Fads, Trends, Traditions… and the Future of Death Care
Tom Anderson’s Analysis On Stage at CANA’s 108th Convention this August 12-14, 2026
WHEELING, IL— What if the biggest risk to your business isn’t change — but misreading the change that’s coming? As the funeral profession continues to evolve, distinguishing meaningful, lasting shifts from short-lived fads has become increasingly challenging. At the Cremation Association of North America’s (CANA) 108th Annual Cremation Innovation Convention, Tom Anderson, President of Funeral Director Daily, will bring his extensive industry experience and real-world perspective to the stage. Tom’s presentation will examine the forces reshaping funeral service and cremation today, offering insight into which emerging trends signal true transformation and which are likely to fade.
In this engaging and thought-provoking session, participants will journey through the evolution of funeral service and cremation practices in the United States, witnessing how deeply rooted traditions have been shaped, challenged—and sometimes replaced—by emerging trends and short-lived fads. Anderson will explore how shifting consumer preferences, cultural attitudes, technology, and economic pressures continue to redefine the profession. Attendees will gain perspective to help them better anticipate and adapt to the future of death care.
“New products and services used by the American public seem to start as fads, become trends, and then, those with staying power evolve into a tradition. I think that there is something for death care professionals to learn from the process,” said Tom. “I think funeral homes will be just fine if they realize that they are the experts in Death Care… not in caskets, not in cremations, not in funerals… but in an all-encompassing Death Care. They must make sure that their communities know that they are the best at handling whatever disposition situation a family may prefer.”
Tom Anderson was the owner/operator of the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, Minnesota, for over 35 years. He has worked in all aspects of funeral service, including owning a crematory and insurance agency as well as being a licensed insurance agent himself. He has been involved in funeral home mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. Now, his goal is to share his ideas in the funeral industry with others. At CANA’s 108th Convention, Tom offers his perspective in his session Fads, Trends, Traditions… and the Future of Death Care, sponsored by National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL).
Tackling the challenges of the day with long-serving solutions, Tom shares the stage with leaders providing guidance on a variety of topics:
- Drawing on two vastly different early-career experiences, Allison Craft, General Manager of Cremation Society Minnesota, and Allison Henz, Community Engagement Lead of Foundation Partners Group, explore how intentional mentorship directly impacts long-term success with From Mortuary School to Service: Why Mentorship Matters.
- With ideas on how you can start Bridging the Gap: Synergizing End-of-Life Doulas with Funeral Directors and Crematories, Ashley Johnson, End-of-Life Doula, Loyal Hands LLC, shares practical strategies for integrating doulas into funeral and cremation services.
- Two industry experts share the stage with updates, because Information is Power. First, Howard Sankel, President of Options for Ashes, addresses The Growing “What Can Be Done With Cremated Remains” Aftercare Market. Then, Sarah Tepe, President of Crowne Vault, assists in Creating a New Approach: A Unified Voice for Cemetery Placement After Cremation.
- What Does Gathering Look Like For You? Brent Patterson, Funeral Director at Primrose Funeral Service, and Glenda Stansbury, the Director of Training for Insight Books, bring a new perspective to the power of words as we paint the picture of gathering for our families.
- Honnalora Hubbard, Regional Sales for Coldspring USA, will show us how to change the conversation around Abandoned Urns: A Crisis in America, offering practical conversation tools to shift from transactions to legacies.
- Artificial intelligence is shaping how we write, organize, communicate, and serve families. With AI in Funeral Service: Ethics, Compassion, and Professional Judgment, Martha Thayer, Founder & President of Mortuary Training, explores the responsibilities that come with AI use in funeral service.
- Look backward and forward with this year’s research session, Learning from History: History of CANA Statistics. CANA Historian Jason Engler honors cremation’s transformation from a radical fringe experiment into the gold standard of deathcare.
- Plus, if you’re curious to see Flame and Water Cremation in Two Settings: A Tour of Two Businesses, you can get your add-on ticket to examine a Bio-Response Solutions machine at Metro First Call and a Resomation machine in use at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation.
Lacy Robinson leads a special pre-convention offering, CANA’s new Certified Hospice Relations Specialist (CHRS) training workshop. This one‑day certification is designed to help funeral home owners, managers, licensed funeral directors, preneed specialists, and outreach or family care staff build structured, respectful partnerships with hospice organizations. Registration is available separately from the Convention or as an add-on!
Expand your thought horizons and cut loose from the restrictions that might limit your future business. Join Tom Anderson and CANA in Minneapolis this August and gain a clearer view of the future of death care. Register now for CANA’s 108th Annual Convention happening this August 12-14, 2026, at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center: cremationassociation.org/CANA26
