STERLING, Va. (May 20, 2026) – The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the 2026 ICCFA Experience, held April 29–May 1 at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, Texas. The event welcomed 915 attendees and brought together nearly 2,000 deathcare professionals, exhibitors, speakers, and leaders for three days of innovation, education, and meaningful connection.
Building on the momentum of last year’s reimagined format, the 2026 ICCFA Experience continued evolving to meet the changing needs of the profession through integrated expo hall education, interactive programming, and expanded networking opportunities. Educational sessions focused on topics including artificial intelligence, consumer behavior, workplace culture, sustainability, legislative issues, sales strategy, and memorialization trends.
“The ICCFA Experience is about continually challenging ourselves to improve how our profession learns, connects, and grows together,” said ICCFA Executive Director Nadira Baddeliyanage. “This year’s event reflected the energy and forward-thinking mindset we want the ICCFA to represent. From conversations around AI and emerging technology to leadership, customer experience, and memorialization, the Experience continues to be a space where innovation and collaboration thrive.”
Highlights of the event included the keynote presentation from National Geographic Explorer and “Scientist of Human Connection” Chris Bashinelli, as well as America’s Got Ashes, an interactive session hosted by ICCFA General Counsel Poul Lemasters, Esq., focused on addressing the growing issue of unplaced cremated remains and the importance of permanent memorialization.
Networking remained central to the Experience, with the ICCFA Food & Beverage Lounge serving as a gathering space for attendees and exhibitors throughout the event. Attendees also participated in committee meetings, legislative programming, certification recognition ceremonies, and an off-site tour of historic Greenwood Memorial Park in Fort Worth.
The President’s Welcome Reception and Banquet celebrated leadership and service within the profession, including the ceremonial passing of the gavel from ICCFA President Robert Gordon Jr., CCE, to incoming ICCFA President John Bolton, CCE, CCrE, CSE, CXE. The evening also honored Darin Drabing, who was inducted into the ICCFA Hall of Fame, and Ray Frew, CCFE, recipient of the 2026 ICCFA Educational Foundation Lasting Impact Award.
“As we look toward the future, the ICCFA will continue finding new ways to elevate education, expand opportunities for our members, and challenge the status quo,” said ICCFA President John Bolton, CCE, CCrE, CSE, CXE. “The Experience is more than a convention—it’s a reflection of where our profession is headed. We want ICCFA to continue leading those conversations, reaching broader audiences, and creating an environment where innovation, education, and networking come together to move deathcare forward.”
Planning is already underway for the 2027 ICCFA Experience, which will be held at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado, April 14–16, 2027.
For the latest updates and highlights, visit 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.
