Upcoming Pilates Conferences

I've been getting notes lately about Pilates conferences happening this summer and fall. Just looking at the class descriptions and guest instructors is enough send Pilates lovers into a swoon.  I know many of you have already had or planned your summer vacations, but hey, this isn't exactly a summer vacation. You could think of attending a conference as essential education, and of course, if you are an instructor, a business trip.

If you haven't been to a Pilates conference before, don't be intimidated.  The whole point is to have fun, learn, and come together as a community. Along with workouts and classes there are always opportunities for socializing. You'll make new friends and network, learn from the best, and be exposed to fascinating ideas about movement and Pilates. Conferences do tend to be for professionals and serious students.

So, just to put the bee in your bonnet, here are a few Pilates conferences that caught my eye recently:

Pilates on Tour - Seattle, Aug. 19-21; New York Sept 16-18; Chicago, Oct. 21-23; Montreal, Nov. 12-13; Rome, Dec. 9-11.
The Pilates on Tour conferences are produced by Balanced Body and tend to attract a lot of Balanced Body trained instructors getting continuing education credits. However, I have been to a Pilates on Tour event and it was wonderful. The instructors were top-notch luminaries of the Pilates world.
more info

L.A. International Pilates Intensive,  Aug. 26-28, Los Angeles, CA., .
A classical Pilates conference, this one looks like a terrific mix of workouts and topical classes. An inspiring instructor list includes Jay Grimes, Maya Aubrey, Niedra Gabiel, Siri Galliano and many more.  more info

Classical Pilates Conference, October 21 through 23, Atlanta, GA.

Gratz Pilates and Urban Body Studios have teamed up to host the first Classical Pilates Conference in Atlanta. Scheduled instructors include Brooke Siler, Peter Fiasca, Dorothee VandeWalle. Mejo Wiggin and Chrs Robinson. The press release makes a point of welcoming those practicing contemporary Pilates who are not yet familiar with classical Pilates.
more info

PMA Conference/Members Meeting: November 2 - 5, Palm Desert, California.
This is a huge conference and the instructor list is long and impressive. This years conference looks like it has a special emphasis on teaching skills and growing Pilates business. Having been to the PMA conference last year, I can highly recommend the experience. I am still thinking about some of the wonderful classes I took there. 
More info
Also see: PMA 2010 Conference Photos

This is not a complete list of Pilates conferences. I'm sure there are more I don't know about,  especially outside the U.S.  If you know of a conference, please feel free to share the information in the comment section below. Just note that there is a distinction between a conference and a workshop.

_{Photo: Elizabeth Larkham of Balanced Body showing off the new Orbit at PMA 2010 (c)2010, Marguerite Ogle}