July 16-21, 2027
Emory Conference Center Hotel | Atlanta, GA

Thank You for Joining Us at ICCFA University 2026!

Thank you to everyone who attended ICCFA University this year! Your participation, engagement, and commitment to professional growth made this year’s program an incredible success. Thank you to our attendees, faculty, and sponsors for making ICCFA University 2026 such a memorable event.

Mark your calendars for July 16 – 21, 2027 for ICCFA University 2027!

View ICCFA University 2026 Photos

ICCFA University Colleges

ICCFA University currently has nine colleges for attendees to enroll in. Each is overseen by their respective Dean, an expert in the area of deathcare that the college focuses on. In many of the colleges, our Deans are joined by outside professors who provide individual expertise in the college.

The current colleges are:

College of 21st Century Services | Dean Glenda Stansbury
College of Cremation Services | Dean Clift Dempsey, CCrE, CCFE
College of Hospitality & Customer Experience | Dean Lori Bolton, CCFE, CSE, CXE
College of Land Management & Grounds Operations | Dean Gino Merendino
College of Leadership, Management & Administration | Dean Gary Freytag, CCFE
College of Technology | Dean Nick Timpe, CSE
J. Asher Neel College of Sales and Marketing | Dean Patrick Downey, CCE
Todd Van Beck College of Funeral Home Management | Dean Mike Watkins
School of Graduate Studies | Dean Robbie Pape, CCFE

Happening in conjunction with ICCFAU is the PLPA Pet Loss & Integration Short Course!

ICCFA University Yearbook

Whether you’re looking of photos with friends and new connections, want to see photos of our graduation ceremony, or are looking for your class photo – click the button below and start reliving the incredible experience again.

I have experienced a lot of education over the years, and I must admit – this ICCFAU College has topped them all! The training from Dean Glenda Stansbury was outstanding and I am excited about being a Certified Celebrant. I firmly believe every funeral director or their staff should attend the Celebrant training.

Scott B., College of 21st Century Services

One of the most impactful experiences was learning from Dean Clift Dempsey. His willingness to share not only his expertise but also open the doors to his crematory and show us what it truly takes to build and operate a successful cremation business was inspiring.

Sheri F. | Eternal Rest Funeral Home, College of Cremation Services

This college helped me come up with new ideas, but more than that, an actual plan of action on “how to”. This is my second year of ICCFAU, and I am so grateful to be able to attend.

Tyler W. | Cairn Partners, College of Hospitality & Customer Experience

This was the best educational conference that I have ever attended in my professional career. The courses that were offered were absolutely full of great information and the speakers were very knowledgeable.

Craig C. | Evergreen Cemetery/ City of Colorado Springs, College of Land Management & Grounds Operations

Having attended a variety of conferences and educational events over the years, I can confidently say this ranks as one of, if not my absolute favorite. The quality of the instruction, the depth of the ideas presented, and the passion of everyone involved far exceeded any expectations I could have had.

Tanisha-Lynn A. | First Memorial Funeral Services - Riverview Chapel, College of Leadership, Management & Administration

The amount of support, knowledge, and camaraderie amongst fellow professionals is something that I have never had the opportunity to experience before. I believe that time and knowledge is the greatest of gifts, and these gifts were shared so openly and with such kindness by the Deans of ICCFAU.

Mel B. | Life Forest , College of Technology

Dean Patrick Downey put together an exceptional group of presenters! Each session gave me more and more knowledge to build off of what I already do and introduced me to some new best practices that I was able to implement right away.

Melinda R. | Baue St. Charles Memorial Gardens, J. Asher Neel College of Sales & Marketing

Throughout the week, I had the opportunity to learn from so many knowledgeable and passionate people in our profession. I felt like I was constantly learning and growing, not only through the sessions, but also through the conversations, experiences, and connections with those around me. I met so many wonderful people, and I truly hope that many of the friendships I made will last a lifetime.

Jenna B. | Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes, Todd Van Beck College of Funeral Home Management

Where to begin. Attending the School of Graduate Studies was one of the best ICCFAU experiences that I have encountered at the University. The wealth of great information I received from the various Speakers, the knowledge of the Dean, Robbie Pape, the interaction with the fellow classmates is invaluable.

Larry H. | Kilpatrick's Rose-Neath Funeral Homes, Crematorium and Cemeteries, School of Graduate Studies