The International Order of the Golden Rule welcomed funeral professionals from across North America and beyond to Louisville, Kentucky, for PROGRESS 2026, held May 5-7. The association’s signature event brought together independently owned funeral homes and supplier partners for three days of education, networking, leadership development and celebration of excellence within the profession.
Hosted in the heart of downtown Louisville, PROGRESS featured engaging keynote presentations, peer-driven learning opportunities and interactive sessions designed to help funeral professionals navigate change, strengthen their businesses and better serve families in their communities. Attendees also participated in meaningful networking experiences that fostered collaboration and connection among OGR members and partners.
“PROGRESS continues to reflect the strength, innovation and collaborative spirit of independently owned funeral homes,” said Wendy King, executive director of OGR. “The conversations, ideas and relationships built throughout the week demonstrated the profession’s continued commitment to excellence, compassionate service and forward-thinking leadership.”
The conference also featured the annual Golden Circle Awards Dinner, where OGR recognized outstanding achievement and service within the profession. Among the evening’s honors, Chris Miller of Thomas Miller Mortuary & Crematory in Corona, California, received OGR’s highest honor, the Golden Light Award. Maddison Bakker of Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Franklin, Pennsylvania, received the inaugural Rising Star Award for young professionals.
Additional highlights included the installation of the Peter Urban Jr. of the Anton B. Urban Funeral Home, Ambler, Pennsylvania, and the 2026-2027 board of directors, supplier engagement opportunities, collaborative discussions on emerging trends and strategies, and sessions focused on leadership, communication and innovation in funeral service.
PROGRESS 2026 reinforced OGR’s mission of supporting independently owned funeral homes through connection, education and shared best practices while continuing to elevate the value of personalized, community-centered care.
OGR also announced that PROGRESS 2027 will take place May 4-6, 2027, at the Caribe Royale Orlando in Orlando, Florida. Funeral professionals, supplier partners and industry leaders are encouraged to save the date for another year of impactful education, networking and inspiration.
For more information about OGR and future events, visit OGR.org.
About the International Order of the Golden Rule
Since 1928, the International Order of the Golden Rule has been the leading professional association dedicated to promoting high ethical standards and outstanding service of independently owned funeral homes in the funeral and memorialization profession. OGR members represent the elite in the industry, consistently providing compassionate and personalized care to families in their time of need. OGR is headquartered in Indianapolis. For more information, visit www.ogr.org.
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