Genii: The Conjurors' CONVENTION in 2012

[Dustin Stinett]

Charleston is indeed a lovely place. But just for Schlitz and Giggles, I compared flights from here to there and some of the other East Coast destinations (and I pulled a non-peak date out of my backside). Charleston saved me a whopping $43 on average, but offered no direct service (with everything connecting through the worst airport in the country: OHare). Average direct flights to the other destinations were under five hours while flying to SC: over eight hours. It wouldnt be a hard choice for me (if it were mine to make).

Dustin

[Brad Henderson]

Austin is a great town. Easy flight from either coast. Not an expensive city.

[Larry Horowitz]

We need a place with easy airport access.

Large enough to hold several thousand people.

Ability to stage shows, with seating and viewing angles for all.

Capability to serve meals.

Open dates available.

I can think of 30 perfect locations that meet all these criteria.

Richard, just book a city with an NBA team!

[Dustin Stinett]

Hmmm...and isn't the team in Orlando called "The Orlando Magic"? (Sorry Doomo, I couldn't resist!)

[Nickle]

Actually Im just looking for a reason to get out of upstate NY and its premature cold weather.
Seriously though, theres a reason Charleston was just named top city in the USA for travelers. Out of all the east coast cities I have visited, been stationed at, trained in etc, Charleston is on the top of the list. Im curious to know what Richard is thinking about locations.

http://www.charlestonly.com/

[rkosby]

You have a lot of courage to consider a convention. I would have been happy with a commemorative plate.

If you do it, I will try to attend.

[Dustin Stinett]

Im curious to know what Richard is thinking about locations.

I wish I could say I know.

[Dave Klaiber]

Maybe he's thinking about buying one of those Atlantic City casinos that is going under and holding it there. The Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort renamed the Kaufman Genii Casino Resort?

[Bill Marquardt]

I believe Oklahoma City would work. Airport is big enough but not too big to get lost in. I live nowhere near there so I cannot offer specifics, but I have traveled through there often enough on my way to Norman.

How about Tucson? I love Arizona.

I want to see David Acer.

[Dustin Stinett]

Oklahoma would be great! That way I'd get to sing the whole time: "OOOOOOOOOklahoma where the wind comes sweeping down the plains..."

Yeah, that'll work!

[Doomo]

Oklahoma! Yeah! Lots of great golf courses in Oklahoma! Really nice balance on callaway x-24 hot irons. If you absolutely require distance, go along with the graphite shafts. If you would like feeel and control, however, these Irons ROCK for distance already, and you may realize that they think more.... Sorry... I got distracted...

[Doomo]

Im curious to know what Richard is thinking about locations.

I wish I could say I know.

That is NOT saying that you DON'T know... You could be sneaky there Dustin...

Orlando my ass! Grrrrr.

[Richard Kaufman]

My thoughts when I originally started this thread were more toward what types of performers and events people would be interested in, rather than location. I'd appreciate more comments along those lines.

[mrgoat]

One big keynote speaker. Someone everyone would want to hear. Berglas, for example.

Themed drop in sessions. One coin expert, one gambling expert, one mentlism expert etc.

Voted for sessions. Put a list of possibilities up and let your audience chose what they want. This could be done beforehand.

Volunteer lectures. People not selling anything. No notes, no BOR bollocks. Just some information.

People no one has heard of but everyone should

No jugglers

[Ted M]

I'd love to see a (separate!) rich presentational celebration of each major era of Genii publishing, each giving the flavor of Genii from each era. Notable events that changed the character of the magazine, notable features published, regular columnists and their personalities, feuds and/or controversies within the pages, design style, illustration style, notable advertisements, samples of the editorial voice. Plus demonstrations of representative tricks from each era, even!

If the eras were: William Larsen years, Larsen family years, Kaufman years -- then it could be one presentation each day over a 3 day convention. But those are some really big chunks. It'd be nice to have more space for detail...

Break it down by decade! Ask Max Maven, Steve Bryant, David Charvet, Jamy Swiss, et al to each pick a decade and go to town with it!

[Pete Biro]

Only manufacturing dealers by invitation. Fee a % of sales.

[Doomo]

I agree with the keynote speaker...

After that, break it up like Genii. The columns past and present...

I still say a classic dealers setup with lectures on stuff, including Ed Mischell, Richard Himber , Tannens, etcetera.

An in depth magicana session with both effects and background and anecdotes on Woodfield and Miller.

An editorial about magic from The Larsens Sr. and Jr and finally Mr. K his self.

Have the lovely Mrs. K fill the part of Irene at the convention.

Just my 2 cents..

[Smurf]

How about an segment with "The Oldest & Newest Genii Cover Magicians" who can make it to the convention?

[Richard Kaufman]

Not doing "Genii Live!"

[Robert Meisch]

I would love to see beginning Magic classes or lectures. Something geared to getting us newer folks on the road to learning to perform. That would be really helpful.

I went to a convention in NOLA ahwile back and it was cool to see all the performers and the sales area but I was hoping for beginer classes.

-robert

[Bill Marquardt]

Well, I was not kidding when I said I would like to see David Acer. He cracks me up. He would be perfect for giving a Magicana seminar. I agree there should be a "big name" keynote speaker to kick off the affair, and perhaps a different speaker at a banquet, one given some sort of honorary award. I am thinking someone who has been in magic for a long time. I won't mention any names for fear of offending anyone.

You could get a local club maybe to sponsor a young magician's competition.

[David Oliver]

Two evening shows; one stage, one close-up.

One or two, keynote speakers; Big name, not-so-big name, but big topics or ideas. And a surprise guest keynote speaker - everyone loves surprises.

Four specific lectures on Genii readers favorite topics.

A dealers' room of course.

No competition. But perhaps a teen show/showcase/performance to keep the next generation involved.

A scheduled brainstorming session with Genii staffers or big names in multiple rooms, and registrants can pick or trade for which one they want to participate in. For instance, a Steinmeyer room, with a round table discussion on illusions or creativity for around 15-20 people only. A Swiss technique and performance room, A Giobbi card room, a Maven history or mentalism room, etc. Beginners and experts converge on each session for an hour or so, and can ask whatever they wish of the host, so it's a free-flowing exchange of knowledge and ideas rather than a standard "do-what-I-show-you" or "dealers'-show" lecture. It could be a hands-on, bring some cards room, or simply a discussion room. Much like what happens naturally in hotel lobbies or suites late at night at other conventions. Bring it out into the open as part of the convention. Those who wish to not participate in these sessions, can hang in the dealers room.

Interest in a sign-up "open Mic" critique show? A panel of Genii judges, (like American Idol style), critique a handful of pre-selected (audition via video?) performers who wish to improve their acts. No winners, no losers, no contest, no prize. You get to perform a segment of your act or something else you'e been working on (5-7 minutes max), and the judges give you honest feedback and tips for improvement. Audience members may also be allowed to offer suggestions if hosted properly, ala Phil Donohue.

Yes, a Larson tribute.

Video history lecture?

Unique "finds" in Genii over the years lecture.

And all lectures do not have to follow the 60-minute format. Depending on the subject, it could be 30, or 75 or even 90-minutes.

A bar.

No Disney. (Sorry, RK.)

Just thought I'd toss in my random ideas.

[Bill Marquardt]

A competition of some sort might not be a great idea, but I believe it is helpful to get local groups involved with a convention. Often they can provide volunteers to do the mundane tasks like handing out badges and such. Perhaps an afternoon show featuring local magicians would be enough of an enticement.

Just a thought.

[Tony Tuccillo]

It's official! iGenii's back cover (Jan'12) has an ad for the 75th Anniversary convention next October in Orlando, Florida. Strong line-up so far with more to come.

Richard promises lots of swag and while it's been a few years since I've been to the host property, my last impression was very good. Lots of non-magic activities in addition to the theme parks for those who travel with family and/or companions for this event.

Plenty of retail, outdoor activities (best large mouth bass fishing in the country), Daytona Beach less than an hour away, lots to do other than the convention and theme parks. Come early or stay later but spend some time in central Florida.

October is not peak season so it's not crazy crowded like it is Thanksgiving to April.Weather is often early summer like (mid-to-upper 80's) so water parks or beach/pool activities are in play.

Get your winter tan early in 2012 and mingle with the Genii family.

[Rob Block]

Orlando. Richard, why am I not surprised? ;)

[Richard Kaufman]

Absolutely nothing to do with Walt Disney World. I picked a city that was a vacation destination in order to find a hotel with good room rates, good weather, and also lots of competitive airfares.

[Dustin Stinett]

I can verify that Richard looked at other cities. I wanted it here in SoCal (not necessarily in LA, by the way). But I also didn't want registrants to have to pay three (or more) times what this event will cost being in Orlando. And I'm tired of Las Vegas.

[Brad Henderson]

Super amazing Italian restaurant in Orlando - world renowned Christini's. The veal chop is amazing, the polenta out of this world. Tremendous wine cellar and impeccable service. Worth a visit if you appreciate great food.

www.Christinis.com

[Rob Block]

Hey, I'm not complaining. It's an ideal location for me. I love Orlando. I can hit a triple whammy of the Genii convention, friends in the area and a Disney fix all at once!

[AJM]

I'll be there if I can.

Will there be a competition to see who's first to spot Lark Mewis in disguise?

Cheers

Andrew

[mrgoat]

I'll be there if I can.

Will there be a competition to see who's first to spot Lark Mewis in disguise?

Cheers

Andrew

I don't think he is legally allowed in America.

[Richard Kaufman]

Don't even SAY that name!

[rkosby]

When in October? Early or late?

[Doug Thornton]

October 4,5,6, 2012.

http://www.geniimagazine.com/forums/ubb ... Post257191