FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (February 26, 2026) – The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is proud to announce that PROGRESS 2026, presented by Homesteaders Life Company, will take place May 5-7, 2026, at the iconic Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. OGR’s annual conference continues to bring together independently owned funeral home and supply partners from across the world for meaningful connections, relevant education, and forward-thinking conversations designed to advance the profession.
PROGRESS 2026 will feature an engaging lineup of speakers including Joseph Finocchiaro, EJD, MBIE, CFSP; Court Bluford; Lacy Robinson; Olivia Ralston Yergler; Jack Willaert; and additional presenters who will share expertise on today’s most pressing issues in funeral service.
Educational sessions will explore myths and misconceptions about funeral service education and graduates, examine how firms can embrace the digital frontier, and strengthen hospitality skills essential for funeral service professionals. Attendees will also participate in OGR’s popular Ideas Exchange, hear from a panel of experts on future-readying their funeral home at every stage of ownership, and learn how to have compassionate financial discussions with their families.
“PROGRESS represents our commitment to moving the profession forward together,” said Kim Hunter, President of the OGR Board of Directors. “In Louisville, we will continue fostering meaningful dialogue, sharing innovative ideas, and strengthening the relationships that define OGR. Independent funeral homes are strongest when we learn from one another, and PROGRESS creates the space for that collaboration.”
In addition to dynamic educational programming, attendees will experience valuable networking opportunities, peer-driven discussion, and time to build lasting relationships within OGR’s global community. The setting of the Galt House—overlooking the Ohio River in the heart of downtown Louisville—provides an inspiring backdrop for both learning and connection.
PROGRESS remains a cornerstone event for OGR members, reinforcing the organization’s mission to elevate standards, encourage ethical practices, and support independently owned funeral homes worldwide.
In addition to Homesteaders Life Company, other sponsors of PROGRESS include Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions, Access Financial Group, Inc., Passages, Funeral Home Gifts, Aurora Payments, Johnson Consulting Group, Express Funeral Funding, Full Circle Aftercare, Garfield Refining, NOMIS Publications, and S&S Superior Coach Company.
For more information about PROGRESS 2026 and the International Order of the Golden Rule, please visit www.ogr.org/PROGRESS.
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About the International Order of the Golden Rule
Since 1928, the International Order of the Golden Rule has been the leading professional association dedicated to promoting high ethical standards and outstanding service of independently owned funeral homes in the funeral and memorialization profession. OGR members represent the elite in the industry, consistently providing compassionate and personalized care to families in their time of need. OGR is headquartered in Indianapolis. For more information, visit www.ogr.org.
