Interested in speaking at the fall conference?

We are seeking speakers and facilitators who can offer deep, culturally grounded insights into the end-of-life traditions.

We invite storytellers, elders, cultural historians, religious leaders, and practitioners—particularly those with deep ties to Minnesota’s Somali, Black, Hmong, Native American, and LGBTQ+ communities—to share culturally grounded insights into end-of-life traditions, spiritual beliefs, and communal care practices. We welcome proposals for individual keynotes, panel participants, and somatic facilitators.

We are seeking proposals for:

  • Individual Keynotes (45–60 minutes): Deep dives into specific cultural death rites, spiritual beliefs, or historical contexts.

  • Panel Participants: Experts willing to engage in cross-cultural dialogue about communal care and systemic challenges.

  • Somatic Facilitators: Practitioners experienced in leading gentle, trauma-informed bodywork or grounding exercises for professional caregivers.

Submission Requirements:

  1. Title & Brief Abstract: A concise description (200-300 words) of your proposed topic and its relevance to the Minnesota deathcare landscape.

  2. Learning Objectives: At least three clear "takeaways" that professionals will gain from your session.

  3. Speaker Bio: A short summary of your background, community ties, and any previous speaking experience.

  4. Cultural Alignment: A brief statement on how your presentation honors and accurately represents the community in focus.

Speaker Benefits

  • Honorarium: In recognition of your time and expertise, we provide an honorarium of $250 – $500 for individual guest speakers. Panel participants will receive a separate, designated stipend of $150.

  • Full Conference Access: Complimentary registration for the full day, including breakfast, lunch, and all somatic sessions.

  • Professional Impact: The opportunity to share your community's wisdom with over 100 dedicated deathcare professionals, fostering a more culturally engaged death community in Minnesota.

Submit application

Speaker applications are due May 27, and speakers will be notified by early June.