Tips for Planning Corporate Events – part 11/15

It’s important to take into account special accommodations that are needed by any disabled attendees.  If you don’t know what someone will need, simply ask them.  They will be happy that you cared enough to ask and understand that you didn’t have any other way to get the information.

This applies to wheelchair accessibility, food allergies/vegetarian requests, hearing or visually impaired guests, and more.

Halloween Party at Pierce College in Puyallup

Student Activities provided the treats and I brought the tricks! Close-up magic was a hit at both Pierce College and Lake Washington Technical College. Some of their international students were carving pumpkins for the first time – cool.

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Fairs and Festivals Highlights Video

Watch my new demo video for fairs and festivals. 

Thanks to Chuck Eklund with 101 Multimedia put together a great demo video from my performance for Tumwater’s 4th of July festival. 

In preparation for the Washington State Fair Association convention this next week in Yakima I’ve also launched a new website www.countyfairmagic.com.  It’s a very simple site designed for fair managers and festival coordinators who need to go to a website and quickly get the information they need without wading through the other pages on my primary website, www.amazementproductions.com.

George Ford takes over at “Magic Tricks and Secrets”

My partner and co-creator of the Magic Tricks and Secrets DVD series, George Ford, has bought out my interest in the DVD business. 

He’ll be producing additional titles in the future.  George has a lot of experience in this sort of sales and marketing and has some new things planned.  The magic is in good hands! 

The Living Room Magic DVDs are great for kids who want to learn magic.  Learn more at www.magictricksandsecrets.com.  Be sure and check out the “Online Videos” section for free video downloads of easy tricks you can do at home.

Pacific Coast Association of Magicians Convention

     “How do you learn magic?”

It’s a question I frequently get, and I usually answer “books”, “magazines”, “other magicians”, and “I make it up!” 

All true, but I have the most fun learning magic at magic conventions.  It’s my chance to recharge and be inspired.  I’ve attended the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians convention each year since 1997 when it was held in Calgary.  (I won the “Bag of Tricks” contest there.) 

This year Shawn Farquhar hosted the convention on board the cruise ship the Norwegian Pearl.  (Shawn is one of my favorite magicians and recently won the Grand Prix at FISM, the Olympics of magic!) 

We sailed from Vancouver B. C. to Los Angeles and made stops in Astoria, OR and San Francisco.  Highlights included the incredible street performer Chris Capehart (Philadelphia), suave close-up conjuring of Eric Decamps (New York), and the king of late night jam sessions Geoff Williams (Minnesota).  I bought nearly all of their lecture notes and am already performing some fun new stuff! 

I also co-hosted a “Science is Magic” workshop with Frank Padilla.  Frank lives is in southern California and we’ve met at numerous magic conventions over the years.  We both do science-themed programs for schools and shared some of our ideas and demonstrations with the group which were well-received. 

The trip was capped with a visit to the Magic Castle in Hollywood.  Magician John Lovick and juggler Tyler Linkin were hilariously funny and smart.  Like my previous two visits to the Castle, there were plenty of “star sightings.”  Magicians Sylvester the Jester and Bill Malone were both holding court at different times. 

 

But cruising isn’t all nose-to-the-grindstone doing magic!  I also played ping pong, basketball, and even climbed a rock wall all on board the ship. 

Thanks to the crew of the Norwegian Pearl for their friendly service.

Kittitas County Fair and Ellensburg Rodeo

Last week I was in central Washington for the Kittitas County Fair and Ellensburg Rodeo. The Rodeo is a stop on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) tour and this is THE big event for Ellensburg.

I had a great time and was able to catch up with show-biz friends Roberto the Magnificent (juggler/crazy stunt show), John Dunnigan (funny and original songwriter and singer), Tammy Harris Barton (master hypnotist), Allen and Damien with the Kids Pedal Tractor Pull Show, and Rocky, John, and Jason with the Mechanical Bull Riding Competition. 

Listen to these rave reviews about my magic show from mom, dad, grandma, and the most skeptical audience of all: teens.   (Click to open MP3 audio file in a new window.  filesize:  1 mb) 

Learn more about my magic shows for fairs and festivals.

Kittitas County Fair & Ellensburg Rodeo

Rave reviews for Jeff’s magic from mom, dad, grandma, and the most skeptical audiences of all: teens.

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Kittitas County Fair & Ellensburg Rodeo

Rave reviews for Jeff’s magic from mom, dad, grandma, and the most skeptical audiences of all: teens.

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Clallam County Fair in Port Angeles

Back by popular demand, I’m performing for the Clallam County Fair in Port Angeles August 20 – 23 with two stage shows + strolling magic daily.  http://www.clallam.net/CountyFair/

Teamsters Local 117 Annual Conference

Strolling magic is the perfect addition to the Teamsters’ banquet kicking off their weeklong conference at the Seattle Westin Hotel. Members attended from across the country. Thanks to Steve with Teamsters Local 117, Bob with Northwest Staging and Events, and Angela with Party Outfitters for making this happen!

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