Advances in Funeral Innovations
November 11, 2026 Atlanta, GA
Join us at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. Our event is designed to provide funeral professionals with the tools and insights needed to advance their businesses. Enjoy interactive sessions, connect and gain a wealth of actionable information to drive success.
Feeling the weight of running a funeral business in today’s demanding environment? It's time to hit reset!
Kates-Boylston the publisher of American Funeral Director is bringing the freshest business ideas to Gerogia and you won’t want to miss it.
Build your expertise, expand your professional network, and connect with trailblazers who are reshaping the future of funeral service—all in one exciting experience!
3 CE Credits approved in Georgia and 2 more pending approval. 5 CE credits pending approval by The Academy.
Early Bird
$197
Hotel Block
$209
per night
Capacity
Limited
Event Snapshot
One dynamic day focused on innovation, growth, and long-term success in funeral service.
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 Agenda
7:45–9:00 a.m. Breakfast & registration
9:00 –9:15 a.m. Opening remarks & introduction
9:15–10:15 a.m. Getting ROI Out of Aftercare at Your Funeral Home: Turning Compassion into Long-Term Value with Matthew Van Drimmelen
10:15–10:30 a.m. Break
10:30 –11:30 a.m. Modern Marketing Strategies for Funeral Homes with Erik Delacruz
11:30 –1:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 –2:00 p.m. The Future of End-of-Life Planning: AI, Consumer Expectations & the Modern Preneed Journey with Courtney Gould-Miller
2:00 –2:15 p.m. Break
2:15 –3:15 p.m. Why Preneed Sustains At-Need Growth: A Case Study with Chris Messina
3:15 –3:30 p.m. Break
3:30 –4:30 p.m. Death by Complexity: Why Your Pricing Is Costing You Families with Ashlinn Goodman
4:30 –4:45 p.m. Closing Remarks
View session descriptions
here
Erik Delacruz
Courtney Gould-Miller
Matthew Van Drimmelen
Chris Messina
Ashlinn Goodman
Registration Includes
- Admission to the conference
- Breakfast, lunch, and beverages on October 1
- One-year subscription to American Funeral Director ($59 value)
- One-year subscription to American Cemetery & Cremation ($49 value)
Continuing Education
CE Credits: 3 credits approved in Georgia and 2 more pending approval. 5 credits pending approval by The Academy.
Continuing education credit applications have been submitted, and state-by-state updates will be announced as approvals are received.
This is more than a conference—it’s a launchpad for taking your business to extraordinary new heights. Don’t miss your chance to turn ambition into achievement!
