Rally in Raleigh–An insider’s look at AMTA’s National Convention!

Still haven’t registered for Convention? You already know about the world-class education, expansive exhibit hall and a multitude of social and networking events. Now learn more from your local North Carolina AMTA friends! Take it from your host Chapter peer and AMTA Member Sara Toogood. She wants you to help us Elevate the profession in Raleigh in October! And here, she will tell you why!

“Hello fellow Massage Therapists!

When I was approached to write a blog about AMTA’s National Convention in Raleigh, I was slightly overwhelmed as to “where to begin??” If you have never been to Convention, it is a necessity. I hope my blog post will inspire you to travel to Raleigh this fall!  I have been an AMTA member since 1989. Then, mid-career, I moved from one coast to the other. AMTA was my lifeline to successfully relocating. I wrote letters and AMTA responded. I had instantaneous friends and resources, which helped in opening and establishing my practice in North Carolina.   Just to share some statistics about the research triangle; Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill are the cities that make up this area of high tech, pharmaceutical R&D, communication networking, and software engineering companies. Raleigh has 9,477 acres of parks and greenways. There are endless activities in the area; walking hiking, biking, museums, gardens, but, in my opinion, the biggest draw will be on October 3rd-6th this year at AMTA’s National Convention–when a large number of massage therapists from across the country will be gathering in Raleigh.

The National Convention is all about the people! North Carolina (AMTA-NC) can hardly wait to greet you and exemplify our Southern Hospitality at the 2012 National Convention in Raleigh.  We want to welcome EVERYONE to our great city!  One of the great expectations of the AMTA National convention is the fabulous educational opportunities, which never fail.

Teachers, presenters, researchers, and vendors are all in attendance to share their latest information, knowledge and profession enhancing products.

Massage Therapists attending classes grow their own personal skills and encourage others, all while earning necessary CEs.  In addition, Convention offers a ton of networking opportunities:

• Think of the National Convention as a CAMP: a Concentrated Area of Massage Practitioners” in which to meet mass numbers of Massage Therapists from around the country.
• There is a lot of “pin” exchanging. Each year AMTA gives attendees an AMTA convention lapel pin—people collect them from year to year. In addition, Chapters trade state pins. This is a great ice breaker in meeting people and learning from whence they reside and how they practice.
• As we know, in our business, word of mouth is the best advertising, so actually knowing a therapist from another state is the best referral for our clients that may be traveling or relocating.
• There is a First Timers luncheon for first-time Convention attendees where you will be welcomed and given the ‘ins and outs’ of convention and how to make the MOST of the weekend.
• STUDENTS:  Friday is a day just for you; professional development, networking fun and more….register today!

In addition to all these great reasons, Convention is a ton of fun! Come meet me and the AMTA-NC Chapter, we are waiting for you! Be sure to stop by the Norht Carolina chapter’s welcome tables in the convention center to say hello. Also, make sure to add our Friday night Southern-style Barbeque Buffet at the Raleigh Convention Center to your registration. Now….what are you waiting for—Register today!

See you in Raleigh,

Sara