APRIL 29 – MAY 1, 2026 | FORT WORTH CONVENTION CENTER | FORT WORTH, TX
Saddle Up for Fort Worth!
The 2026 ICCFA Experience will take place April 29–May 1, 2026, at the Fort Worth Convention Center in the heart of Texas.
Attendees will gather for big ideas, bold conversations, and plenty of southern hospitality as we bring together professionals from across the funeral, cemetery, and cremation professions.
Registration is now open—make plans now to join us next year in Fort Worth. We can’t wait to welcome you for another unforgettable ICCFA Experience!
2026 Schedule of Events
Schedule is subject to change
Early Bird Registration Rates
| Registration Type | Pricing |
|---|---|
| ICCFA Cemetery, Crematory & Funeral Home Member | $775 |
| ICCFA Supplier Member | $1,030 |
| Cemetery, Crematory & Funeral Home Non-member | $1,105 |
| Supplier Non-member | $1,320 |
| Guest/Spouse | $455 |
Registration Rates After February 13
| Registration Type | Pricing |
|---|---|
| ICCFA Cemetery, Crematory & Funeral Home Member | $885 |
| ICCFA Supplier Member | $1,105 |
| Cemetery, Crematory & Funeral Home Non-member | $1,105 |
| Supplier Non-member | $1,375 |
| Guest/Spouse | $455 |
Stay Close to the Action
The 2026 ICCFA Experience will be held at the Fort Worth Convention Center. Book your stay in one of our official ICCFA hotel blocks to be just steps away from the convention center and attractions like the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, dining, and shopping. Room blocks are now open!
- Hilton Fort Worth – $229/night*
815 Main St | 350 ft from convention center (1-minute walk) - The Kimpton Harper – $239/night*
714 Main St | 0.1 miles from convention center (1-minute walk) - Sheraton Fort Worth Downtown – $237/night*
1701 Commerce St | 0.1 miles from convention center (1-minute walk) - Le Méridien – $214/night*
811 Commerce St | 0.1 miles from convention center (1-minute walk) - The Worthington Renaissance – $259/night*
200 Main St | 0.4 miles from convention center (9-minute walk)
*Rates do not include taxes or property fees.
**If you need a block of 9 or more rooms, please contact Erica Baker, erica@iccfa.com directly so we may assist you in securing your sub-block.
Booking in the ICCFA hotel block does more than secure your room—it supports the ICCFA Experience, helps keep registration fees low, and strengthens our ability to negotiate great future rates. It also protects ICCFA from costly penalties when room commitments aren’t met.
Better rates for you. Stronger events for everyone. Stay where it counts.
Stay Safe – Avoid Scams
The ICCFA does not partner with any third-party companies for hotel bookings, attendee lists, or special discounts. Beware of fraudulent offers. Only use the official ICCFA website to book hotels and register securely. Unauthorized companies are not affiliated with ICCFA and may cause overpayment, lost reservations, or stolen information.
Questions? Contact the ICCFA Meetings Department at 703-391-8400.
Exhibit at the ICCFA Experience!
Get ready for another unforgettable year at the 2026 ICCFA Experience! With three stages under one roof, the expo hall offers a seamless blend of ideas, insights, and innovation.
This year’s Experience is designed to deliver maximum value for exhibitors with :
- Two days of nonstop visibility as education sessions throughout the hall drive consistent attendee traffic and new connections straight to your booth.
- Prime networking opportunities with dedicated lunch hours built in, giving you uninterrupted face time with decision-makers and buyers.
- Strong brand presence in a high-energy environment where your products and services are front and center.
Click the button below for more details and to apply for a booth space!
America’s Got Ashes | Host: Poul Lemasters, Esq.
Across the country, millions of urns are sitting forgotten in closets, garages, and storage spaces. America’s Got Ashes (AGA)—a lively, competition-style session hosted by Poul Lemasters, Esq.,—shines a light on this growing issue and highlights creative solutions from across the profession.
Part forum and part game show, AGA invites deathcare professionals to share innovative programs, events, and tools that help families pick up cremated remains, understand memorialization options, and move remains from “left at home” to meaningful, permanent places of honor. A panel of judges will evaluate ideas for creativity, practicality, impact, and scalability.
Want to participate? Submit a 2-minute video showcasing your idea, program, or approach to helping families move unplaced cremated remains into meaningful memorial spaces.
Send submissions to poul@iccfa.com by March 6, 2026 (No written reports needed—show us your idea!) Participants who submit a video may even receive an official AGA t-shirt!
Keynote Speaker | Chris Bashinelli
National Geographic Explorer & TV Host, United Nations Moderator, Actor from The Sopranos (HBO), Expert on Human Connection & Happiness in Business
Chris “Bash” Bashinelli is an internationally recognized speaker, TV host, and National Geographic Explorer whose work inspires audiences to expand their worldviews and step beyond their comfort zones. As the creator and host of Bridge the Gap on PBS and National Geographic, Chris has taken millions of viewers on global adventures—from harvesting buffalo with Native Americans to living as a nomad in Mongolia.
A United Nations Moderator, Eagle Scout, and mentee of Dr. Jane Goodall, Chris has shared the stage with leaders like Stevie Wonder and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. His core message is simple yet powerful: when we change our mindset, we change our world.
President’s Banquet Entertainment | Impressionist Matthew Friend
Matt Friend is a 26-year-old comedian, actor, and impressionist with over 1 million followers across social media. A graduate of NYU, Matt has been featured on The Howard Stern Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, MSNBC, the Today Show, and more. Known for his repertoire of 250+ impressions, he has hosted the NHL Awards, performed at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, and headlined the Netflix Is A Joke Festival.
He’s lent his voice to The Simpsons and Family Guy, toured nationwide and internationally, and earned praise from stars like Howard Stern, John Oliver, and Jeff Goldblum. Most recently, he partnered with Bill Maher’s Club Random Studios for his new show FRIEND IN HIGH PLACES.
Awards & Recognition at the ICCFA Experience
Each year, the ICCFA Experience celebrates the outstanding achievements of our members through several prestigious awards. Explore the links below to learn more about each honor and how to apply or submit nominations:
- 2026 ICCFA Educational Foundation Lasting Impact Award: Ray Frew, CCFE
- 2025 Keeping It Personal Awards: Applications close January 16 at 11:59 PM ET
- 2026 Scott R. Sells Excellence Award: Nominations close January 30 at 11:59 PM ET
- ICCFA Certified Executive Program: More details coming soon
- 2026 Quarter & Half Century Club Awards: More details coming soon
Join us in Fort Worth as we recognize the remarkable ICCFA members whose dedication, leadership, and service strengthen our profession and advance our mission.
ICCFA Educational Foundation’s Lasting Impact Award
2026 Lasting Impact Award Recipient | Ray Frew, CCFE
The Lasting Impact Awards were created by the ICCFA Educational Foundation to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing professional development and lifelong learning in the funeral, cemetery, and cremation profession.
The ICCFA Educational Foundation proudly honors Ray Frew, CCFE, as the recipient of the 2026 Lasting Impact Award in recognition of his decades of visionary leadership and service to the profession. A past ICCFA President and founder of the ICCFA Educational Foundation, Frew has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s mission to expand access to education, strengthen leadership, and elevate professionalism across the industry. His enduring contributions will be celebrated during the President’s Banquet on April 29 in Fort Worth, Texas.
2026 Scott R. Sells Excellence Award
The ICCFA Veterans Committee is proud to open nominations for the 2026 Scott R. Sells Excellence Award, honoring a funeral service organization that demonstrates exceptional commitment to supporting active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families.
This prestigious award celebrates the legacy of Scott R. Sells, CCFE, past ICCFA President, whose dedication to honoring members of the U.S. Armed Forces continues to inspire our profession.
Who can nominate: Only ICCFA members may submit nominations. The organization nominated does not need to be an ICCFA member, but self-nominations are not permitted.
Nominations close January 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.
Big Ideas, Bright Lights: 2025 ICCFA Experience Recap in Las Vegas
Get a taste of what to expect in Fort Worth next year!
Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors!
Black Diamond Level
Diamond Level
Platinum Level
Gold Level
Silver Level
Bronze Level
Sponsorship Opportunities
For sponsorship opportunities, contact ICCFA Director of Meetings, Lindsy Gundrum, at lindsy@iccfa.com.