ICCFA Leadership Summit 2025 Empowers Deathcare Professionals to “Reimagine, Reinvent, Redefine”

STERLING, Va. (November 17, 2025) – The International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association (ICCFA) concluded its 2025 Leadership Summit in Knoxville, Tennessee, where deathcare leaders gathered to explore the theme “Reimagine, Reinvent, Redefine.” Held October 21–23, the Summit offered an immersive educational and networking experience that challenged professionals to think differently about the future of deathcare.

This year’s event welcomed 124 total registrants, bringing together a diverse group of professionals representing every facet of the cemetery, cremation, and funeral service profession. The Summit also provided a special opportunity for members of the inaugural class of ICCFA’s 40 Under 40 Award, who attended through educational scholarships from the ICCFA Educational Foundation. These emerging leaders participated in educational sessions and networking events, connecting with deathcare veterans and peers as they continue shaping the future of deathcare leadership.

Hosted by Summit Co-Chairs Lori Bolton, CSE, CXE, and Dr. C. Lynn Gibson, DPHIL, CFSP, this year’s event combined hands-on, off-site learning with visionary presentations that encouraged attendees to embrace innovation, hospitality, and meaningful community engagement. Participants spent a day at Smith Life & Legacy in Maryville, Tennessee, where they experienced a symbolic “Funeral for the Traditional Funeral” and explored transformative approaches to serving modern families.

Educational highlights included sessions such as “Why Hospitality? Reimagining the Funeral Experience” with Lee Longino of Service Corporation International, “The Celebration Journey” with Brooke Heldman of Dignity Memorial, and “Cemeteries Are Dying” with Dr. Jason Troyer and Dr. C. Lynn Gibson, DPHIL, CFSP. Attendees also reimagined aftercare and cemetery engagement with presenters Jennifer Flaum of HeartLight Center and John Bolton, CCE, CCrE, CSE, CXE, of Park Lawn Corporation. The Summit concluded with the Irwin W. Shipper Government & Legislative Update, led by Christie Toson, CCE, and Poul Lemasters, Esq., which provided crucial updates on federal and state issues impacting the profession.

Networking and connection were at the heart of the event. While the annual ICCFA Golf Tournament was cancelled due to inclement weather, attendees still enjoyed memorable opportunities to connect—including a whiskey tasting and lunch at Company Distilling and evening receptions that fostered collaboration and community among peers from across the profession.

“Our goal with the Leadership Summit is to provide a space where creativity and collaboration meet,” said Nadira Baddeliyanage, ICCFA Executive Director. “This year’s hands-on approach reminded us that leadership isn’t just about management—it’s about vision, courage, and reimagining what’s possible for the families we serve.”

ICCFA President Bob Gordon, Jr., CCE, added, “The Summit in Knoxville proved that innovation and compassion can go hand in hand. Our attendees left inspired to redefine excellence in service, design, and care within their own organizations.”

The 2026 ICCFA Leadership Summit is scheduled to take place October 20–22, at The DeSoto in Savannah, Georgia. Next year’s program will continue to build on the theme of innovation and leadership with new speakers, interactive sessions, and engaging networking opportunities.

For more information, 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.

“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.

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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.