“Reimagine, Reinvent, Redefine”: ICCFA Announces 2025 Leadership Summit in Knoxville This October

STERLING, Va. (August 8, 2025) – The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) is pleased to announce the upcoming 2025 ICCFA Leadership Summit, taking place October 21–23 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Smoky Mountains, this year’s event promises an immersive, off-site experience focused on transformation, community, and the future of deathcare.

The 2025 Summit embraces the theme “Reimagine, Reinvent, Redefine,” inviting leaders of all levels across the profession to take part in a bold exploration of what deathcare can become. Through hands-on education, peer connection, and experiential learning, the ICCFA Leadership Summit is not just a meeting—it’s a movement.

“Today’s families are asking for more, and this Summit is about equipping leaders to meet those needs with courage and creativity,” said ICCFA Executive Director Nadira Baddeliyanage. “From hospitality to aftercare to reimagining cemetery spaces, we’re challenging the status quo and inspiring action.”

“This is not your traditional hotel ballroom conference,” added Summit Co-Chair Lori Bolton, CSE, CXE. “We’re stepping into real-life spaces with real-life challenges and innovations. Attendees will leave Knoxville energized and ready to make meaningful changes in their own firms.”

The Summit kicks off Tuesday, October 21, with two unique networking excursions: a golf tournament at Egwani Farms and a whiskey tasting and lunch at Company Distilling. That evening, the Welcome Reception brings attendees together for relaxed networking and reconnection before the next day’s full educational experience.

On Wednesday, October 22, the spotlight turns to Smith Life & Legacy in nearby Maryville, Tennessee. The full-day off-site program—“Reimagining Funeral and Cemetery Service”—invites attendees to step inside a campus that’s actively redefining deathcare through design, culture, and experience.

The morning begins with immersive experiences, including a symbolic Funeral for the Traditional Funeral and a soulful Celebration of Life at the Pavilion led by Lacy Robinson (Johnson Consulting Group & Worsham Mortuary College). These moments set the tone for a transformative day of learning. Throughout the afternoon, attendees will dive into sessions like Why Hospitality? Reimagining the Funeral Experience with Lee Longino (SCI), where the shift toward customer-centered facility design will be explored, and The Celebration Journey with Brooke Heldman (Dignity Memorial), offering practical strategies for building trust and crafting meaningful events. Attendees will also hear from Christopher Griffiths (JST Architects) on how to convert funeral facilities into mixed-use properties, rethinking space and revenue models for the modern era.

The program continues at nearby Grandview Cemetery and Pavilion with a session titled Cemeteries Are Dying presented by Dr. Jason Troyer and co-chair Dr. C. Lynn Gibson, DPHIL, CFSP. The day then moves into rotating breakout experiences covering reimagined aftercare, legacy building, and innovative approaches to community engagement. A group reflection led by Gibson will bring the day’s education to a powerful close before the evening reception in downtown Knoxville.

“This Summit isn’t about talking about change—it’s about seeing it in action,” said Gibson. “The Smith campus is proof that innovation is possible, profitable, and deeply meaningful.”

On Thursday, October 23, the Summit wraps up with the Government & Legal Committee Meeting & Update, led by Christie Toson, CCE, and Poul Lemasters, Esq. In what has been one of the most active years for legislation affecting the profession, this session offers timely updates and space for critical discussion on both federal and state-level developments.

“This year’s Leadership Summit is an invitation to rethink what’s possible,” said ICCFA President Robert Gordon, Jr., CCE. “When we gather like this—on the ground, in real spaces, with bold ideas—the future comes into focus. We leave not just inspired but equipped.”

Registration is now open, with early bird rates available through September 19 and online registration closing October 15.

For more details and to register, visit iccfa.com/fall.

###

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.

Virtual Funeral Professionals Peer Support Meeting in October

WHEELING, IL— For many of us, October means changing leaves, crisp weather and crisper apples, and football… but it also means school (and sniffles) are back in session, fewer hours of sunshine, and a fast-approaching holiday season. It’s also a fine time to take a moment to chat about work, life, and finding a balance in funeral service. Join the virtual Funeral Professionals Peer Support meeting on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 8pm ET / 7pm CT / 5pm PT to share what’s on your mind this month and how we can care for ourselves and each other in the months to come.

Open to everyone across the funeral service, virtual peer support meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month. It’s a perfect space for funeral professionals to share their experiences and exchange advice and support on topics ranging from working with difficult bosses to dealing with the pressures at home. You’ll come away realizing you’re not alone and your stories are common across borders and job titles.

Inspired by pumpkin spiced everything, longer evenings, chilly weather, and candy snuck from the treat bowl, October is the perfect time to talk about taking the good with the bad and getting the support we need for the season ahead. Join the monthly peer support meeting.

This month, we will host an open forum for discussion on any topic. All are given space to share their stories, but, because respectful listening can also be beneficial, no one will be “called on” to contribute. Even if you don’t have a pressing issue to discuss, the meetings are a valuable place to offer support, too. You can find a community of peers and share your own experience as a means to assist others.

Connect with your fellow funeral professional peers on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 8pm ET / 7pm CT / 5pm PT via Zoom link at cremationassociation.org/peersupport. No registration is required, simply follow the link to join.

About Funeral Professionals Peer Support

Funeral Professionals Peer Support Group is committed to providing support, healing, education and knowledge to funeral professionals. They promote wholeness and wellness by uniting funeral sector professionals through a Canada-wide network of regional organizations offering support, information and resources within their community.

About CANA

Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,500 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization.