The American Massage Therapy Association is the largest professional association serving massage therapists, students and schools while advancing the art, science and practice of massage therapy.

With thousands of members across the country, the AMTA national convention is the group's main annual event.Over the years, they have welcomed a number of well-known entrepreneurs as keynote speakers, including Doc Hendley, founder of Wine to Water, and Molly Barker, founder of Girls on the Run International.This year, Dr. Mehmet Oz, two-time daytime Emmy Award-winning host, will speak to AMTA members about massage therapy and health and wellness."This will be a tremendously exciting way to kick off the 2014 National Convention," said AMTA President Nancy Porambo."Dr. Oz has incredible influence on how people look at their health, and we are honored he has chosen to speak at the AMTA National Convention. He is sure to provide inspiration to us all, and I invite all massage therapists to join us in Denver."According to the AMTA website, Oz is the vice chair and professor of surgery at Columbia University and directs the Cardiovascular Institute and Complementary Medicine Program at New York Presbyterian Hospital.His research interests include heart replacement surgery, minimally invasive cardiac surgery, complementary medicine and health care policy.He has written more than 400 original publications, book chapters and medical books; has received several patents; and performs more than 100 heart surgeries annually.The convention, to be held Sept. 17-20 in Denver, is open to AMTA members only and will provide attendees with an opportunity to build networks, engage in education possibilities and utilize resources.For more information on the AMTA, visit

www.amtamassage.org.