STERLING, Va. (Jan. 30, 2025)—The International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association (ICCFA) is thrilled to unveil a groundbreaking educational lineup for The ICCFA Experience, which will take place April 30–May 3 at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. This year’s event will showcase an immersive experience for deathcare professionals with dynamic sessions on the Expo Hall floor, where attendees can interact with speakers, exhibitors and peers in a fully immersive and collaborative setting. From innovative marketing strategies to insights on hospice partnerships, these educational sessions will give attendees the tools to thrive in the rapidly evolving deathcare profession.
Wednesday, April 30: Pre-Convention Breakouts
Tough Love for the Telephone – A Gut Check on the Call Experience
Presented by: Nicki Wiedeman, CSE, Dead Ringers
When: Wednesday, April 30, 10–10:50 a.m.
Dive into the often-overlooked art of phone communication with Nicki Wiedeman as she shares practical tips to transform clients’ call experiences. This session will equip attendees with actionable strategies to improve customer service and boost operational efficiency.
Serving Comfort: How Food & Beverage Can Feed Your Bottom Line
Presented by: Caleb Klein, Loving Ceremony
When: Wednesday, April 30, 1–1:50 p.m.
Learn how integrating food and beverage services can enhance personalization, boost customer satisfaction, and unlock new revenue streams. Caleb Klein will explore dynamic pricing, tiered options, and catering models to maximize operational success.
Thursday, May 1: Opening Day Highlights
Creating Community Experiences Roundtable
Host: Shane Pudenz, Carriage
Panelists: Erin Creger, Security National Funeral Homes & Cemeteries; Robert Gordon, Jr., CCE, Cypress Lawn; René Negrete, Inglewood Park Cemetery
When: Thursday, May 1, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
This engaging roundtable will explore the art and science of crafting community events that draw people to your funeral home and/or cemetery. Attendees will learn how to create unforgettable experiences that boost name recognition, strengthen community bonds and position their facilities as destination venues.
Keynote Session: I Love It Here – Create an Organization People Never Want to Leave
Presented by: Clint Pulver, Retention Expert and Keynote Speaker
When: Thursday, May 1, 2–3 p.m.Clint Pulver’s unforgettable keynote will inspire leaders to reimagine mentorship and cultivate a culture where employees thrive. By exploring the power of mentorship over traditional management techniques, Clint will provide actionable strategies for fostering engagement, collaboration, and purpose.
Friday, May 2: Must-Attend Educational Sessions
AI Meets Empathy: Innovating Deathcare Services Without Compromising Compassion
Presented by: Alexandra Mysoor, Alix
When: Friday, May 2, 9–10 a.m.
Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing deathcare by improving operations while maintaining the human connection families need.
Reimagining the Funeral Experience – Leveraging Technology for Growth
Presented by: Zack Moy, Afterword
When: Friday, May 2, 10–11 a.m.
This data-driven talk challenges traditional perceptions of online funeral planning and reveals how technology can lead to higher revenue and stronger family connections. Attendees will gain insights into using technology like task management, digital calendars, and e-signature platforms to create exceptional online experiences.
Registration Open
Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in this transformative event! With sessions tailored for progressive deathcare professionals, The ICCFA Experience is your chance to expand your knowledge, make valuable connections and leave with actionable insights. For the full schedule and registration details, visit https://iccfa.com/annual/.
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Founded in 1887, the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, cremation, funeral, and memorialization profession. The association is comprised of more than 10,000 members in the cemetery, funeral home, and crematory industries, as well as supplier and related businesses worldwide.
