It’s the morning of March 15th – tomorrow is our first Real Magic Roadshow.

The excitement level is high and I’ve done all I can do to make it a successful event.

The rest is up to you.

People have asked me why I’ve decided to do these events. I could give many answers - but the primary motivation was a response to issues I heard from many customers about attending conventions. They wanted to see all the great new magic available but...

• The event was too expensive. The Roadshow is only $10 and if you pre-register we pay YOU to be there.
• The event was too long. The Roadshow is an intense one day experience. You’ll get to see the latest and greatest from some of the industries leading dealers and creators – and you’ll still have most of your day to attend to family, work, or other responsibilities.
• The travel costs were prohibitive. No need to travel a great distance to places like Las Vegas, we’re coming to you! Even if you need to drive a few hours, the day ends early enough that you’ll be home and sleeping in your own bed. That means no hotel or costly travel expenses.

I believe strongly in the live magic experience. Not a YouTube video - but a real, hands-on, face to face experience. Those opportunities seem to be dwindling for magicians. If you've ever lamented that fact - then the Roadshow is for you. I've worked hard to make these events a success, but it's up to you to finish the job.

The Road is calling. Will you answer?

• Detroit, MI - March 16th
• Pittsburgh, PA – March 23rd
• Boston, MA – April 6th
• Minneapolis, MN – April 20th
• Raleigh, NC – May 4th
• Chicago, IL May 18th

That’s what Harper Lee said.

She was referring to the fact that nobody really appreciates breathing - until they can’t. But I think the same could be said of attending a magic convention. In the last few months a number of very large and long running magic conventions have simply pulled up their stakes and called it quits. There are a variety of reasons - but it’s undeniable that attendance has dropped at most of these events.

Ten years ago, if you were itching to see magic and connect with pros the only way to do it was to hit the road for a magic convention. There’s no doubt that in the last few years it’s gotten much easier to scratch that itch. The internet allows us to sit back and watch magic performed, see demos of the latest dealer offerings, and connect with others on message boards. It is a different world.

I don’t think it’s completely worse or better, but it’s definitely different.

Of course, the ease of access to the virtual “scratch” means that it’s hard to justify the cost and energy needed to produce a live one. Or even a quality virtual one.

My recommendation? Support conventions and lectures while you can. Show up, get engaged, share what you can, and create an environment that encourages others to do the same.

I wouldn’t wait too long. The air is getting thinner.

In just a few days I’ll be heading to Europe for the Nordisch Nobel Congress in Luebeck, Germany, followed closely by the Annual Congress of the Italian Magic Club outside of Padua, Italy. As you know from previous posts, I’m on the road a considerable amount. I think I’ve been to more magic conventions then just about anyone I know and I’m often asked about where to get info on such events. I always start by saying, “Go.”

If you have the opportunity to attend a magic convention, then GO! These events are a huge amount of work and the cost to mount one takes a great deal of expense, time, and energy. Support from attendees like you is the ONLY thing that makes them survive and grow. They tend to be very inexpensive compared with other professional conferences and you’ll have the opportunity to learn and share with a wide variety of performers, creators, and enthusiasts. The experience you’ll gain is invaluable and frankly, IMPOSSIBLE to acquire any other way. To get the most from the event you’ll need to extended yourself a bit and take an active role. You’ll get more from the convention if you participate in the experience and not just act as an observer. Don’t be shy, everyone was or is just like you and the only way to grow is to take advantage of the opportunites around you.

So get your magic buds together, load up the car, and hit the dusty highways. It’s time for a magic road trip! Here are a few places to get your planning started...

MAGIC Magazine's Convention Guide

The Magic Convention Guide

The Magic Cafe's Convention & Lecture Section

Genii Magazine's Convention Forum

I’ve written quite a bit about the value of conventions and live lectures as part of your magical education. The live experience offers benefits that you simply can not get from any other format. If you’re not taking advantage of these events you really are missing a significant component of your education…not to mention the camaraderie and friendships that can be built.

If you are hitting the road to a convention or two this year, my hope is that our paths will cross. If they do, PLEASE let make yourself known…it’s always great to meet our customers face to face. And this year you’ll have plenty of chance to do that. Here’s our current convention schedule for the rest of 2011:

April 2
Long Island Magic Arts Convention in Hicksville, NY 

April 8-10
Cape Cod Conclave in Hyannis, MA

April 27-30
Fechter’s Finger Flicking Frolic (4F) in Batavia, NY

May 1
Magicians Alliance of Western New York (MAWNY) in Batavia, NY

May 5-7
International Battle of Magicians in Canton, OH

May 20-22
Abra-Corn-Dabra in Altoona, IA

June 25
Magic on Manhattan in New York, NY

August 14-17
Magic Live in Las Vegas, NV

October 7-8
NON Nordisch Nobel in Lubeck, Germany

Yikes, I’m going to be busy boy…and dates are still being added! If you have any good convention recommendations, drop me a line. See you on the road...

In less than a week I’ll be boarding a plane for the Blackpool Magic Convention. Well over 3000 magicians will magically appear in the coastal town of Blackpool in Lancashire, England for three plus days of magical mayhem. It’s a remarkable event in which the entire town seems to be taken over by magicians - the stores, restaurants, hotels, banks, coffee shops, pubs - it’s like an invasion! There is nothing like it in the world.

In truth, it won’t be anarchy.

In fact, it may be one of the best run conventions on the planet. It stays on schedule, delivers an astonishing and diverse array of talent, and provides more bang for your buck than just about any convention I’ve ever been too. I can’t fathom keeping a group this size satisfied, but somehow the team from Blackpool does just that and more - year in and year out.

Of course, you may hear the odd complaint here and there. Keep in mind this is a resort town...a summer resort town. So mid-February may not be the best time to visit Blackpool. Some will tell you that the town has seen better days, but frankly it has its own charm and I’ve always enjoyed our visits. In the end, a convention is about people...and the people here are warm, enthusiastic, and ready to enjoy themselves.

From my perspective - it’s a marvel.

Once again, I’ll send updates via Twitter and try to keep you abreast of the fun. Of course, there’s nothing like the real thing - so if you’ve never been, make an effort.

And if you WILL be there this year, then stop by our booth and say hello. We love to meet our customers face to face and I can’t wait to show you the latest goodies!