mark_horowitz.jpgA Quick Review of Special Events at the International Convention

By C. Dennis Schick

    The I.B.M. Convention Schedule of Events has special events scattered throughout. Some could even get overlooked because there are so many other great events in the spotlight. We are highlighting these so you won’t miss them.


   • First Time Convention Attendees Party, Tuesday, 8:30 p.m.  Come meet I.B.M. officers and staff, and fellow magicians and their families. A great way to kick-off the Convention. (Read More)

    • Spouse Events, Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. Spouses will receive a Welcome Packet with goodies and information related to the Nashville area. Thursday at 10:00 a.m. there will be a special spouses’ tour.

    • Sex, Lies, and Magic Obsessions: Collector’s Edition, Wednesday, 3:30-5:00 p.m. A special show-and-tell by collector Mark Horowitz. He’ll display over two dozen magic sets from the 1940s on, will talk about the history of magic and the truth and lies about collecting magic, and will give neat door prizes for answers to trivia questions. There also will be surprises.  

    • Dealer Showcase, Wednesday, 3:45-5:00 p.m. Vendors in the Dealers’ Room will have a special opportunity to show some of their best products on stage before an attentive audience.

    •Order of Merlin Breakfast, 8:00 a.m., Saturday, July 4. If you are an Order of Merlin member (25 years of continuous membership in the I.B.M.), you’ll want to attend the exclusive Order of Merlin Breakfast at the Opryland Convention Center and Resort. This year’s featured speaker will be Rich Bloch.  The cost will remain the same as last year at $20.00.  If you are bringing your spouse or guest, please put his or her name in the comment section of the form. Register here.

    •  Autographs of the Stars, Saturday, 4:00-5:30 p.m. Come meet and get autographs from entertainers and celebrities. Bring your programs, DVDs, and other products to have them signed.

    • Strolling Olympics, Saturday, 11 p.m. Following the final show, join your friends at tables in the spacious Presidential Lobby. Magicians will rotate table to table to compete for your attention and applause, as they vie for numerous coveted prizes.

    • David and Dania Workshop, Friday, 11 p.m. This is a rare opportunity to learn first-hand all the secrets of quick-change costumes. There’s an extra charge for it; sign up here at magician.org.

    • Grande Banquet and Cabaret Show, Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. And don’t dare miss this extra-special event! Steve Daly and Dania have been added to the show, along with Charlie Fry & Company. This is the only place you’ll seen these acts, which will be interspersed between the three-course Southern meal. You can still add this ticket to your registration. Click here.

    • Surprises!  There will always be surprises at the Annual I.B.M. Convention. Look for the new, special Collector’s Pins. Prepare to laugh uncontrollably at “Tiny Bubbles.” You WILL want a Convention T-shirt, so go ahead and order one online!

See you in Nashville, June 30-July 4.