The ICCFA Celebrates a Groundbreaking 2025 Experience in Las Vegas
STERLING, Va. (May 22, 2025) – The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the 2025 ICCFA Experience, held April 30–May 3 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The event welcomed 867 attendees and drew a total of more than 2,000 individuals for an immersive, high-energy gathering focused on innovation, education, and connection.
This year’s event marked the debut of the ICCFA Experience, a bold rebranding of the association’s long-standing Annual Convention & Exposition. The new format and identity were designed to reflect the evolving needs of the deathcare profession and deliver a dynamic, future-focused event unlike anything before.
“This year’s Experience was a transformative moment for the ICCFA,” said ICCFA Executive Director Nadira Baddeliyanage. “From moving the educational sessions to the Expo Hall floor to featuring powerful programming on leadership, technology, and community connection, we wanted attendees to leave feeling energized and equipped—and they did.”
The updated format introduced Three Stages: One Experience, where education was seamlessly woven into the bustling Expo Hall. Dozens of expert-led sessions covered critical topics such as employee retention, cremation revenue strategies, food and beverage integration, digital marketing, and the intersection of AI and empathy in deathcare.
Central to the event experience was the ICCFA Food & Beverage Lounge, a vibrant hub located in the middle of the Expo Hall. Designed as a place for attendees to connect, recharge, and share ideas, the lounge hosted all meal services and receptions throughout the event—creating a natural gathering point for networking and community building.
A standout moment of the event was keynote speaker Clint Pulver, who delivered a powerful and unforgettable session on creating organizational cultures where employees want to stay. His high-energy presentation included an interactive drumming activity that brought the audience to life and perfectly complemented the event’s focus on inspiration and engagement.
“This year wasn’t just about programming; it was about participation,” said ICCFA Past President Lee Longino. “You could feel the energy on the floor—from the ribbon cutting to the late afternoon receptions. Every conversation was an opportunity to spark new ideas or build on trusted relationships.”
The President’s Welcome Reception & Banquet, held on opening night, brought together attendees and exhibitors for an evening of food, networking, and laughter, capped by a comedy performance from Cristela Alonzo. The evening also featured the Celebration of Remembrance, a moving tribute honoring those who have died in the past year. During the banquet, Lee Longino ceremonially passed the gavel to Robert Gordon, Jr., CCE, who was introduced as the new ICCFA President.
The reception also included a special moment honoring Jay D. Dodds, who was presented with the 2025 ICCFA Educational Foundation’s Lasting Impact Award in recognition of his lifelong dedication to education, mentorship, and elevating the profession.
“This was my first ICCFA event as president, and I couldn’t be more proud,” said ICCFA President Robert Gordon, Jr., CCE. “Our profession is evolving rapidly, and the engagement we saw in Las Vegas proves that our members are not just adapting—they’re leading. We’re embracing bold ideas and championing change in ways that will benefit our communities and the families we serve.”
The 2025 ICCFA Experience also featured committee meetings, networking events, and the inaugural Irwin W. Shipper Legislative Session & Reception, offering attendees key updates on legal and regulatory issues shaping the future of the profession.
Planning is already underway for next year’s ICCFA Experience, which will take place April 29–May 2, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas.
For the latest updates and highlights, visit iccfa.com/annual.
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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.
