Connect, Collaborate, and Generate Ideas: CANA’s 2026 Cremation Symposium
Exchange Information and Inspiration at Symposium Roundtable in February
WHEELING, IL—What does hospice have to do with cemetery sustainability? What does AI have to do with consumer preferences for disposition? What legal, ethical, and operational risks are tied to unclaimed remains? Join the dialogue and discuss the changes that will drive the future of your business during the roundtable session at CANA’s 2026 Cremation Symposium in Las Vegas this February 25-27, 2026.
Networking is what makes a CANA event truly unique, and the 2026 Symposium in Las Vegas is no exception. Set amidst an intimate atmosphere featuring shared meals and spontaneous conversations, attendees will experience the crowd-favorite Roundtables session—a dynamic opportunity to engage directly with presenters and leaders from across the funeral service profession.
This interactive session brings together professionals from all business models, locales, and experience levels to tackle today’s challenges and share practical solutions. Take your place among the innovators shaping the future of funeral service and your business.
Hosting CANA’s Roundtable session are:
- Larry Stuart, Jr., of Raven Plume Consulting, to reflect on 150 years of cremation practice and explore what the next 150 years could hold for our profession.
- Wendy Russell Wiener of WRW Legal, PLLC, to discuss legal and ethical strategies for unclaimed remains to protect your organization while honoring those left in your care.
- Dan Applegate of The Arlington Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home, Steve Brown of Mount Auburn Cemetery, and Sandra Walker of Fairmount Memorial Association, to chat about cremation memorialization and its role in cemetery financial sustainability.
- Kara Ludlum, CPA and licensed funeral director, to share ideas on restoring profitability and sustainability to funeral homes and cemeteries.
- Curtis Funk of Tukios, Lauren Pettine of WRW Legal, PLLC, and Kris Yee of Prelude, to brainstorm practical capabilities and cautionary tales about AI usage in death care.
- Lacy Robinson, Sr. Business Consultant at Johnson Consulting Group, to help you transform your hospice relationships into strategic partnerships.
Join the roundtable discussions with Symposium presenters and dive deeper into key topics, ask lingering questions, and exchange ideas with industry leaders and peers. It’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on what you’ve learned, spark new insights, and leave inspired to apply fresh strategies to your work.
Pull up a chair and help craft solutions for tomorrow’s challenges. Register CANA’s 2026 Cremation Symposium February 25-27, 2026, at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino: cremationassociation.org/future.
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.
