MASSAGE CONTINUING EDUCATION
Two Opportunities, One Date, Either Side of the State
Erie, PA
8 CEs
Forearm Massage: Save Your Hands! Upper body
Sunday, October 25,2026
8:30 am-5:30 pm
Philly, PA
Sports Massage Foundations: A Practical Introduction to Sports Massage 7 CEs
Navigating Ethical Challenges in Sports Massage: From Amateur to Professional Athletes 2CEs
Matthew Gavzy
Sunday, October 25,2026
8:30 am-5:30 pm
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Erie, PA
October 25, 2026
Join us for the 2026 Regional Education Event and Meetup in Erie, PA!
Registration Deadline: October 18, 2026!
Sign Up
Get ready for an inspiring day of education, connection, and community at the inviting Arcadia Hall at 32 West 8th Street in Erie, PA.
This comfortable gathering space provides the perfect atmosphere to learn, share ideas, and connect with other massage professionals while investing in your continued growth and education.
Event Highlights:
Earn 8 CE Credits in Forearm Massage: Save Your Hands! Upper body.
Continue doing great work without taxing the delicate joints of the hand and cultivate career longevity by learning to give a massage using the forearms as the primary tool.
This workshop will cover the body mechanics of working with the forearms, techniques for giving a massage with the forearms, and developing resilience of practice through sustainable massage.
LOCATION
32nd West Eighth
Arcadia Hall - Basement Level
32nd West Eighth Street
Erie, PA 16501
downtown Erie's historic event venue
REGISTRATION RATES
$120 – Professional AMTA Member
$97 – Graduate AMTA Member*
$165 – Non-Member
*A Graduate AMTA Member is a newly licensed massage therapist within their first year as an LMT who holds an active AMTA Graduate Membership.
Expert Instruction with Buddy Hammonds:
Buddy Hammonds brings a unique and diverse background to the classroom. Before beginning his career in massage therapy, he toured nationally as a professional singer, dancer, and aerialist—experiences that gave him a deep understanding of movement, discipline, adaptability, and the physical demands placed on the body.
His massage therapy career led him into spa management in New York City, where he developed experience in business operations and leading multidisciplinary teams. Today, Buddy works in global wellbeing and mental health at Google and is also a certified professional coach and RYT-500 certified yoga teacher.
Throughout every stage of his career, teaching, coaching, and empowering others have remained at the heart of Buddy’s work. He combines practical expertise with an engaging, supportive teaching style that helps students build both skill and confidence.
We’re thrilled to bring Buddy to Erie and give local and regional massage therapists the opportunity to learn from such a talented and well-rounded educator.
AGENDA
Forearm Massage: Save Your Hands! Upper body
Sunday, October 25,2026
8:30 am-5:30 pm
Registration: 8:00 am
Lunch Break: 12:00 pm-1:00 pm
WHAT TO BRING
Massage Table
Lubricant
Clean Sheets and Face Cradle Cover
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations received at least 30 days prior to the class: Full refund. Due to the costs of rentals, supplies, and speaker fees, if cancellations are received within 2 weeks prior to the class, there will be no refund - between 30 days and two weeks, there will be a 50% refund. Cancellations must be either written or via email. The Board reserves the right to amend or waive this policy in documented emergency situations.
QUESTIONS
Email:Pennsylvania@amtamassage.org
Phone: (570) 507-5720
Key Takeaways:
• Achieve greater pressure with less effort through leverage
• Decrease stress on the delicate joints of the wrist and fingers
• Access the deeper tissues of the body with greater ease
• Minimize the risk of injury to hands and wrists
• Increase the contact area you can make with your clients
• Sustain your body and practice through efficient body mechanics
Sign Up
*A Graduate AMTA Member is a newly licensed massage therapist within their first year as an LMT who holds an active AMTA Graduate Membership.
**Per the PA State Board of Massage Therapy, Student Members are not permitted to participate in hands-on continuing education classes unless those classes are conducted under the umbrella of their massage school. Student Members are welcome and encouraged to attend lecture-based classes, the Friday evening Dessert Social, and the Sunday Annual Meeting and Lunch. If you’re unsure of your membership status, please reach out. We’re happy to assist.
Philadelphia, PA
October 25, 2026
Join us for the 2026 Regional Education Event and Meetup in Philadelphia, PA!
Registration Deadline: October 18, 2026!
Get ready for an inspiring day of education, connection, and community at The Discovery Center—a unique urban environmental center and migratory bird sanctuary located in East Fairmount Park, just minutes from the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Boathouse Row.
Earn 9 CE Credits in Sports Massage in a serene natural setting dedicated to self-discovery and personal achievement.
Expert Instruction with Matthew Gavzy: Learn from an instructor who masterfully blends clinical reasoning, hands-on application, and engaging discussion.
Key Takeaways: Build your confidence, sharpen your assessment skills, and learn to deliver more thoughtful, effective care.
Sign Up
LOCATION
The Discovery Center
3401 Reservoir Dr.
Philadelphia, PA 19121
Please note that The Discovery Center has a parking area with 40 spaces on site and ample parking on the surrounding street. For those individuals bringing massage tables or who have difficulty walking, a Discovery Center employee will be available for transport from the parking lot to The Great Room where classes will be held.
REGISTRATION RATES
$120 – Professional AMTA Member
$97 – Graduate AMTA Member*
$165 – Non-Member
*A Graduate AMTA Member is a newly licensed massage therapist within their first year as an LMT who holds an active AMTA Graduate Membership.
FEATURED INSTRUCTOR
Matthew Gavzy - PTA, LMT, BCTMB
Teaching continuing education is one of my greatest passions because it allows me to share what I’ve learned as both a massage therapist of over 30 years and a physical therapist assistant for more than 20. I love helping massage therapists expand the way they think—encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the body.
My classes are collaborative and conversational, filled with real-life examples, open dialogue, and plenty of “aha” moments. Above all, I want my students to leave inspired, more confident in their skills, and reminded that compassion and knowledge go hand in hand in great patient care.
AGENDA
Sunday, October 25,2026
8:00am-8:30am
Registration
8:30am-4:00pm
Sports Massage Foundations: A Practical Introduction to Sports Massage (7CEs)
8:30 am-4 pm
Lunch will be provided.
(A variety of sandwiches, cold salads like potato and macaroni, assorted cookies, and beverages.)
Navigating Ethical Challenges in Sports Massage: From Amateur to Professional Athletes (2CEs)
4 PM- 6 PM
WHAT TO BRING
Everyone does not need to bring a massage table. Please bring one if you can.
Participants work 2 to a table.
Each person should bring
a large towel (for the table)
their medium of choice
face cradle cover
sheets (optional - if you prefer over a large towel)
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations received at least 30 days prior to the class: Full refund. Due to the costs of rentals, supplies, and speaker fees, if cancellations are received within 2 weeks prior to the class, there will be no refund - between 30 days and two weeks, there will be a 50% refund. Cancellations must be either written or via email. The Board reserves the right to amend or waive this policy in documented emergency situations.
Sign Up
*A Graduate AMTA Member is a newly licensed massage therapist within their first year as an LMT who holds an active AMTA Graduate Membership.
**Per the PA State Board of Massage Therapy, Student Members are not permitted to participate in hands-on continuing education classes unless those classes are conducted under the umbrella of their massage school. Student Members are welcome and encouraged to attend lecture-based classes, the Friday evening Dessert Social, and the Sunday Annual Meeting and Lunch. If you’re unsure of your membership status, please reach out. We’re happy to assist.
Save the Date!
April 24-25, 2027
Lewisburg, PA
Join us at our Annual Meeting and Continued Education event and AMTA PA meeting in Lewisburg, PA!
LOCATION
To be announced shortly
More details to come!
*A Graduate AMTA Member is a newly licensed massage therapist within their first year as an LMT who holds an active AMTA Graduate Membership.
**Per the PA State Board of Massage Therapy, Student Members are not permitted to participate in hands-on continuing education classes unless those classes are conducted under the umbrella of their massage school. Student Members are welcome and encouraged to attend lecture-based classes, the Friday evening Dessert Social, and the Sunday Annual Meeting and Lunch. If you’re unsure of your membership status, please reach out. We’re happy to assist.