World Massage Festival: Celebrating the Art of Healing Touch

March 13, 2025 admin

The World Massage Festival (WMF) is one of the most prestigious and anticipated events in the massage therapy industry in the United States. Established to honor and support massage therapists, educators, and industry professionals, this annual festival brings together practitioners from across the country and beyond. More than just a gathering, WMF serves as a platform for education, networking, and professional growth while celebrating the art of healing through touch.

The Purpose of the World Massage Festival

The World Massage Festival was created to recognize the dedication and skill of massage therapists, educators, and students. Unlike other industry events that focus solely on trade shows and certifications, WMF’s mission is to build a strong, supportive community and make massage therapy more accessible and appreciated. The festival aims to:

Honor massage therapists for their contributions to health and wellness.
Provide extensive educational opportunities to improve skills and knowledge.
Connect professionals with industry-leading educators and product manufacturers.
Offer a fun and welcoming atmosphere to celebrate the massage profession.
Support continuing education and professional development.

Additionally, the festival is known for hosting the American Massage Championship in partnership with the International Massage Association. This competition provides a platform for therapists to showcase their expertise, learn new techniques, and gain recognition for their work.

How Massage Professionals Benefit from Attending

Massage Therapists

Massage therapists who attend the World Massage Festival gain valuable insights into new massage techniques, industry trends, and best business practices. Benefits include:

Access to hands-on workshops and continuing education classes.
Networking with fellow therapists, instructors, and industry leaders.
Opportunities to compete in the American Massage Championship to showcase skills and receive recognition.
Exposure to new massage tools, products, and technologies.
The chance to meet and learn from some of the most respected figures in the massage industry.

Massage Teachers and School Owners

For educators and massage school owners, WMF offers an excellent opportunity to:

Stay updated on the latest trends and advancements in massage education.
Connect with potential students and showcase their institutions.
Learn from other experienced instructors and refine their teaching methodologies.
Promote their schools to a broad audience of aspiring therapists.

Wellness Industry Professionals

The festival also benefits a wide range of professionals in the wellness sector, including spa owners, product manufacturers, and holistic health practitioners. Attendees can:

Gain insights into innovative wellness techniques and trends.
Discover new products and services to incorporate into their businesses.
Build relationships with massage therapists who may become future partners or employees.

The American Massage Championship

One of the most exciting elements of the festival is the American Massage Championship, hosted in collaboration with the International Massage Association. This competition allows therapists to:

Demonstrate their skills in front of a panel of expert judges.
Gain national and international recognition for their work.
Learn from observing other skilled professionals.
Boost their career with a championship title and increased credibility.

Conclusion

The World Massage Festival is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of massage therapy and the professionals who dedicate their lives to healing others. Whether you’re a seasoned therapist, a massage educator, or a wellness industry entrepreneur, WMF offers a wealth of opportunities for learning, networking, and career advancement. The festival, coupled with the American Massage Championship, ensures that massage therapists receive the recognition and professional development they deserve. If you’re in the massage and wellness industry, attending the World Massage Festival could be a game-changer for your career!

Article written by CEO and Founder of the International Massage Association Jeppe Tengbjerg

Mike Hinkle founded the World Massage Festival in 2006 after being in the massage industry for 1 year, Mike saw a huge gap in the educational aspect of the field, and a lack in recognition and honor to the pioneers of massage therapy and who those who pour out their hearts being great instructors in the field. Mike recognized the need to honor fantastic therapists throughout time, that many massage therapists would probably never hear of or learn of throughout their time on this earth. Mike’s heart to recognize and acknowledge the history of other therapists was the foundation in the birthing of the World Massage Festival.

After Mike’s first experience at the AMTA convention went over like a lead balloon in Atlanta, GA, being more political than helpful, needing a much needed relaxing and fun atmosphere. This drove Mike to birth the World Massage Festival. The building foundation was to see education and recognition blend into a more chill and fun atmosphere. The first year began just “winging it”, and it was really tight due to low financial support. That first foundation year created a multiplication for the next year where people came back with friends. Every year it multiplied, so much that it got recognition from Ceasar’s to ask him to use their casinos.

The World Massage Festival changed Mike forever through many learning curves and the amount of education he received as a massage therapist. Mike grew into his career alongside the World Massage Festival, making many connections and friends along the way, that he now calls his family. After 18 years of carrying and growing the World Massage Festival, Mike along with his faithful and entrusted side kick Cindy, who has been doing administration for all the festivals, were finally ready to hand off the festival to the next generation. In 2024, they sold the World Massage Festival to Ana Malachowski, who will carry on Mike’s legacy and vision of the festival for as long as she can.

Mike Hinkle was selected for the IMA Hall of Fame 2023, for his amazing and dedicated work hosting the World Massage Festival and the first American Massage Championship.

In the below picture IMA Founder is together with Mike Hinkle and Ana Malachowski.

Did you like the article? Or did you like taking part of the World Championship in Massage or one of our classes, then please feel free to give us a nice review on Google.

Please follow the IMA Social Medias and find ongoing Inspiration: Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, TikTok, Telegram Channel, Whatsapp Channel, Threads, X, Linkedin

At the International Massage Association we are ongoing try to elevate the Massage Profession via our many Articles, Podcasts, Masterclasses and via the Educational Conference at the World Championship in Massage.

Pia Lyng-Hansen

04:14 12 Mar 25

cool, fun and a great opportunity to learn. Thank you.

Anna Baroni

21:50 08 Mar 25

Dear therapist friends,Creating a video for a championship increases your visibility in the sector, you are known by the world of massage, it increases your professional growth and every time I made a video by participating in this competition I donated all my experience, and I tried to convey my passion, my art, my techniques.It takes commitment, love and innovation to make a video and capture the public's attention.I think the most important ingredient is to convey an important message, furthermore I had a lot of fun every time I chose to present a new video and I am sure that participating with one of our videos will remain in the history of massage, because Ima represents thethe only large and true association that represents the union of all therapists in the world to disseminate the art of massage. Every year. I have presented several of my videos with my different massage techniques and also this year 24 without any expectations and to my great amazementOn June 24 in Copenhagen I won likeBest video in the teachers category.Go see it on you tube Ima.Anna BaroniThe lady of emotions, as the great Constantine Barbu christened meThe mother of massage for many Masters and judges but there is a reason whyI was the first in the world of massage in 1995 to have two great intuitions:👑The first combines 7 techniques into oneMy. Physiomassage👑The second is to bring the stretching technique to the table.My. Postural stretchingThanks @jeppeTiengbergAnna Baroni master ♥️

Ruby Tolentino Sanches

16:48 22 Feb 25

I had the honor of participating in the 7th Massage Competition held in Copenhagen, Denmark, last June about 250 over participants from 50 over countries.During this event, I encountered numerous massage therapists who profoundly inspired me till now, we made connectionson social media, learning new techniques from them as well.The competition venue was expansive and expertly designed to accommodate all categories of massage.Mr. Jeppe, my greatest idol, was exceptionally engaged throughout the event. His energy seemed boundless, akin to a rechargeable battery, as he was present everywhere, capturing videos and photographs of all participants and conducting interviews with us.Wishing all my fellow "muscle kneaders" the best of luck; may you enjoy this truly remarkable experience in your lives!I extend my gratitude to IMA for providing this extraordinary opportunity to showcase our talents to the world.PSLet me know if you need some tips on accommodation, walking distance to the venue 😉Mabuhay! 🇵🇭

Jurij Juriak

13:46 31 Jan 25

Jesus Gomez

23:07 12 Jan 25

PRASANNA GAMAGE

13:14 07 Jan 25

Thanking for IMA , Share the valuable informations.

Cornelia N

18:11 06 Jan 25

Superb quality information, a true ambassador for massage therapy!

Vlad-Florin Panait

07:13 17 Dec 24

I had an amazing weekend learning about advanced techniques of holistic massage. It was a great experience and I want to thank Kinga and Jeppe for these lessons.

Alligator Tab

10:27 16 Dec 24

Excellent experience. I was impressed after the course.

Kinga Jenei

14:26 15 Dec 24

Bridgette Mensah

05:22 02 Dec 24

I am a massage therapist and I appreciate the article in the sence that reading through refreshes my mind and has also helped me to know I'm using the right techniques in my practice and my clients are always amazed after I treat them.Thank you! So much for sharing it has been enlighten!

Nataly Werthaim

23:11 21 Nov 24

"I took an amazing massage course from IMA, which greatly enhanced my knowledge. It was very well explained and presented with high professionalism. Thank you so much, Jeppe & Kinga ❤️"

May Au

09:57 20 Oct 24

It is a great honor to receive the NMC Overall Winner Award 2024, and I am truly grateful to have Jeppe present it to me. His experience and skills are admired globally, and he is not only highly knowledgeable but also generous and supportive. I feel fortunate to learn from him and I hope we can all continue working together in the massage field to achieve great things. Thank you so much, Jeppe!

Sami Stressade

10:45 20 Sep 24

The International Massage World Championships (IMA) in Copenhagen was an extraordinary experience. It provided a unique platform to compete with the best massage therapists in the world and learn advanced techniques at the highest level.The professional exchange, the valuable feedback from the jury and the inspiring atmosphere have significantly expanded my skills. An absolute recommendation for anyone who wants to perfect their art and make international connections.A special thank you goes to Jeppe Tengbjerg, founder and CEO of the International Massage Association and organizer of the World Championships in Massage. Without his vision and commitment, this outstanding event would not have been possible.

Amanda J M.

03:52 18 Sep 24

Thank you very much for the lessons that IMA has shared with the public... this knowledge will forever be useful for me to grow even more.. hugs and kisses 💆‍♂️🌎🕊🙏😇

semenuk-t Tanya

14:45 25 Aug 24

Very interesting, informative. A colossal experience. Exchange of skills and techniques. Friendly atmosphere....❤️❤️❤️It is worth taking part in order to grow and become better.

Massage World Magazine International

18:39 24 May 24

I have attended the IMA World massage Champs since 2017, it’s a must in the June calendar each year. Go visit or compete!! Copenhagen is a great City break aswell.

Tereze Belkova

19:06 24 Apr 24

An excellent school where you can not only learn different massage techniques, but also improve your skills. A place that brings together massage professionals from all over the world by organising the World Massage Championships in Denmark.

Michael Pedersen

21:24 05 Mar 24

Huge praise for holding dm in massage 2024.Warm atmosphere, good energy and super well organised.A school that is passionate about giving students the best possible education.Can only warmly recommend the school.

Carsten Anderslund

20:12 05 Mar 24

Carl Newbury

11:28 29 Feb 24

I have been attending Jeppe's events in Copenhagen since 2017. The World Championship in Massage is the highlight of my year networking with massage therapists from all over the World. Well Done Jeppe

Victoria Bilousova

12:54 07 Feb 24

Thank you so much for an amazing World Massage Championship organized in a high level! A lot of new friends and inspiration I found there😇

Christina Blei-Amatdoelrasit

07:51 07 Feb 24

It was with great pleasure to teach at your school in Denmark, I experienced a good atmosfeer, an interesting class and you as host/teacher mr. Jeppe Tengbjerg.Also thank you for the colaboration to teach at my school in Lelystad the Netherlands last year, it is of great interest to learn from each other and I welcome you again, this year in september 2024.SoeReiMas Courses & CoachingLelystad the Netherlands

Chutima Hälg

00:47 07 Feb 24

I recently had the pleasure of attending a massage seminar jointly organized by IMA Academy and Chiida Academy, and I must say it was a truly enriching experience. The seminar, led by a professional instructor, was a perfect blend of theory and practice, offering valuable insights into the art of massage therapy. The theoretical aspects covered were comprehensive and informative, providing a solid foundation of knowledge for all participants. From anatomy and physiology to various massage techniques and their applications, every aspect was explained with clarity and depth. It was evident that the instructor was not only knowledgeable but also passionate about imparting their expertise to the students. What truly stood out about this seminar was the emphasis on hands-on practice. Participants were given ample opportunities to apply the theoretical concepts they had learned in a supportive and nurturing environment. The instructor's guidance and feedback were invaluable in honing our skills and techniques. Moreover, I was impressed by the caring attitude and thoughtfulness shown towards the students throughout the seminar. From providing necessary materials to addressing individual queries and concerns, the organizers ensured that everyone felt valued and supported. I would like to extend my gratitude to Mr. Jeppe Tengbjerg for his exceptional leadership in making this seminar a resounding success. His expertise, patience, and genuine dedication to the art of massage therapy were truly inspiring.In conclusion, the collaborative effort between IMA Academy and Chiida Academy in presenting this massage seminar was commendable. It was a rewarding experience that left me feeling empowered and equipped with valuable knowledge and skills. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of massage therapy or embark on a career in this field.

Corpore Vital

16:13 06 Feb 24

Professionalism and education at the highest level. The students are very attentive and involved in the way the information is conveyed and because there is a lot of practice, the course becomes even more exciting. Congratulations for the interactive way in which you transmit the information.

Jeg er en massageterapeut, og jeg sætter pris på artiklen i den forstand, at gennemlæsning genopfrisker mit sind og har også hjulpet mig til at vide, at jeg bruger de rigtige teknikker i min praksis, og mine klienter er altid forbløffede, efter jeg har behandlet dem.Tak! Så meget for at dele det har været oplysende!

Natalija Ilic

13:05 29 Nov 24

Fantastisk konkurrence!!!

Kæmpe stor ros for at afholde dm i massage 2024.Varm atmosfære, god energi og super godt tilrettelagt.En skole der brænder for at give eleverne, den bedst mulige uddannelse.Kan kun på det varmeste anbefale skolen.

Constantin Roman

02:30 07 Jan 24

Jeg mødte Jeppe Tengbjerg for første gang ved det første World Massage Championship i 2017. Siden da har vi krydset veje mange gange, i forskellige samarbejder relateret til massageverdenen: internationale konkurrencer, danske konkurrencer, kurser, workshops, seminarer, masterclasses mv. . Her var Jeppe skaberen, arrangøren eller i det mindste var han en væsentlig faktor i dannelsen af disse værdifulde platforme for uddannelse, inspiration og promovering, for alle dem, der er involveret i massageverdenen, både som massageudbydere og som massageforbrugere.Jeppe har ydet et kæmpe bidrag til at fremme massageværdier i Danmark og verden. Der kunne siges meget om dette bidrag og om hans egenskaber som professionel og som person. Måske allervigtigst er, at Jeppe Tengbjerg er en inspiration og et forbillede. Han samler flittigt viden og erfaringer, hvorfra han skaber en kilde til ny viden og erfaring til andre og giver den videre.I dag er der allerede mange mennesker i verden, som har nydt godt af det kolossale arbejde, Jeppe konstant udfører. Jeppe er for mig et eksempel på flid, vedholdenhed og engagement.Jeg synes, at Jeppe Tengbjerg er et navn, der allerede er trådt ind i massagens historie.Vil du vide mere om Jeppes arbejde, så følg ham tæt på alle digitale kanaler, hvor han har publiceret talrige artikler og relevante materialer.Hvis du er en massageterapeut interesseret i at blive endnu bedre, så deltag i konkurrencer eller uddannelser promoveret af Jeppe Tengbjerg.Drømmer du om at blive massør, så kontakt Jeppe Tengbjerg.

Camilla Ring

11:57 03 Nov 23

Har taget flere både uddannelser og kurser hos Jeppe og har kun godt at sige om det. Jeg har været rigtig tilfreds og bruger hver dag, al min tillærte viden i min klinik ✨

Anne Breinberg

10:06 22 Sep 23

God skole med et bredt spektrum af sundhedsuddannelser - både enkeltstående og overbyggende.Jeg har tidligere taget massøruddannelsen og hvad dertil hører og er pt. i gang med zoneterapiuddannelsen.

Helene Baumann

04:35 09 Mar 23

Jeg har taget både grunduddannelsen, skadesterapeut, thai yoga massage samt sundhedsfaglig grunduddannelse hos tengbjerg massørskole og jeg er så tilfreds. Man lærer utrolig meget på kurserne og underviserne er så kompetente! Hvis man overvejer at blive massør, kan jeg på det kraftigste anbefale at man smutter til Næstved! :-)

World Championship Massage 2025

World Massage Festival: Celebrating the Art of Healing Touch

Have you seen what our particpants have to say?

World Championship Massage 2025

Shortcuts

Registration