Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management Learning Conference 2025
After a couple of years of being a delegate at the ICCM conference in Kenilworth, 2025 was the year for CEM Solutions to exhibit!
First impressions were great – the Chesford Grange Hotel is the perfect setting and layout as the “all in one” model works so well for both exhibits and delegates; an exhibition area, conference room and awards banquet only a few footsteps from your room!
You can just tell that a lot of thought had gone into the planning of this conference and I believe that’s what makes it so successful. All the content is based around bereavement, cemetery and crematoria management but delivered in a unique way.
Throughout the day we were treated to a number of interesting presentations including the google tool for cemeteries and crematoria, leading the way in bereavement regulation and how Scotland’s burial and cremation legislation makes life easy. There was also the PG5/2 (25) update and Crematech’s view on electric cremators – their journey so far!
A highlight was this year’s debate of the day – a session held in the Oxford style debate format, where each party puts their case forward and the audience take a vote at the end.
The debate topic was ‘Redefining Success in Crematoria – Audio & Visual (AV) versus The Cremators’. Leading the debate were James Crossland, founder of Obitus and Vivedia & Martin Birch, Operational Manager of Bereavement and Registration Services, City and County of Cardiff.
James’ opinion was that the AV side of the cremation process was an important factor leading to the success of a cremation where Martin believed it was the cremation process itself, the trained operator and the service, all of which could be a success without the use of AV.
After hearing both party’s opinions put forward and a number of comments from the audience, I think it’s fair to say that it’s all down to family and loved ones of the deceased and their personal preferences. That said, it seems James had the audience behind him and took the win when it came to a show of hands!
Following a number of speed learning sessions, the day came to an end and the exhibitors slowly disappeared……coincidently the bar got very busy!
Pre- dinner drinks were sponsored by Motorcycle Funerals. The exhibition area was flooded with well-dressed exhibitors and delegates. I’m glad I wasn’t picking up that bar bill – thanks to Motorcycle Funerals!
Dinner was served, and the party had started! Awards were given to the industry professions for their achievements in their chosen categories, including this year’s photograph competition and charity auction!
With two categories to have a go at, ‘Best photo taken in a cemetery, crematorium, churchyard or natural burial ground’ & the ‘Ian Quance best environmental photo, taken in a cemetery, crematorium, churchyard or natural burial ground’, congratulations to everyone that took part, they were all worthy winners! You can see the entries here – https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/iccm25
All proceeds from the auction went to the charity Once Upon A Smile – Supporting bereaved children and families.
Live music throughout the night kept these hips moving, for a select few anyway – I was sat at the back enjoying the show.
I’m sure everyone in attendance enjoyed the conference and learned something new. Thanks to the ICCM for such an interesting event and to all the exhibitors and sponsors that help this event to take place.
See you in 2026!
Blog by James Gilbert