CANA's 2026 Cremation Symposium Explores AI's Role in Death Care

Look toward the future in Las Vegas this February 25-27, 2026

WHEELING, IL— Artificial intelligence isn’t just the next tech-world buzzword—it’s already changing how funeral professionals work. At the Cremation Association of North America’s 2026 Cremation Symposium, the AI Panel Discussion is your chance to get ahead of the curve. This February 25-27 in Las Vegas, you can hear from leading voices in technology, law, and innovation when they the share real-world applications, cautionary tales, and practical tools you can start using now.

If you’ve wondered how AI can save time, reduce errors, and enhance the personal touch families expect, this is the discussion you can’t afford to skip. Learn what’s possible today—and what’s coming next— from experts who are shaping the future of death care. Moderated by Lara Price, shareholder in Pappas Grubbs Price law firm and CANA legal counsel, this dynamic panel features: Curtis Funk, founder and CEO of Tukios where he has spent the last 18 years providing products and services exclusively to funeral homes; Lauren Pettine, a Florida-licensed attorney with WRW Legal, PLLC who focuses her practice on regulatory deathcare law, supporting businesses and individuals that interact with administrative agencies and statutory frameworks impacting the deathcare industry; and Kris Yee, co-founder and CEO of Prelude with 25 years of experience in tech, SaaS, and startups who brings both technical expertise and a human-centered approach to innovation in deathcare to help families plan ahead.

Together, these panelists will bring a balanced approach of optimistic ideas and cautionary tales for AI-curious funeral professionals. “Artificial intelligence is a tool that can be used to make the funeral profession better,” asserts Lauren Pettine. “It is helpful for, say, performing administrative tasks or assisting with note-taking during arrangement conferences. However, because this is such a new technology, artificial intelligence should be used judiciously.” Panelist Curtis Funk adds, “We’re just getting started with what AI can do to support funeral professionals. There are new features designed to save you time, reduce errors, and make your work even more efficient without sacrificing the personal touch that families rely on.”

More future-focused sessions await 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.

Armed with the latest stats on consumer preferences in disposition methods across different demographics, Tanya Marsh, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor at Wake Forest University School of Law, shares highlights from the 2025 Wake Forest Law School study in Tomorrow’s Consumers in Focus: Casket Burial Gains Ground Among Younger Adults.

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.

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 shared meals, the crowd-favorite Roundtables session brings attendees face-to-face with session presenters – including Curtis, Lauren, and Kris – and leaders from across funeral service in all business models, locales, experience levels, and call volumes. Get a seat at the table as we tackle today’s challenges and share solutions.

Get the scoop about how AI is being used in death care – and what you should know about using it in your business. 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.