Western tradition meets modern innovation at the 2026 ICCFA Experience in Fort Worth. As you plan your time at the event, get ready to explore, connect, and experience everything ICCFA’s annual gathering has to offer. The ASD team is especially looking forward to reconnecting with clients and friends in the heart of Texas hospitality. While you’re there, make time to explore the Expo Hall, where the latest trends and innovations take center stage. It’s the perfect place to discover new funeral home products and technology, catch up with trusted vendors, and wrangle up some new connections—plus enjoy creative booth designs, exciting product launches, and plenty of surprises along the way.
This marks the second year of the refreshed Experience format, bringing dynamic learning and energy straight to the convention floor. With two full days in the Expo Hall, attendees can expect a more interactive and engaging atmosphere than ever before. Professionals from across the funeral, cemetery, and cremation fields will come together for meaningful conversations, fresh ideas, and a bit of that signature Texas warmth. Discover creative new business strategies you won’t want to let slip through the reins. See what’s shaping the future of the profession as you spend quality time with those who understand the rewards and challenges of your vocation like no one else.
You can visit us during the 2026 ICCFA Experience at Booth #515 on
- Thurs, April 30th 9a-5p
- Fri, May 1st 9a-1p
With the funeral profession undergoing significant changes, the 2026 ICCFA Experience is set to spark meaningful discussions about the future of deathcare. World-class keynote speakers and expert-led sessions will foster critical conversations, ensuring attendees leave with fresh insights and inspiration. There are also many timely presentations on this year’s schedule covering everything from AI to pet loss resources to unique strategies for business growth. We are especially looking forward to hearing keynote speaker, Chris Bashinelli, explain how “empathy, trust, and service consistently outperform persuasion.”
ASD’s Technical and Customer Service teams will be available at our booth to answer any questions you may have about our technical solutions. Throughout the convention, our technical experts can provide you with a personalized demonstrations of our award-winning ASD Mobile app and other technologies we’ve created to make life more convenient for directors. Be sure to ask us about some of our newer solutions such as our Call Forwarding Check and advanced Solicitor Shield® call blocking.
Win a Lego Hearse
ASD will be raffling off our famous Lego Hearse set to one lucky winner who visits our booth during the ICCFA Expo. Stop by to snap a photo with our one-of-a-kind Lego set and enter our raffle drawing to win the most unique item in the ICCFA Expo hall.
Don’t Miss Cremation Air!
Attention aviation enthusiasts! If you didn’t get a chance to visit Cremation Air at NFDA 2025, you’ll have another opportunity to see them at our booth during the 2026 ICCFA Experience. On display will be the rare Bede BD-5J microjet—one of the smallest jets ever built and a true standout that’s typically only found in museums or private collections. It’s best known for being featured in the James Bond flick Octopussy. Parked in the middle of a convention expo hall with its striking Cremation Air wrap, it’s hard to miss and even harder to forget.
While the aircraft itself is for display only, Cremation Air offers aerial scattering services that help funeral homes provide families with a unique and meaningful memorial option. Founded by ASD’s leadership last year, the company works closely with funeral professionals to coordinate these services with care and precision. We’re excited to share more with ICCFA attendees in Fort Worth and give those who missed it before a chance to experience it up close. Be sure to stop by and meet Business Development Strategist Pat Kane and Pilot Andrew Czachor, learn how Cremation Air can help take your funeral home’s offerings to new heights.
8 Places Worth Exploring in Fort Worth
Fort Worth brings a fresh sense of excitement to the 2026 ICCFA Experience, especially since it hasn’t hosted a major funeral service convention in many years. That alone makes this a unique opportunity for funeral directors to gather in a setting that feels both new and distinctly memorable. With its blend of Western heritage, modern amenities, and unmistakable Lone Star energy, the city offers the perfect backdrop for meaningful connections and new ideas. From the historic Stockyards to a thriving cultural district, Fort Worth delivers an experience that goes beyond the convention floor and makes this year’s event one professionals won’t want to miss. Here are eight city attractions worth checking out during your trip to Fort Worth.
1. Sundance Square
Just a few blocks away from the Fort Worth Convention Center you’ll find Sundance Square (420 Main St), a 35-block entertainment and shopping destination that is anchored by a pedestrian-friendly plaza featuring fountains, massive umbrellas and a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. By day, Sundance Square offers everything from art workshops to farmers markets to yoga classes. At night, you can enjoy live concert, hang out in a beer garden or catch a comedy show. There is something for everyone here in this vibrant downtown destination.
2. Fort Worth Water Gardens
Right next to the Fort Worth Convention center you’ll find this unique urban park with its distinct cascading water features. Designed by Phillip Johnson in 1974, the Fort Worth Water Gardens (1502 Commerce St) are considered an architectural and engineering marvel. The park provides a peaceful oasis within the city, allowing visitors to enjoy the sound of rushing water and relax beside one of the three pools that make up the 4.3-acre complex. The especially dramatic Active Pool is designed so that people to descend 38 feet into a, cascading, 4-story, fountain feature. Visiting in the evening is also highly recommended to see the water gardens illuminated with soft lighting.
3. Fort Worth Stockyards
The Fort Worth Stockyards (131 E Exchange Ave) is a can’t-miss stop during your ICCFA Convention trip, located just a quick 10-minute ride from the convention center. This historic district brings the Old West to life with daily cattle drives, rodeos, unique shops, and authentic Texas dining experiences. You can explore the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, catch live music, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere filled with Western heritage. Be sure to visit Billy Bob’s Texas (2520 Rodeo Plaza), the world’s largest honky-tonk and the Stockyards’ most famous bar, for great music, dancing, and a true taste of Texas nightlife. Whether day or night, the Stockyards offers something memorable for everyone.
4. Comedy Club Round Up
If you enjoy a good laugh, you’ll have plenty of great options to enjoy comedy during your visit to Fort Worth. For bigger name acts like Kevin Farley who will be in town during the ICCFA Convention, head to Hyena’s Comedy Club (425 Commerce St) which offers an intimate comedy club experience. If you’re looking for something a little rowdier, head over to Big Laugh Comedy Club (604 Main St #100) which has standup shows running all week long with different themes, often featuring showcases with new local talents. Finally, for those who are a fan of improv, a short Uber or taxi ride to will bring you to Four Day Weekend (6025 Camp Bowie Blvd), home of Fort Worth’s nationally recognized and critically acclaimed comedy troupe. Finally, if you want to keep things simple but still want to enjoy some good comedy, don’t miss the ICCFA’s President Banquet on Wednesday evening featuring comedian and impressionist Matthew Friend (tickets required).
5. Fort Worth After Dark
There are a variety of nightlife spots just a short distance from the Fort Worth Convention Center and surrounding hotels, ensuring that convention attendees will not have to venture far to find the perfect destination to enjoy the evening. For a unique setting to enjoy curated cocktails, head to Thompson’s Bookstore Speakeasy (900 Houston St) to enjoy your drinks inside a former bookstore and pharmacy with a speakeasy-style basement. Another great speakeasy style bar is Scatt Jazz Lounge (111 W 4th St) which is set in the basement of the historic Woolworth building and features acclaimed musicians.
If you prefer a balcony to a basement, visit Branch & Bird (640 Taylor St, 12th floor) for expansive views of the city skyline from the rooftop patio. Located atop the sky lobby level of the Frost Tower, this popular contemporary restaurant and bar often features liver music as well. Another great spot for live music if you are looking for more of a nightclub vibe is The Spotlight (310 Houston St) which features everything from DJs to salsa music. Finally, for those hoping for more of a laid-back atmosphere with a big beer selection, head to Flying Saucer Draught Emporium (111 E 3rd St) where you can choose from over 200 craft beers in a relaxing pub like setting. Housed in the century-old Land Title Building, known for its striking Art Deco façade, the emporium has become a Fort Worth institution, with more than 30 years of serving draft beers.
6. Fort Worth Zoo
If you’re traveling with kids and are looking for something they will enjoy, the Fort Worth Zoo (1989 Colonial Pkwy) is just a 10-minute ride away. One of the top-ranked zoos in the country, the Fort Worth Zoo offers a huge variety of native and exotic animals, including big cats, elephants, reptiles, and a great Texas wildlife section. Kids will love the Safari splash park, Stingray touch area and train ride. Tickets are half price on Wednesday if anyone in your family is looking for something fun to do that day outside of the convention.
7. Japanese Botanical Gardens
Built on the site of a former gravel pit used as a dumping ground, the Fort Worth Japanese Garden (3220 Botanic Garden Blvd) is proof that sometimes the most beautiful things are born out of repurposing overlooked spaces. This peaceful and tranquil space includes over seven acres of winding pathways, waterfalls, koi ponds, and a Japanese teahouse. The garden features beautiful foliage native to Japan including cherry trees, bamboo, magnolias, and Japanese maples. It is part of the larger Fort Worth Botanical Gardens which is the oldest major botanic garden in Texas and includes 120 acres with 2,500 species of plants, 23 specialty gardens and a 10,000 square foot conservatory. Just a short 8 minute ride from the convention center and worth visiting for anyone who appreciates nature and beauty. On your journey, you can also visit the nearby Trinity Park (2401 University Dr) which is situated along the Trinity River and features a pond, fishing pier, playgrounds and trails.
8. Explore Fort Worth’s Museum Scene
Fort Worth’ cultural district offers an exceptional museum experience just minutes from the convention center, making it easy for ICCFA attendees to explore. One thing many will appreciate is the ability to visit many unique and distinct museums within walking distance of one another. Begin with the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History (1600 Gendy St) for an engaging and interactive introduction to the city’s culture and innovation.
From there, head to the nearby Amon Carter Museum of American Art (3501 Camp Bowie Blvd) which offers a premier collection of 19th- and 20th-century American art, featuring an unmatched holding of Western masterpieces by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. Just around the corner you’ll find the Kimbell Art Museum (333 Camp Bowie Blvd), renowned for its world-class collections that include works from Picasso, Monet and Cezanne as well as the building’s iconic architecture. Wrap up your journey by heading across the lawn to the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth (3200 Darnell St), where striking contemporary works are matched by a beautiful reflecting pond setting.
What are you most looking forward to about the 2026 ICCFA Experience? What sights and attractions in Fort Worth would you recommend? We’d love to know! Share your thoughts in the comments below.
