STERLING, Va. (May 13, 2026) – The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) will host its renowned ICCFA University from July 17–22, 2026, at the Emory Conference Center Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, bringing together deathcare professionals from across the world for an immersive, career-defining educational experience. 

Recognized as one of the most comprehensive and respected educational programs in the deathcare profession, ICCFA University combines intensive classroom learning with hands-on collaboration, equipping attendees with practical skills, innovative strategies, and lasting professional connections. 

“ICCFA University is more than an educational program; it’s a transformational experience that shapes careers and strengthens the future of deathcare,” said Nadira Baddeliyanage, ICCFA Executive Director. “From emerging leaders to seasoned executives, attendees leave with new ideas, meaningful relationships, and a renewed commitment to serving families with excellence.” 

2026 ICCFA University Colleges & Leadership 

ICCFA University features nine specialized colleges led by experienced professionals: 

  • College of 21st Century Services — Dean Glenda Stansbury | InSight Books, Inc.  
  • College of Cremation Services — Dean Clift Dempsey, CCrE, CCFE | Leaf Cremation  
  • College of Hospitality & Customer Experience — Dean Lori Bolton, CCFE, CSE, CXE | Park Lawn Corporation  
  • College of Land Management & Grounds Operations — Dean Gino Merendino | Merendino Cemetery Care  
  • College of Leadership, Management & Administration — Dean Gary Freytag, CCFE | Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum  
  • College of Technology — Dean Nick Timpe, CSE | webCemeteries  
  • J. Asher Neel College of Sales & Marketing — Dean Patrick Downey, CCE | Downey and Associates 
  • Todd Van Beck College of Funeral Home Management — Dean Mike Watkins | Park Lawn Corporation 
  • School of Graduate Studies — Dean Robbie Pape, CCFE | Carriage 

New in 2026: Cutting-Edge Courses Across the Profession 

The 2026 program introduces a dynamic lineup of new courses designed to address the evolving challenges and opportunities shaping today’s deathcare profession. 

Across multiple colleges, attendees will explore forward-looking topics such as artificial intelligence, digital marketing, sustainable practices, leadership development, and sales strategy—all led by experienced professionals and industry thought leaders. 

Highlights include: 

  • In the School of Graduate Studies, Welton Hong will present “Innovative Strategies for Funeral Homes and Cemeteries: Mastering Digital Marketing and AI,” while Carlos Quezada leads “From Strategy to Results: Building and Sustaining a High-Performance Culture.”  
  • Within the J. Asher Neel College of Sales & Marketing, sessions include “Why Sales is Vital to Every Funeral and Cemetery Business (and How to Get it Right)” led by Patrick Downey, CCE, Doug Gober, and Gary O’Sullivan, as well as René Negrete’s “The ROI of Event Marketing and Community Outreach.” Additional sessions feature Gary O’Sullivan, Chuck Gallagher, and Eric Battles on leadership, AI, and recruiting strategy.  
  • In the Todd Van Beck College of Funeral Home Management, Welton Hong will explore emerging trends in “What Will and Will Not Work in 2026” and lead “AI in Action for Funeral Homes.”  
  • The College of Land Management & Grounds Operations will feature Pierce Dempsey, CCrE, “Smarter Grounds: How AI Can Help You Work Smarter and Serve Better,” Nancy Goldenberg’s “Sustainable Practices for Cemeteries: From Land Stewardship to Community Engagement,” and Tim Kolasa’s “Are Your Grounds Staff Your Greatest Salespeople?”  
  • In the College of Hospitality & Customer Experience, Lori Bolton, CCFE, CSE, CXE, and John Bolton, CCE, CCrE, CSE, CXE, will lead a hands-on “Developing a Hospitality Program Workshop.”  
  • The College of Cremation Services will highlight Clift Dempsey, CCrE, CCFE, “Cremation Gardens Around the Country” and “Out of the Box Opportunities,” along with Angelique Simpson’s “Cremation: It’s NOT About the Price Online.”  

These new sessions are designed to provide practical, immediately applicable strategies while helping professionals stay ahead in an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing landscape. 

“ICCFA University stands apart because it’s not just about what you learn in the classroom—it’s about the experience, the relationships, and the perspective you gain,” said Jeff Kidwiler, CCE, CSE, ICCFA University Chancellor. “The knowledge and connections formed here continue to influence how professionals approach their work for the rest of their careers.” 

School of Graduate Studies 

The ICCFA School of Graduate Studies, led by Dean Robbie Pape, CCFE, is an exclusive program for C-Suite leaders and senior executives seeking to drive collaboration, innovation, and growth. Limited to just 12 participants, this highly interactive experience features expert-led instruction, one-on-one mentoring, and group projects designed to enhance leadership and operational performance. 

Please note that either graduation from ICCFA University or a special recommendation from a Dean is required to participate. Applications close on Monday, July 6. 

ICCFA Educational Foundation Scholarships 

The ICCFA Educational Foundation is sponsoring 100 scholarships for deserving ICCFA members, providing recipients the opportunity to attend ICCFA University tuition-free. Scholarships cover the full cost of tuition and meals, helping make this premier educational experience more accessible to professionals across the deathcare industry. 

Registration Information 

ICCFA University is open to professionals across all areas of the cemetery, cremation, and funeral service profession, including owners, managers, and emerging leaders. Classes are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. 

In addition, the PLPA Pet Loss & Integration Short Course will take place in conjunction with ICCFA University from July 17–20, 2026, offering specialized education focused on pet loss, memorialization, and integrated service opportunities within the growing pet aftercare profession. 

For more information or to register, visit: www.iccfa.com/university. 

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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.