Future Focused: CANA’s 2026 Cremation Symposium

Professionals Gather in Las Vegas this February 25-27, 2026 

WHEELING, IL— Explore today’s trends, reflect on current challenges, generate new ideas, and discover future opportunities! The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) returns to the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino to help your businesses achieve a bright future. Join CANA this February 25-27, 2026, for the 2026 Cremation Symposium.   

CANA events are known for providing opportunities for owners and managers from across the profession to gather fresh, practical ideas that make a difference in their businesses. The 2026 Symposium will showcase sessions that generate solutions and set up conversations that carry over to networking, shared meals, and roundtables. CANA’s presenters will embrace the Symposium’s theme—Future Focused—but don’t worry if your own crystal ball is cloudy. We’ll be sure to address today’s challenges—like emerging disposition methods, low-cost competitors, unclaimed remains, AI and more—so you can uncover strategies that bring your future success into focus. 

As an attendee, you’ll bask in the splendor of the newly renovated Versailles Tower of the Paris Las Vegas Hotel. The iconic cobblestone pathways are lined with delicious restaurants, exciting nightlife, and fun experiences. It’s all just steps away from the CANA Symposium event, under softly lit ceilings painted to emulate the Parisian sky. This combination of luxury and convenience is just $209 per night. 

Registration prices for the 2026 Cremation Symposium are only $695 for the first registration and $495 for each additional employee; spouses/travel companions pay $350. 

Registration includes:  

• Networking at the Opening Reception on Wednesday where your first drink is on CANA! 

• Sumptuous breakfasts on Thursday and Friday (well worth the early hour!) 

• All-day coffee and beverages to keep your energy flowing 

• Delicious Thursday lunch 

• Evenings on your own to enjoy Las Vegas your way 

• Up to 7 Hours CE from the APFSP 

• The intimate networking experience you love about CANA events 

Opening our event is Larry Stuart, Jr., Founder & Principal of Raven Plume Consulting and an internationally recognized expert in funeral service, cemetery operations, and cremation. In his keynote session, Beyond the Flame: How Today’s Trends Are Shaping Cremation’s Next 150 Years, Larry reflects on 150 years of cremation practice and explores what the next 150 years could hold for our profession. From sustainability and technology to shifting family dynamics and memorial expectations, he’ll help you apply strategic foresight principles to anticipate opportunities, innovations, and challenges for cremation professionals in a rapidly evolving marketplace. 

A panel of legal and regulatory experts take the stage to discuss the Legal and Ethical Strategies for Unclaimed Remains. Tim Koch, Owner of Metro First Call and former Mortician Investigator for the State of Minnesota of 20 years; Tanya Marsh, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor at Wake Forest University School of Law; Lara Price, Shareholder at Pappas Grubbs Price and CANA Legal Counsel; and, Wendy Russell Wiener, Managing Member of WRW Legal, PLLC, will uncover the hidden risks of unclaimed remains and help you learn how to protect your organization while honoring those left in your care. 

Cemetery experts from coast-to-coast will then tackle Cremation’s Role in Cemetery Financial Sustainability, moderated by Larry Stuart, Jr. Dan Applegate, President of The Arlington Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home; Steve Brown, Senior Director of Mount Auburn Cemetery; and, Sandra Walker, Chief Operating Officer of Fairmount Memorial Association, will discuss trends in consumer attitudes toward cremation memorialization and share success stories in revenue diversification that can bring new memorialization options to the families you serve into the future. 

For five decades, the American death care industry has seen a steady movement away from casket burial and towards cremation. But what if the ground is shifting beneath our feet? In her session, Tomorrow’s Consumers in Focus: Casket Burial Gains Ground Among Younger Adults, Tanya Marsh, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor at Wake Forest University School of Law, highlights some of the big-picture results of the 2025 Wake Forest Law School study on consumer preferences in disposition methods across different demographics. She’ll help you explore proactive strategies to understand and adapt so you can honor a wider spectrum of final wishes and support every family. 

In Really Thriving or Just Surviving: How to Work Smarter and Build Wealth, Kara Ludlum, CPA and licensed funeral director, shares insights on how once financially strong funeral homes and cemeteries are now struggling amid changing industry dynamics and a persistent self-sacrificing culture. She’ll bring a practical roadmap to restore profitability and sustainability through strategies to manage inflation, leverage financing options, strengthen preneed programs, and move beyond burnout toward long-term financial health and business resilience. 

The future is bright when it comes to AI and the efficiencies it can bring. A panel of experts take the stage to share practical capabilities, case studies—and some cautionary tales—about AI usage in death care. The AI Panel features Lauren Pettine, Senior Associate at WRW Legal, PLLC; Curtis Funk, Founder of Tukios; and, Kris Yee, Co-Founder & CEO of Prelude. 

Take steps to transform your hospice relationships into strategic partnerships generating measurable results. Lacy Robinson, Sr. Business Consultant at Johnson Consulting Group, shares strategies to help you authentically connect with and support hospice care team members and leave with actionable frameworks in Advanced Hospice Partnership Strategies. 

Time to network is what makes a CANA event unique. In addition to the intimate atmosphere and meals, the crowd-favorite Roundtables session brings attendees face-to-face with session presenters and leaders from across funeral service in all business models, locales, experience levels, and call. Get a seat at the table as we tackle today’s challenges and share solutions.  

Put your business’s future success in focus. The 2026 Cremation Symposium shows you how. 

Registration is open to join CANA for the 2026 Cremation Symposium February 25-27, 2026, at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. Register to attend at cremationassociation.org/future.  

Act soon and save: use promo code CYBERCANA to take advantage of the Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale with 10% off your full registration! 

About CANA 

Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,700 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization. 

2025 CANA Symposium: Seek Success at Every Step

WHEELING, IL— CANA returned to the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino to help business owners, managers, and employees achieve success at every step. From February 26-28, attendees explored strategic solutions in preneed, aftercare—and everything in between!

Attracting leaders from across funeral service, CANA events are known for providing opportunities for owners and managers from across the profession to gather fresh, practical ideas that make a difference in their businesses. The 2025 Symposium showcased sessions that inspired solutions and sparked conversations that carried over to networking, shared meals, and roundtables. Professionals from all business models, locales, experience levels, and call volumes were eager to tackle today’s challenges and share solutions, and industry suppliers are always part of the mix. Together, everyone exchanged innovative business ideas to find success.

Greg Grabowski, Partner at Hospice Advisors and an experienced leader with a proven record of results and revenue generation, kicked off the event with Bridging Hospice and Funeral Services: A Compassionate Continuum of Care. Each registrant received a free copy of his book Engaging the Heart of Hospice.

Following that, Danielle Burmeister, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Homesteaders Life Company, revealed key insights about why families who choose cremation decide to prearrange in her session Preneed Motivators: Cremation Edition. Next, a panel of experts from across the cremation preneed industry shared actionable insights for Cremation Preneed Success: Strategies, Insights, and Innovation in Sales and Marketing. Tyler Anderson, VP, Business Development at Precoa; William Bonacorda, President of Trust 100; Rob Goff, Regional Director, PreNeed Northwest, for United Heritage Life Insurance; and Joshua Rae, CEO of Golden Considerations helped attendees discover how to communicate the value of pre-planning.

Aftercare industry leaders continued the discussion on enhancing a relationship with families while driving business growth in an Aftercare Panel: Supporting Families and Growing Your Business with Greg Grabowski; Jon Lefrandt, Founder and CEO of Elevia; and Matthew Van Drimmelen, Founder of Full-Circle Aftercare. In Preneed Spotlight: Lessons and Ideas from Real-Life Success Stories, Lindsey Ballard, Owner of Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, led attendees in an interactive and engaging session to showcase participants’ most effective preneed strategies, campaigns, and events.

Welton Hong, CEO & Founder of Ring Ring Marketing, provided actionable insights to grow preneed business in his session, Leveraging Technology to Grow Your Preneed Program. Finally, Wendy Russell Wiener, Managing Member of WRW Legal, PLLC, and Bill Williams, former President/CEO of Funeral Services, Inc., wrapped the event with The Great Debate: Trust vs Insurance. They gave attendees the tools they needed to determine what’s right for their business.

Thank you to Event Emcee Rob Heins and the many attendees and sponsors who chose to join us in Las Vegas! CANA’s advisory group members carefully choose presenters who have insight into new ideas and practical strategies that attendees can put to use right away to meet today’s needs.

What’s next? Be sure to save the dates for CANA’s 107th Annual Cremation Innovation Convention at the Arizona Biltmore on August 6-8, 2025. Next year, CANA returns to the Paris Las Vegas/Horseshoe for the Cremation Symposium on February 25-27, 2026. Reserve time for these events in your busy calendar and contact CANA to learn more: cremationassociation.org

About CANA

Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,700 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization.

We learned earlier this week that registration for the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) 2025 Cremation Symposium is in full swing.  The event returns to Las Vegas and the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino from February 26-28, 2025.

It’s an annual Death Care event where participants network with leaders from all walks of funeral service and participate in conversations that can teach fresh and practical ideas sure to make a difference in how your business operates.   In addition to the networking experiences there are up to seven hours of continuing education offered at the event.

In simply glancing at the proposed schedule for the event I can see it covers information in Preneed, Hospice, and Aftercare among the topics presented by some of the best presenters in the field.

To learn more and register for this event click here to access CANA’s online 2025 Cremation Symposium information.

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2025 CANA Symposium: Seek Success at Every Step

WHEELING, IL— The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) returns to the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino to help businesses achieve success at every step. Join CANA this February 26-28, 2025, for the 2025 Cremation Symposium, where you’ll explore strategic solutions in preneed, aftercare and everything in between!

CANA events are known for providing opportunities for owners and managers from across the profession to gather fresh, practical ideas that make a difference in their businesses. The 2025 Symposium will showcase sessions that inspire solutions and spark conversations that carry over to networking, shared meals, and roundtables.

You’ll bask in the splendor of the Paris Las Vegas Hotel. Recent renovations feature new restaurants, nightlife, and experiences along the iconic cobblestone pathways and ornate architecture, under ceilings painted to emulate the Parisian sky. Fortunately, your getaway remains cost-effective since registration prices for the 2025 Cremation Symposium will stay the same: just $625 for the first registration and $425 for each additional employee and just $295 for spouses/travel companions.

Registration includes:

• Networking at the Opening Reception on Wednesday where your first drink is on CANA!
• Breakfasts on Thursday and Friday worth the early hour
• All-day coffee and beverages to keep the energy flowing
• Delicious Thursday lunch
• Evenings on your own to yourself to enjoy Las Vegas
• Up to 7 Hours CE from the APFSP
• The intimate networking experience you love about CANA events

Time to network is what makes a CANA event unique. Our events attract leaders from across funeral service in all business models, locales, experience levels, and call volumes eager to tackle today’s challenges and share solutions. Plus, suppliers are untethered from booths so they can learn and connect with practitioners through sessions designed to support their business growth as well. Together, everyone can exchange innovative business ideas to find success.

Kicking off the event is Greg Grabowski, Partner at Hospice Advisors and an experienced leader with a proven record of results and revenue generation. In his session, Bridging Hospice and Funeral Services: A Compassionate Continuum of Care, Greg will explore how funeral professionals can become integral resources in supporting hospice care efforts and healthcare resources, fostering a seamless transition for families as they navigate end-of-life. Each registrant will receive a free copy of his book Engaging the Heart of Hospice to engage both hearts and skills in delivering value to the healthcare continuum.

Then, Danielle Burmeister, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Homesteaders Life Company, takes a look at demographics including age, marital status, religious affiliation and prior experience. She’ll reveal key insights about why families who choose cremation decide to prearrange in her session Preneed Motivators: Cremation Edition. Learn practical data-based suggestions for strengthening relationships with current client families, connecting with new families and leveraging tools to grow your business.

A panel of experts from across the cremation preneed industry share actionable insights for Cremation Preneed Success: Strategies, Insights, and Innovation in Sales and Marketing. Discover how to communicate the value of pre-planning with Tyler Anderson, VP, Business Development at Precoa; William Bonacorda, President of Trust 100; and, Rob Goff, Regional Director, PreNeed Northwest, for United Heritage Life Insurance.

Aftercare industry leaders continue the discussion on enhancing your relationship with families while driving business growth in an Aftercare Panel: Supporting Families and Growing Your Business. Gain actionable insights and practical strategies for creating an aftercare program with Greg Grabowski of Hospice Advisors; Jon Lefrandt, Founder and CEO of Elevia; and, Matthew Van Drimmelen, Founder of Full-Circle Aftercare.

Lindsey Ballard, Owner of Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, leads attendees in an interactive and engaging session to showcase participants’ most effective preneed strategies, campaigns, and events. In Preneed Spotlight: Lessons and Ideas from Real-Life Success Stories, attendees will share their innovative ideas and impactful techniques that have made a tangible difference in driving preneed accomplishments – and have a chance to win a fabulous prize!

Finally, Wendy Russell Wiener, Managing Member of WRW Legal, PLLC, and Bill Williams, President/CEO of Funeral Services, Inc., will wrap the event with The Great Debate: Trust vs Insurance. Together, they’ll give attendees the tools they need to determine, or confirm, what’s right for their business. What you’ll learn might surprise you!

Building your business success starts before first call. How can you improve your business’s success at every step of family service and support? The 2025 Cremation Symposium shows how.

Registration is open to join CANA for the 2025 Cremation Symposium February 26-28, 2025, at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. Register to attend at cremationassociation.org/success.

About CANA

Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,700 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization.

The Future of Deathcare Symposium: Post-Event Wrap Up

WHEELING, IL— The Wake Forest Law Review 2024 Spring Symposium hosted panels and presentations to discuss The Future of Death Care in America on Friday, March 1, 2024. Livestreamed from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the Symposium brought together leaders in the death care industry, academics, and influential reformers to discuss key issues facing the rapidly evolving changes in death care. Presenters shared their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities the funeral service faces now and in the future, including the Funeral Rule, new disposition methods, and licensure of funeral directors. A total of 780 people registered for the event, attending in person or via livestream and recordings.

Keynote speaker Caitlin Doughty opened the day with an overview of current and future trends in death care. A mortician, writer, and advocate for funeral industry reform, Doughty is the founder of the non-profit The Order of the Good Death, which spawned the death positive movement and is working to legalize human composting and aquamation in all 50 states.

The program began with Panel One: Regulating New Methods of Disposition. Moderated by funeral director descendent and Virginia Tech Professor Phil Olson, the first session explored how new methods of disposition are legalized and regulated and how the process might be improved in the future. The panel included Victoria J. Haneman, JD, LLM, Professor of Trusts & Estates and Associate Dean of Research and Innovation at Creighton University School of Law; Barbara Kemmis, Executive Director of the Cremation Association of North America (CANA); and Katrina Spade, Founder & CEO of Recompose, the world’s first human composting company.

Next up was a look at Abandoned Cemeteries. This was an overview of a project to map and repair cemeteries in North Carolina, presented by Dr. Terry Brock, Director of Cultural Heritage & Archaeology Research Group at Wake Forest University.

Panel Two: Licensing Funeral Directors, moderated by retired Kenyon College Professor David Harrington, examined the challenges and opportunities presented by licensure in death care. Panelists included Dr. Hari P. Close, II, Founder and CEO of Hari P. Close Funeral Services in Baltimore, Maryland, and Past President of the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association; Renée D. Flaherty, Senior Attorney at the Institute for Justice, which litigates constitutional cases protecting individuals from government abuse; and, Caressa Hughes, Assistant Vice President of Government and Industry Relations for Service Corporation International, who has over 30 years of experience with government relations.

In the final segment, Panel Three: Consumer Protection — The Future of the Funeral Rule, panelists discussed the challenges and opportunities presented by the sole federal regulation of the funeral service profession: the US Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule. Moderated by Wake Forest Law Professor Tanya Marsh, who teaches the only Funeral and Cemetery Law course in the US, the panelists were Isabel Knight, President of the National Home Funeral Alliance, an organization that educates families and communities to care for their own loved ones after death; Poul Lemasters, Esq., General Counsel of the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association, who has over 20 years of experience in funeral service; and Sarah Pojanowski, who has served as General Counsel for Selected Independent Funeral Homes for over a decade.

“In these times of contention and disagreement, it was genuinely heartening to see these seasoned experts and young aspirants meet to share serious ideas and participate in difficult discussions about the challenges ahead for our industry,” said CANA Executive Director Barbara Kemmis. “With their diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives, participants were able to generate stimulating conversations that made for a very fruitful and thought-provoking meeting.”

As an organization committed to meeting the future head on, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) was proud to sponsor a program with such a diverse range of perspectives on the future of death care. If you couldn’t attend the event in person or watch the livestream, you haven’t missed out! Recordings of the Symposium sessions are available at cremationassociation.org/wakeforest.

About CANA

Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,700 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization. For more information about CANA, visit www.CremationAssociation.org.

About Wake Forest Law Review

The Wake Forest Law Review is a student-run organization that publishes five issues annually. The Law Review also sponsors symposia. The Symposium changes topics yearly. Through the publication of articles, notes, comments, and empirical legal studies, the Law Review provides the profession with timely evaluations of current problems in the law and serves students as a valuable educational tool.