OGR to Bring Emerging Funeral Professionals Together for Future Leaders Forum
INDIANAPOLIS (August 13, 2026) – The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) will bring together emerging leaders from independently owned funeral homes for the 2026 Future Leaders Forum, taking place August 23-25 at George Irvin Green Funeral Home in Munhall, Pennsylvania.
Designed for growing professionals, second-career staff and emerging leaders, the Future Leaders Forum provides attendees with practical education, peer connections and real-world insights to help prepare them for greater leadership within their funeral homes and the funeral profession.
“The future of independent funeral service depends on developing strong leaders who are prepared to navigate change while continuing to serve families at the highest level,” said Wendy King, CAE, CVA, Executive Director of OGR. “The Future Leaders Forum gives emerging professionals a place to learn from experienced leaders, exchange ideas with their peers and build the skills and relationships they will carry with them throughout their careers.”
Presented by Full-Circle Aftercare, the Forum is built around interaction, discussion and practical learning. Attendees will explore both the hard and soft skills needed to help own, operate and lead a successful independent funeral home while considering how changing family expectations and new challenges will shape the future of the profession.
This year’s educational programming includes a session with TJ Roser, Funeral Director and Coroner Liaison with The Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE); Leadership Lessons from Independent Funeral Home Owners, facilitated by Matt Van Drimmelen of Full-Circle Aftercare; and So You Want to Own a Funeral Home, facilitated by Robert Murray of Johnson Consulting Group. Designed for emerging professionals considering funeral home ownership, Murray’s session will explore what it takes to move from funeral service professional to business owner, including key considerations, challenges and opportunities involved in purchasing, operating and leading an independent funeral home.
The program begins Sunday, August 23, with an optional group outing at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science (PIMS), followed by dinner and games at Dave and Busters before a full day of educational sessions and networking on Monday. The Forum concludes Tuesday, August 25, following a final morning of education and a closing session.
To make the experience more accessible to emerging professionals, the OGR Foundation is offering $350 scholarships to the first 15 OGR member funeral homes that register a staff member for the Forum.
Registration is $199 for OGR members and $249 for nonmembers. Member registration includes all educational sessions, plus breakfast and lunch on Monday and Tuesday.
OGR extends its appreciation to the sponsors whose support makes the 2026 Future Leaders Forum possible including is Presenting Sponsor Full-Circle Aftercare, Bogati, The Bancorp, Impression Vault, Johnson Consulting Group and Passages International.
“The support of our sponsors reflects a shared commitment to investing in the next generation of independent funeral service,” King said. “Their partnership helps us create meaningful opportunities for emerging leaders to learn, build relationships and return to their funeral homes better prepared to contribute, lead and shape the future of the profession.”
The 2026 Future Leaders Forum is part of OGR’s broader commitment to preparing the next generation of independent funeral professionals with the knowledge, connections and opportunities they need to grow their careers and strengthen the funeral homes they serve.
For additional information or to register, visit www.ogr.org/future-leaders-forum.
About the International Order of the Golden Rule
The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is an association of independently owned and operated funeral homes dedicated to ethical service to all. Founded in 1928, it is our mission to make independent funeral homes exceptional. We do this by building and supporting member interaction, information exchange and professional business development through a wide range of programs, services and resources. For more information, visit www.ogr.org.
