As spring comes to a close, we're reflecting on what a remarkable season of connection it's been for the Cadence team. Over eight weeks, we attended six conferences—spanning coast to coast in the U.S. and Canada.
From conversations at our booths to spontaneous chats between sessions, from inspiring speaker lineups to unforgettable locations, each conference offered something unique and we feel deeply grateful to have been a part of them all. Whether we were reconnecting with longtime partners or meeting new faces for the first time, one thing remained consistent: the sense of community, curiosity, and collaboration that fuels this profession.
This year’s ICCFA Experience brought funeral professionals together for impactful networking, forward-thinking panels, and a standout keynote session.
“The ICCFA Experience in Las Vegas was both insightful and energizing. It reinforced the deep sense of community that continues to grow within our profession. It was a joy to connect with clients, partners, and funeral professionals who are thoughtfully shaping the future of funeral service in a rapidly evolving landscape. A standout moment was the panel with Shane Pudenz of Carriage Services, Bob Gordon of Cypress Lawn, Erin Creger of Security National Life, and René Negrete of Inglewood Cemetery, which sparked powerful conversations around creating meaningful community experiences at funeral homes and cemeteries. This panel reminded us of the importance of engaging families both before and after the time of need. I also appreciated hearing from Adena Tutino of SCI, who shared thoughtful strategies on the art and science of bundling to increase cremation revenue. Her insights aligned closely with how Cadence supports funeral homes in the midst of rising cremation rates, by providing relevant and valuable new offerings that meet families where they are and position funeral businesses towards long-term success.” - Hannah Mason
With panels, social events (including a 1920s-themed gala), and thought-provoking discussion, this year’s PROGRESS event was filled with inspiration and energy.
“OGR brought together an incredible group of independent funeral professionals to connect, learn, and grow. The panels sparked great ideas—from using tech to guide and grow funeral service, to embracing change—and the real takeaway was how much we can achieve when we support each other. A thought that stuck with me was when Justin Zabor of Zabor Funeral Home emphasized that excellent service isn’t optional—it’s what families expect and deserve. This echoed Cadence’s vision to redefine the way families experience death and grief through our tech-forward continuing care platform. I left feeling truly inspired by the people and the impact of PROGRESS.” - Haley St. Paul
This was our first year attending the Alberta Funeral Service Association’s AGM, and the warm welcome from this tight-knit community made a lasting impression.
“I had the privilege of attending AFSA’s AGM as a delegate this year. Although it was my first time, the strength and unity of the community made me feel like a welcome guest at a family reunion. It was a pleasure connecting with many of our current clients—some for the first time in person—and meeting funeral professionals from the province I once called home. What stood out most was the abundance of meaningful opportunities to connect, whether that be at lunch or cheering on the Oilers during the Exhibitor Networking Session. It’s something I’ll carry with me long after the 2025 meeting has come and gone.” - Kayleigh Feschuk
As new members of the BC Funeral Association, we were excited not only to attend our first AGM, but to do so as an exhibitor.
“British Columbia’s deathcare community is as diverse in perspective as it is in geography. Whether it was a cemetery professional, an independent funeral home owner, or an SCI representative stopping by my table, one thing was clear: the BCFA brings people together—bridging vast distances through a deep sense of community and commitment to one another. The setting made it all the more special. Gathering at Vancouver’s iconic Canada Place, with sweeping views of the harbour, added a uniquely beautiful backdrop to a meaningful experience. The webinar we hosted with BCFA later that month was the true cherry on top.” - Kayleigh Feschuk
Returning to PWC for the third time was a joy. This event continues to be a space of empowerment, learning, and deep connection.
"It was so wonderful to build and deepen genuine connections with other women in the funeral profession, gain tools and insights, and walk away with a fresh and inspired perspective on how to show up intentionally and fully in this work. Community in this profession is everything and I can't wait to return next year.” - Haley St. Paul
Our second year at the Funeral Service Association of Canada’s national summit was one to remember. With exceptional programming and even better company, FSAC is always a highlight on our calendar.
“The 2025 FSAC Summit in Halifax continued the strong momentum I saw in Winnipeg last year. From powerful historical sessions—like those highlighting Canadian mortuary professionals’ roles in Titanic victim recovery—to a panel hosted by GFD’s CEO Heather Kitely, featuring Patrick Curry (President at C.L. Curry Funeral Services), Becky Steckly (Owner and Managing Director at Dreisinger Funeral Home), and Ryan McLane (Market Manager at SCI) on evolving consumer pre-planning expectations, and a moving final keynote by Tareq Hadad, the programming reflected FSAC’s commitment to delivering a thoughtful, well-rounded experience. What made it truly special, though, was the opportunity to spend quality time with members, whether at our booth, over lunch, and, of course, at Durty Nelly’s, all in a way that felt warmly and unmistakably Canadian.” - Kayleigh Feschuk
While each event has its own unique charm, they all share something essential: the power of bringing people together. For us, conferences aren’t just about sharing what we do—they’re about learning from others, hearing directly from professionals on the ground, and staying rooted in the realities of today’s funeral service landscape.
Each conversation helps inform and shape our services. Every shared story, challenge, or idea offers valuable insight into how we can better support our funeral professional partners and the families they serve.
To everyone we had the pleasure of meeting this spring, thank you. Your warmth, generosity, and dedication continue to inspire us.
As we look to the months ahead, we remain focused on helping funeral professionals carry their care forward—through compassionate grief support, simplified estate guidance, and tools that make a lasting difference for families.
This fall, we’ll be at the Selected Independent AGM in New Orleans and the NFDA International Convention & Expo in Chicago. If we missed you this spring, we hope our paths will cross at one of these upcoming events. Conference season is more than just a busy calendar, it’s a chance to connect, share ideas, and grow together as a profession.
Whether we met for the first time this spring or have known each other for years, we look forward to continuing the conversation in the seasons to come.
We’re proud to be part of this community, and even prouder to support it. Book a demo or connect with our team to explore how Cadence can help you meet the evolving needs of today’s families.
