Tomorrow’s Consumers In Focus: CANA’s 2026 Cremation Symposium
New Consumer Disposition Research to be Presented at CANA Symposium this February
WHEELING, IL— For the last 50 years, the cremation rate has been steadily rising, gaining ground over casketed burial. But could that ground be shifting? Explore that possibility as Professor Tanya Marsh reveals new consumer research from the 2025 Wake Forest Law School study on disposition preferences at CANA’s 2026 Cremation Symposium at Paris Las Vegas this February 25-27.
For five decades, the American death care industry has seen a steady movement away from casket burial and towards cremation. New research on consumer preferences in disposition methods suggests a potential and unexpected reversal of the current trajectory. In Tomorrow’s Consumers in Focus: Casket Burial Gains Ground Among Younger Adults, Tanya Marsh, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor at the Wake Forest University School of Law, highlights some of the big-picture results of the 2025 Wake Forest Law School study on six legalized disposition methods and notes three possible explanations for this possible shift in her session at the CANA Symposium.
“Families need a trusted guide to sort through an increasing number of options,” reminds Tanya. “Seize the opportunity to become your community’s expert on all disposition options. Learn the logistics of less common services so that, when a family has a question about any option, you ensure you are their first and most trusted call.” Tanya’s session will explore proactive strategies to understand and adapt new disposition methods to honor a wider spectrum of final wishes and support every family, regardless of their choices.
Generate more solutions to the ever-evolving death care profession with every session at CANA’s 2026 Symposium:
- Larry Stuart, Jr., of Raven Plume Consulting, delivers the keynote session, Beyond the Flame: How Today’s Trends Are Shaping Cremation’s Next 150 Years, reflecting on 150 years of cremation practice and exploring what the next 150 years could hold for our profession.
- A panel of legal and regulatory experts consider the Legal and Ethical Strategies for Unclaimed Remains. Tim Koch of Metro First Call, Tanya Marsh of Wake Forest University School of Law, Lara Price of Pappas Grubbs Price, and Wendy Russell Wiener of WRW Legal, PLLC, discuss how to protect your organization while honoring those left in your care with unclaimed remains.
- Experienced cemeterians from coast-to-coast will tackle Cremation’s Role in Cemetery Financial Sustainability. Dan Applegate of The Arlington Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home, Steve Brown of Mount Auburn Cemetery, and Sandra Walker of Fairmount Memorial Association, will discuss trends in consumer attitudes toward cremation memorialization.
- In Really Thriving or Just Surviving: How to Work Smarter and Build Wealth, Kara Ludlum, CPA and licensed funeral director, shares insights on why formerly financially strong funeral homes and cemeteries are now struggling and how to restore profitability and sustainability.
- 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 Curtis Funk of Tukios, Lauren Pettine of WRW Legal, PLLC, and Kris Yee 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.
Many in the industry fight change but, if you’re ready to embrace it, join Tanya Marsh and your colleagues from across funeral and cemetery service this February. 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.
