2026 Massage Board Executive (MBE) Summit Agenda - Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards

Examination

The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) provides consistent and nationally recognized entry-level standards that assist state regulators in evaluating an individual’s ability to practice massage safely and competently. Examination

Education

FSMTB plays a crucial role in supporting schools and promoting continuing education within the field of massage therapy. FSMTB recognizes the importance of maintaining standards in massage education to ensure that practitioners are well-prepared and equipped with the necessary skills. Education

Regulation

FSMTB membership is comprised of the massage therapy regulatory boards and agencies in the United States and its territories. Through the provision of education, legislative policy expertise, and regulatory programs and services, FSMTB supports our members in their work to ensure that the practice of massage therapy is provided to the public safely and competently. Regulation

News & Events

Stay up-to-date on industry news with updates from FSMTB. Network with fellow regulators and other industry professionals at FSMTB hosted events. News & Events

Resource Center

The FSMTB wants to ensure that consumers of massage and bodywork services have adequate knowledge about what they can expect from a massage and bodywork practitioner. Most importantly, FSMTB wants to ensure that the public is aware of the requirements for licensure for each state and that resources are available to check the license status of practitioners. Resource Center

Wednesday, April 22

5 pm	Registration _{Location: Waterplace} _Pre-Function

Thursday, April 23

8:30 am	Registration _{Location: Waterplace Pre-Function}
8:30-9:30 am	Networking Breakfast _{Location: South County}
9:30 am	Welcome _{Location: Waterplace Ballroom} Dr. Debra Persinger, FSMTB Executive Director
9:30-10:15 am	Public Engagement with Purpose _{Location: Waterplace Ballroom} Explore successful strategies for outreach and public engagement with constituents. From rotating board meetings to newsletters and licensee town halls, learn how boards can foster trust and transparency.
10:15-11 am	Understanding and Responding to Misinformation _{Location: Waterplace Ballroom} This session examines misinformation through a research-based lens, exploring how it forms, spreads, and influences public perception. Building on this foundation, the session will consider practical implications and response strategies boards can use to address misinformation while supporting transparency and public trust.
11-11:30 am	Networking Break _{Location: Waterplace Ballroom}
11:30 am-12:30 pm	Synaptic: Advancing Support Through Technology _{Location: Waterplace Ballroom} Learn how FSMTB is leveraging technology to modernize regulatory functions and support your processes.
12:30-1:30 pm	Networking Lunch _{Location: South County}
1:30–2:15 pm	Investigations Best Practices _{Location: Waterplace Ballroom} This session will provide an overview of best practices for conducting thorough, consistent, and defensible investigations.
2:15-3:45 pm	Hack-A-Thon Workshop: Education and School Approval _{Location: Waterplace Ballroom} This Hack-A-Thon style session will focus on developing standards, criteria, and requirements for massage school and program approval. Participants will explore what has worked well in various states, what challenges have emerged, and how those insights can inform stronger, more consistent approaches to oversight.
3:45-4:15 pm	Networking Break _{Location: Waterplace Ballroom}
4:15-4:45 pm	Hack-A-Thon Report Out _{Location: Waterplace Ballroom}
4:45-5:30 pm	Sharing Successes and Challenges _{Location: Waterplace Ballroom} In this interactive, community-building session, each jurisdiction is invited to share a recent success, a key challenge, or a meaningful story from their work. This time is designed to promote connection, spark conversation, and highlight the diverse experiences across FSMTB member states.
5:30 pm	Wrap Up _{Location: Waterplace Ballroom}
6 pm	On-Site Networking Dinner _{Location: TBA}

Friday, April 24

8-8:45 am	Networking Breakfast _{Location: South County}
8:45 am	Welcome _{Location: Waterplace Ballroom}
8:45-9:15 am	Tricky Scenarios and Board Best Practices _{Location: Waterplace Ballroom} Explore real-life challenging board scenarios and learn best practices for handling them with confidence and professionalism.
9:15-9:45 am	IMpact Update: Current Status and Recent Developments _{Location: Waterplace Ballroom} Stay informed about the IMpact with a review of recent developments and the initiative’s current status, including what boards need to know going forward.
9:45-10:30 am	A Fresh Look at Regulation _{Location: Waterplace Ballroom} This session will explore emerging perspectives on professional regulation and its evolving role in today’s environment.
10:30-10:45 am	Networking Break _{Location: Waterplace Ballroom}
10:45-11:15 am	De(fending) Regulation _{Location: Waterplace Ballroom} In this interactive session, groups will tackle prompts about deregulation arguments and practices. Participants will brainstorm strategies to protect and strengthen regulatory standards, leaving with actionable ideas and a practical toolkit.
11:15-11:45 am	Leveraging FSMTB: Resources to Strengthen Board Effectiveness _{Location: Waterplace Ballroom} Explore FSMTB’s latest and upcoming educational events and resources designed to enhance board effectiveness, support regulatory excellence, and equip boards for today’s challenges.
11:45 am	Wrap Up and Conclusion _{Location: Waterplace Ballroom}

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