About - World Massage Festival

Elevating the industry and its Professionals; Global Unity through Education, and Fun!

We are a fun & safe place for massage therapists to come network, get continuing education, and grow more in their career. We provide an all in one stop shop for education and resources under one roof.

About the Event & Location

Q: When is the American Massage Championship (AMC)?
A: The American Massage Championship will take place just before the festival, from July 23-25, 2027, and will be held at the beautiful Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Q: When and where is the World Massage Festival being held?
A: The World Massage Festival will be held from July 25-30, 2027 at the same location, Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Q: Can I watch the American Massage Championship?
A: Yes! Attendance for spectators will be free with an optional donation to a charity for the Deaf Community. You are welcome to come and watch the nation’s best therapists showcase their skills. There is a fee to register and participate as a competitor in the Championship.

Continuing Education & Classes

Q: Will I earn Continuing Education (CE) credits at the World Massage Festival?
A: Absolutely. The festival is packed with hands-on workshops and classes designed to fulfill or exceed your state’s CE requirements. As well as classes you can take for fun.

Q: What is the average CE requirement for my license renewal?
A: Requirements vary by state. The most common requirement is 24 continuing education hours every two years, though some states require more, some require less, and a handful have no statewide CE requirement at all. The World Massage Festival makes it easy to meet your state’s requirement with a wide variety of class options, often in a single event. Always check with your state licensing board to confirm your specific renewal requirements.

Q: Does my festival registration cover the mandatory table space rental fee?
A: No. Festival registration does not include the mandatory table space rental fee. All students, both annual and freedom members, are responsible for paying this fee separately at the time of registration.

The Freedom Package

Q: What is the Freedom Package, and what does it include?
A: The Freedom Package is a one-time payment that secures your ongoing access to the World Massage Festival. It includes:

Free access to all World Massage Festival classes.
The ability to earn all the continuing education (CE) you need, every year, for the life of the Festival.
You will never pay a festival registration fee again.

Q: Is the Freedom Package a recurring or annual charge?
A: No. The Freedom Package is a one-time, non-recurring payment. Once you sign up, that is that.

General Information

Q: How do I register for the World Massage Festival and the American Massage Championship?
A: You can register for the festival and the championship (as a competitor) directly through our official website portal. Freedom Members will use a special link to secure their free class seats.

Q: Are there special hotel rates for attendees?
A: Yes. We work closely with Harrah’s Resort to secure discounted group rates for our attendees. Details and the booking link will be provided on the Accommodations section of our website.

*Disclaimer: World Massage Festival reserves the right to change the terms of these packages or stop offering it to new members at any time.

Ana Malachowski

Ana Malachowski holds many job titles beyond being a Licensed Massage Therapist. Ana is a registered massage therapy continuing education provider, and working on becoming a certified aquatic bodywork instructor with WABA, and travels the world bringing various forms of massage education to different nations.

After winning a trip to “Su Casa” that Mike Hinkle had raffled off and hosted for several years, Ana shared with Mike with her hearts desire to one day own something like the World Massage Festival. With the development of their friendship, Ana soon became an assistant to the World Massage Festival, helping Mike with the planning and carrying out of the festival the last two years. As their business relationship grew, Mike approached Ana with the offer to purchase the World Massage Festival. Ana agreed to purchase it, and carry on the legacy of WMF’s founding father, with the stipulation that he had to help in the transition process.

Founder Mike Hinkle

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.