October 2021

Page A31 OCTOBER 2021 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS Se c t i on A SEE THE NEW “FACES” OF RESTORATIVE ART PRACTICAL TRAINING ONLY AT PIMS!!!! Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science 5808 Baum Boulevard Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15206 412-362-8500 www.pims.edu Be sure to subscribe to our new YouTube Channel: Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science: PIMS CANA Hosted Innovators in Seattle for 103rd Convention Since CANA Conventions keep presen- tations, exhibits, food and drink in one room, no one missed out on the fun of re- connecting. Companies exhibit looking for leads and sales – which were made – but often to connect with customers and develop a relationship. CANA’s Exhibi- tors considered this a “productive conven- tion… time well spent.” Plus, CANA wel- NEWS Association Continued on Page A32 CANA Supplier Members CANA Board Members WHEEL I NG , I L— I n - spired by the enthusiasm of its members, the Crema- tion Association of North America decided to host the 103rd Annual Cremation In- novation Convention in-per- son this August 11-13, 2021 in Seattle, WA. As valuable as the virtual connections of the last year have been, the sound of more than 200 people talking, laughing, and enjoying each other was a wonderful return. CANA’s Conventions are known for attracting a small group of people for fun, food and drink, learning, and net- working centered around cremation. Staff made special effort to balance the need for safety with the need to con- nect, choosing to bring qual- ity over quantity. With just 45 exhibits and “just right” comed 12 new exhibitors who could take advantage of the intimate space to connect with decision-makers both on the floor and on the stage with added programming devoted to highlighting supplier products, services, and recent innovations. As always, the education presentations drew crowds with excellent content on all attendance numbers, CANA welcomed in- novative thinkers, engaging presenters, gen- erous sponsors, and cremation leaders that were ready to come together. “We all had our ways to manage the risk. All CANA and venue staff, including my- self, wore masks consistently. Some oth- ers wore masks, most didn’t. Some of us had yellow caution labels on our name badges, but most had green labels invit- ing hugs and handshakes,” explained Bar- bara Kemmis, CANA executive director. “Eighteen months after the 2020 Crema- tion Symposium, words cannot express how wonderful it felt to reconnect with the 240 people who joined us.” Others agreed. When asked what the high- light of the event was, people replied that gathering together was it. “It was great fi- nally being able to be around our colleagues again in person!” said one survey respon- dent, echoing the feedback of others revel- ing in time together. “I really enjoyed how much people were willing to share informa- tion about their experiences. It was an amazing learning opportunity for me.”