Your mama says "send thank you notes."

    People to thank for great convention.

    by Dennis Schick

Even though "Thank you notes" aren't in fashion any more, your mama still would tell you to send them to people who have done something nice for you. Now she probably didn't (or doesn't) know anything about "Thank you e-mails" -- and we don't know what Miss Manners says about them -- but still, a lot of people should be thanked for the recently-completed IBM Annual Convention, however you send them.

     If you have never worked on a major event like an international convention, you have no idea of all the time and effort that hundreds -- yes hundreds -- of people put in to pull off a five day convention. It's nearly a year-long effort. At this year's convention, for instance, many commitments were made by advertisers, dealers, and performers for next year. Many magicians registered for next year's convention in Dallas, as well. And the hotel for next year -- The Sheraton Dallas -- was reserved a long time ago.

     But back to this year. All the things which people did for this year's affair are often called "thank-less" jobs.  But they won't be thankless if YOU and others take the time to thank those people responsible. So here's the list. At least we can thank them publicly.

(Read more)

Photos from the 2010 Convention

CONVENTION PHOTOS © 2010 BY H. RICK BAMMAN

 

Convention closes on a high note

balboaThe 82nd International Brotherhood of Magicians Annual Convention came to a close Saturday, July 10, at the Town & Country Resort in San Diego, California.

After five days of dawn-to-moonlight magic, the convention ended as it started, with magicians everywhere in small groups, telling stories, sharing moves. and just talking and doing magic. There were over seventy -- yes, SEVENTY -- hours of quality magic. Yes, we lost sleep. Yes, our brains were on overload and our bottoms and bladders were challenged to the max. But we got what we came for, which is why we leave with big smiles and full hearts.  We owe so much to so many people, including the following:

Rather than do one of those "Last-but-not-least" things, we're going to start by thanking convention chairman Terry Richison and his co-chairman, Mike Stratman, for putting a quality team together, and then leading it to victory.

(Read More)

Plan now for 2011 contests

I.B.M. Contest 2010 logo

OK, magicians:
Guaranteed gigs,
but act now!

Do you think you've got what it takes to win the I.B.M. Contests? Do you wish you had participated in the 2010 contests? Well, NOW is not too early to start planning and practicing for the 2011 contests.  We understand that numerous magicians in the past not only started working on their acts right after the convention ended, but some even planned for several years.  That means you're already behind. Here is some enticement to get started:

 

The winners of the I.B.M. Stage Contest and the I.B.M. Close-up Contest will be booked for a following I.B.M. Annual Convention. That's right, the International Brotherhood of Magicians wants you to perform at our Annual Convention -- provided you win either the I.B.M. Stage Contest, or the I.B.M. Close-up Contest.

Additionally, Ring 25, The British Ring -- the largest Ring in the world -- will invite the winner of the I.B.M. Stage Contest to perform at the British Ring Convention, with all expenses paid (airfare, room, etc.) That's right our largest Ring wants you to perform at their convention, and they're willing to fly you there to do it -- provided you win the I.B.M Stage Contest.

Apply online on the Contests page, which is at http://www.magician.org/portal/node/423, or contact I.B.M. Contest Chairman Don Greenberg at 1-330-457-2345.

Guaranteed gigs! When you win, you are at the top of your career. Everyone will want you. You'll have to hire an assistant to keep up with all your offers. You can raise your appearance fees. You can write a book and produce a DVD.

PRIZES? The Fantasma Youth Prize Package for both Stage and Close-up! Cash and prizes totaling more than $20,000! But -- you can't win if you don't enter!

You want it? Come and take it! (We don't just give this away.)

2011 Convention Update

Work begins on 2011 convention in Dallas