IN-PERSON GIG Instructor Summit 2027
May 26, 2027 @ 10:00 AM – May 28, 2027 @ 12:00 PM America/Chicago
Join instructors from across the country for three days of interactive workshops, collaborative discussions, Teaching Tool Labs, and meaningful connections designed to strengthen your teaching practice and inspire your next season of growth.
The Mahj Life Instructor Summit is the Guild’s flagship professional development event for current and aspiring American mah jongg instructors.
Unlike a traditional conference, the Summit is intentionally designed to be interactive. Every workshop encourages discussion, collaboration, and practical application, so you’ll leave with ideas you can put into practice immediately.
Whether you’re teaching your first beginner class or leading a thriving program, the Summit offers opportunities to strengthen your marketing, refine your teaching methods, and build a more sustainable teaching practice.
The Three Pillars
Marketing
Build visibility, attract the right students, and create memorable experiences through intentional branding and event design.
Choices:
- Track 1: Brand Identity vs. Brand Image (Michele Frizzell)
- Track 2: Building Better Events (Open opportunity; email Michele if interested in presenting)
Money
Develop a sustainable teaching practice through thoughtful programming, diversified offerings, and customer journeys that encourage continued learning.
Choices:
- Track 1: Value-Packed Customer Journey (Michele Frizzell)
- Track 2: Diversify with Hong Kong Mah Jongg (Shawn Martin)
Method
Discover engaging instructional techniques, practical teaching strategies, and classroom activities that improve learning and increase engagement.
Each workshop includes:
- Interactive discussion
- Guided worksheet
- Reflection and group discussion
Why Attend?
The Instructor Summit is more than a learning event—it’s an opportunity to invest in yourself as an instructor.
You’ll leave with:
Practical Strategies
Strengthen your teaching practice, improve your operations, and discover new ways to engage students.
Professional Connections
Build relationships with instructors from across the country who share your commitment to excellence in American mah jongg instruction.
Continued Professional Growth
Explore accredited learning opportunities through the Mahj Life Merit Program for Instructors, as well as other exclusive Summit offers available only to attendees.
Event Snapshot
Dates
Wednesday, May 26, 2027 (6:00 PM) through Friday, May 28, 2027 (Noon)
Location
Holiday Inn and The Barley House
Springfield, Missouri
Lodging
A special group rate has been secured at the adjacent Holiday Inn. Lodging is booked separately and is not included with registration.
Airport Transportation: The Holiday Inn does not provide airport shuttle service. Uber and other rideshare services are available at Springfield-Branson National Airport. Plan approximately $30–$35 each way between the airport and hotel; actual fares vary based on demand.
Attendance
Limited to 80 participants to preserve the collaborative, discussion-based experience.
Registration
- Guild Members: $149
- Guests: $199
What’s Included
- Three days of instructor-focused professional development
- Wednesday evening Welcome Gathering
- Thursday lunch and dinner
- Friday breakfast
- Four interactive workshops
- Guided worksheets
- Resource Library
- Dedicated gameplay
- Exclusive Summit offers
- Holiday Inn group lodging rate (lodging booked separately)
You’ll leave with a clearer perspective, practical takeaways, and a renewed sense of confidence in how you teach and offer lessons.
Virtual Alternative: The Mahj Life Fireside Chat
Can’t Attend in Person?
Mahj Life Fireside Chat
The Mahj Life Fireside Chat is the Summit’s virtual companion event, created for instructors who are unable to travel.
Held approximately two weeks after the Summit, the Fireside Chat explores the same core themes through guided discussion in a relaxed online setting.
What’s Included
- Four-hour interactive virtual event
- Digital workbook
- Guided discussions
- Access to Summit offers
- Live Q&A
Pricing
- Guild Members: $49
- Guests: $69
Attendance is intentionally limited to keep the discussion engaging and interactive.
Plan Ahead
The in-person summit happens every year on the last Wednesday in May. The Fireside Chat virtual follow-up is held two weeks later. Make both events part of your annual professional growth plan.
- Elevate your teaching.
- Expand your impact.
- Enjoy the camaraderie of the Mahj Life instructor community.
Professional Development • Leadership • Community
Whether you’re launching your teaching practice or refining one you’ve built over many years, the Mahj Life Instructor Summit is an opportunity to learn, collaborate, and grow alongside instructors who share your passion for American mah jongg.
Limited to 80 attendees to preserve an intimate, high-engagement experience
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