Podcast Episode 068: Was AMTA Convention Worth It? Our Biggest Takeaways Part 2
In this Post: In Episode 068: Was AMTA Convention Worth It? Our Biggest Takeaways Part 2, Ali and Beca sit down to break down their biggest takeaways from Convention.
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Episode 068: Was AMTA Convention Worth It? Our Biggest Takeaways Part 2
What happens when two experienced massage therapists step outside their usual routines and immerse themselves in the wider massage therapy profession?
In this episode, Ali and Beca share their biggest takeaways from the AMTA National Convention in Denver. From eye-opening continuing education classes to the future of licensing, they discuss what surprised them, what inspired them, and what they’re bringing back to their practices.
Beca went into her first AMTA convention with a little skepticism. But then left feeling inspired by the passion, clinical knowledge, and dedication of the massage therapists she met. Ali, attending her second convention, found plenty of new ideas, resources, and reasons to feel encouraged about the profession.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Finding inspiration in the massage community: Why meeting therapists with different backgrounds and experiences reminded us how much massage therapy can change lives.
- Continuing education that goes deeper: The difference between simply learning another technique and gaining a deeper understanding of clinical practice.
- Improving palpation skills: Ali shares about a challenge with bone identification and reminded her there’s always room for refinement.
- Gua sha and saving our thumbs: Why the design of a simple tool got Ali thinking about ergonomics and protecting the joints we rely on every day.
- Prenatal massage and changing perspectives: Beca shares what she learned in a perinatal massage class. She reflects on how our understanding of pregnancy and massage has evolved.
- Trigger point techniques that protect your hands: A simple way to reinforce your fingers, use less pressure, and give your thumbs a break.
- The massage therapy compact: What we learned about efforts to make practicing across state lines easier.
- Resources from the Expo Hall: Ali shares two resources that caught her attention. A Colorado-based accounting service for massage therapists and Massage Marketplace, a resource intended to bring massage education and other professional opportunities together.
- The bigger picture of our profession: How convention can open doors to education, research, advocacy, legislation, networking, and other career paths beyond hands-on practice.
- Is AMTA convention worth the investment? Our honest thoughts on the cost, the experience, the opportunities to connect, and whether we’d go again.
We also talk about the overwhelming (and sometimes exhausting!) experience of attending a big industry event as introverts, why registering early matters if you want your pick of classes, and how finding your people can make the whole experience more enjoyable.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- Allium Tax: A Colorado-based accounting resource specifically for massage therapists.
- Massage Marketplace: An online resource discussed in the episode for finding massage classes, reviews, and spaces for education and events.
🎧 Listen in and join the conversation.
Have you attended an AMTA convention? We’d love to hear what you thought! What was your biggest takeaway, and would you recommend it to another massage therapist?