Special Events

Connect with Your Massage Therapy Community

AMTA offers a variety of opportunities to network with our massage therapy community. From first-time attendees to seasoned veterans, there's something for everyone at the AMTA 2026 National Convention. All special events and programming are free with your Convention registration unless otherwise noted.

Wednesday, August 26

President's Reception, 5:00 - 6:30 pm

Start your Convention experience off on the right foot with an opportunity to mix and mingle with other attendees, AMTA Volunteers and the AMTA Board of Directors! Light hors d'oeurves will be served.

Thursday, August 27

Opening Session and Business Meeting, 9:00 am

Keynote Speaker—Jess Ekstrom: Making it Without Losing It: The New Rules for Innovation— and Motivation—That Lasts

Kick off Convention on Thursday morning with an energizing keynote from Jess Ekstrom—entrepreneur, bestselling author, founder, and unapologetic champion for possibility. Jess brings her signature blend of humor, heart, and real-world insight to remind you why your work matters and how to stay motivated in a profession where growth never stops. The bestselling author of Chasing the Bright Side and Create Your Bright Ideas, she has been featured on the TODAY Show, Good Morning America, Vanity Fair, Forbes, and People Magazine. As the founder of Mic Drop Workshop®, Jess is dedicated to helping women elevate their voices and turn their stories into impact as speakers and authors.

Guided by her motto, “inspiration from frustration,” Jess transforms challenges into opportunities—and teaches others to do the same. Her uplifting session will spark fresh energy for your massage therapy career and leave you inspired to create a brighter path forward for yourself.

First-Timers Lunch, 11:30 am

If this is your first time at Convention, don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the AMTA Board of Directors and other newcomers. Lunch will be served promptly at 11:30am.

Exhibit Hall Opening Reception, 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Visit the exhibitors and connect with other attendees while enjoying light food and drinks. Stop by the attendee wall to find your name and snap a photo, and work on getting stamps for Saturday's Passport to Prizes.

Friday, August 28

Pin-a-Palooza: Pin Trading Event, 5:00 - 7:00 pm

Hit the Exhibit Hall Friday night for dedicated time to meet other attendees, chat with vendors and trade state pins. Plus, be the first to get an exclusive swag item from the AMTA booth to display all your pins.

Saturday, August 29

Passport to Prizes Drawing, 1:30 pm

Win awesome prizes from a variety of different vendors! Get your Passport to Prizes card stamped by the designated vendors and return it to the AMTA booth for a chance for your name to be pulled for a number of prizes on Saturday afternoon. You must be present to win.

Closing Session with Shawn Ellis, 2:00 pm

Choose Your Ending™: How to Let Go, Level Up & Lead What’s Next

Close out Convention on Saturday with an unforgettable keynote from Shawn Ellis—leadership guide, motivational speaker, resilience strategist, and author. In this transformative session, Shawn will challenge you to rethink what you hold onto, what you release, and what possibilities are next. With his trademark blend of science, strategy, and storytelling, he’ll inspire you to rise above uncertainty, embrace change with confidence, and elevate your massage therapy career to new heights.

Shawn is the author of Mastering the Moments: A Journey of Endings, Beginnings and The Space in Between, and he was named one of Gotham Artists’ “Top Keynote Speakers to Help You Navigate Change.” Known as The Endings Expert, he teaches Radical Adaptability—a powerful approach to reframing your mindset during life’s transitions so you can move forward with clarity, resilience, and renewed purpose. Prepare to walk away energized, empowered, and ready to lead what comes next.

Closing Reception, 4:00 – 6:00 pm

Mix and mingle with friends old and new as we close out the AMTA 2026 National Convention! After the reception, we encourage you to go and explore all that Denver has to offer.