Washington State Massage Therapy Association 

Please join WSMTA Board Members and Programs for the 2025 Annual Meeting

THEME:  Playing the Long-Game: “Strengthening Yourself and Your Business"

EVENT DETAILS:

• Date: September 21, 2025

• Time: 9:30am to 3:30pm

• CE Hours: 4.5  Attendance for the entire annual meeting is required to obtain CE credit hours.

• Where: Live on Zoom

• WSMTA Membership is required to attend, it costs $65 to join if you are not currently a member.  The event is free to members.

Annual Business Meeting (9:30am to 11am): We will have Reports from the Membership, Government Relations and Clinical Practices Programs on all that they have accomplished in the past year and what they will be working on in the future!

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Continuing Education Presentations (11am to 3:30pm)

Each presentation is 40 minutes followed by 20 minutes of question and answer time.

Transition into Teaching Continuing Education & What LMTs Need to Know When Selecting CE Classes with Dawn Edge, LMT, Massage School Instructor

• Are you an LMT with a passion for sharing your knowledge and considering the leap into teaching? This engaging session with Dawn Edge is designed to guide you through the essentials of becoming a continuing education (CE) provider. You'll explore how to turn your course idea into a reality—whether you envision teaching in person, online, or both—and what it takes to gain NCBTMB approval. Learn practical ways to get started. The class also provides valuable insight into self-assessment, teaching skills, classroom safety and customer service.

• Learn what you need to select appropriate CE classes that will meet Washington’s continuing education requirements – buyer beware!

Planning Ahead: Financial Strategies To Help You Enjoy Retirement with Cara MacMillan, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones

• No matter where you are in your massage career—fresh out of school or a seasoned massage therapist—it's never too early (or too late) to start planning for your financial future. Whether you're 25 or 50, this dynamic and informative session will help you take control of your long-term well-being. We'll explore essential topics including smart financial planning strategies, common investment options, Social Security, Medicare, disability benefits, and long-term care planning—including an overview of the Washington Cares Fund. You'll gain practical tools and insights to help you build stability, even if you feel like you’re just getting by. Come with your questions and leave empowered to take your next steps toward a secure and confident retirement.

Navigating Changing City Laws: What LMTs & Reflexologists Need to Know with Marybeth Berney, LMT & Robbin Blake, LMT

• As more Washington cities adopt ordinances aimed at shutting down illicit businesses posing as massage or reflexology clinics, legitimate therapists may find themselves feeling confused—or even targeted—by laws that weren’t written with them in mind. This timely and eye-opening presentation will help you understand what’s really happening behind the scenes, why these ordinances are gaining momentum, and how they can actually help protect the integrity of the massage and reflexology professions when properly constructed.

• You'll learn how the Department of Health addresses unlicensed activity, the critical differences between effective and problematic ordinances, and what legal business licensing practices look like. Most importantly, you’ll discover the valuable role that ethical LMTs and reflexologists play in shaping fair and enforceable policy. Empower yourself with the knowledge you need to advocate for your practice and your profession.

Expanding Your Practice and Income with Additional Revenue Streams: A Panel Discussion with 5 Seasoned Massage Therapists

Looking to grow your income beyond hands-on sessions? Join us for an inspiring and practical panel discussion featuring five experienced massage therapists who have successfully diversified their revenue streams—and are ready to share how you can too.

Each panelist will have just under 10 minutes to describe their journey in expanding their practice, including real-life stories of what worked, what didn’t, and what they wish they’d known. Topics include:

• Transitioning from solo practice to owning a multi-therapist clinic
• Leasing space to other LMTs as a source of passive income
• Selling retail products and upselling services
• Teaching continuing education classes
• Launching a complementary side business

This session is packed with candid insights on the challenges, rewards, and lessons learned. Whether you’re dreaming big or simply looking for new ideas, you’ll leave with inspiration and practical takeaways to help you build a more sustainable and fulfilling practice.