Better Together: Highlights from CFDA’s Los Angeles Pop-Up and Quarterly Meetings
CFDA’s Quarterly Pop Up Mixer - Los Angeles Edition!
The CFDA meetings took place in Los Angeles this quarter, and to kick it off, Hollywood Forever hosted a Pop-Up Mixer on the rooftop of their Gower Mausoleum. This was a wonderful opportunity for members, non-members, students, and vendors, to come together for some conversation and camaraderie. For those who were able to arrive a little early, Hollywood Forever offered a brief tour of the grounds. Peacocks, cemetery cats, notable residents, and the location’s history were all part of the tour. Some factoids from the tour were on a trivia game later in the evening, along with questions testing everyone’s knowledge about the benefits of being a CFDA member. Guests gathered into several groups and worked as a team to complete their gamecards with the best answers. Those who got all 10 questions correct were entered into a drawing, and three lucky winners each got a $100 gift card!
Tina Maisano, CFDA Membership committee chair, addressed attendees with a warm welcome, acknowledged our sponsors – Guided Transitions, Hollywood Forever, and the Dodge Company - and introduced CFDA President, Jim La Mar. Jim kept the energy going, reminding attendees of some of the benefits of CFDA, and reviewed the association’s committees. He encouraged involvement and engagement from anyone who is interested in participating more actively.
The 360 degree view from the fifth floor rooftop was a beautiful place to take in the Hollywood sign, the Observatory, the downtown skyline, and Century City off in the Western distance. As the sun set in the evening, the neon signs glowed atop the Hollywood high-rise buildings. And if you looked out to the East, you saw a stunning moon rise. But as gorgeous as those views were, the best view was watching all the action right there on the roof – The conversations, the laughter, the selfies, vendors and clients getting some time together, the new connections being made, and old colleagues catching up with each other.
Thank you to all who attended and to our event sponsors, Hollywood Forever, Guided Transitions, and The Dodge Company! And for those who are able to enjoy the next one, it will be Tuesday, January 19, 2027, at Cherokee Memorial Park and Funeral Home, in Lodi.
CFDA Volunteers at Work: Highlights from our September Quarterly Meetings
CFDA’s work on behalf of California’s funeral profession extends far beyond the programs and events our members see throughout the year. Volunteer leaders from across the state give their time and expertise through CFDA’s committees to advocate for the profession, develop member resources and help guide the Association.
Below are highlights from CFDA’s September 30 Quarterly Committee Meeting, held in Los Angeles.
Advocating for California’s Funeral Profession
The Legislative Committee continued its work on two significant issues facing the profession: EDRS and the proposed NOR regulations.
Looking ahead to 2027, the committee discussed plans for legislation addressing EDRS and how CFDA can bring funeral professionals’ real-world experiences into the legislative conversation. Members agreed to seek concrete examples of challenges with the current system to help demonstrate where improvements are needed.
The committee also discussed the draft NOR regulations and the importance of a proactive approach. Volunteers are gathering insight from funeral professionals in other states that have recently implemented NOR requirements to help CFDA develop informed, unified feedback for CDPH and the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau.
Building More Education and Resources for Members
The Professional Development Committee is continuing to expand the education and practical resources available to CFDA members.
CFDA’s new online training platform is expected to launch later this fall, bringing together
online courses, members-only training videos and the document template library. Volunteers are also working on a comprehensive revision of CFDA’s Online Law Review.
New training videos have already been developed on determining legal next of kin, arrangement conference etiquette, professional conduct and attire, and CFDA’s Political Action Committee. Additional topics in development include Crematories 101, Funeral Spanish, de-escalation, OSHA compliance, cultural and religious customs, compassion fatigue and more.
Strengthening the Value of CFDA Membership
The Membership Committee focused on supporting current members while introducing more funeral professionals to CFDA.
Volunteers stepped forward to personally contact members with outstanding renewals and non-member funeral homes in their communities. The committee also approved development of an annual CFDA member logo that funeral homes can display on their websites.
Following CFDA’s successful Los Angeles Membership Pop-Up at Hollywood Forever, the committee reviewed feedback and discussed ways to build on the program. Additional Pop-Ups are planned for Lodi and San Diego in 2027. The committee also began exploring a student membership category and future mentorship opportunities.
Telling the Stories of Our Members and Profession
CFDA’s Communications Committee is working to make the Association’s communications increasingly member-driven.
Volunteers are developing social media content, helping oversee CFDA’s blogs and newsletter, and creating a new feature that will give members an opportunity to share the work their funeral homes are doing in their communities. The committee is also using video from Membership Pop-Ups to showcase these events.
Another initiative under discussion is expanding CFDA’s document template library by reviewing existing resources and, where appropriate, making them available in additional languages.
Planning the 2027 CFDA Convention
Planning is already well underway for the 2027 CFDA Convention, with the committee focusing on educational programming, attendee engagement, exhibits and special events.
The committee reviewed 53 speaker proposals and narrowed the field to 12 top candidates. Volunteers also discussed ways to increase funeral home employee attendance, enhance engagement on the exhibit floor, and create new activities and experiences for attendees.
The committee also began developing the 2027 theme and visual identity while reviewing ways to strengthen attendee communications and the overall Convention experience.
Stewarding CFDA’s Resources
The Finance Committee reviewed CFDA’s financial position and investment portfolio, along with the Association’s operating financials, membership revenue, online training performance and upcoming expenses associated with restocking the Consumer Guide.
This ongoing oversight helps ensure CFDA remains financially responsible while investing in advocacy, education, member services and other programs that support California’s funeral profession.
These meetings represent only a snapshot of the work CFDA volunteers do throughout the year.
Between quarterly meetings, committee and board members participate in calls, review proposals and regulations, develop educational content, reach out to fellow funeral professionals, plan events, share their expertise and help guide the direction of the Association. Their involvement allows CFDA to remain responsive to the needs of its members and proactive about the issues affecting funeral service in California.
How You Can Get Involved
For members who want to play a greater role in that work, there is always a place to get involved. CFDA is strongest when our members bring their voices, ideas and experience to the table. You can learn more about serving on a CFDA committee by visiting www.cafda.org/committees
