ABOUT THE CHAMPIONSHIP
The Midwest Tri-State (Iowa | Nebraska | South Dakota) Massage Championship invites you to step up, challenge yourself, and showcase your full potential.
This is your opportunity to demonstrate your skill, build confidence, gain recognition, and put your work on display in front of an engaged and supportive community. From technique to flow to creativity, this event highlights the depth and diversity of massage therapy.
Participating in the Championship helps elevate the profession, bringing greater awareness and appreciation of massage therapy to both the public and the industry. You’ll also be part of a growing movement that supports connection, education, and excellence across the Midwest.
Registration closes October 1, 2026.
Only 30 competitor spots available.
A powerful, one-of-a-kind experience is waiting for you—secure your place now.
CHAMPIONSHIP INFORMATION
WHO IS THIS FOR & WHY IT MATTERS
This experience is for therapists who are ready for more—more growth, more connection, and more opportunity to step into their craft in a bigger way.
By participating, you’ll connect with fellow therapists, judges, educators, vendors, and industry professionals from across the Midwest. These aren’t just quick interactions—they’re the kind of connections that lead to real growth, collaboration, and long-term opportunities.
The Midwest Tri-State (Iowa | Nebraska | South Dakota) Massage Championship is about more than competition. It’s about showcasing skill, creativity, and dedication while helping elevate the massage therapy profession as a whole.
This is your chance to be part of something that’s growing, something that’s bringing therapists together, and something that’s pushing the industry forward.
Step in, show up, and be part of the movement.
FOR THE PUBLIC
The Midwest Tri-State (Iowa | Nebraska | South Dakota) Massage Championship isn’t just for therapists—it’s an experience for anyone curious about massage, wellness, and what’s possible within the profession.
As an attendee, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Learn about the real benefits of massage therapy
- Gain a deeper understanding of what massage therapists actually do
- Experience the variety of techniques and approaches used in the industry
- Discover new trends, tools, and innovations in the wellness space
- Connect with skilled therapists and find the right fit for your needs
- Engage in real conversations with professionals who are passionate about their craft
- Watch live competition and see the art, skill, and precision of massage therapy in action
This is a rare chance to see behind the scenes of the profession and experience it in a whole new way.
FOR MASSAGE THERAPISTS
The Midwest Tri-State (Iowa | Nebraska | South Dakota) Massage Championship opens the door to new opportunities—professionally, personally, and within the industry as a whole.
As a therapist, this experience gives you the chance to:
- Gain real visibility by putting your work in front of therapists, clients, and industry professionals
- Demonstrate your technique, flow, and skill in a live setting
- Expand your career opportunities and explore new paths within the industry
- Build your reputation and attract future clients
- Learn by watching other talented therapists and discovering new techniques and approaches
- Connect with like-minded professionals and create meaningful relationships (and potential collaborations)
- Be part of a growing movement that supports and elevates massage therapy
- Represent your passion and your profession in a bigger way
- Challenge yourself, step outside your comfort zone, and grow
This isn’t just another event—it’s an experience that pushes you, connects you, and stays with you long after it’s over.
ABOUT THE JUDGES
During the Midwest Tri-State (Iowa | Nebraska | South Dakota) Massage Championship, our judges will evaluate competitors across the following categories:
- Freestyle Eastern Massage
- Freestyle Western Massage
- Open Category
- Student Freestyle Massage (table only) – limited spots available
Our judges are carefully selected professionals with strong backgrounds in massage therapy and a deep understanding of the craft.
They bring years of hands-on experience, knowledge of technique, and a well-rounded perspective on what it takes to perform at a high level. Many also have experience in education, mentorship, or advanced practice within the field.
Each judge is chosen not only for their skill, but for their integrity, professionalism, and commitment to supporting the growth of fellow therapists.
Their role is to provide fair, knowledgeable evaluations while helping uphold the standard and integrity of the competition.
CHAMPIONSHIP CATEGORIES
Each competition session consists of a 60-minute performance, based on the category selected at registration.
Competitors may choose from the following categories:
- Freestyle Eastern Massage
- Freestyle Western Massage
- Open Category
- Student Category (Freestyle – table only)
STUDENT CATEGORY
The Student Category is a custom freestyle table massage, designed and performed by you.
This is your opportunity to create a session that reflects your training, intuition, and personal style—blending techniques from both Eastern and Western modalities.
Examples may include:
Shiatsu, Thai-based table work, Tui Na, acupressure, Swedish-style massage, myofascial techniques, energy work, and more.
OPTIONAL TECHNIQUES
Competitors are allowed to incorporate:
- Tools (up to 50% of the session)
- Stretching and joint mobilization, integrated with massage techniques
STUDENT ELIGIBILITY
To compete in the Student Category:
- You must provide proof of enrollment in an accredited massage program
- You are considered eligible as a student for up to 3 months after completing your training
IMPORTANT DETAILS
- The Championship will take place on Sunday, November 8, 2026
- Student Category is Freestyle only
- Limited to 10 student competitors
- Registration includes 2 event passes (competitor + model)
This is your chance to take everything you’ve learned and bring it to life—on the table, in real time.
OUR HOST: DANIELLE NAVIN
Passionate about the health and wellness industry, Danielle Navin brings years of experience, leadership, and energy to the Midwest Tri-State (Iowa | Nebraska | South Dakota) Massage Championship.
As the owner of Équilibre Massage and a long-time massage therapist, Danielle has dedicated her career to helping clients feel better in their bodies while also supporting the growth and evolution of the profession. Her work blends deep therapeutic techniques with intuitive bodywork—creating results that are both effective and impactful.
Beyond the treatment room, Danielle is a serial entrepreneur and the driving force behind multiple businesses, including Focus Bright Media, where she specializes in branding, marketing, and helping businesses grow with intention.
With a passion for connection, community, and raising the standard within the industry, Danielle brings both heart and leadership to this event.
Her presence, knowledge, and ability to create an engaging and welcoming environment set the tone for a championship experience that is both professional and unforgettable.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Enjoy a comfortable and convenient stay at the Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center during the Midwest Tri-State (Iowa | Nebraska | South Dakota) Massage Championship.
Located right at the event venue, this makes it easy to stay connected, fully immersed, and just steps away from everything happening throughout the weekend.