How Cemeteries Can Thrive In a Cremation-Driven Future

Expert Panel Discussion at CANA’s Cremation Symposium in Las Vegas this February 25-27, 2026

WHEELING, IL— You know cremation is preparation for memorialization, not final disposition—but do your families? At the Cremation Association of North America’s 2026 Cremation Symposium, you’re invited to a panel discussion to look closely at Cremation’s Role in Cemetery Financial Sustainability. This February 25-27 in Las Vegas, explore how cemeteries can remain financially sustainable while adapting to today’s shifting consumer preferences.

Ever wondered if your experience with families is part of a growing trend? Are consumer attitudes toward cremation memorialization shifting? This is the discussion you can’t afford to skip! Learn what’s possible when you embrace innovative cremation memorialization options. Our panelists will present you with forward-thinking strategies that honor the original vision for each cemetery while also preparing them for tomorrow’s challenges. Moderated by Larry Stuart, Jr., founder of Raven Plume Consulting, this expert panel features: Dan Applegate, President & CEO of The Arlington Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home, who has 40 years of leadership experience focused on cemetery growth and sustainability through diversification and cremation economy strategies; Steve Brown, a mission-driven leader at Mount Auburn Cemetery, who is spearheading modernization initiatives and inventory expansion to meet evolving consumer needs; and Sandra Walker, COO of Fairmount Memorial Association, who directs seven cemeteries and five funeral homes with a rare blend of regulatory expertise, operational precision, and empathetic leadership honed over 26 years in funeral care.

“There’s really no motive, so to speak, financially. Obviously, we’re a business, and we want to do well enough to continue to maintain our business, but that is not our primary goal,” emphasized Sandra Walker. “Our primary goal is to serve our community. This strategy just has a different feel to it, because the pressure isn’t to continue to just keep making money – that’s not the focus. The focus is to serve and, through service, success will come.” Join the conversation on Cremation’s Role in Cemetery Financial Sustainability, sponsored by SinoSource International, and discover how to position your cemetery for long-term relevance and impact and bring new memorialization options to the families you serve.

Bring the future into focus 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.

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.

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.

Ample time to network 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 – including Dan, Steve, and Sandra – 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.

Discover how to position cremation in your cemetery for future success. 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.