Alliance Launches 2010 Membership Drive and Opens Conference Registration

The Alliance for Massage Therapy Education, an independent non-profit organization for massage schools and educators, has begun its 2010 General Membership Drive. Registration for the Alliance’s First Annual Conference on June 3-5, 2010 in Park City, Utah has also been opened.

As an organization that has been established by educators – for educators, there are three primary membership categories: Massage Schools, Teachers and Continuing Education Providers. In addition, there is an Associate Member category for companies that provide products and services to the education sector, as well as other stakeholder organizations in the massage therapy field that wish to support the work of the Alliance. Those outside the massage education sector who are interested in the Alliance may join as a Supporting Member.

Until March 1, the Alliance is offering a Super-Special Package: those who join the Alliance in any membership category may register for the Conference for just $295.00 -- a savings of $300 off the full registration fee. The Conference will be held at the beautiful Canyons Resort in Park City, Utah, where the Alliance has arranged special hotel room rates of just $119/night for this AAA Four-Diamond property. The combination of deep discounts for early registration with very favorable room rates makes this event an affordable choice for educators.

Complete information on membership benefits and dues structure, as well as Conference program, schedule and registration fees, is now available on the Alliance website at www.afmte.org. There are three ways to sign up: 1) online, by using the secure system on this website; 2) by calling the Alliance Office at 703-506-2888; or 3) by mail, using the registration form in the Alliance brochure. (Copies of this brochure are available as a free download from the website.)

The theme for the Alliance’s inaugural meeting is Shaping the Future of Massage Therapy Education, which will be the focus of the keynote presentation by Thomas Myers. This will be complimented by seven other in-depth workshops with some of the leading educators in our field. Another unique feature will be a group “visioning” session where participants will have the opportunity to identify key issues and needs they see in massage education in general, and in their own work in particular. Input will also be gathered on what services and initiatives the Alliance will establish for its members. In these ways, the people who attend this Conference will play a direct and important role in shaping the Alliance and its future evolution.

On December 31, 2009, the Alliance completed its Founding Membership Campaign. In just 12 weeks, a total of $49,350 in contributions was generated to fund the launch of this new endeavor. The Alliance wishes to acknowledge the generous support of those pioneering institutions and individuals who have stepped forward to help establish this organization. The Founding Members of the Alliance can be seen on a special page on the Alliance website.

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About the Alliance:
The Alliance for Massage Therapy Education is the voice, advocate and resource for the community of massage therapy schools and educators. It has been created to serve the entire education sector – from entry-level training programs through post-graduate studies. The National Headquarters of the Alliance is located at 1760 Old Meadow Road, Suite 500, McLean, Virginia 22102. The phone number is 703-506-2888, and the general office email address is admin@afmte.org.