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Last week, the ICCFA’s flagship convention and exposition in Tampa Bay delivered its usual superlative mix of world-class keynotes, insightful educational seminars and opportunities to connect, engage and to learn; albeit this year, with an added modicum of buccaneering.

As PlotBox CEO Sean McAllister said, “It was great to attend the ICCFA again this year to meet old and new friends, the conference always brings together some of the best operators and vendors in the industry.”

A sentiment echoed by CCO Leona McAllister, “The ICCFA is always a key calendar event for us. Although exhibitions are primarily considered a ‘sales’ event, for me this year's ICCFA was a fantastic opportunity to connect with existing customers in person and also to spend time together as a team, which is always a bonus.”

“This year’s ICCFA Annual Convention was an incredible event. I returned home from the event inspired and eager to talk further to the people I met.”

Becky Acree, Business Development Representative

For PlotBox, the lead up to the ICCFA convention typically starts early - the thrum of excitement, along with the beginnings of preparation - or possibly perspiration - starting to build not long after saying goodbye to the old year and hello to the new.

This year brought additional excitement, when it became clear early on just how many new innovations and developments we had to showcase.

“It was good to be back at ICCFA this year, connecting with industry peers, our existing customers and showcasing all of our latest product updates on the booth!”, said Product Manager Ryan Lynch.

Our expanded range of financial management tools garnered a great deal of interest, and in particular PlotBox Pay - the industry’s most innovative payment technology with secure, and reliable payment processing that includes automated ACH and card payments. 

“Attending ICCFA this year was a delightful reunion of both familiar and new connections. The breakout sessions provided a wealth of knowledge. It was great to see so many faces at our booth, where we blended Irish hospitality with exciting updates on our latest products!”

Laura Lynch, Sales and Marketing Operations Manager

We were also delighted to share our software solution developed specifically for combo funeral homes, with those we spoke to being impressed with how seamlessly it integrates with and connects cemetery and crematory businesses, as well as our new AI obituary Assistant.

Our genealogy portal EverAfter always proves popular and this year was no exception, as EverAfter’s Ciarán Jordan said,

“It was really great to connect with prospective and current customers and talk about how EverAfter can help them transform the way they reach and engage families online.”

This year, we were especially pleased to provide updates on the many new exciting features that will be launching soon, including our virtual memorial and eCommerce opportunities. 

"The buzz this year around ICCFA was great, it was so good to have the opportunity to network face to face with potential customers from every corner of the US."

Paul Seddon, Business Development Representative

If there is one thing we have learned from attending so many shows, it’s that people love interactivity, and so it proved when demonstrating Vertica Mapping - our innovative new mapping and inventory management solution that provides an immersive 360 degree view of Mausolea and Columbaria.

Why? Because using a VR headset, visitors to the booth were able to experience the full extent of its functionality by taking a virtual tour of a mausoleum. It’s tech Jim, but not as we know it…

The team also had many opportunities to learn and gain insights on the current talking points from the many presentations and breakout sessions on offer, as VP of Sales North America, Neill Sherrin said,

“What I love about the ICCFA convention in addition to the connections that can be made, is that there's always something new to learn...the quality of the speakers, breakout sessions and keynotes included, always bring value and fresh perspectives.”

Of particular interest, were sessions themed on creating a world-class customer experience, and utilisation of emerging digital marketing tools and techniques.

“Attending the ICCFA event was enlightening; I gained valuable insights into the landscape of the funeral and cemetery industry. while forging valuable connections with like-minded professionals. Overall, It was a rewarding experience. Looking forward to next year!”

Conor Clarke, Business Development Representative

And of course, there was the very welcome opportunity to speak with friends and colleagues from across the globe, according to Global Manager, Sales Development Tom Hargrave, 

“Being new to the deathcare industry, it was a great opportunity to grow my network and make connections and introductions that will serve myself and the team moving forward. I learned a great deal over the 3 days, not only about the industry but the challenges our customers face on a regular basis.”

So with the conversations over (or rather, just begun), the display stands packed away, and the lead sheets counted, we can reflect on another successful ICCFA convention for PlotBox.

Thank you ICCFA and here’s to next year!

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