Join me as I take a look back at my trip to Arlington, Virginia from February 2024 to attend AMTA's annual Schools Summit.
Before I could make it to Arlington, I had a whole work shift in Fayetteville, Arkansas standing between me and the Schools Summit. At the time, I was also on a weight loss journey and began my mornings with a #WaterTok water of the day. I also had to stop for gas before I even made it to work.
After my work day ended, I booked it over to XNA airport in Bentonville and got a choice parking spot in the garage. I had just enough time to enjoy an Auntie Anne's pretzel before boarding- and while I was trying to lose weight, that pretzel was the first thing I'd eaten that day.
I remember being bummed out that I didn't get a window in my row, but the flight attendant brought me double snacks (she made two trips for me, so I was sure to leave her a gratuity!)
I had the shortest of layovers in Atlanta's ATL airport - which was very stressful because I'd never been in their airport (this was like only my 2nd time flying too) and they had so much construction going on, many detours in the airport layout, and the signage was unhelpful. I was breathless when I made it to my gate, but they were just starting with pre-boarding. This was also my first time flying Delta and I was impressed with the in-flight screens with entertainment because yet again, no window seat. I loved watching the map and enjoyed the greatest Rom-Com ever made (My Best Friend's Wedding) a mile high in the air.
I finally landed in Washington DC's Reagan International Airport well after midnight (Eastern Time) and took an Uber over to Arlington for my stay at the Renaissance Capital View Hotel. The lobby was stunningly beautiful and the floor tile in the elevator was an adorable spiral design.
I remember being excited that the hotel had Aveda products in the bath especially because the scent was mint rosemary (my favorite)!
After settling into my hotel room and getting into my pajamas, I snuck out to get a peak at the second floor where the convention itself would take place. The 2nd floor was very grand and had bold design elements in the carpet and walls. It was awesome to scope out the vendors before the official kick off for the summit began.
Day one of the Summit began with a surprise, because when I finally laid my head down to sleep, I had no idea that right outside my hotel room window was a balcony full of gardens - very delightful!
I snagged a couple swag items from AMTA, including a notebook and ink pen as well as a color-changing drinking cup. After welcoming remarks from AMTA's National President and the manager for the National Schools Account, attendees enjoyed an engaging keynote from Dr. Heather Ashely Hays. Dr. Hays personal story was inspiring and her keynote about understanding how the brain learns was invaluable (she even taught us ASL for "massage"). Other presenters on day one included an all-star line up of Pete Whitridge, Donna Schriver, Christopher Deery, and my good friend from Wisconsin, Dr. Jeffrey Montoya. I bought MaryBetts Sinclair's book, Hydrotherapy for Bodyworkers from Handspring Publishing.
Before the night ended, we enjoyed an opening night reception with my good friends from Texas and Wisconsin.
Day two started off with a presentation of AMTA's 2024 Massage Profession Research Report- their annual report is chock full of the most recent data supplied by massage consumers, practitioners, educators, and students! The remainder of presenters for day two included Michelle Cordero, Lurana Bain, and a closing panel discussion with Selene Del Valle, Tiffany Hemrick, and Jeffrey Shuman. Lunch was a greek inspired menu with chicken taka and feta cheese, but my heart stopped when I spotted servings of baklava! I couldn't believe my eyes, and I admit, I broke my diet again to enjoy that rare treat. There was a raffle drawing for the schools grant and new friends I had just made from Georgia (Peach Tree City School Of Massage) ended up winning!
A great close to a wonderful Schools Summit - especially for me, a first timer!
Thank you for taking this time to explore this retrospective with me.
Accompanying Vlogs:
Peace and Healing,
Kirby Clark Ellis, MTI, BCTMB
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