2026 IFDA Annual Convention
- Convention Sponsors
- Keynote Address
- Information/Registration for Funeral Directors
- Information for Exhibitors & Sponsors
- View Current Exhibitors
- Hotel Information
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..
Convention Sponsors
Entertainment SponsorLearn More | Show Bag SponsorLearn More | Bronze SponsorLearn More |
Copper SponsorLearn More | Copper SponsorLearn More | Copper SponsorLearn More |
Early Arrival Meet & GreetLearn More | ||
Keynote Address
About Our Keynote Speaker
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?
2026 IFDA Convention Registration Guide
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?
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.
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Aftermath Services |
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American Coach Sales |
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Carl Sandburg College |
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CoachWest |
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Cooperative Funeral Fund, Inc |
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Cremation Systems |
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Express Funeral Funding |
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Frigid Fluid |
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FT North America (Facultatieve Technologies) |
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Funeral Directors Life (FDL) |
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Funeral Home Gifts |
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Medxwaste |
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Messenger |
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National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) |
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Pekin Life Insurance Company |
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Precoa |
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Rex Vault Service/Doric |
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Riviera Tailors Ltd. |
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Shiva Shade |
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Southwest Professional Vehicles |
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Trigard |
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United Heritage Life Insurance Company |
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Vertical Payments |
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Wellabe/Great Western Insurance Company |
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Wilbert Vault Companies of Illinois |
Hotel Information
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.

