DEAD Talks 2026 to Empower Deathcare Professionals to ‘Ready. Set. Grow.’ in Las Vegas

STERLING, Va. (November 10, 2025) –The International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association (ICCFA) proudly announces DEAD Talks 2026, the profession’s premier sales conference, taking place January 13–15, 2026, at Park MGM Las Vegas. This year’s theme, “Ready. Set. Grow.”, celebrates the forward momentum of today’s deathcare professionals as they expand their skills, elevate service, and lead with confidence in an evolving marketplace.

DEAD Talks has become a can’t-miss event for sales professionals, managers, and leaders seeking to take their performance to the next level. The 2026 program features a powerhouse lineup of deathcare innovators and educators delivering hands-on sessions, interactive panels, and fresh strategies to help attendees grow both personally and professionally.

The event begins Tuesday, January 13, with a first-timers orientation and lively ice breaker led by Lori Bolton, CSE, CXE, of Park Lawn Corporation. Attendees will then join “The Wheel of Objections” panel, moderated by John Bolton, CCE, CCrE, CSE, CXE, and Lori Bolton, featuring Erin Creger, Néctar Ramírez, Greg Norris, and Dan Kientzel. Panelists will share how to overcome common objections and turn challenging conversations into opportunities to serve. The day concludes with a welcome reception and networking celebration.

On Wednesday, January 14, the program kicks into high gear with keynote speaker David Priemer, author and renowned Sales Scientist. In his keynote, Priemer will explore how effective messaging shapes every step of the purchase journey—emphasizing that the experience is the product. Drawing on real-world insights and practical examples, he’ll share actionable strategies to help professionals connect authentically with families and guide them toward confident, value-driven decisions.

The day’s sessions will continue with four key themes—Educating the Consumer, Knowledge + Passion = Confidence, How to Get More Leads, and Managing Sales—featuring expert presenters including Lee Longino, Jennifer Graziano, Dr. Jason Troyer, Honnalora Hubbard, Noble Sines, Néctar Ramírez, Phil Zehms, Cathy Younkin, Brad Palmer, Eric Battles, Gary O’Sullivan, and Tony Armogida.

On Thursday, January 15, the event concludes with the Sales Seminar Certification Workshop, led by Tony Armogida, Erin Creger, and René Negrete, along with the ICCFA Sales & Marketing Committee. This hands-on session will give attendees a complete blueprint for delivering engaging, results-driven seminar presentations. The closing session, “Monday Morning Mindset” with Shane Pudenz, will help attendees translate inspiration into immediate action.

“DEAD Talks represents the ICCFA’s commitment to empowering professionals across every corner of deathcare,” said ICCFA President Bob Gordon, Jr., CCE. “It’s not just an event—it’s a catalyst for growth, innovation, and excellence. As our members evolve to meet the needs of today’s families, DEAD Talks gives them the tools, inspiration, and community to lead that change.”

“Every year, DEAD Talks is built by sales professionals, for sales professionals,” said Mike Harens, Chairman of the ICCFA Sales & Marketing Committee. “Our committee’s goal is to create an environment where attendees can connect, learn from one another, and leave energized to put new ideas into action. DEAD Talks is about helping every participant—whether it’s their first year or their fifth—walk away ready to grow.”

The ICCFA Educational Foundation is once again supporting professional growth by offering scholarships to help current ICCFA members attend DEAD Talks. These scholarships cover the full cost of registration—recipients are only responsible for travel and lodging. Applications are open now through November 18, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET, and are limited, so members are encouraged to apply early.

Registration for DEAD Talks 2026 is now open at iccfa.com/sales. Attendees are encouraged to take advantage of early bird pricing available through December 19, and group discounts make it easier than ever for teams to grow together.

Founded in 1887, the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, cremation, funeral, and memorialization profession. The association is comprised of more than 10,000 members in the cemetery, funeral home, and crematory industries, as well as supplier and related businesses worldwide.

The ICCFA Celebrates a Groundbreaking 2025 Experience in Las Vegas

STERLING, Va. (May 22, 2025) – The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the 2025 ICCFA Experience, held April 30–May 3 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The event welcomed 867 attendees and drew a total of more than 2,000 individuals for an immersive, high-energy gathering focused on innovation, education, and connection.

This year’s event marked the debut of the ICCFA Experience, a bold rebranding of the association’s long-standing Annual Convention & Exposition. The new format and identity were designed to reflect the evolving needs of the deathcare profession and deliver a dynamic, future-focused event unlike anything before.

“This year’s Experience was a transformative moment for the ICCFA,” said ICCFA Executive Director Nadira Baddeliyanage. “From moving the educational sessions to the Expo Hall floor to featuring powerful programming on leadership, technology, and community connection, we wanted attendees to leave feeling energized and equipped—and they did.”

The updated format introduced Three Stages: One Experience, where education was seamlessly woven into the bustling Expo Hall. Dozens of expert-led sessions covered critical topics such as employee retention, cremation revenue strategies, food and beverage integration, digital marketing, and the intersection of AI and empathy in deathcare.

Central to the event experience was the ICCFA Food & Beverage Lounge, a vibrant hub located in the middle of the Expo Hall. Designed as a place for attendees to connect, recharge, and share ideas, the lounge hosted all meal services and receptions throughout the event—creating a natural gathering point for networking and community building.

A standout moment of the event was keynote speaker Clint Pulver, who delivered a powerful and unforgettable session on creating organizational cultures where employees want to stay. His high-energy presentation included an interactive drumming activity that brought the audience to life and perfectly complemented the event’s focus on inspiration and engagement.

“This year wasn’t just about programming; it was about participation,” said ICCFA Past President Lee Longino. “You could feel the energy on the floor—from the ribbon cutting to the late afternoon receptions. Every conversation was an opportunity to spark new ideas or build on trusted relationships.”

The President’s Welcome Reception & Banquet, held on opening night, brought together attendees and exhibitors for an evening of food, networking, and laughter, capped by a comedy performance from Cristela Alonzo. The evening also featured the Celebration of Remembrance, a moving tribute honoring those who have died in the past year. During the banquet, Lee Longino ceremonially passed the gavel to Robert Gordon, Jr., CCE, who was introduced as the new ICCFA President.

The reception also included a special moment honoring Jay D. Dodds, who was presented with the 2025 ICCFA Educational Foundation’s Lasting Impact Award in recognition of his lifelong dedication to education, mentorship, and elevating the profession.

“This was my first ICCFA event as president, and I couldn’t be more proud,” said ICCFA President Robert Gordon, Jr., CCE. “Our profession is evolving rapidly, and the engagement we saw in Las Vegas proves that our members are not just adapting—they’re leading. We’re embracing bold ideas and championing change in ways that will benefit our communities and the families we serve.”

The 2025 ICCFA Experience also featured committee meetings, networking events, and the inaugural Irwin W. Shipper Legislative Session & Reception, offering attendees key updates on legal and regulatory issues shaping the future of the profession.

Planning is already underway for next year’s ICCFA Experience, which will take place April 29–May 2, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas.

For the latest updates and highlights, visit iccfa.com/annual. 

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Founded in 1887, the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, cremation, funeral, and memorialization profession. The association is comprised of more than 10,000 members in the cemetery, funeral home, and crematory industries, as well as supplier and related businesses worldwide.

DEAD Talks 2025 Delivers Groundbreaking Sales and Leadership Insights in Las Vegas

STERLING, Va. (March 17, 2025) – The ICCFA’s 2025 DEAD Talks Sales Conference, held February 4-6 at the Park MGM in Las Vegas, brought together 402 deathcare sales professionals—including 173 first-time attendees—from 40 states, Canada, and Guatemala. This marks the highest attendance recorded since 2012.

With an electric atmosphere and an agenda packed with actionable insights, this year’s eventcentered around the theme “Mindset Matters,” emphasizing the power of perspective in driving sales success. The conference featured a dynamic lineup of keynote speakers, peer-driven DEAD Talks presentations, and interactive workshops designed to equip attendees with innovative strategies for growth.

“This year’s DEAD Talks was truly the best I have ever attended in my 9+ years with ICCFA,” said Erin Creger of Security National Financial Corporation, echoing the excitement and enthusiasm that filled the conference.

The event kicked off with a compelling keynote from Matthew Pollard, who explored the power of storytelling in sales with “Invisible Persuasion: Building Trust and Profits Through Story.” His session provided attendees with actionable steps to replace outdated sales tactics with a fresh, emotionally resonant approach.

Day two began with an engaging keynote by Art Sarkissian, “Mindset of the Consumer,” which emphasized understanding family personas to create meaningful connections. Throughout the rest of the conference, attendees participated in 20 fast-paced DEAD Talks presentations covering a range of topics, including marketing, pre-need motivators, personal branding, leveraging technology, and more.

“This conference was fast-paced and packed with so many interesting, valuable tools to enhance my sales skills and really help me connect with families and increase sales,” said Terri DiFore, attendee and ICCFA Educational Foundation scholarship recipient. “I walked away with a wealth of information and a renewed passion to bring those tools back to my team. The speakers were engaging and motivated the audience. Great conference and looking forward to attending another.”

Reflecting on the success of his first DEAD Talks as Chairman of the ICCFA Sales & Marketing Committee, Mike Harens remarked, “This year’s DEAD Talks was an incredible opportunity to engage with top deathcare experts and gain insights that will directly impact our businesses. The energy, connections, and strategies shared made this year’s event truly unforgettable, and it was a fantastic way to kick off 2025.”

With its forward-thinking programming and collaborative environment, DEAD Talks reaffirmed its position as the premier sales conference in the profession. DEAD Talks will return to the Park MGM in Las Vegas on January 13-15, 2026. More details will be available soon at iccfa.com/sales.

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Founded in 1887, the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, cremation, funeral, and memorialization profession. The association is comprised of more than 10,000 members in the cemetery, funeral home, and crematory industries, as well as supplier and related businesses worldwide.

The ICCFA Experience: Transforming Deathcare Education in Las Vegas

STERLING, Va. (Jan. 30, 2025)—The International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association (ICCFA) is thrilled to unveil a groundbreaking educational lineup for The ICCFA Experience, which will take place April 30–May 3 at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. This year’s event will showcase an immersive experience for deathcare professionals with dynamic sessions on the Expo Hall floor, where attendees can interact with speakers, exhibitors and peers in a fully immersive and collaborative setting. From innovative marketing strategies to insights on hospice partnerships, these educational sessions will give attendees the tools to thrive in the rapidly evolving deathcare profession.

Wednesday, April 30: Pre-Convention Breakouts

Tough Love for the Telephone – A Gut Check on the Call Experience

Presented by: Nicki Wiedeman, CSE, Dead Ringers

When: Wednesday, April 30, 10–10:50 a.m.

Dive into the often-overlooked art of phone communication with Nicki Wiedeman as she shares practical tips to transform clients’ call experiences. This session will equip attendees with actionable strategies to improve customer service and boost operational efficiency.

Serving Comfort: How Food & Beverage Can Feed Your Bottom Line
Presented by: Caleb Klein, Loving Ceremony
When: Wednesday, April 30, 1–1:50 p.m.
Learn how integrating food and beverage services can enhance personalization, boost customer satisfaction, and unlock new revenue streams. Caleb Klein will explore dynamic pricing, tiered options, and catering models to maximize operational success.

Thursday, May 1: Opening Day Highlights

Creating Community Experiences Roundtable
Host: Shane Pudenz, Carriage

Panelists: Erin Creger, Security National Funeral Homes & Cemeteries; Robert Gordon, Jr., CCE, Cypress Lawn; René Negrete, Inglewood Park Cemetery
When: Thursday, May 1, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
This engaging roundtable will explore the art and science of crafting community events that draw people to your funeral home and/or cemetery. Attendees will learn how to create unforgettable experiences that boost name recognition, strengthen community bonds and position their facilities as destination venues.

Keynote Session: I Love It Here – Create an Organization People Never Want to Leave
Presented by: Clint Pulver, Retention Expert and Keynote Speaker
When: Thursday, May 1, 2–3 p.m.Clint Pulver’s unforgettable keynote will inspire leaders to reimagine mentorship and cultivate a culture where employees thrive. By exploring the power of mentorship over traditional management techniques, Clint will provide actionable strategies for fostering engagement, collaboration, and purpose.

Friday, May 2: Must-Attend Educational Sessions

AI Meets Empathy: Innovating Deathcare Services Without Compromising Compassion

Presented by: Alexandra Mysoor, Alix

When: Friday, May 2, 9–10 a.m.

Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing deathcare by improving operations while maintaining the human connection families need.

Reimagining the Funeral Experience – Leveraging Technology for Growth
Presented by: Zack Moy, Afterword
When: Friday, May 2, 10–11 a.m.
This data-driven talk challenges traditional perceptions of online funeral planning and reveals how technology can lead to higher revenue and stronger family connections. Attendees will gain insights into using technology like task management, digital calendars, and e-signature platforms to create exceptional online experiences.

Registration Open

Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in this transformative event! With sessions tailored for progressive deathcare professionals, The ICCFA Experience is your chance to expand your knowledge, make valuable connections and leave with actionable insights. For the full schedule and registration details, visit https://iccfa.com/annual/.

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Founded in 1887, the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, cremation, funeral, and memorialization profession. The association is comprised of more than 10,000 members in the cemetery, funeral home, and crematory industries, as well as supplier and related businesses worldwide.

DEAD Talks 2025 Set to Inspire Innovation and Drive Sales Success in Las Vegas

STERLING, Va. (Dec. 16, 2024) – The International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association (ICCFA) invites deathcare professionals to DEAD Talks 2025, an annual sales-focused conference offering cutting-edge insights into data-driven performance, technology integration, and artificial intelligence. The event will occur February 4-6, 2025, at the Park MGM Las Vegas.

This year’s conference features sessions to give attendees actionable knowledge to transform their sales and business growth approach.

Sessions include:

• Using Data to Drive Better Performance:
  • “Three Surprising Discoveries from Consumer Insights” – George Owens, Fortitude Research and Marketing, will explore unexpected insights into consumer behavior.
  • “Interactive Workshop: Leverage, Plan & Act on Current Industry Consumer Insights”—Dan Kientzel, Service Corporation International, will offer practical tools for harnessing data for better results.
• Ways to Leverage Technology in Your Sales Process:
  • “Un-Cremating Your Profits with Technology” – Eric Banks, Funeral 365, will explain how technology can unlock new revenue streams.
  • “Interactive Workshop” – Nick Timpe, CSE, webCemeteries, will provide hands-on guidance on incorporating technology into sales.
• Artificial Intelligence: The Future of Funerals:
  • “Artificial Intelligence 2.0”: Chuck Gallagher, American Funeral Financial, will discuss how AI advancements are transforming the profession.
  • “AI Impact on Funerals”—Aaron Avner, Tukios, will discuss AI’s practical applications in serving families.

The conference will close with a motivational wrap-up session, “Monday Morning Mindset,” featuring Shane Pudenz of Carriage Services and Erin Creger of Security National Family of Companies.

Registration information:
Early bird registration is available through Dec. 30, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Online registration closes Jan. 29, 2025.

Hotel accommodations: Park MGM, located at 3770 S Las Vegas Blvd., is a smoke-free property on the Las Vegas Strip and offers discounted rates for attendees. The ICCFA room block closes on Jan. 3, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. 

Why attend?
Attendees will gain expert insights, practical tools, and networking opportunities to drive sales success and stay ahead of deathcare trends. DEAD Talks 2025 is the must-attend event for deathcare professionals looking to grow their businesses and adopt innovative practices.

Learn more: For more information or to register, visit https://iccfa.com/sales/ or contact the ICCFA meetings department at 703-391-8400.

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Founded in 1887, the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all cemetery, cremation, funeral and memorialization segments. The association is comprised of more than 10,000 members in the cemetery, funeral home and crematory industries, supplier and related businesses worldwide.