The FIAT-IFTA 2024 Convention, held in the enchanting city of Krakow, left an indelible mark on the hearts of over 300 participants from 54 countries around the globe. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Fabryczna City Complex, the event was praised for its engaging agenda, warm hospitality, and seamless organization. For the first time, attendees could enhance their networking experience through an intuitive event app, making it easier than ever to connect and communicate with fellow guests. This year’s convention will surely be remembered as a standout moment for the global funeral services community.
The 17th FIAT-IFTA Convention and 53rd FIAT-IFTA I.C.D. Annual Meeting, held from September 18th to 20th, 2024, were landmark events for the global funeral industry. These gatherings provided an excellent platform for international networking and collaboration among industry professionals. One of the highlights was the development of new projects through working meetings of five key committees, each addressing critical areas for the industry:
- Heritage Committee focused on preserving intangible funeral cultural heritage, as part of FIAT-IFTA's role as an International NGO with Consultative Status at UNESCO for Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- Global Education Committee dedicated to advancing education programs in various sectors of the industry.
- Embalming Committee aimed at setting standards for embalming practices worldwide.
- Sustainability Committee concentrated on creating ecological and sustainability standards, aligning with FIAT-IFTA's commitment as an NGO with Special Consultative Status at UN-ECOSOC.
- Coffin Standards Committee focused on developing global standards for coffin manufacturing.
These committees' efforts reflect the funeral industry's dedication to heritage, education, sustainability, and high standards in all aspects of its work.
The FIAT-IFTA 2024 Convention offered a wealth of inspiration through its lineup of exceptional speakers, making the event a truly enriching experience for all attendees. Participants had the chance to delve into a variety of fascinating topics, such as the evolution of Slavic rituals honoring the dead—explored through the lens of Kraków’s Rękawka tradition - along with discussions on the future of cemeteries, strategies for reducing costs and boosting productivity in the funeral industry, and the profound impact of funerals on grieving families and society at large.
A particularly engaging highlight was a moderated discussion featuring two celebrated Polish sports figures - soccer legend Jerzy Dudek and accomplished athlete Artur Partyka - invited by Platinum Partner, KLEPSYDRA Group. The duo shared insights on motivation, passion, handling stress, overcoming professional burnout, and building the enduring foundations of a fulfilling life. Their motivational speeches resonated deeply with many funeral directors and morticians, providing valuable advice on achieving success, bouncing back from setbacks, and finding support in difficult times.
Conference attendees eagerly engaged in discussions with the speakers, adding a dynamic and interactive element that significantly enhanced the value of the event.
The FIAT-IFTA meeting also featured a specialized workshop tailored specifically for Polish cemetery managers, addressing the contemporary challenges in the management and operation of cemeteries in Poland. This workshop, which included an in-depth panel discussion, was organized by the Polish Funeral Association (PSP) and the Institute of Funeral and Cemetery Industry (IBPC), with the valuable support of the NECROEXPO trade fair in Kielce - the only funeral industry fair in Poland. This collaborative effort provided an excellent platform for Polish professionals to share insights, explore solutions, and discuss the evolving demands faced by cemeteries in the country.
We are proud and delighted to have welcomed a truly international group of funeral professionals from across the globe, including participants from Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Malta, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of South Africa, Romania, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and the USA.
This gathering provided an excellent opportunity to discuss key matters for the organization and also marked a significant moment with the election of Ms. Idermaa Garavsuran from Mongolia as the 3rd Vice President, chosen by secret ballot. Additionally, we were excited to announce the date and venue for the 2025 I.C.D. meeting - mark your calendars for June 2-5, 2025, when we will meet in Yokohama, Japan! Save the date and prepare for another inspiring event.
The FIAT-IFTA meeting was focused on enduring business relationships and the organization's latest developments. There was also time to enjoy and celebrate during the Welcome cocktail reception sponsored by Facultative taking place in the amazing Utopia vodka bar connected with the Vodka Factory Museum.
A major highlight was the Gala Dinner, which featured a beautiful flag ceremony and a poignant moment as the FIAT-IFTA Presidential insignia was passed from Mr. Marek Cichewicz of Poland to Mr. William Wappner from the United States. The evening also saw the official announcement of the new FIAT-IFTA Board. The event concluded on a high note with an American-style Farewell Party, hosted by the new FIAT-IFTA President, and generously sponsored by Dignity Memorial and NFDA. These celebrations not only added joy and camaraderie to the event but also strengthened the sense of community among funeral industry professionals worldwide.
During the technical visit and sightseeing tour of Krakow, sponsored by Grupo ASV, convention attendees had the opportunity to explore the rich history and iconic landmarks of this UNESCO-listed former royal capital. The tour also offered a taste of authentic Polish cuisine, allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in the culture of the region. Among the highlights was a visit to two significant cemeteries: the historic Rakowicki Cemetery, one of the oldest in Poland, and the modern Cemetery in Podgórki Tynieckie.
At the Podgórki Tynieckie Communal Cemetery, managed by KLEPSYDRA Kraków, a key partner and Platinum Sponsor of this year's convention, two remarkable events took place. First, the group witnessed the opening of the ‘TREES OF REMEMBRANCE’ ecological urn quarter, a pioneering initiative that provides individual eco-friendly burial plots while contributing to environmental conservation.
The second event was the unveiling of the world’s only geodetic installation, ‘TEMPUS FUGIT,’ a symbolic monument aligned with the 50°N parallel, running through the cemetery. This unique installation serves as a powerful symbol of the passage of time, inviting all visitors to reflect on life's transience. These meaningful experiences added a deeper layer of cultural and environmental awareness to the convention, making it even more memorable.
After the FIAT-IFTA Convention concluded, around 100 attendees opted to extend their stay and embark on an enriching optional tour, which included visits to two of Poland's most iconic and historically significant sites. The tour began with a visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a priceless cultural monument inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978, known for its vast underground chambers and stunning salt-carved sculptures. This was followed by a profoundly moving visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, providing deep insights into one of the darkest chapters of human history, leaving a lasting emotional impact on all participants.
Incredible Polish team did exceptional work in organizing the FIAT-IFTA 2024 Convention in Krakow. A special thank you also goes to all participants for their trust and active presence at the event. We hope you depart from Poland with fond memories, new friendships, and strengthened business relationships.
