mrs. Chen Yuanyuan, chair of the FIAT-IFTA Funeral
Heritage Committee, on the occasion of 20th
anniversary of the Convention for the Safeguarding
of the Intangible Cultural Heritage UNESCO says:
As a consultative NGO to UNESCO we are proud and
honored to make contributions to the protection
of intangible cultural heritage! Intangible cultural
heritage is closely related to the cultural and
historical memory of mankind and is passed down
from generation to generation. Our organization
is a party to the Convention which is also the
inheritor of the diversity of human funeral culture
protection. Our work consists of setting up heritage
protection organizations, establishing intangible
cultural heritage databases and publishing Funeral
Heritage Reports. We are committed to raising
awareness of the importance of safeguarding
intangible cultural heritage. To promote, excavate
and protect funeral and burial intangible cultural
heritage making continuous efforts to achieve the
goals of the Convention.
Watch a speech by Ms. Chen
Yuanyuan, chair of the FIAT-IFTA
Funeral Heritage Committee
Since its establishment in 2008, the
FIAT-IFTA Funeral Heritage Steering
Committee has been devoting special
attention to traditions, cultural
phenomena and artifacts related to
death, dying, funerals and mourning
at national, regional and local levels
around the world that are worth saving
from oblivion.
8
No. 103 – AUTUMN 2023 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
Organized by UNESCO under the theme
We Are #LivingHeritage, the anniversary is
great the occasion to reflect on the role of
the 2003 Convention in raising awareness
about the diversity and richness of intangible
cultural heritage and in fostering international
cooperation. Living heritage is about people,
resilience and knowledge passed on from
generation to generation.
Since its establishment in 2008, the FIAT-IFTA
Funeral Heritage Steering Committee has been
devoting special attention to traditions, cultural
phenomena and artifacts related to death,
dying, funerals and mourning at national,
regional and local levels around the world that
are worth saving from oblivion.
Become an author of the “Funeral Heritage
Report” – a unique publication presenting
examples of intangible funeral culture from
around the world. It describes customs, rituals,
rites, beliefs, stories, music, art, the language
used to describe the death phenomenon, and
the products of crafts. The report forms part
of the ongoing commitment we have as part of
our membership with UNESCO and helps our
industry to share, learn and hopefully safeguard
funeral traditions and customs associated with
death, funerals and bereavement that still exist
around the world.
Read more and explore past
“Funeral Heritage Report” publications.
FIAT-IFTA members and all those who
have knowledge of intangible funeral
heritage and would like to present it in
the pages of an international publication,
and thus preserve them for future
generations, are invited to contribute to
the report by writing to info@thanos.org
or fiatifta-magazine@thanos.org
Photo: UFCB Press Service/deyanstoevphotography
During the FIAT-IFTA I.C.D. Meeting in Varna,
as a proud UNESCO-accredited NGO, we took part
in the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the
UNESCO's Convention for the Safeguarding of the
Intangible Cultural Heritage adopted on October 17,
2003. We renewed our commitment to safeguard
Intangible Cultural Heritage as an intrinsic part
of the bereavement process, and therefore
an inherent aspect of our work.
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 103 – AUTUMN 2023
MEMBERS’ NEWS
Special discount code for
FIAT-IFTA members planning
to visit FUNÉRAIRE PARIS 2023
If you plan to visit FUNÉRAIRE PARIS 2023, you can
order your badge with a special discount code.
Created in 1987 by the French Trade Association
of the Funeral Industry (CSNAF), FUNÉRAIRE PARIS
is the industry’s leading event in France gathering
200 exhibitors and 5 000 visitors in a business
environment and a friendly atmosphere. A global
showcase for tomorrow’s market where you will
discover new products and services but also new
ideas and solutions for the changes taking place.
Traditionally held every two years at the Paris Le
Bourget Exhibition Centre, which in 2023 will be
part of the Paris Olympic Games, the 19th edition of
FUNÉRAIRE PARIS will be held from Wednesday 22nd
to Friday 24th of November 2023 at the Paris Nord
Villepinte Exhibition Centre.
If you are planning to exhibit at Funéraire Paris
2023, France this November, learn more about the
Funéraire D’Or competition. This is an unique
opportunity, within the leading trade exhibition
of the French funeral market, for companies and
start-ups to showcase their new and innovative
products and services. Only exhibitors registered
to FUNÉRAIRE PARIS 2023 can apply for the awards.
The submission is free of any charges.
The exhibitors should submit their applications by
September 29th. From October, visitors who have
ordered their badge to enter the trade exhibition will
be able to vote among a selection of 10 candidates.
More info and registration at
www.salon-funeraire.com
FIAT-IFTA members can order their badge with a special discount code: PAR23THW
Webinar IATA on repatriation
of human remains by air
Unique opportunity for all repatriation companies
or those interested in repatriation of human
remains by air! Take part in the IATA (International
Air
Transportation
Association)
webinar:
“Compassionate Transportation – all you need to
know about the transport of human remains by air”.
Air transport has grown significantly and provides
a globally
connected
network
supporting
businesses. At the same time the human population
has become much more mobile. For the next-of-
kin this may mean that they wish to repatriate the
remains for a funeral in the home country.
The IATA Compassionate Transportation Manual
(CTM)
constitutes
a manual
of
standards,
procedures and recommended practices to
assist supply chain, partners, freight forwarders,
funeral directors and airlines in the transport of
human remains.
There are two available dates and times for
convenience and to facilitate the participation
of FIAT-IFTA members in different time zones.
• 5th September – 9:00 hrs CET Registration
• 7th September – 16:00 hrs CET Registration
Join this webinar to:
• Get
an introduction
to
the
existing
standards and requirements regarding the
compassionate handling and transport of
human remains.
• Learn how the funeral homes consolidates
the documents and logistic requirements for
international funeral shipping.
• Hear how an airline uses the CTM Checklist to
ensure compliance.
• Ask your questions!
Should you need any further information,
please do not hesitate to contact the FIAT-IFTA
office: info@thanos.org
10
No. 103 – AUTUMN 2023 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
Let’s welcome
new members of FIAT-IFTA
We are happy to welcome 8 new members of our
organization! Since May 2023 we have been joined
by 5 Active Members and 3 Associate Members.
Please welcome:
Active Members:
• CFAM Internacional Funeraria from Portugal
• FUNEZA Servicios Funerarios from Mexico
• Harpa Utfararstofa ehf from Iceland
• PBSGEO GmbH from Germany
• Pogrebne Usluge Silentium from Croatia
Associate Members:
• Ian J. Arthur & Sons from Australia
• Via Ultima from Czech Republic
• WILLIBALD VÖLSING KG from Germany
If you wish to expand your network to enhance
the global exposure of your services, apply for
FIAT-IFTA Membership by sending an e-mail at
info@thanos.org
ADVERTISEMENT
Experimental laboratory
for future cemeteries
The world's first experimental laboratory for future
cemeteries, the 'Vivorum Campus’, was inaugurated
on June 29, 2023 in Süßen, Baden-Württemberg,
Germany. Its ultimate goal is to inspire municipal
authorities, cemetery administrators, and all of us to
reimagine the way we approach bereavement.
At the heart of 'Campus Vivorum' lies a deep focus
on the grieving process and the needs of those
who visit the final resting places of their loved ones
who seeking in it solace for his or her grief and
sadness, as well as nurturing space for memory
and reflection. The project focuses on showing how
modern cemeteries can serve as therapeutic spaces.
It considers diverse needs, expectations, and demands
in various life situations, with a special emphasis on
families with children, older individuals, and those
with dementia. 6,000 m² 'Vivorum Campus' includes
various types of experiential areas – one of which is
the 'Garden of the Senses', designed for people with
mobility disabilities (accessibility without architectural
barriers) and people with dementia (stimulating
memory with scents and structures). Throughout the
complex there are many green, natural spaces that
encourage tranquility, meditation, contemplation, but
also spaces that encourage people to meet and spend
time together. Another aspect is to allow visitors to
the cemetery their individual creativity in expressing
their longing – mourners can write their thoughts on
a special board or 'send' a message by placing it in
a special mailbox.
'Vivorum Campus’ responds to changing funeral
customs – in Germany there has been a noticeable
increase in interest in anonymous forms of burial,
which psychologists believe can interfere with the
grieving process.
Further information can be found at
www.raum-fuer-trauer.de
MEMBERS’ NEWS
Academy of Senior International
Funeral Management
In a sector as warm and complex as it is today the funeral
industry, it is necessary to have training tools that help
us to have an open mind to identify trends and markets
that we will face in the coming years, associated with
the demand that demographic evolution will bring.
Through a model of International business school
born The Academy of International Funeral Top
Management, sponsored by Gayosso Group and
taught by the Tecnológico de Monterrey, a university
recognized worldwide for its prestige and one of the
most important in America, in its educational offer
has an important business school that has trained
hundreds of thousands of graduates of recognized
reputation. According to QS Latin America University
Rankings 2023, Tecnológico de Monterrey ranks fourth
with a score of 94.7, this evaluation is based on the
recognition and academic prestige of each institution,
which involves various aspects such as: employers,
research, resources and internationalization.
The first generation of The Academy of International
Funeral Top Management was graduated in July 2023
by 50 professionals of different nationalities. They
learned how to measure leadership through the 360°
Assessment (Leadership Circle Profile), how to provide
a global approach to the competencies that the funeral
business leader must assume in order to apply it in
their day-to-day decision making, how to promote
the integral performance of the collaborators of the
work teams and how to achieve competitiveness and
sustainability. One of the master classes was led by
President of FIAT-IFTA, Mr. Marek Cichewicz. In this
first generation, the sum of the experience of all the
participants allowed the classes to become authentic
lectures led by the professors and enriched by the
participants, providing different perspectives and
expanding the business vision under the highest
standards of excellence, which are undoubtedly vital to
improve our future as leaders in our sector.
Now the second call for International business school
for senior managers is launched. The focus remains the
same: to generate training spaces that open doors and
allow leaders to have greater visibility and, as a result,
exponential growth. The funeral industry is undergoing
significant changes in their approaches to organic
and inorganic growth, and leaders must be aware of
this, betting and investing in new ways of developing
people, but especially talent.
To participate you must pre-register by sending
an email to: egonzalez@gayosso.com , attention
Elizabeth Gonzalez, Manager of Universidad Gayosso.
Do not forget to include personal information such as:
name, current position, company, number of positions
requested and email account to receive information
and personalized attention. It is important to consider
that, in order to enter the Academy, it is necessary to
have a bachelor’s degree.
Tanexpo Tech
– new area at Italian show
Technologies for the management of funeral
homes,
crematoriums
and
cemeteries,
organization services and personalization of
the ceremony, online transmission of funerals
and services to share the memory of loved ones
are already part of our daily business. For this
reason, Tanexpo, the funeral salon that will take
place on April 4, 5 and 6, 2024 in Bologna, Italy,
launches TANEXPO TECH, an initiative that aims
to promote and support technology services.
This new space was created with the aim of
highlighting the most advanced digital services
designed for funeral homes, cemeteries and
crematoriums, as well as for families.
New IT proposals will be promoted through
a dedicated space that will bring together
companies and start-ups offering technology
and software services. A stage will be located at
the center of the TANEXPO TECH area; exhibiting
companies will have the unique opportunity to
directly address professionals with a 30-minute
speech to present their proposals for the
business.
More info and registration at
www.tanexpo.com/en/index
Photo: TANEXPO press service
12
No. 103 – AUTUMN 2023 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
A Global Movement
Of The Funeral Industry
The International Funeral Industry celebrates every
year “The world united for life”. This is a global
movement, initiated by ALPAR – The Latin American
Association of Cemeteries and Funeral Services, in
2012. The celebration invites people of all origins and
cultures come together on the same day to celebrate
life and give homage to their loved ones together
with other companies from the industry.
This activity, which is already positioned in the
annual calendar of companies at a global level, has
placed our industry in a more sensitive and human
perspective, bringing together groups of families
and friends beyond geographical borders, via mixed
activities either in person or virtually which highlight
the value of life, confirming the importance of
ritualization and the various tributes that our industry
can perform to celebrate life, preserve the memory
and remembrance of those who have gone before us,
thus generating greater bonds with their families.
During these eleven years celebrating life, the
movement has united more than 230 companies,
in 126 cities in 38 countries and millions of
people have participated in the activities, with
a constant growth in each edition.
FIAT-IFTA (The World Organization of Funeral
Operatives)
together
with
other
international
associations,
supports
the
ALPAR’S
initiative,
promoting among its members to become part of
this international movement:
• ACEMBRA-SINCEP
(Brazil)
• AFDA (Australia)
• ALL JAPAN FUNERAL
DIRECTORS CO-
OPERATION (Japan)
• ANACEM (El Salvador)
• ASEFUCE (Dominican
Republic)
• BEIJING FUNERAL
ASSOCIATION (China)
• CACEPRI (Argentina)
• CANADEFU
(Venezuela)
• CFA (China)
• CORPORACIÓN
REMANSO (Colombia)
• EFFS (European
Federation of Funeral
Services)
• FPSA (South Africa)
• FUNCRECE
(Guatemala)
• ICCFA (United States)
• ICF (International
Cremation Federation)
• MFA (Mongolia)
• NAFD (UK)
• NFDA (United States)
• NFDA (South Africa)
• PANASEF (Spain)
• Polish Funeral
Association (Poland)
• Union of the Funeral
Companies in Bulgaria
(Bulgaria)
• ZAFA (Zimbabwe)
The 2023 edition will take place on September 17
and all companies from the industry are invited to
join this great tribute to celebrates the life of those
gone before us, celebrates the life of those we love
and our own life.
To participate you only have to follow these 3 steps:
1. REGISTER: officially confirming participation to
ALPAR.
2. PLAN THE ACTIVITY: In person, virtual or mixed.
3. CELEBRATE LIFE: Invite the public to join on
Sunday, September 17th.
Visit the website www.worldunitedforlife.com
where you can find all the information and support
material for companies to participate:
• Recommendations to coordinate and customize
the activities.
• Ideas and examples of a wide variety of activities
that can be performed.
• Download marketing resources to adapt them
for each company.
• List of participating companies and countries,
with photo and video gallery.
For the event “The world united for life” ALPAR
covers the development of activities through social
networks, by sharing photographs, videos and
live broadcasts of the companies that participate
through the following official profiles:
@mundounidoporlavida (Facebook and Instagram)
@muplv (Twitter)
You are very welcome to join!
For more information: alpar@alpar.com.co
www.worldunitedforlife.com
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 103 – AUTUMN 2023
13
MEMBERS’ NEWS
DISCOVER CROATIA
GPTD D.O.O. – NEW NATIONAL FIAT-IFTA MEMBER
By Dean Durasek, owner and director of GPTD d.o.o., Croatia
Dean Durasek,
owner and director of GPTD d.o.o., Croatia
14
No. 103 – AUTUMN 2023 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
roatia is a country with around
200 private and around 50 public
funeral companies. We have several
funeral
directors
associations.
The most recognised ones are UPH
„Udruga
pogrebnika
Hrvatske“,
„Udruga pogrebnika grada Zagreba“,
UPDRH
„Udruga
pogrebničke
djelatnosti
Republike
Hrvatske“.
The biggest and oldest association
in Croatia is “Posmrtna pripomoć”,
established in 1974. There are a few
hundred cemeteries in Croatia and
they present a huge cultural heritage.
We have some of the most beautiful
cemeteries in the world with immense
cultural importance, many of them
are listed by UNESO. They are located
all over the Country in particular in
Varazdin, Zagreb, Karlovac, Vukovar,
Pula, Dubrovnik.
The reality of the funeral sector in Croatia is
generally still quite basic compared to other
European countries. There are around 58.000
deceased per year in Croatia and around 38.000
new-borns which represents a big demographic
gap. Cremations represent 10% of the market.
There are two crematoriums, one in Zagreb
and one in Osijek. Funeral Professionals are
fighting to legalize and liberalize the market
and to create better business conditions for
the undertakers aligning the industry with
European standards.
GPTD roots goes back to 1984 when it was
formed as a small private company established
by my parents. During that time the company
specialized in the production of funeral textile
sets and accessories. In the 90’s the company
started with whole-sale coffins as well as
a wide range of funeral services. In 2000
I joined the company and we decided to offer
our products internationally. As result, we are
now exporting our products mostly to the west
European countries, collaborating with more
than 150 clients in the Republic of Croatia
and dozens of renowned European clients. On
the 23rd June this year we organized a “GPTD
open day”. This was a unique initiative which
gave the opportunity for colleagues within the
industry to see a wide range of funeral products
such as coffins, textile sets, urns, coffin racks,
mortuary
tables,
stretchers
and
trolleys,
lifting platforms, refrigeration technology,
audio systems, cosmetics and accessories,
suits and uniforms, clothing for the decease,
digital trends, international conferences for
thanato-praxis, etc. This was a great event
and I would like to express a special thanks
for their support to Mr Thomas Pludra from
PLUDRA, Germany, Mr Karoly Balogh from
KARSOL
Hungary,
Mr Joze
Homar
from
MENINA, Slovenia, Mr Devid Ghermandi from
CEABIS, Italy, Mr Andrej Benko from BENKO,
Slovenia, Mr Antton Loinaz from SORTEM,
Spain. This event, will hopefully become
a tradition and a place for the profession to
exchange information, new trends, products
and experience within the business.
Finally, we all have a goal – regulating the
market and raising the funeral standards to
the higher level it deserves.
For me it is a great honour to become a National
member of the World Organization of the
Funeral Operatives FIAT-IFTA. The membership
should engage all stakeholders in the funeral
industry and act towards harmonizing the
laws and practices around the World. Today I
can state that GPTD have become a modern
company,
managing
our
impact
on
the
environment and becoming independent of
carbon dioxide and gas as an energy source,
thus achieving energy efficiency with a modern
infrastructure with good working practices.
The purpose of all of the above is to be able
to respond to the challenges of the funeral
profession today in Croatia, Europe and the
rest of the World, and together build a better
industry.
I wish everyone personal happiness and great
success in their work!
GPTD d.o.o
www.gptd.eu
Contact us: dean@gptdurasek.com
For me it is a great honour to
become a National member of the
World Organization of the Funeral
Operatives FIAT-IFTA. The membership
should engage all stakeholders in
the funeral industry and act towards
harmonizing the laws and practices
around the World.
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 103 – AUTUMN 2023
15
MEMBERS’ NEWS
n July 2022, the German Burial Culture
Foundation invited funeral professionals
from all over Germany to Berlin. TODTAL
DIGITAL was a one-of-a-kind conference
that brought together funeral directors,
service
contractors
and
researchers
from various areas. Attendees were
greeted with one simple slogan: Digital is
Everywhere.
One year later, we take stock of the situation. What
happened in the aftermath of the conference? Which
questions remain? How are funeral professionals in
Germany gearing up for the (digital) future?
Two Days in Berlin
TODTAL DIGITAL offered a mix of theoretical input
and exchange of experiences. First and foremost,
it was a welcome and necessary opportunity to
meet and connect; to share ideas on an already
wide and still growing array of topics: How has the
process and the perception of grief changed in the
digital age, especially through social media? What
are the basic principles of marketing – and do they
differ for the funeral industry? What are customers
demanding today and tomorrow? To what extent
can we anticipate these demands – and thus take
an active role in developing digital solutions?
RETHINKING TOMORROW
IS DIGITALIZATION RESHAPING
THE GERMAN FUNERAL INDUSTRY?
By Stephan Neuser, General Secretary of the German Federal Association of
Funeral Directors (BDB) and Dr. Simon J. Walter, Cultural Representative of the
German Burial Culture Foundation
TODTAL DIGITAL in Berlin (July 2022)
© Emily Maichle / Stiftung Deutsche Bestattungskultur
16
No. 103 – AUTUMN 2023 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MAIN TOPIC
Three Worthy Winners
It was a core idea of the conference to put
a spotlight on young entrepreneurs. Various
companies, including many start-ups, participated
in a preliminary competition to present their ideas
and approaches. The winners were invited to
Berlin. First place went to TrostHelden, an online
platform that connects people in grief who
share similar fates and characteristics; runner-
up was Grievy, an app that offers immediate and
long-term individual support for people in grief;
third place went to IDA (Institut für Innovation
und Digitalisierung), who developed a chatbot
specifically geared to the needs of funeral directors.
All three projects caught the attention of the
professional public; and all three have since
established themselves as recognized names
among funeral professionals in Germany.
Facilitating Dialogue
One of the key takeaways from the conference
was the need for interconnection and dialogue on
digital issues. To facilitate this, the German Burial
Culture Foundation consolidated TODTAL DIGITAL
by launching a podcast with the same name. Since
the first episode in October, we have hosted guests
on such topics as grief and remembrance in Virtual
Reality; digital mapping of cemeteries; marketing
and visibility; and digital legacies.
These efforts go along with the BDB’s digital
vision. Over the last five years, the association
has established itself as the frontrunner in
digital
endeavours
concerning
the
funeral
industry in Germany. Vital to this commitment is
www.bestatter.de , the leading German-language
website for all questions revolving around
a funeral, with 150.000 to 400.000 visitors monthly
(May 2023: 200.000). As umbrella association, the
BDB enables all members to share in the success of
www.bestatter.de by highlighting their qualities
and skills to local and regional target audiences.
Digital vs. Personal?
While professional dialogue is essential to
advance our understanding of digital challenges
Stephan Neuser, General Secretary
of the German Federal Association
of Funeral Directors (BDB)
Dr. Simon J. Walter, Cultural
Representative of the German Burial
Culture Foundation
© BDB
© BDB
The rapid development and expansion of
digital possibilities, means and demands
makes it impossible to predict how our
trade might change in the medium run.
This uncertainty is yet another reason
for us to advocate clear and binding
guidelines for education and training
within the funeral industry. In the coming
years, curricula must expand to include
expertise on digital matters. Not just for
people joining the industry, but also in
advanced education for professionals.
One of the key takeaways from
the conference was the need for
interconnection and dialogue on digital
issues. To facilitate this, the German
Burial Culture Foundation consolidated
TODTAL DIGITAL by launching a podcast
with the same name. Since the first
episode in October, we have hosted
guests on such topics as grief and
remembrance in Virtual Reality; digital
mapping of cemeteries; marketing and
visibility; and digital legacies.
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 103 – AUTUMN 2023
17
MAIN TOPIC
and to cooperate effectively within the industry,
the heart of our trade remains the personal
relationship between funeral directors and
their customers. Many voices caution, that this
relationship cannot be digitised. Therefore,
enthusiasm around digital tools and ideas is
sometimes met with scepticism.
Digital Skills and Digital Mindset
While
this
assessment
is
close
to
our
understanding of the unique nature of the funeral
trade, the rapid development and expansion of
digital possibilities, means and demands makes
it impossible to predict how our trade might
change in the long run. This uncertainty is yet
another reason for us to advocate clear and
binding guidelines for education and training
within the funeral industry. In the coming years,
curricula must expand to include expertise on
digital matters. Not just for people joining the
industry, but also in advanced education for
professionals.
Young people who start an apprenticeship today
come equipped with digital skills and a digital
mindset that generations before them simply did
not have. This simple fact will translate into their
everyday work. And yet, these young people must
also be sensitised to the reality, that customers in
20, 30 or 50 years’ time might hail from a digital
background that we cannot imagine today – but
that will be natural to them.
© buzzsprout.com
TODTAL DIGITAL – The Podcast
© BDB
www.bestatter.de is the leading German-
language website for the funeral industry
TODTAL DIGITAL offered a mix of theoretical
input and exchange of experiences. It was
a welcome and necessary opportunity
to meet and connect; to share ideas on
an already wide and still growing array
of topics: How have the process and the
perception of grief changed in the digital age,
especially through social media?
What are the basic principles of marketing
– and do they differ for the funeral industry?
What are customers demanding today
and tomorrow?
18
No. 103 – AUTUMN 2023 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MAIN TOPIC
TransporT EquipmEnT
TransporT EquipmEnT
TransporT EquipmEnT
TransporT EquipmEnT
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Strecher evolution 1
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tranSport configuration
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• Quadro wheelS and Stair climber for perfect maneuverability, alSo loaded
• Space Saving tranSport dimenSionS
• robuSt foldable frame, made of high-Strength aluminum alloy
• tranSport bag made of durable, waShable artificial material fixed by velcro
removal trolley one for all „hybrid“
removal trolley one for all „hybrid“
univerSal tranSport Solution for StrecherS & coffinS
• 2 lockable rubber wheelS
• adjuStable StopS for StretcherS of
different widthS (510-560 mm)
• anti-Slip padS for coffinS
• 5 timeS height-adjuStable (620-870 mm)
PLUDRA - FRANKFURT GmbH
Bruchkampweg 20 • 29227 Celle / Germany
Tel.: +49 5141 - 888 600 • Fax: +49 5141 - 888 6012
E-Mail: info@pludra.de • www.pludra.de
www.pludra-shop.de
Direct from the manufacturer
Direct from the manufacturer
Direct from the manufacturer
Direct from the manufacturer
made in
germany
New wheel
system
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Extremely manoeuvrable
due to 360° Quadro
wheels.
No lifting during
loading by
roller support feet.
stoppers for
transfer strechers
Support rollers
simplify loading
into the vehicle.
27 - 28 | 9 | 2023
BRUSSELS GATE
BRUSSELS
STAND
F02
’ve been hearing a lot lately about
ChatGPT. While the core function of
a chatbot is to mimic a conversation with
a human being, ChatGPT goes further and
is much more versatile. For example, it
can write and debug computer programs;
compose music, teleplays, fairy tales, and
student essays; answer test questions;
write poetry and song lyrics; and even
play games like, tic-tac-toe.
To take a step back, ChatGPT is AI – Artificial
Intelligence.
Artificial intelligence is the theory and development
of computer systems that can perform tasks that
normally require human intelligence, such as
visual perception, speech recognition, decision-
making, and translation between languages.
Up
until
recently,
AI
has
largely
been
experimental and used by developers and
techies. But ChatGPT brought AI to the ordinary
person.
There’s been quite a bit of news coverage
exploring how easily accessible AI will impact us
– from schools (is it cheating if a student uses AI
to help write an essay?) to the application of AI
in businesses (can it help marketers write copy
for a sales brochure?). Just do a Google search
and you’ll find a plethora of articles.
AI and Funeral Service
I wanted to better understand what all the fuss
was about ChatGPT and how it might impact my
work in public relations and the work that you
do as funeral service professionals. So, I signed
CAN AI MAKE OBIT
WRITING EASIER?
By Jessica Koth, National Funeral Directors Association, USA
Photo Alexandra_Koch /Pixabay
20
No. 103 – AUTUMN 2023 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MAIN TOPIC