July 2020

Page A30 JULY 2020 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS S ec t i on A News Association ContinueD ing. Connecting with at- tendees through text chat Registration Now Open! CANA’s 102 nd Annual Convention and Tradeshow goes Virtual Codi Shewan Larry Stuart Jr. Screenshot of CANA Supplier Liason Kim Price using the Convention Software WHEELING,IL— Long known for its remarkable intimacy, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) conven- tion is cherished by attend- ees and exhibitors alike for its valuable education, di- rect connection with indus- try experts, and spirited ca- maraderie. But how do you replicate those unique qual- And of course, CANA offers timely and relevant education. “Our speaker lineup includes Keynote Codi She- wan , whose topic is Unifying on Common Ground: It’s Now or Never ,” says Mimi. “Codi promises a dynamic conversa- tion with peers on the challenges they are all facing. There’s also a panel dis- cussion moderated by Larry Stuart, Jr .: Cremation During COVID-19: A Discussion with Three Last Responders from the Front-Line .” Mimi will assist with all convention inquiries and registrations. Kim Price , CANA’s Supplier Liai- son and a long-time exhibitor at the convention, is also excited about how the virtual convention is developing. “We’ve worked hard to include the exhibitor perspective in the final ex- perience we’ve designed for the meet- ities during this socially-distanced era? Ever the trailblazer, CANA is responding to the challenge by rei- magining its 102nd Annual Crema- tion Innovation Convention and Tradeshow for an online platform. With this virtual event, CANA will focus on how cremation, cemetery, and funeral professionals have inno- vated to safely serve their commu- nities within pandemic restrictions. We invite you to attend, exhibit, or sponsor this novel event, taking place August 5-6, 2020. CANA’s new Education Coor- dinator, Mimi Korcak , is excited about the way the typical meeting has been distilled down to what at- tendees have come to love and con- fident that they’ll enjoy cruising through the new meeting platform. “Everyone will still be together in one room. This year that room is a website,” she says. “We’ll engage death care professionals with qual- ity content, games and prizes, and networking events—and a real swag bag mailed directly to attendees.” and video means you get the networking you expect from CANA without having to travel.” Mimi offers tips on how to get the most out of the con- vention. “Block off the time in your calendar to partici- pate, just as you would if you were onsite,” she advises. “Plan to use your computer, instead of your phone, to get the most out of the conven- tion features. And register now to get the best swag!” CANA will be sending the swag bags to attendees who register before July 5. For the latest information on the developing schedule— plus exhibitor/sponsor infor- mation—visit the event web- site at www.goCANA.org/ CANA2 0 Now that social distancing guidelines have limited trav- el, quality CE online is more important than ever before. With the greatly reduced reg- istration fee (on sale for non- members at $75, discounted to $50 for CANA members) you can earn CE while con- necting with your colleagues. Founded in 1913, the Cre- mation Association of North America (CANA) is an inter- national organization of over 3,300 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppli- ers, and consultants. CANA members believe that crema- tion is preparation for me- morialization. Due to the rise of new COVID-19 cases, the Executive Committee and the National Office staff has announced the cancellation of the In-Person 83rd Annual National Convention and Exposition which was to be held in National Harbor, Maryland. With so many technological advancements, we are pleased to announce that a Virtual Convention will be held in its place. The National Office will send correspondence advising how this Virtual Convention will take place. So, grab your laptop and phone and let’s explore our “new normal” together. We hope that you will begin making plans to be a part of our 1st Virtual Convention and bring the same excitement that you would if we were physically together. We will still bring you great educational speakers, the memorial service and much, much more. The virtual dates and times will be abbreviated. It is our plan to resume our In-Person 84th Annual National Convention & Exposition in Grapevine, Texas in 2021 Prayerfully, we will see you In-Person at our Annual Board of Directors meeting October 24-26, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia