A Glimpse of What’s to Come at CANA Convention
Scholarship Application for CANA’s 106th Annual Convention Closes June 12
WHEELING, IL— Explore all Chicago has to offer this September when you join the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) for the 106th Annual Cremation Innovation Convention at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park hotel! This premier event brings innovative cremation professionals together to share ideas, learn from experts, and see the newest products and services from industry suppliers. Leap right into the heart of the Windy City this September 11-13, 2024, for your chance to join the conversation and set your business up for success.
Innovative sessions are the core of every CANA Convention, and the 2024 program is sure to measure up. CANA presents experts that will help business leaders calibrate their current company practice to flourish in the future:
We kick off the first morning with an empowering session by summoning our own potential and Being a Leader of Influence with Robbie Pape, Senior Vice President & Regional Partner, Carriage Services. Robbie will provide a roadmap on how to choose to be a better leader for your team, your business, and yourself. Leadership requires initiative and nothing shows that talent better than an early morning motivational session to set the tone for the day!
Back by popular demand, Sara Murphy, PhD, FT, Death Educator & Suicidologist with the University of Rhode Island, returns to the CANA Convention stage to discuss Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk Within the Deathcare Profession. This invaluable session will teach how to differentiate between myths and realities of suicidality, recognize the signs for suicide risk and develop responses to prevent suicide death loss within the profession to better care for ourselves and our colleagues.
Dr. Sara Murphy also leads a special pre-Convention workshop with Aaron Pelchat, a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist. Together, they’ll say the quiet part out loud on The Silent Problem: Talking about Mental Health and Funeral Service. Their workshop will help us understand realities of common mental health issues – think compassion fatigue and burnout – unpack the challenges to self-care, and discover therapeutic tools for improving mental health. Registration is available separately from the Convention or as an add-on!
To prepare for the future, we take a moment to reflect on the past with The Cremation Historian Jason Engler, regional sales manager for the Wilbert Group. In The Eternal Value of Cremation Memorials, we’ll learn from history to apply strategies in modern permanent memorialization and promote profitability in the cemetery.
The additional lineup of compelling presentations includes:
- CANA President Robert Hunsaker discussing how CANA’s 2024 Annual Cremation Statistics Report impacts your business. He’s joined by CANA Past President Caressa Hughes who will provide an update on the regulatory and legal landscape of the profession. Plus, CANA Board Member Steve Bassett offering lessons learned from the cemetery complaint council.
- Dean of the InSight Institute Glenda Stansbury and Homesteaders Director of Consumer Marketing Kelly Manion sharing the stage to talk about modern ways to address families’ grief.
- Lee Hovermale of KiZAN Technologies sharing an expertise in cybersecurity borne of over 30 years in the technology sector, including basic terms, spotting phishing scams, and how businesses can best protect themselves and their customers.
- Jolena Grande discussing the role of women in funeral service with her unique perspective as Program Director of the Mortuary Science Program at Cypress College.
What more could you want? How about an opportunity to attend for free? The Funeral Service Foundation is offering five scholarships to attend the CANA Convention. Valued at up to $2,200, each scholarship covers full registration for the event, plus three nights at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park, and up to $500 in travel reimbursement to professionals and students across funeral service. Candidates must apply by June 12, 2024! Learn more at cremationassociation.org/CANAROI.
Join your colleagues in the city that’s second to none! Enjoy Chicago in September and book yourself for September 11-13, 2024, at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park: cremationassociation.org/CANA24
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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.
