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 and where is the World Massage Festival being held? A: The World Massage Festival will be held from July 19-23, 2026 at the beautiful Harrah’s Resort in Cherokee, North Carolina.

Q: When is the American Massage Championship (AMC)? A: The American Massage Championship will take place just before the festival, from July 17-19, 2026, and will be held at the same location, Harrah’s Resort in Cherokee, NC.

Q: Can I watch the American Massage Championship? A: Yes! Attendance for spectators is minimum donation of $5.00 (cash only) to be donated to Lion’s Wilderness Club for Deaf Children. 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: While requirements vary by state, most require approximately 24 continuing education hours every two years. The World Massage Festival makes it easy to meet this requirement, often in a single year, with an incredible variety of class options.

The Freedom Membership

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

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

Q: Is the Freedom Membership a recurring or annual charge? A: No. The Freedom Membership is a one-time, non-recurring payment. Once you sign up, you are a member for life.

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 Travel/Lodging section of our website.

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.

World Massage Festival (WMF) & American Massage Championships (AMC)

Code of Conduct & Community Values

Our Commitment

The World Massage Festival and the American Massage Championships are dedicated to fostering a safe, respectful, inclusive, and professional environment for all participants. This includes attendees, competitors, instructors, judges, staff, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, and guests.

Participation in WMF and AMC is a privilege, not a right. All participants are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and personal responsibility, both during official events and in conduct that may impact the WMF/AMC community.

Community Values

WMF and AMC are guided by the following core values:

1. Professionalism

We uphold professional behavior in all interactions, including communication, teaching, competition, and social engagement. Participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the massage profession.

2. Respect

We value mutual respect for individuals of all backgrounds, identities, experience levels, and perspectives. Harassment, discrimination, intimidation, or demeaning behavior will not be tolerated.

3. Safety

The physical, emotional, and psychological safety of our community is paramount. Touch, instruction, competition, and social interactions must always occur within clear professional and ethical boundaries.

4. Integrity

Honesty, accountability, and ethical behavior are essential. Participants are expected to act with integrity in competition, education, business dealings, and community interactions.

5. Inclusion & Community

WMF and AMC strive to create a welcoming environment where all participants feel valued and supported. We believe a strong community elevates the profession as a whole.

Code of Conduct

All participants agree to the following standards of behavior:

Expected Conduct

Participants must:

Act professionally and respectfully at all times
Follow all event rules, competition guidelines, and venue policies
Respect personal boundaries, consent, and professional touch standards
Communicate in a civil and constructive manner
Comply with instructions from WMF/AMC staff, judges, and event officials
Represent the massage profession with dignity and responsibility

Unacceptable Conduct

The following behaviors are strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action:

Harassment, bullying, intimidation, or threats (verbal, physical, or written)
Sexual misconduct, inappropriate touch, or boundary violations
Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, or any protected characteristic
Disruptive, aggressive, or hostile behavior
Substance abuse that impairs judgment or safety during events
Dishonesty, cheating, or unethical behavior in competition or education
Defamation, slander, or harmful public conduct that negatively impacts WMF, AMC, or their community
Retaliation against individuals who report concerns in good faith

Unacceptable conduct may occur during events, at affiliated venues, online, or outside of official events when such behavior directly impacts the WMF/AMC community or reputation.

Reporting Concerns

Participants are encouraged to report violations of this Code of Conduct to WMF or AMC leadership or designated staff. Reports will be handled with discretion and seriousness.

Enforcement & Disciplinary Action

WMF and AMC reserve the right to take appropriate action in response to violations of this Code, including but not limited to:

Verbal or written warnings
Removal from classes, competitions, or events
Temporary suspension or ban
Permanent removal from WMF and/or AMC
Revocation of titles, awards, or credentials
Denial of future applications or registrations

Disciplinary decisions are made at the discretion of WMF/AMC leadership and are final. Actions may be taken without public disclosure to protect privacy and community safety.

Reapplication & Reinstatement

In cases of temporary suspension or ban, individuals may be eligible to reapply or request reconsideration at a later date. Reinstatement is not guaranteed and may require evidence of behavioral change, reflection, or compliance with additional conditions.

Agreement

By registering for, attending, teaching at, competing in, or otherwise participating in WMF or AMC, all individuals acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct and Community Values.