The 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.
A deep bow to Site Chairman David Sandy, Talent Coordinator Dale Salwak,Contest Chairman Don Greenberg, Registrar Bob Patterson, Budget Director John DeStefano, Stage and Technical Director Terry Walthal, Hospitality Chairman Christy Henson, Dealer Chairman Daniel Herron, Youth Director Aubrey Fine, A/V chairman Jerry Schnepp, Jr., Photographer Rick Bamman, and Share the Magic co-chairmen, Ron London and Kenny Shelton. All of them missed many parts of the convention in order to do their individual things. They sacrificed in order to be of service to YOU and to others. And many of them have done this for several years. Please send them a thank you note.
Then there were the performers. Do you know how hard it is to perform in front of other magicians? Yet they accepted the invitations and performed with first-class grace. The lecturers had to put in extra time to prepare special material just for you, and our full notebooks show how much we appreciate it. A special tip of the top hat to all the dealers who lugged all their things and stuff to San Diego for your benefit. Thanks for coming! And a REALLY BIG THANKS to President Jack White and the other officers; the I.B.M. Headquarters staff, led by Sindie Richison; and especially to members of San Diego Ring 76, for being terrific hosts. And finally, we congratulate all the contest participants, the winners, and especially all the awardees -- from the Order of Merlin, and The Linking Ring awardees, to our special honorees, Mark and Nani Wilson -- winners all!
Yes, it was another memorable, special occasion -- the best magic convention in the world! YOU being there made it even more special. Thank you for helping make it so. See you in Dallas, June 28-July 2, 2011.
