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05/04/2026

SCCFA Announces Powerhouse Speaker Lineup for 2026 Convention

San Antonio -June14-16, 2026

2026 Speaker image

Kingston Springs, TN (May 4, 2026) — The Southern Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association (SCCFA) has announced an outstanding speaker lineup for its 2026 Convention & Family Reunion, bringing together some of the most respected voices in the cemetery, cremation, and funeral profession.

This year’s program features a standout lineup led by Carlos R. Quezada, Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of Carriage Services, Inc. (NYSE: CSV), and Chris Cruger, Chief Executive Officer of Foresight. Quezada will share leadership lessons on service excellence, culture, and operational discipline, while Cruger will present research-driven insights into how changing consumer attitudes are reshaping the funeral and cemetery business model.

They will be joined by an exceptional group of speakers, including Ben R. Upton, Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Fewell Monument for Buchanan Group; Dan Ford, President of Alderson-Ford & Buckmiller Ford Mengacci Funeral Homes and NFDA President; Erin Wilson, Senior Director of Education & Program Strategy for Funeral Women Lead; John Bolton, Vice President of Operations for Development at Park Lawn Corporation and ICCFA President; Sam James, owner of James Funeral Home and Northlake Memorial Gardens; and Wendy Wiener, regulatory counsel for the Florida Funeral, Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association and Legislative Committee Member for SCCFA.

Together, these thought leaders will offer practical insight, expertise, and real-world experience on the issues shaping the future of deathcare—from consumer behavior, sales growth, and aftercare to workforce development, hospitality, advocacy, compliance, culture, and the family experience.

“Year after year, The Southern continues to deliver an incredible lineup of leaders who understand where our profession is headed and what our members need to succeed,” said Jeremy Weaver, President of SCCFA. “From major industry operators to nationally recognized educators, advocates, and innovators, the 2026 Convention & Family Reunion will deliver meaningful ideas, practical strategies, and the kind of fellowship that makes SCCFA so special.”

Hosted in partnership with the Texas Cemeteries & Crematories Association (TCCA) and the South Carolina Cemetery Association (SCCA), the convention will take place June 14–16, 2026, at the San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk.

In addition to education sessions, attendees can look forward to networking, exhibits, family activities, and time to reconnect with colleagues from across the region in one of the country’s most vibrant convention destinations.

Members, suppliers, and industry professionals are encouraged to register now and make plans to join SCCFA, TCCA, and SCCA in San Antonio for what is expected to be one of the association’s most exciting gatherings of the year.

Registration and event details are available at: https://www.sccfa.info/aws/SCCFA/pt/sp/convention

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About SCCFA

The Southern Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association (SCCFA) is a non-profit regional trade association serving the deathcare profession across 16 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. SCCFA advances excellence and leadership in the deathcare profession through fellowship, education, and legislative advocacy—grounded in hospitality, honor, and heritage—ensuring the dignified remembrance of the lives entrusted to our members.

Media Contact

Timothy Amoui

tamoui@lincolnmemorialgroup.com / 404-922-8399

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