The I.B.M. Blog & Articles

The International Brotherhood of Magicians

03 Jul

Day 2 of I.B.M. Convention Is Whirlwind of Fun

Category: Convention   Posted by: C. DENNIS SCHICK

Day Two of the 88th Annual Convention of the International Brotherhood of Magicians began with a meeting of theTerritorial Vice Presidents, and the opening of the Dealers' Room. A note of reference about the Dealers' Room this year. At first glance it may have seemed strange for it to be placed in the middle section of a three-section ballroom. But with further thought, people were directed to go through the Dealer Room on their way to either of the other thirds. Good idea.

One of those third-ballroom sections was divided into three more sections, where the Triple Treat sessions (and later the close-up competition) were held. Registrants were divided into three groups, color-coded on their name badges. Three world-class magicians -- Brian Gillis, Paul Vigil, and Richard Turner -- performed their one-man shows 

three times, once in each room. Each room has tiered and staggered seating, giving maximum sight lines. Another good idea.

 

At the Annual Business Meeting, reports were given by officers and committee chairmen. The annual Linking Ring Awards were announced by Editor Sammy Smith. Order of Merlin Awards were presented for 25, 35, 50, and 60 years of continuous membership.There are 176 Order of Merlin inductees this year, although most of them were not present to receive their awards in person.

 

A highlight of the Business Meeting was the induction of new officers for 2016-17, by outgoing president Joe M. Turner. They are:

 

International President Oscar Muñoz

International President-Elect Bob Patterson

International Vice President Michael Finney

International Secretary Don Wiberg

International Treasurer Charles Arkin

 

 

Finally, a touching necrology service was conducted, including the reading of the names of all members which the I.B.M. Headquarters has reported having died, over the past twelve months.

 

In the afternoon, the Second Session of performances in the Stage Contest was held; the Dealers continued to lure attendees to their booths; and Michael Ammar gave another of his inspirational lectures (including a clever round of video clips, which he called “The Lightning Round.”

 

Two major events closed Day Two. Seven magicians who fooled Penn & Teller, on their show “Fool Us,” demonstrated their skills and talents in the “Magic Foolers Show” (with surprise performer Johnny Thompson); and Jeff McBride and Eugene Burger discussed Twenty-five Years of the Magic and Mystery School.

 

If anyone left after two days of the 88th I.B.M. Convention, they would have received more than the cost of registration in value. But we’re only halfway through; there are two more full days to go.

 

 

 

 

 

 


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