Sterling, VA – July 9, 2024 — The International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association (ICCFA) is excited to announce the return of ICCFA University from July 19-24, 2024, at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. This premier educational event brings together professionals worldwide, providing a unique opportunity to learn from top leaders in deathcare and, more importantly, to connect with peers and build a strong professional network. These connections will be invaluable in shaping their careers for years to come. 

ICCFA University offers intensive training across nine specialized colleges, each led by experts: 

  • College of 21st Century Services | Dean Glenda Stansbury 

Learn how to go beyond tradition with innovative offerings and become certified as a funeral celebrant trained to provide meaningful alternatives to clergy-led services. 

  • College of Cremation Services | Dean Clift Dempsey, CCrE, CCFE 

Discover how to serve families better, improve cremation operations, and increase cremation-related revenues while earning operator, administrator, and arranger certifications. 

  • College of Hospitality & Customer Experience | Dean John Bolton, CCE, CCrE, CSE, CXE 

Gain a foundation in funeral home/cemetery hospitality and catering management, covering topics from essential event planning to financial budget interpretation and leadership. 

  • College of Land Management & Grounds Operations | Dean Gino Merendino 

Learn how effective land management and well-maintained properties enhance cemetery services, focusing on interments, landscaping, buildings, and grounds maintenance. 

  • College of Leadership, Management & Administration | Dean Gary Freytag, CCFE 

Receive training on the core competencies required for today’s changing cemetery, cremation, and funeral service profession. 

  • College of Technology | Dean Nick Timpe, CSE 

Explore practical strategies for applying technology to improve operations and better serve families. 

  • J. Asher Neel College of Sales and Marketing | Dean Daniel Thomas 

Learn to apply tried-and-true sales and marketing principles within today’s highly mobile, multi-cultural, high-tech, information-driven marketplace. 

  • Todd Van Beck College of Funeral Home Management | Dean Mathew Forastiere 

Understand how creative management differentiates funeral services and drives success. 

  • School of Graduate Studies | Dean Robbie Pape, CCFE 

Designed for C-Suite leaders and senior executives, this intimate program includes traditional classroom settings, one-on-one instruction, and unique group projects. Limited to 12 participants, it requires verification of ICCFA University graduation or a recommendation letter from an ICCFA University Dean or the Chancellor. 

The ICCFA Educational Foundation has also awarded 101 scholarships to professionals from 26 states and several countries, including Brazil, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Jamaica. These scholarships enable recipients to attend ICCFA University, where they will learn from industry innovators and experts. This initiative reflects the ICCFA Educational Foundation’s commitment to developing future leaders in the field and positively impacting recipients and their communities. 

Online registration has been extended. Class sizes are limited, so act now to reserve your spot. Registration must be received by Tuesday, July 16 at 11:59 PM. After this date, registration will be on-site only. 

Registration Rates: 

  • One-Day Cremation Operator Registration: $600 
  • All Colleges: $2,150 
  • School of Graduate Studies: $3,000 

For more information and to register, please visit ICCFA University.

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Founded in 1887, the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all cemetery, cremation, funeral and memorialization segments. The association is comprised of more than 10,000 members in the cemetery, funeral home and crematory industries, supplier and related businesses worldwide.