TerraCon 2025: The 2nd Annual Terramation (Body Composting) Conference

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HOTEL ALERT - We have reserved $155 nightly rates with our partner Hotel Murano. Click HERE to reserve online!

TOUR - Optional tour of the Return Home facility on Monday, Feb. 3. You won't want to miss it!

WANT TO LEARN MORE? Check out the new (and schnazzy) website.

QUESTIONS? Email us at [email protected], and we'll respond promptly!

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TerraCon 2025: Embracing the Future of Human Composting

Immerse yourself in the transformative world of terramation – leading the charge in eco-conscious death care. This event offers a comprehensive journey through the science, legislative triumphs, cultural contexts, industry perspectives, and personal narratives surrounding body composting.

Highlights Include:

Life and Death: Brian Flowers: Kick off TerraCon 2025 with Brian Flowers, green burial expert and founder of Wildflower Funerals in Washington. Brian’s deep compassion and eloquent insights into sustainable end-of-life practices are truly jawdropping. For those that saw him speak last year, you know what we mean.

Legal Trailblazers: Taelor Johnson & Erik Halaas: Join Taelor Johnson and Erik Halaas as they share their pivotal journey in legalizing NOR in Minnesota. This dynamic duo will offer invaluable best practices and strategies for advocating and implementing NOR legislation in your home state, if it’s not already legalized there!

Mindful Reflections: Rev. Susan Cutshall: Discover the intersection of mental health and the funeral industry with Rev. Susan Cutshall, a much-loved spiritual leader and hospice professional. Susan will explore the emotional challenges and a path forward for those working in end-of-life care, highlighting the importance of mental well-being in the funeral industry.

The Science of NOR: Jean Bonhatal: Jean, Associate Director at Cornell University and expert mortality composter will talk through the base science of terramation, referencing studies she is currently running at her lab in Ithaca. This is an amazing opportunity to listen and engage with one of the leading scientific minds in our industry.

Global Perspectives: Monsignore Shallenberg: We are privileged to have Monsignore Schallenberg join us in-person, all the way from Berlin, Germany. Monsignore Schallenberg will delve into the Catholic Church’s endorsement of Natural Organic Reduction in Germany, and will discuss why terramation aligns with the Church’s values and its growing acceptance as a compassionate, earth-centered disposition option.

Tech Innovations: Chris Stone, Billy Dodson, and Max Huesch: Hear from the operations and technical specialists actually running NOR facilities! Explore the cutting-edge advancements in Natural Organic Reduction technology with our expert panel, featuring Chris Stone, Billy Dodson, and Max Huesch. This session will reveal the latest developments and technological breakthroughs shaping the future of eco-friendly death care.

The ‘Hot Ones’ Panel: Katey Houston, Joe Sharps, Matt Baskerville, and Sandra Walker: Brace yourself for the legendary ‘Hot Ones’ Panel, where Katey Houston is joined by Joe Sharps (2024 President, Oregon FDA), Matt Baskerville (2024 President, Illinois FDA), and Sandy Walker (COO, Fairmount Memorial). Enjoy a no-holds-barred discussion of the perils and promises of the funeral industry, all while chowing down on insanely spicy chicken wings.

CEO Roundtable: Micah Truman, Seth Viddal, and Pablo Metz: Gain exclusive insights from leading industry CEOs Mike Reagan, Micah Truman, and Pablo Metz. They will share their experiences and strategies for establishing, growing, and expanding NOR facilities, offering a glimpse into the business side of green death care.

Gender Fluid Deathcare: Faith Haug: Faith Haug, a visionary funeral director, educator and speaker underscores the critical importance of recognizing and respecting gender diversity within funeral practices. Faith will share practical insights and actionable steps for the funeral industry to adapt and provide compassionate, personalized care for all, regardless of gender identity.

Scientific Continuity: Dr. John Paul: Conclude with Dr. John Paul, who returns to illuminate the scientific underpinnings of Natural Organic Reduction. Dr. Paul will connect the dots between terramation and broader ecological principles, reinforcing the profound relationship between science, spirituality, and sustainable end-of-life practices.

Facility Tours: Exclusive Opportunity: Don’t miss the opportunity to tour the Return Home facility on Monday, Feb. 3. Join us for an exclusive look at the facility with departure times at 8:30 am, 11:00 am, and 1:30 pm from the Tacoma Convention Center.

Be part of this pioneering movement. Secure your EARLY BIRD TICKET by September 4. Now, even better with 2 free drink tickets for the 2/5 evening soiree at the Hotel Murano bar!

Last year's tickets sold out, and we ended up getting dozens of urgent emails and calls. Help out the Return Homies and buy your tickets early!

As an added bonus, tickets have been specially reserved at the Hotel Murano, at a very low $154 rate! The hotel is directly across the street from the venue, which makes for very convenient access to the conference. Call (253) 238-8000 and mention 'TerraCon 2025' to reserve, or click HERE to reserve online.

Together, let's work to shape the future of death care. We can't wait to see you!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Greater Tacoma Convention Center, 1500 Commerce Street, Tacoma, United States