(March 10, 2009) A record number of people attended Northwestern Health Sciences University’s Massage Therapy Winter Symposium March 7-8, 2009. “Approximately 195 attended, which was a really great turnout,” reports Diana Berg, director of continuing education.
Attendees enjoyed networking with colleagues, visiting vendor exhibits; educational seminars; a luncheon on Saturday and Sunday; and a Saturday night reception and dinner. “This is my second year attending Northwestern’s Massage Therapy Symposium,” says Signey Millard, a graduate of Gateway College of Massage Therapy in Nebraska. “I enjoy the event because of the good quality presentations.”
A main highlight of the event was the cadaver lab in the gymnasium. “This was a unique feature this year, and I think it was very impressive,” Berg notes. “We’ve had the cadaver presentation in the past; but this is the first time we’ve integrated the cadaver lab with the presentation. I think it brought a lot more notoriety to the event.”
Lynn and Arlene Bushard, representatives from Healthy Alternatives, exhibit at many of Northwestern’s events including Chiropractic Homecoming, Vendor Day, the Ranger Boats Bass Challenge, and the Massage Therapy Winter Symposium. This was their second year attending the symposium. “I was very impressed with the speakers, and the questions asked by attendees,” notes Arlene. “I believe Northwestern is one of the best schools for massage therapy, because so much more is offered in comparison to other schools.”
One Northwestern student was awarded a scholarship. Anna Jensen, a T2 massage therapy student at Northwestern, received the $250 Alumni Association Scholarship. “I feel very honored to receive this scholarship, and also very appreciative,” she says. “The dedication and passion that the instructors continue to show for our profession drives me to succeed here at Northwestern! It’s very obvious that they truly believe and continue to tirelessly strive to raise the bar on the profession of massage therapy.”
Debbie Peterson, executive director of alumni, development, and career services, was very happy with turnout of the event. “Hopefully 300 will attend next year!” she says.