The CANA Convention Experience

I had the honor of attending the 106th Cremation Innovation Annual Convention in Chicago, Illinois, thanks to the scholarship myself and four other deathcare professionals received from the Funeral Service Foundation. As a somewhat seasoned deathcare professional and educator, I value and continuously seek opportunities to expand my knowledge, skills, and offerings to the communities I serve.  Attending last year’s convention, hosted by the Cremation Association of North America, empowered me to do just that.

Motivation and Education

Throughout the two days of the convention, there were several moving and empowering Continuing Education opportunities hosted by speakers who reignited the "fire in my belly." A few that immediately come to mind are Becoming a Leader of Influence (Robbie Page), Death Becomes Her – The Changing Demographics of Funeral Service Practitioners (Jolena Grande), Cybersecurity Awareness: Recognizing a Threat and Protecting Your Data (Lee Hovermale), and The Eternal Value of Cremation Memorialization/Avoiding Mistakes of the Past: Cremated Remains Belong in Cemeteries (Jason Engler). Each of these sessions provided attendees with the latest developments, trends, and best practices in our industry, highlighting innovative solutions and research that allow us to stay ahead of the curve.

Vendors and Product/Service Showcase

While exploring the exhibit floor, I had the honor of meeting numerous vendors who shared not only their respective products and services but also their hearts and stories. The boutique style of the convention allowed attendees to spend time chatting with and getting to know each vendor. During these interactions, vendors not only shared their knowledge about the companies they represented but also their personal stories of connection to their brands and their own experiences with death, grief, and end-of-life decision-making.

This was unique for me because, in many cases, the usual hustle and bustle of conventions does not allow for this type of connection. The conversational atmosphere removed the nagging sales pressure that often accompanies these kinds of interactions and events. I felt more organically connected to human beings rather than feeling like the next sales conquest.

Fun and Games

One of the most unique and engaging parts of the CANA 106th Cremation Innovation Convention was that it was all a game. Literally. The presentations, educational sessions, and vendor interactions were part of a game meticulously planned to encourage attendees to network, meet new people, and learn new things—all while earning points through the convention app. Ultimately, participants had the chance to win amazing prizes. While I did end up in the #1 spot with over 18,000 points, beating out some very worthy opponents, every attendee who participated walked away a winner.

Overall Experience

This convention exceeded my expectations in many positive ways, especially in its intimate nature. The CANA organizers and leadership have done an exceptional job at mastering the essence of "less is more." Many times, attending a conference or convention can be overwhelming due to the masses of people, adrenaline, enormous venues, and the pressure to "buy now" (especially for an introverted person like me). This was not the case at the 106th Cremation Innovation Convention. Instead, it felt like a group of colleagues, both old and new, coming together to celebrate our sacred work, letting our hair down over drinks, and learning about what’s happening in our beloved field. I will be back again.

Ready for your own CANA Convention Experience? Registration is open for CANA's 107th Annual Convention this August 6-8, 2025, in Phoenix! Find motivation with inspiring speakers, discover solutions on the exhibit floor, get the personal attention you deserve, and walk away a winner!

This year, we've updated the schedule to make the most of the resort experience, taking time to enjoy the cool desert mornings: 

• We’ve added a 9-hole scramble on The Estates Course at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club with an 8am shotgun start. 
• Not a golfer? Take in the scenery with the Arizona Biltmore History Tour to explore the bold Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced architecture, get the scoop on historic celebrated guests, and view their meticulous restoration. 
• Or explore inward! Join a foundational yoga practice perfect for beginners as well as experienced yogis to create a healthy body and peaceful mind.
• And take advantage of the resort pools open around the clock and lounge at your leisure! 
• Then attend a dinner to celebrate being together in our own desert oasis. Included with convention registration, join your fellow attendees and exhibitors for a relaxing dinner in the lovely Gold Room.

Ready to recharge in the desert? Register today!

Joél Simone Maldonado, aka The Grave Woman, is a licensed funeral director, embalmer, pre-planning specialist, award-winning deathcare educator, sacred grief practitioner, and proud founder of The Multicultural Death & Grief Care Academy. She specializes in educating professionals about the importance of cultural competency, inclusion, and diversity in end-of-life, death, and grief care.

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Joél has worked in the deathcare industry since 2010 and has over 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Compassion & Choices, co-chairs the board’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee, and volunteers with the organization’s African American Leadership Council.

Her passion is educating through open and honest conversations about the multicultural nuances of death and grief care via her courses, podcast, YouTube channel, and social media platforms. Joél is dedicated to continuously enhancing her personal cultural intelligence, competency, and skills through participation in various post-collegiate entrepreneurship, development, and leadership programs, including earning her CQ certification through the Cultural Intelligence Center.