2026 IFDA Annual Convention

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2026 IFDA Convention Sponsors

The IFDA Convention would not be possible without the support of our sponsors! Your contributions allow us to deliver an exceptional experience for our attendees and guests. On behalf of the IFDA Board of Directors and Staff, we extend our sincere thank you for your continued support..

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Convention Sponsors

Precoa

Entertainment Sponsor

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Aftermath Services

Show Bag Sponsor

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Trigard

Bronze Sponsor

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MedXWaste

Copper Sponsor

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Frigid Fluid

Copper Sponsor

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Wilbert Vault Companies of Illinois

Copper Sponsor

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National Funeral Directors Association

Early Arrival Meet & Greet

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Keynote Address


 

John T. Hill

About Our Keynote Speaker

John T. Hill
 

John T. Hill is a licensed undertaker in six states, based in North Carolina. He serves as the Clinical Coordinator and Instructor for Pierce Mortuary Colleges, which include Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service, Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, and Mid-America College of Funeral Service. In addition to his academic role, John works at James Funeral Home and Northlake Memorial Gardens in Huntersville, just outside Charlotte.

He is also the owner of Hill Mortuary Service & Seminars, specializing in trade embalming, restorative arts, and continuing education for funeral service professionals. 

John’s passion and dedication extends beyond serving grieving families; he desires to further this sacred profession by educating and showing the value, purpose, and benefit of funeral service. He aims to mentor and motivate current and aspiring funeral professionals, empowering them to excel, serve with excellence, and make a difference.

Information for Funeral Directors

Why Attend Convention?

Connect

Meet with familiar colleagues and fresh faces at the largest gathering of funeral professionals in Illinois. Convention provides an in-person opportunity to build a professional community of like-minded individuals who experience similar challenges and successes.                    

Learn

The endless Continuing Education opportunities offered throughout the year can be overwhelming and expensive. Between seminars, webinars, institutes and workshops, no one can take advantage of every opportunity. We know you must be judicious with your time and funds devoted to continuing education. With 12 CE credit options offered in our sessions, we think you will find the 2026 IFDA Annual Convention a valuable return on investment.

Listen

Our speakers are proven business leaders, strategists, practitioners, and peers. Many of them are current funeral care professionals; others are well-respected professional leaders who know what you need to know. You will gain a thorough understanding of tried-and-true funeral care fundamentals and unique insight.

Engage

Our exhibitors are industry experts and solution-providers with extensive experience in the funeral service profession. Embrace the present world of funeral care by learning the latest trends, strategies, and innovations in the field. No matter how long you have been in the business or what position you hold, there are always new things to learn. Discovering innovative products and services is necessary to stay competitive in today’s business world. We want to help you plan for the future by providing the best resources available.

 

Ready to Register?

Register Here!

2026 IFDA Convention Registration Guide

2026 IFDA Annual Convention Schedule

2026 Convention Registration Form

Information for Exhibitors & Sponsors

Exhibitor and Sponsor Registration

Please Note updated Expo Floor dates & times. 

Installation
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Booth Set-up 7:00am—1:00pm
 
Exhibit Floor Hours
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 Exhibit Floor Open 2:30pm—5:30pm
Thursday, April 9, 2026 Exhibit Floor Open 11:00am—2:00pm
 
Dismantle
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Exhibit Hall Closes 2:00pm Dismantle Booths 2:00pm
 

Join us at the 2026 IFDA Annual Convention as an exhibitor or sponsor to showcase your brand, network with funeral service professionals, and gain visibility with key decision-makers. Take advantage of this opportunity to grow your business!

Why Exhibit or Sponsor?

Access a Highly Targeted Audience

Enhance Your Company’s Visibility

Strengthen Relationships with Existing Clients and Forge New Connections

Demonstrate Your Products, Services, and Innovations in Person

Ready to Get Started?

Register Here!

2026 IFDA Annual Convention Prospectus

2026 Annual Convention Terms And Conditions

2026 IFDA Annual Convention Contract

2026 IFDA Annual Convention Sponsorship Levels

 

2026 IFDA Convention Exhibitors

It takes the continued support of many organizations to make the Annual Convention successful. IFDA is pleased to be aligned with our convention exhibitors, each of which shares our goals and vision. Each and every one plays an integral role in our annual event, and we’d like to take a moment to thank the many exhibitors who help make this event possible.

Aftermath Services

American Coach Sales

Carl Sandburg College

CoachWest

Cooperative Funeral Fund, Inc

Cremation Systems 

Express Funeral Funding

Frigid Fluid

FT North America (Facultatieve Technologies) 

Funeral Directors Life (FDL)

Funeral Home Gifts 

Medxwaste

Messenger

National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) 

Pekin Life Insurance Company

Precoa

Rex Vault Service/Doric

Riviera Tailors Ltd.

Shiva Shade

Southwest Professional Vehicles 

Trigard

United Heritage Life Insurance Company

Vertical Payments 

Wellabe/Great Western Insurance Company

Wilbert Vault Companies of Illinois 

Hotel Information 


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Walker's Bluff Casino Resort 

777 Walkers Bluff Way, Carterville, IL 62918

To receive the group hotel rate, call the hotel at 618-993-7777 and make your reservation under the group name “Illinois Funeral Directors Association Conference."

Hotel Reservations Cutoff Date is March 27th.