The 2026 SCCFA / TCCA / SCCA Convention & Family Reunion is almost here, and this year’s education program is shaping up to be one of the strongest in recent memory.
In our last edition, we introduced members to three of the outstanding speakers headed to San Antonio: Ben R. Upton, Carlos R. Quezada, and Chris Cruger. Since then, SCCFA has announced the full speaker lineup — and the complete program reflects the depth, range, and practical value that members have come to expect from The Southern.
This year’s speakers will address some of the most important issues facing cemetery, cremation, and funeral professionals today, including service excellence, consumer change, cemetery growth, aftercare, workforce trends, hospitality, advocacy, compliance, leadership, and the evolving family experience.
Alongside Quezada, Cruger, and Upton, SCCFA is proud to welcome a distinguished group of additional speakers who bring national perspective, operational experience, and deep commitment to the profession.
Dan Ford, President of Alderson-Ford & Buckmiller Ford Mengacci Funeral Homes and President of the National Funeral Directors Association, will bring an important national association perspective to the program. His leadership within NFDA gives attendees the opportunity to hear directly from one of the profession’s key voices on the challenges and opportunities facing funeral service today.
Erin Wilson, Senior Director of Education & Program Strategy for Funeral Women Lead, will offer valuable insight into workforce development, leadership, and the changing expectations of professionals entering and advancing within deathcare. As the profession continues to evolve, her perspective will be especially relevant for organizations focused on building stronger teams, developing future leaders, and creating workplaces where people can thrive.
John Bolton, Vice President of Operations for Development at Park Lawn Corporation and President of ICCFA, will bring a broad operational and association leadership perspective to the convention. His experience across cemetery and funeral operations, combined with his role as ICCFA President, positions him to speak to the larger trends shaping the profession and the importance of collaboration across associations.
Sam James, owner of James Funeral Home and Northlake Memorial Gardens, will contribute a deeply practical operator’s perspective. His experience leading both funeral home and cemetery operations gives him firsthand insight into the family experience, community relationships, and the day-to-day realities of serving families with care, consistency, and professionalism.
Wendy Wiener, regulatory counsel for the Florida Funeral, Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association and a member of SCCFA’s Legislative Committee, will provide essential regulatory and advocacy insight. In a profession where compliance, legislation, and public policy continue to shape how businesses operate, her expertise will help attendees better understand the legal and regulatory environment affecting funeral, cemetery, and cremation professionals.
Together, this year’s speakers represent a powerful cross-section of the deathcare profession — from major operators and national association leaders to educators, advocates, attorneys, researchers, and hands-on business owners.