TerraCon 2026: The 3rd Annual Terramation (Body Composting) Conference

TerraCon 2026 brings together leaders, innovators, families, and advocates to explore the transformative future of terramation—also known as body composting. Over two days in Tacoma, Washington, attendees will engage with groundbreaking science, hear directly from pioneering operators and funeral professionals, and join candid conversations on culture, legislation, technology, and family experience.

From heartfelt family stories to in-depth panels on process, partnerships, and policy, TerraCon offers a rare opportunity to connect, learn, and envision what’s next. This year’s conference will challenge assumptions, celebrate progress, and chart the path toward a more sustainable and meaningful future in deathcare.

A Transformative Event for Industry Professionals

TerraCon is more than just a conference, it’s a comprehensive journey into the transformative world of terramation. Designed for forward-thinking professionals across the deathcare space, TerraCon offers hands-on learning, powerful storytelling, and meaningful community connection. Here’s what makes it essential for anyone shaping the future of sustainable aftercare.

TerraCon Website

In-Person AttendanceJoin us in Tacoma, Washington, for the full TerraCon experience. In-person attendees will have access to all keynote sessions, panels, and networking opportunities, including the evening reception. It’s the best way to connect directly with leaders, innovators, families, and peers shaping the future of terramation.

Virtual AttendanceFor those unable to travel, TerraCon 2026 will also be fully accessible online. Virtual attendees will receive live-stream access to all sessions and panels, with interactive chat and Q&A opportunities. Recordings will be available after the event for continued learning at your own pace.

• Conference Parking Information - Tacoma Convention Center Parking Information and near to venue parking alternatives as well as metered street parking surounding the venue.
• Regional Mass Transit - Access the Tacoma Convention Center station via T Line Light Rail, Sounder Rail Way, Seattle Light Rail. Plan your transportion needs via Sound Transit Site - Trip Planner.
• Hotel Room Block - If you would like to book a discounted room within the TerraCon room block follow this Booking Link to reserve at the Hotel Murano. If you would like to stay a day before or after the main booking room block, reach out to Gabriel Hess, Sales coordinator at +1-253-591-4123 to see if Hotel Murano can offer additional nights at the group rate.
• Event Check In- Please download the Eventbrite App via your app store. This is a much smoother way to check in and follow the TerraCon26 schedule.

Opening TerraCon 2026 – Luke Hamilton An inspiring opening that grounds us in soil, ecology, and belonging—reminding us that terramation begins with reverence for the earth.

Scientific Insights from Meine Erde – Marcus Schwarz Fresh data and lessons from Germany’s leading terramation facility—what’s working, what needs study, and what’s next on the scientific frontier.

Operators Panel – Process Facility operators share the realities of running vessels, managing processes, and meeting family needs behind the scenes of NOR.

Equipment Panel Innovators in vessel design and system development explore technology, regulation, and the next wave of terramation engineering.

Partnership Panel Funeral home partners discuss why they chose terramation, how they integrated it, and what partnerships mean for growth.

CEO Panel – Go Big or Go Home: Expansion Industry CEOs reveal strategies for scaling NOR facilities and building infrastructure in newly legalized states.

Legislation Update A candid briefing on where NOR laws stand, what’s working, and what to expect over the next 12 months.

TerraCon Reception An evening social at Hotel Murano Lobby—connect, reflect, and celebrate with peers.

Family Panel Families share powerful, first-hand stories of terramation and the impact it had on their grieving and healing.

What Comes Next? (Panel To Be Confirmed) A forward-looking discussion on the future of terramation—details to be revealed.

Documentary Panel Filmmakers bring us behind the lens of capturing terramation, sharing unseen footage, challenges, and why storytelling matters.

Multicultural Deathcare – Joél Simone Maldonado Insights on delivering equitable, inclusive services across cultures and traditions in terramation and beyond.

Doula Panel Death Doulas share how they guide families through end-of-life, bridging emotional support with alternative deathcare practices.

Funeral Director Panel – Hot Ones Edition A fiery conversation (literally) as funeral directors tackle tough industry questions while eating blazing hot wings.

Final Words for TerraCon – Kris Hughes A reflective close, weaving myth and meaning into a final message to carry beyond TerraCon.

Info: Ticket holders for the Return Home Facility tour will be transported by bus to join for an exclusive look at the Return Home facility and returned back to the Tacoma Convention Center

Info: Ticket holders for the Return Home Facility tour will be transported by bus to join for an exclusive look at the Return Home facility and returned back to the Tacoma Convention Center

Info: Ticket holders for the Return Home Facility tour will be transported by bus to join for an exclusive look at the Return Home facility and returned back to the Tacoma Convention Center

Info: Kick off TerraCon 2026 with an inspiring opening from Luke Hamilton, who will explore our deep connection to the land, asking how soil, ecology, and belonging shape not only our environmental values—but our personal, social, and economic futures. A profound reminder that our work begins with reverence for the earth.

Info: Marcus shares the latest data emerging from Germany’s Meine Erde, one of the world’s leading terramation facilities. From what’s working well, to areas needing further study, to the questions still unanswered—this session offers a data-driven, transparent look at the scientific frontier of human composting. Expect rigorous insight, thoughtful reflection, and a global perspective on the future of NOR.

Info: Operators from active terramation facilities discuss the daily realities of running vessels, managing processes, navigating challenges, and meeting evolving family needs. This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from those who oversee the systems, teams, and care protocols that power NOR behind the scenes.

Info: Join the innovators building the future of terramation technology. This panel explores the evolution of commercial vessel design, public and regulatory reception, and how R&D is shaping the next generation of NOR systems. A must-attend for anyone curious about scale, engineering, and system design.

Info: Hear directly from funeral home partners who have partnered to provide terramation, or are preparing to purchase terramation vessels. This candid panel dives into why they made the leap, what challenges and opportunities they’ve encountered, and how terramation fits into their overall service offerings. A practical, inspiring look at partnership-driven expansion.

Info: Gain exclusive insights from leading industry CEOs as they share their experiences and strategies for establishing, growing, and expanding NOR facilities. With several states newly legalized, this panel will explore the urgency and logistics of building terramation infrastructure nationwide. This is your inside look at the business side of green death care.

Info: What is happening with legislation across the country? What’s working—and what’s not? How are regulations being created, and are they workable and effective? What can we expect in the next 12 months? Micah and Mandy weigh in on the changing legal landscape and what it will take to protect and expand access to terramation.

Info: Join us at the Hotel Murano Lobby for a social hour and reception. Conference badges are required. Hotel Address: 1320 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402, United States

Info: Hear heart felt stories from families who have experienced terramation firsthand.

Info: What Comes Next? Panel To Be Confirmed

Info: Go behind the scenes with two filmmakers capturing the raw, emotional reality of terramation. From ethical questions to breakthrough moments, this session includes preview clips and an exploration of how storytelling shapes the public understanding of sustainable deathcare. They’ll share what it took to film, how it affected them personally, and why this work matters for everyone who watches.

Info: Joél Simone Maldonado returns with her powerful insights on how to better serve communities with alternative disposition options across race, gender identity, and cultural traditions. A licensed funeral director and founder of The Multicultural Death & Grief Care Academy, Joél will explore how terramation providers can deliver truly equitable and culturally competent services to all, challenging long-held industry norms and inspiring honest, inclusive conversations.

Info: Join our expert panel of Death Doulas as they share their unique insights, experiences, and the profound impact they have in supporting families through end-of-life journeys. Discover how these compassionate professionals are bridging the gap between traditional and alternative death care practices. A tender, deeply informative session on emotional presence, family guidance, and holding space at life’s end.

Info: Brace yourself for the legendary ‘Hot Ones’ Panel, where Katey Houston is joined by funeral directors from across the NOR space. Enjoy a no-holds-barred discussion of the perils and promises of the funeral industry, all while chowing down on insanely spicy chicken wings. If you’ve ever wanted to see a funeral director sweat—this is your moment.

Info: Close out TerraCon with myth, meaning, and deep reflection. Kris Hughes offers a final message to carry forward inviting us to integrate what we’ve learned, felt, and envisioned over two transformative days

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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