ICCFA 2013 Expo and Education Workshops

On behalf of CBI and PCCC Freddie and I attended theInternationalCemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association 2013 Annual Convention. http://www.iccfa.com/ ICCFA calls itself the most ‘progressive’ association in the funeral and after-death care industry. In fact judging from some of the ‘contemporary’ practices, attitudes, and feeling of many of the long time members – ICCFA is probably more open to other ideas and expression than single focused organizations. ICCFA is extremely proud that 30% of the attendees are 1st timers (like Freddie and myself) – many were vendors with new and innovate products and services. As Freddie and I walked around the Expo floor we answered many questions about conservation burial and I found as much as I was learning that I was also teaching.

We had the opportunity to educate software purveyors, finance company representatives, keep-sake companies, as well as many funeral executives. Also, I found in this 4 day exposure to the association that ICCFA did pay for excellent research about the industry.  Our (PCCC) membership will allow us access to the trends and attitudes of consumers. They care about education. They seem very caring in regards to honoring life. Many are looking for new ways to meet peoples wants and needs when it comes to handling not only the deceased, but in the grief issues that follow.

The very fact that the Green Burial Council http://www.greenburialcouncil.org/ got a platform at this event and had a booth was very meaningful. That shows that ICCFA and others are beginning to realize that many people want natural burial and they need to understand that customer. Many funeral homes also are looking at “us” as a way to change a cremation to a burial. And they can do that when they have a ‘green’ burial priced and offered.

I will post my comments on all aspects of the experience of not only the Expo and the Vendors, but the major points from the Key Note Speakers and the 8 workshops I attended. Your welcome to post feedback. Allan