Research & Reports
A Conference That Reminded Us Why We Do This
Some gatherings remind you what this profession is truly about. At the National Funeral Directors Conference in Chicago, we were surrounded by conversations that brought care, empathy, and service to life.
From heartfelt shuttle ride exchanges to the laughter shared in our booth, there was a steady current of purpose. Every story, every handshake, every moment of reflection reminded us that funeral service is rooted in one thing: compassion in action.
Being among so many professionals who dedicate their lives to guiding families through loss reaffirmed why Chptr exists. We are here to help those stories of care be seen, heard, and felt beyond the walls of the funeral home.
Tradition Meets Innovation
The conference floor told a story of its own. Rows of polished caskets and classic hearses stood alongside digital displays and emerging tools. Tradition and innovation were not competing. They were working side by side.
Many directors spoke about how the heart of their work has not changed. What is evolving is how they reach people, how they connect before a family ever walks through their doors. The profession continues to blend time-honored service with new ways of communicating care.
Listening and Learning
At Chptr, every good story starts with listening.
In Chicago, we connected with directors who balance serving families, managing logistics, and creating meaningful experiences that reflect each life. Many reflected on how community reach has changed. What once happened through a newspaper, now happens through shared stories, and they want that to feel just as personal.
They want tools that feel like natural extensions of their care, helping stories of remembrance reach further without disrupting their day-to-day work.
These conversations reinforced an important truth: innovation works best when it supports the real-world rhythm of funeral service, complementing the care directors already provide.
Gratitude for Shared Stories
Inside the Tribute Technology booth, we filmed several commercials with funeral directors, nonprofit leadership, and partners who stepped in front of the camera to share what remembrance and community mean to them.
Each conversation offered a glimpse into the heart of funeral service. Directors spoke about what families need most after a loss, what moments remind them their work matters, and what it means to walk beside people through life’s hardest days. Their reflections were honest and deeply human.
The gratitude we heard in return stayed with us. Many expressed how meaningful it was to pause and reflect on their purpose, to share their story, speak about the families they serve, and be recognized for the care they provide every day. Creating that space for their voices was an honor.
Among those who stopped by was Tim Szczesny, Owner and Director from DeMunn Funeral Home & Cremation Service, one of our earliest partners and a longtime advocate for storytelling in funeral service. Tim not only filmed a new commercial but also came back later to share ideas for how we introduce each broadcast. His energy, generosity, and passion for families remind us why this work matters.
The result was more than a series of recordings. It was a portrait of a profession built on empathy, where every story shared becomes an act of care. These are the stories that remind us why remembrance matters and why sharing them helps more families feel connected and supported.
Amplifying What Funeral Homes Already Do Well
Funeral directors are, and have always been, storytellers. Every service, every arrangement, every small gesture helps families begin to heal.
Chptr’s role is simple: to ensure every obituary reaches beyond the printed page and into the community. Through broadcast storytelling and trusted local media partnerships, we help funeral homes extend their compassion to more families, preserving tradition while giving it a modern reach.
The conversations in Chicago made it clear that the profession is ready for thoughtful innovation, tools that feel personal, grounded, and easy to use. We are continuing to listen, to simplify, and to build new ways for funeral homes to share their message of care.
Gratitude and Forward Momentum
As we look back on an inspiring week in the Windy City, we are filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the directors who took time to connect, the teams who shared feedback, and the partners who are helping shape this next chapter of storytelling.
This profession has always been built on service and trust. At Chptr, we are honored to play a small part in amplifying that mission.
To everyone we met in Chicago, thank you for sharing your stories and your time. And to those we have not met yet, we look forward to learning how you are helping families remember, heal, and feel connected.
