Service • Trust • Value • Care • Understanding

For general enquiries call 01202 367 307

FC Douch Logo

Independent Funeral Directors
Serving Dorset for over 110 years

International Conference Coming to Dorset

The Captain's Club Hotel in Christchurch, Dorset, the beautiful riverside venue for the SIFH European Summer Conference in Dorset

Dorset’s Douch Family Funeral Directors is proud to announce that they will host the prestigious Selected Independent Funeral Homes European Summer Conference (SIFH) at The Captain’s Club Hotel, in Christchurch, Dorset.

International Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange: The Heart of the SIFH Conference

With delegates from locations including the US, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark and all over the UK, the conference will serve as a springboard for an exchange of insights and best practices within the funeral industry.

In addition to a range of insightful sessions and panel discussions, the conference will provide delegates with unique networking opportunities, fostering collaborations across borders.

All attendees will have the chance to tour the local area, courtesy of Douch Family Funeral Directors, a tribute to the unique location where they operate.

SIFH President W. Byron Calhoun’s Attendance Highlights Significance of the Conference in the Funeral Industry Calendar

The president of SIFH, W. Byron Calhoun, of Calhoun Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Cleveland, Ohio, will be in attendance, emphasising the event’s importance in the funeral industry calendar.

Profile photo of W. Byron Calhoun, President of SIFH, special guest at the SIFH Conference Dorset 2023.

W. Byron Calhoun is a renowned figure in the funeral industry and currently serves as the president of the Selected Independent Funeral Homes (SIFH). He is also the operator of Calhoun Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cleveland, Ohio. With decades of experience in the sector, Calhoun is respected for his dedication to service and commitment to upholding the highest standards in funeral practices. His leadership extends globally through his active involvement in SIFH, fostering knowledge exchange and promoting innovation across the industry.

We are honoured to be hosting this year’s conference.

SIFH has a rich history spanning more than 100 years old and while it started in the US is now an international organisation.

Member businesses are all family-owned and it really is fascinating to talk to funeral directors from other countries to learn and share new trends, best practices, and innovative approaches that shape our industry.

Different cultures approach death in slightly different ways and the more we learn from others, the better we can be.

One of the unique features of the conference will be a tribute to the Caribbean heritage of our family

Nick Douch
Managing Director of Douch Family Funeral Directors and a former European chairman of SIFH

The conference will be held between 8th and 11th of June.

Douch Family Funeral Directors, which has seven branches in Wimborne, Ferndown, Parkstone, Corfe Mullen, Blandford, Wareham and Swanage, is committed to utilising the knowledge and experiences gained from this conference to further enhance their service offering.

Curious about the conference schedule, sessions, and what to expect? Visit our dedicated webpage to explore the full event itinerary for the SIFH European Summer Conference 2023. Discover the exciting line-up of industry discussions, networking opportunities, and cultural tributes we have planned. Don’t miss out, see the itinerary today!

SIFH Conference Itinerary
Newsletter

Stay Connected With Our Newsletter

Are you interested in joining our community support network? Sign up to our newsletter to receive helpful resources, plus hear about occasional news and updates.