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Funeral Service Business Plan 

October 1, 2026 King of Prussia Pennsylvania

Join us at the Valley Forge Casino Resort in King of Prussia, PA. 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 Pennsylvania 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! 5 CE Credits Pending Approval!

Early Bird

$197

Hotel Block

$149

per night

Capacity

Limited

Event Snapshot


One dynamic day focused on innovation, growth, and long-term success in funeral service.

  Thursday, October 1, 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. Why Proactive Preneed Is the Growth Strategy You Can’t Afford to Ignore with David Holm

  10:15–10:30 a.m. Break

  10:30 –11:30 a.m. The Compassionate Hand-off: Maintaining Empathy & Presence in 24/7 Funeral Care with Sarah Bibber

  11:30 –1:00 p.m. Lunch

  1:00 –2:00 p.m. Getting ROI Out of Aftercare at Your Funeral Home: Turning Compassion into Long-Term Value with Matthew Van Drimmelen

  2:00 –2:15 p.m. Break

  2:15 –3:15 p.m. Beyond the Broadcast: How Funeral Homes Are Turning Livestreams Into a Powerful Business Tool with Kyle Fogarty

  3:15 –3:30 p.m. Break

  3:30 –4:30 p.m. Session coming soon from Carriage Services

  4:30 –4:45 p.m. Closing Remarks


View session descriptions here

Featured Speakers

Learn From Industry Leaders

Click to learn about the speakers & sessions

David Holm

Sarah Bibber

Matthew Van Drimmelen

Kyle Fogarty

Speaker coming soon from Carriage Services

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)


Venue + Travel


Valley Forge Casino, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Discounted room block: $149 per night


Continuing Education


5 CE Credits Pending Approval

Continuing education credit applications have been submitted, and state-by-state updates will be announced as approvals are received.

Plan ahead: seating is limited and organizers expect this event to sell out.

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!