Program Announced for CANA’s 103rd In-Person Cremation Innovation Convention
WHEELING, IL — You can always count on the CANA Convention for fun, networking, and content centered around cremation. When asked what they’re looking forward to at CANA’s 103rd Cremation Innovation Convention, survey respondents voted CANA’s innovative cremation programming as the most valuable part of their experience: “Good education—I always learn something new at CANA!” Your experience this August will live up to the hype.
“Keep the ‘out of the box’ thinkers and speakers presenting! I love new ideas!” Not to disappoint, convention planners have crafted a schedule of dynamic presenters, engaging roundtables, and practical solutions. More than any other year, CANA’s 103rd Convention puts peer connection first to share experiences, ideas, and skills from all over North America.
Larry Stuart, Jr. emcees the event and brings his boisterous energy center stage to keep everyone engaged and on their toes. “I was honored to speak at CANA’s Virtual Convention, but nothing could compare to my excitement to be back in-person with the 103rd Convention!” Larry brings his years of experience and enthusiasm for all things cremation to a lineup of exciting sessions:
Robbie Pape has led leadership workshops, headlined conferences, and inspired countless people with motivational presentations grounded in practical tips. After a challenging year, Robbie returns to the CANA stage to reflect on what we’ve overcome and how we can meet future challenges with intention and energy to own what happens in our lives.
Leili McMurrough’s experience is unparalleled as Director of Worsham College and Co-Owner of McMurrough Funeral Chapel—not to mention as a licensed attorney in addition to being a licensed funeral director and embalmer. As someone who educates future funeral professionals, she is keyed into what your staff need to succeed in the workplace and how you can hire and retain today’s employee.
As always, CANA will feature its latest research, this year with cremation rate statistics from 2020. Practitioners will make up a panel reflecting on what CANA’s Annual Statistics Report says, what it means for their business, and how they are planning for what’s to come.
Featuring local innovation, CANA brings three Washington practitioners of alternative forms of disposition with stories of how they make their business a success: Char Carpenter Barrett represents home funerals and green burial, Katrina Spade will talk about natural organic reduction, and Sandra Walker covers adding alkaline hydrolysis options to a traditional combo business. The panel will be moderated by Insight’s Glenda Stansbury.
Not to be outdone, a CANA Members Robert Hunsaker and Lynn Gibson will share their progressive cremation memorialization ideas that embrace ecology and green living.
Plus, roundtable sessions will allow you to connect with these ideas as you get feedback on your business and challenges with fellow cremation colleagues.
CANA is building a convention worth the trip, but the association knows it’s not right for everyone. A decision to travel involves more than judging whether time away from family or business is feasible—there are other risks and benefits to calculate while considering the shifting restrictions to protect everyone’s safety. CANA looks forward to reuniting around engaging programming, innovative exhibitors, and good company.
Register for CANA’s 103rd Cremation Innovation Convention at goCANA.org/CANA21!
About CANA
Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,300 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization.
