July 17-22, 2026
Emory Conference Center Hotel | Atlanta, GA
Save the Date for ICCFAU 2026!
ICCFA University returns July 17–22, 2026!
Join us for a week of immersive education, meaningful connections, and practical learning designed to support professionals across the deathcare profession.
Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details. We look forward to seeing you this July!
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 2026 Schedule of Events
Please note: Certificates of Completion will be distributed during class on the evening of Tuesday, July 22. To ensure participants receive their certificate and gain the full benefit of the program, we strongly encourage scheduling return travel for Wednesday, July 23. Attendance on Tuesday evening is required to receive a Certificate of Completion, and certificates will not be mailed.
Scholarships Opening Soon!
Each year, the ICCFA Educational Foundation offers scholarships to attend ICCFA University, making this premier educational experience available at no cost for selected recipients.
One of these opportunities is the Women in Leadership (WIL) Scholarship, which recognizes an outstanding woman demonstrating exceptional leadership potential, professional commitment, and dedication to advancing the deathcare profession. Through a partnership with the Women in Leadership Committee, this scholarship supports the growth and impact of women leaders across the field.
Applications will be open April 1 – May 8.
- Recipients receive full tuition (including meals) for ICCFA University.
- Please note: Scholarship winners are responsible for their hotel and transportation expenses.
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.
I left feeling inspired, empowered, and more connected to this profession than ever before. I’m eternally grateful for the opportunity and already looking forward to returning next year!
It was absolutely amazing. Walking into this, I was not sure what I would get out of it. All I can say is the value of ICCFA can’t be put into words but will be put into action. 24 new friends, 2 new mentors, and a lifetime of care and compassion will live on through me all thanks to the ICCFA foundation! I can’t wait to come back!
This is my second year at ICCFAU, and since I am new to our industry, being able to attend has helped me accelerate my learning curve and connect with other professionals from different parts of the world.
The experience was phenomenal. Each session was full of knowledge and insight, personal experiences and great advice. I recommend the College of Leadership, Management and Administration to any that wants to learn firsthand from experienced leaders in the field.
My experience with the College of Technology surpassed my expectations for many reasons. The courses went beyond just discussing new technologies; they explored the science behind learning and change, the importance of service and customer experience, and the irreplaceable value of having the right people on your team.
Attending ICCFA University 2025 was an incredible experience. Not only did I have a blast reconnecting with friends from past years and meeting new professionals in the industry, but I also gained an incredible amount of knowledge—so much that I’ve already started creating a plan for how I’m going to apply it all in my work.
Not only did I have an incredible time making meaningful connections in the deathcare industry, I feel as though I learned a ridiculous amount in the short time I was there. They make learning such an enjoyable experience.
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.
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.