DEAD Talks - ICCFA

January 13-15, 2026
Park MGM Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV

Get Ready to Grow at DEAD Talks 2026!

DEAD Talks returns to the Park MGM in Las Vegas, January 13–15, 2026!

This high-energy sales conference is designed to kick off your year with fresh insights, powerful strategies, and connections that last a lifetime.

Mark your calendars—registration opens Wednesday, September 24.

2026 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Schedule subject to change

Tuesday, January 13

2:00 – 6:00 PM | REGISTRATION OPEN
3:30 – 3:45 PM | FIRST TIMERS ORIENTATION
3:45 – 5:15 PM | WHEEL OF OBJECTIONS
5:15 – 6:30 PM | WELCOME RECEPTION

Wednesday, January 14

7:15 AM – 5:00 PM | REGISTRATION OPEN
7:15 – 8:15 AM | WELCOME COFFEE & BREAKFAST SOCIAL
8:30 AM | WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS
8:40 – 9:55 AM | KEYNOTE | David Priemer
10:05 – 11:55 AM | DEAD TALKS TOPIC: EDUCATING THE CONSUMER
- DEAD Talk #1 – The Value of The Celebration | Lee Longino, Service Corporation International
- DEAD Talk #2 – TBD | Dr. Jason Troyer, Healing Path Cemetery
- DEAD Talk #3 – TBD | TBD
12:00 – 12:30 PM | Q&A with speakers facilitated by Doug Gober, Foresight
12:30 – 2:00 PM | LUNCH: TIME FOR NETWORKING
2:00 – 3:05 PM | DEAD TALKS TOPIC: KNOWLEDGE + PASSION = CONFIDENCE
- DEAD Talk #4 – TBD | TBD
- DEAD Talk #5 – Brisket and Tomatoes: A Recipe for Efficient Time Management | John Bolton, CCE, CCrE, CSE, CXE, Park Lawn Corporation
- DEAD Talk #6 – TBD | Nectar Ramirez, Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks & Mortuaries
3:05 – 4:10 PM | DEAD TALKS TOPIC: HOW TO GET MORE LEADS
- DEAD Talk #7 – Networking and Marketing in the Real World | Phil Zehms, Park Lawn Corporation
- DEAD Talk #8 – The WOW Factor | Cathy Younkin, Fairfax Memorial
- DEAD Talk #9 – Unlocking Sales Growth Through Strategic Aftercare | Brad Palmer, Service Corporation International
4:10 – 5:15 PM | DEAD TALKS TOPIC: Managing Sales
- DEAD Talk #10 – TBD | TBD
- DEAD Talk #11 – TBD | TBD
- DEAD Talk #12 – Motivational Leadership | Tony Armogida, Global Atlantic Financial Group

Thursday, January 15

7:45 AM – 12:15 PM | REGISTRATION OPEN
7:45 – 8:45 AM | COFFEE & BREAKFAST SOCIAL
8:30 – 8:45 AM | WELCOME BACK; EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION PRESENTATION
8:45 am – 12:00 PM | DEAD TALKS TOPIC: BEST PRACTICES – PROSPECTING
12:00 – 12:30 PM | WRAP UP / MONDAY MORNING MINDSET, Shane Pudenz, Carriage

Scholarships Opening Soon!

Every year, the ICCFA Educational Foundation provides scholarships to current ICCFA members to attend DEAD Talks. Scholarships cover the cost of registration so that attendees only need to pay for travel and their lodging.

Scholarships will be open between October 21 through November 18, 2025.

DEAD Talks did not disappoint this year! I enjoyed the diverse range of perspectives and expertise this event provides. Networking with passionate professionals and discovering innovative ideas sent me back home pumped to engage in new ideas.

Cheryl K., Gate of Heaven Cemetery

It was refreshing to be amongst colleagues that are in the industry. I enjoyed the opportunity to hear all the speakers. It was my first time and I would love to come back again.

Ezequiel S., Archdiocese of Los Angeles

Once again, DEAD Talks was everything I had hoped it would be—the annual conference that energizes me for another year in the funeral sales profession. Seeing old friends, meeting new people, and making connections is always a highlight of this event. I look forward to it every year and am already counting down to DEAD Talks 2026!

Brett S., Swan-Law Funeral Directors

It was a wonderful experience attending this conference. Not only did I meet people from different places, but I also had the opportunity to talk with them and share experiences in the cemetery field. I’ve been in this field for 20 years, but every day brings something new to learn.

Yolanda G. , Park Lawn Cemetery

This conference was fast paced and packed with so many interesting valuable tools to enhance my sales skills and really connect with families and increase sales. I walked away with a wealth of information and a renewed passion to bring those tools back to my team. The speakers were engaging and motivated the audience. Great conference and looking forward to attending another.

Terri D., White Haven Memorial Park

The connections I made at 2025 DEAD Talks have sparked a podcast interview, collaborations, and ideas once I got home. I’m so pumped to share the information with my team to help us all grow, too!

Brittany N., Baue Funeral Homes