STERLING, Va. (November 5, 2026) – The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) welcomed 120 deathcare professionals to Savannah, Georgia, October 20–22, for the 2026 ICCFA Fall Leadership Summit at The DeSoto hotel. The annual event provided opportunities for deathcare leaders to connect, exchange ideas, and explore emerging trends shaping the future of cemetery, cremation and funeral service.
This year's Summit placed a special emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI), encouraging attendees to consider how emerging technologies can strengthen their operations while preserving the personal connections at the heart of the deathcare profession.
Keynote speaker Caleb Gardner, technology strategist and co-founder of 18 Coffees, presented Human-Centered AI Strategy: Putting AI to Work Without Losing the Personal Touch. His presentation explored how deathcare professionals can embrace AI to improve efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and empower their teams without compromising the compassionate care families deserve.
Gardner built on the keynote with an interactive workshop, AI in Practice: Free Your Team for Work That Matters, offering practical examples and hands-on applications of AI tools for funeral homes, cemeteries, and crematories.
The Summit's exploration of AI extended beyond operational applications to questions of ethics, grief and memorialization during When AI Keeps Us Connected: The Promise and Perils of Digital Afterlife, a panel moderated by ICCFA President John Bolton, CCE, CCrE, CSE, CXE, of Park Lawn Corporation. Panelists Caleb Gardner; ICCFA General Counsel Poul Lemasters, Esq.; Katherine Ivanova of Pantio; and Dr. Jason Troyer of Healing Path Cemetery explored the ethical, legal and emotional implications of using AI to recreate the voices, images and personalities of deceased loved ones.
Through thought-provoking scenarios and discussion, the panel examined questions surrounding consent, privacy, authenticity and the potential impact of AI-generated memorials on grieving families. Topics ranged from creating AI-generated farewell messages and digitally recreating loved ones to protecting sensitive family information and determining when AI-driven personalization crosses the line into manipulation. The discussion challenged attendees to consider not just what AI makes possible, but where deathcare professionals should draw the line to protect the families they serve.
Reflecting on Gardner's keynote and workshop, one attendee shared, "I enjoyed the session on AI and the practical session that followed. This is something that we can lean into as a profession and enhance our skill set rather than replace anyone."
"Technology is changing our profession, but the importance of human connection remains constant," said Bolton. "This year's Summit challenged us to think differently about how we lead, adapt and serve families. By bringing together diverse perspectives and encouraging open conversations about emerging technologies, we're helping our profession prepare for the future while staying true to the values that define our work."
Beyond the AI-focused programming, attendees participated in the Irwin W. Shipper Legislative Session, featuring Mary Beth McGowan of Dykema, Poul Lemasters and Christine Toson, CCE, of The Tribute Companies Inc.. The session provided updates on legislative and regulatory issues affecting the deathcare profession and encouraged discussion about the challenges and opportunities facing businesses across the country.
The Summit also celebrated the next generation of deathcare leadership with recognition of ICCFA's 2026 40 Under 40 Award honorees, acknowledging emerging professionals whose accomplishments, leadership, and innovation are helping shape the profession's future.
Throughout the event, attendees had opportunities to build relationships and strengthen professional connections through networking receptions and activities showcasing Savannah's unique character, including the annual ICCFA Golf Tournament at The Club at Savannah Harbor, a cocktail experience and tour of the American Prohibition Museum, and a Ghosts & Gravestones Trolley Tour.
"The Fall Leadership Summit is about creating an environment where meaningful conversations lead to new ideas, stronger relationships and continued professional growth," said Nadira Baddeliyanage, ICCFA Executive Director. "This year's programming demonstrated the importance of embracing innovation while keeping people at the center of everything we do. We're grateful to our speakers, sponsors, and attendees for making this gathering an opportunity to learn from one another and move our profession forward together."
Details about the 2027 ICCFA Fall Leadership Summit will be announced in the coming months. For more information about ICCFA's upcoming events and educational opportunities, visit iccfa.com.
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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 rooftop members in the cemetery, funeral home, and crematory industries, as well as supplier and related businesses worldwide.
