Connecting Hands September 29, 2026

High Altitudes, Higher Skills: Rounding AMTA Denver

**AMTA National Convention 2026**

Denver was the destination for the 2026 AMTA National Convention, where an incredible experience of education, connection, and camaraderie brought massage therapists and chapter volunteers together from across the country. The convention was filled with inspiring educational opportunities, chances to meet and connect with fellow chapter members and volunteers, and plenty of fun along the way. It was a wonderful experience of learning, sharing, and celebrating all that AMTA has to offer.

**Volunteer Leadership Conference**
I had the opportunity to attend the VLC training for volunteers. This training was valuable as it was good to hear from the speakers, meet and greet other volunteers from state chapters, and share ideas and points of interest. It was a great opportunity to connect with others who volunteer their time and to hear about the experiences and perspectives they bring from their own chapters. During one of our discussions, we talked about **micro-triggers**. Micro-triggers are those tiny moments that can make a difference to another person. They can be something as simple as a comment, a gesture, a tone of voice, or the way we respond to someone. These small interactions may seem insignificant at the time, but they can have an impact on how someone feels and how they experience an interaction. Micro-triggers can also cause issues if they are not recognized or addressed, because what may seem like a small moment to one person may be perceived very differently by someone else. This discussion reminded me of the importance of being mindful of how we communicate and how our words and actions may affect others, especially when working with volunteers and members. Being aware of these small moments gives us an opportunity to listen, understand, and create more positive interactions with those around us.
Written by: Leah Strutz, Board Member

**Meritorious Award—Wisconsin, 2026**

Congratulations to Terra Wendt!
Terra was honored with the AMTA Meritorious Award at this year’s National Convention in Denver. Terra was recognized for her leadership, dedication, and willingness to serve as our Secretary and Education Chair. The AMTA Meritorious Award recognizes an AMTA member whose dedication, service, and contributions have made a meaningful impact on the association and the massage therapy profession. We are grateful for Terra’s willingness to share her time, knowledge, and enthusiasm with our chapter and congratulate her on this well-deserved honor!

Reflections

I attended my 4th AMTA National Convention this year in Denver. On Tuesday I attended the Volunteer Leadership Conference for training, I was pinned as Chapter President and had a meeting/dinner with the other chapter presidents. Wednesday, I attended the Assembly of Delegates as a facilitator of discussion, and Thursday officially began the convention. We had a Wisconsin dinner on Thursday which was so much fun. I loved meeting other therapists from WI that came out to Denver and hanging out with our other chapter volunteers. My classes were great and I loved seeing my friends from other states that I’ve met over the years. National Convention is always a great time and I always come home exhausted from all the fun, but also so revitalized and reinvigorated for my career and my volunteering with the chapter. Can’t wait for Savannah in 2027!
Written by: Jessie Rupnik, President

While in Denver, I had the opportunity to take classes focused on being grounded and attuned in my practice, along with working with special populations. I found these classes enlightening, particularly in how they encouraged me to be more mindful of what I bring to the table and how I can offer the best intentions possible to each client. While the touch we provide is vital to our work, so is the atmosphere in which we provide that service.
Touch is a powerful form of communication with the nervous system, yet the nervous system is already working long before our hands make contact. It is responding as we enter a room, as we move toward our client, and even as we converse with another person. This awareness reminds us that our presence begins before the massage itself. The way we enter the room, our state of being, our intention, and the environment we create can all influence the experience of the person receiving our work.
Written by: Leah Strutz, Board Member

**Assembly of Delegates**

These discussion topics were brought to the **Assembly of Delegates by AMTA National** for discussion and member feedback. Delegates from across the country shared perspectives, concerns, and ideas from their chapters.

1. AI in Massage Therapy

Therapists remain cautiously optimistic, but clearer guidance and education are needed.
Key concerns include privacy/HIPAA, consent, liability, accuracy, scope of practice, and client data security.
Questions were also raised about insurance coverage and the environmental impact of AI/data centers.
Discussion included creating AI guidelines, education, and ethical standards for massage therapists.

2. Chapter Mandatory Deliverables

Create clear goals and measurable metrics while recognizing that every chapter has different needs and resources.
Improve communication between National, chapters, and members, including better education about deliverables and the need for volunteers.
Modernize the Hub and make chapter information easier to access.
Increase engagement through local events, virtual CE, combined meetings/conventions, surveys, and volunteer opportunities.
Identify where communication may be breaking down between National, chapters, and members.

3. Delegate Role

Create a clearer and more consistent Delegate role with defined responsibilities.
Provide better training and resources, including a Delegate toolkit and virtual training options.
Share discussion topics earlier and with more members so Delegates can gather feedback before National Convention.
Strengthen Delegate involvement with chapter boards, Government Relations, schools, committees, and member outreach.
Encourage involvement through Delegate tables at state events and informal member activities such as coffee meetups or hikes.
Discuss Delegate voting rights and appropriate funding if responsibilities are expanded.

Want to Be Involved? If you would like to learn more about the Assembly of Delegates, provide input on future discussion topics, or stay in the loop about the topics being discussed each year, let us know!

Member feedback helps Delegates bring the voices, concerns, and ideas of our chapter members to the national conversation. Written by: Kayla Stroud--DuSavage, Board Member & Delegate

**From Wisconsin to the National Classroom**

Dr. Jeffrey Montoya, DHPE, LMT, BCTMB, and AMTA WI Government Relations Chair, brought his expertise to the national stage at the AMTA National Convention in Denver. Jeffrey taught two classes, **“Reflexology: Techniques, Framework, and Research”** and **“Joint Movement Techniques for Massage Therapists.”**
His classes were well received, and participants enjoyed learning from his knowledge and experience. We are proud to have a Wisconsin member sharing his expertise with massage therapists from across the country!

Wisconsin Chapter Dinner

One of the highlights of convention was gathering with fellow Wisconsin members for our chapter dinner at West Saloon & Kitchen. It was wonderful to connect with the Wisconsin therapists who traveled to Denver and spend time together outside of the convention activities. Sharing a meal, catching up, and getting to know one another made the evening a special part of the convention experience.