This event is open to all yoga studio owners, YTT directors, and senior teachers, whatever organization you belong to, or none at all.

Join American Yoga Council CEO Andrew Tanner at Sonder Studio for an honest conversation about the state of the industry and what it takes to build a yoga career or business that lasts. We will also discuss the differences between AYC’s credentialing model and the one proposed by Yoga Alliance.

Yoga Alliance’s 2027 overhaul has a lot of yoga professionals asking a question they’ve been asking for years: what should a yoga credential actually mean, and who is supporting the people who teach for a living?

The changes drop the 200 and 500 from teacher titles and add a test and a CPR requirement, with a December 31, 2027 deadline. Whether you’re staying put, looking at alternatives, or wondering if you need any organization at all, it’s a good moment to step back and talk about where the profession is headed.

Agenda

• 12:00 - 12:30pm: In-person mingling

• 12:30 - 1:00pm: AYC Online Presentation Begins

• 1:00 - 2:00pm: Q&A/Town hall on Standards

We'll cover:

• Where the industry stands. What’s changing with Yoga Alliance, what it means for teachers and schools, and the industry data Andrew has gathered while visiting studios across the country.

• Why yoga professionals need real support. Yoga teachers are trained to teach, then largely left on their own to figure out pricing, marketing, contracts, and how to earn a sustainable income. We’ll talk about what a professional organization should do for the people it represents.

• How AYC approaches it differently. A credential that recognizes your experience and specialties, not just your first training. Monthly business coaching with yoga business leaders. Real people you can talk to, starting with free one-on-one onboarding. And a revenue share that puts money back into schools and mentors.

• What successful yoga careers and businesses have in common. The programming, pricing, and decisions that make the biggest difference, plus three ways studios and senior teachers are growing revenue right now. Andrew will also share lessons from the Studio Business Accelerator, where studio owners have built the systems to keep their doors open and their teachers paid.

• Q&A and your input. Bring your questions, including the hard ones. We want to hear what’s working in your business, what isn’t, and what support would actually make a difference.

Refreshments and networking: Stay for light fare and conversation with fellow studio owners, school directors, and senior teachers from the DC area.

The event is free. Space is limited to 30 guests in person, so please register in advance.

Do I need to be an AYC member to attend? No. This event is open to all yoga studio owners, YTT directors, and senior teachers, whatever organization you belong to, or none at all.

Can I join virtually? Yes, via Zoom: https://americanyogacouncil.com/workshops/1505