For those outside the industry, a national conference like this may sound internal or niche. In practice, however, it functions as one of Norway’s largest gathering points for the entire funeral profession. Funeral homes, technology companies, ceremony suppliers, memorial stone companies, legal experts and other industry actors meet to discuss how the sector is changing and developing.

The event combines lectures, networking opportunities and a larger industry exhibition alongside social activities set within the well-known surroundings of Lofoten.

From digital estates to modern ceremonies

This year’s programme clearly reflects how the funeral industry is being shaped by both digitalisation and changing social habits.

Among the speakers are:

  • Christian Lang, CEO of Rapid Data.

  • Bredo Swanberg, who leads the life-event initiative “Death and inheritance” at the Norwegian Digitalisation Directorate. He will present Norway’s digital solutions connected to death and inheritance, including the service “Digitalt dødsbo”.

  • Frank Gulliksen, ceremony master and funeral consultant, who will speak about belief-neutral ceremonies and how expectations surrounding funerals are changing.

  • Erlend Hagenes, senior adviser in emergency preparedness and crisis management, who will address questions surrounding security and future crisis preparedness.

  • Per Henrik Stenstrøm, author and speaker focusing on workplace culture and human relationships.

  • Lisbeth Morken Litangen and Nils Arve Karlsen, ceremony leaders participating in programme segments about modern forms of ceremonies.

The programme highlights how funeral services today involve far more than the ceremony itself. Questions surrounding digital administration, legal processes, security and personalised ceremonies are becoming increasingly important as society changes.

Major exhibition for funeral products and services

The conference also includes a larger exhibition area where companies showcase products and services aimed at the funeral industry.

Visitors will be able to explore solutions related to:

  • coffins and urns

  • memorial stones and grave products

  • flowers and ceremony solutions

  • legal services

  • digital administration and technology

  • vehicles and transport

  • memorial pages and digital family services

For many suppliers, the exhibition is an important opportunity to demonstrate how new technology and services can reshape the work of funeral homes while also meeting changing expectations from grieving families and relatives.

An industry in transition

Industry gatherings such as Virke Gravferd’s national conference do not simply function as networking and educational events. They also serve as a clear indicator of where the Nordic funeral industry is heading.

As technology, customer expectations and attitudes towards ceremonies continue to evolve, the funeral sector is facing significant changes, something that is clearly reflected in this year’s programme.

Eftertid is following the development with great interest.