Chicago Funeral Directors Convention Showcases Innovative Farewells
The annual convention of the National Funeral Directors Association recently concluded at McCormick Place in Chicago, presenting a vibrant mix of innovation, networking, and humor within the funeral industry. Held in October, this year marked over 140 years of the convention, which serves as a platform for professionals to explore new products and services while engaging in discussions about the evolving landscape of end-of-life care.
Attendees were greeted by an array of vendors showcasing everything from advanced embalming machines to biodegradable caskets. Among the 370 exhibitors, a notable presence was a booth featuring an Austin Powers impersonator promoting cremation trays, illustrating the unconventional spirit of the event. Attendees mingled over refreshments, with casual conversations about industry practices woven into the atmosphere.
One of the convention’s highlights was an encounter with Hubert McQuestion, vice president of a family-owned vault company. He shared a poignant story about slipping a $2 million check into his late father’s jacket pocket as a final gesture, humorously noting, “He still hasn’t cashed it.” Such anecdotes reflect the blend of personal stories and professional discussions that characterize the gathering.
Innovative Trends in Funeral Practices
The convention also highlighted emerging trends in how individuals are memorialized. For example, some companies are now offering alternatives to traditional burial and cremation. One innovative service called Parting Stone refines remains into a rock-like material, creating a tangible memorial that can be held. Meanwhile, Cremation Air of Florida presented a unique service that involves scattering ashes via a microjet over water, an option that promises an aesthetically pleasing farewell.
Another intriguing offering was from Loop Biotech, which displayed mushroom caskets designed to enrich the soil rather than leave a carbon footprint. Bob Hendrikx, the company’s founder, emphasized that their product “feeds the earth,” promoting a sustainable approach to burial.
Among the more unconventional methods was terramation, a process that turns bodies into compost over several months. Samantha Sieber, chief strategy officer at Bio-Response Solutions, explained how this method, also known as “natural organic reduction,” is gaining traction, particularly in environmentally conscious communities.
The Human Side of Funeral Services
The interactions among attendees revealed a lighter side of the profession. Jimmy Olson, a funeral director from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, exemplified this blend of professionalism and humor. Known for his encyclopedic knowledge of the industry, Olson quipped about the challenges of modern funerals, noting that “customers in general tend to be more educated in new funeral options than a lot of funeral directors.”
Olson also highlighted the importance of emotional support in his practice, introducing a therapy dog named Sir Oliver Basil Rathbone III Esq. to assist families during difficult times. His approach underscores a growing recognition of the emotional aspects of the funeral process, merging traditional practices with contemporary needs.
Despite the industry’s serious undertones, humor permeated the convention. One attendee jokingly referred to a new body reduction device as a “human compost blender,” showcasing the resilience and adaptability of funeral professionals in the face of societal changes.
The National Funeral Directors Association convention serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of funerals and memorials. With an increasing focus on sustainability and personalization, industry professionals are exploring innovative ways to honor lives. As Olson remarked, “We need to laugh too,” reflecting a shared understanding that humor can coexist with the gravity of their work.
