Association Media & Publishing (AM&P) announced the winners of the 38th Annual EXCEL Awards June 25 in Washington D.C. Among the winners were Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) and Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP). The EXCEL Awards recognize the best and the brightest in association media and publishing.

ABMP and ASCP were recognized for:  

Gold award:
Media Kit, ASCP

The International SPA Association (ISPA) Foundation will award Christine Muchemu from Ithaca, New York, the Mary Tabacchi Scholarship onstage during the General Session at the 28th annual ISPA Conference & Expo at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona, September 24–26.

“Our Editorial Board thinks that Massage & Bodywork continues to be the most valuable and scientifically grounded massage publication in the United States.”—Editorial Board of Journal of Massage Science

The California Senate Business, Professions, and Economic Development Committee held an informational hearing on April 30, 2018. The hearing primarily addressed local government regulation, the school approval process, and human trafficking. 

California AB3061, regarding a massage establishment registry, is up for a vote this week in the California Assembly. ABMP opposes this bill, as it remains vague and requires registry with counties.

Massage & Bodywork magazine was announced a finalist in Association Media & Publishing’s Annual EXCEL Awards, which recognizes the best and the brightest in association media and publishing.

The public hearing on the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy's proposed rules concerning massage establishments and continuing education was held on April 19.

The International SPA Association (ISPA) will present the 2018 ISPA Visionary Award in memory of Lori Hutchinson at the 28th annual ISPA Conference & Expo at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona, September 24­–26.

In an article published on April 6, 2018, NPR writes, “There’s a growing consensus among pain specialists that a low-tech approach focused on lifestyle changes can be more effective.”

The International SPA Association (ISPA) announced branding expert Sally Hogshead and entrepreneur Daymond John as keynote speakers for the 2018 ISPA Conference & Expo at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona, September 24–26.