How Many Massage Therapists Do You Need for Your Corporate Event?

Corporate wellness is no longer just a “perk”—it’s a strategy. Studies show that companies that invest in employee wellness experience higher engagement, stronger productivity, and improved retention rates. Massage therapy has become one of the most sought-after wellness offerings at corporate events, from health fairs to staff appreciation days and large conferences.

But if you’ve ever considered offering on-site massage at your company’s event, one key question always arises: How many massage therapists do we actually need? Having too few can create long wait times and frustration, while too many can stretch your budget unnecessarily. Finding the right balance ensures a seamless, enjoyable experience for both employees and planners.

Here's how to determine many massage therapists to book, based on event size, format, and goals.

Step 1: Consider the Size of Your Event

The first factor is the number of attendees. A small office of 30 people will have very different needs compared to a 500-person conference.

• Small Events (under 50 participants): One to two therapists is usually sufficient. Each employee can enjoy a 10–15 minute session without overwhelming wait times.
  

• Medium Events (50–200 participants): Two to four therapists are recommended, depending on whether massages are the main attraction or one of many wellness options.
  

• Large Events (200+ participants): For conferences, trade shows, or company-wide celebrations, you’ll likely need a team of 5–10 therapists to keep the experience smooth and inclusive.

Step 2: Factor in Session Length

Session length is another important variable. The shorter the massage, the more people can be served.

• 5–10 minutes: Best for high-traffic environments like expos or wellness fairs, where quick stress relief is the goal. One therapist can serve 4–6 people per hour.
  

• 10–15 minutes: Ideal for employee appreciation events or office wellness days. One therapist can serve 3–4 people per hour.
  

• 20 minutes or more: Best for smaller, more intimate groups where depth and relaxation matter more than volume.
  

For example, if you have 100 attendees and want each to receive a 10-minute session, you’ll need about 4–5 therapists to cover everyone within a 4-hour event window.

Step 3: Look at Event Format

Not every event is structured the same. Some may have steady traffic throughout the day, while others have peak times during lunch or breaks.

• Open-House Style: Attendees can drop in at any time. More therapists may be needed to accommodate rush periods.
  

• Scheduled Appointments: A sign-up system ensures a predictable flow and helps avoid bottlenecks. With pre-scheduled slots, you may need fewer therapists.
  

• High-Visibility Events: At trade shows or recruitment fairs, a larger team ensures no one is turned away and the brand experience remains positive.
  

Step 4: Budget and Goals

Of course, logistics and budget play a role. Massage therapists are typically paid hourly, and the cost increases with the size of the team. HR and wellness leaders should balance desired coverage with available resources. Ask yourself:

• Is the goal to provide a relaxing “perk” for some employees?
  

• Or is the goal to ensure every single attendee gets a turn?
  

Your answer will help clarify whether you need a smaller or larger team.

Step 5: Work With Professionals Who Can Guide You

Experienced corporate massage providers can help you assess your event and recommend the right staffing. At Metropolitan Massage, for instance, we’ve worked with everything from intimate executive retreats to multi-thousand-person conferences. We know how to match the right number of therapists to your unique event size and flow.

Conclusion

Massage therapy is one of the simplest, most effective ways to bring wellness to your corporate event. The right number of therapists makes all the difference: too few can frustrate attendees, while too many can inflate costs. By considering event size, session length, flow, and goals, you can plan confidently and deliver a memorable wellness experience.

If you’re planning a corporate event and aren’t sure how many massage therapists you’ll need, let Metropolitan Massage guide you. Our experienced team will help design a wellness experience tailored to your company’s size, culture, and goals.