Essential Magic Conference

[Richard Kaufman]

I was not mocking the economic circumstances of ANY family, only the Larry's needless injection of a non-sequitor into the discussion.

The purchase of ANYTHING related to magic is a non-essential expenditure.

[James Cotton]

Unless you put bread on the table through magic.

[the Larry]

The purchase of ANYTHING related to magic is a non-essential expenditure.

I wonder then why it is called the "Essential" Magic Conference.

[Brad Henderson]

Larry, you are being pedantic.

What's your real point? Why is this an issue for you? Why do you care what they call it? Do you send letters to cleaning supply companies when their products require light scrubbing as they don't really 'work like magic'?

[Magic Newswire]

I just got an email from the Castle saying they are going to be PUBLICLY SCREENING the EMC to anyone that shows up at the Hat and Hare.

Sorry, I think that's very bad form.

The passes to the show are REALLY cheap and the organisers should be financially supported.

This is the equivalent of a new Vernon DVD coming out and everyone just being allowed to watch it for free.

Or am I missing the bigger picture here?

:(

This was actually coordinated with the approval of EMC thanks to the efforts of David Berglas. In addition, there are groups watching at the Sorcerer's Safari camp, Magic Circle and the College of Magic under the same arrangement. Max formally sent out greetings to them all on the broadcast.

[Doug Thornton]

The conference has been absolutely enjoyable with top-notch talent and presentations.
It does recall MAGIC Live but I would compare it more to Larry Hass Theory and Art of Magic program.
I experienced a few problems with the feed; I had to sign out and back in again a few times but thats no major complaint and could be more the fault of my computer. The picture quality is brilliant and its a pleasure that with a simple HDMI cable I can see it on my big screen TV.

Cyril presented a lovely performance piece as a tribute to the late Mahka Tendo; Cyrils talents are far beyond words. Splendid.
I agree with Richard Hatch that Mike Caveneys talk regarding Harbins Zig Zag girl was compelling.
Whats the deal with Devo? Im not familiar with him, with the mystery of hiding his face. What is he, the Banksy of magic? Why is he hiding? Are we not men?! We are Devo! (Pardon my ignorance; obviously he is well-respected; otherwise he would not be there.)
I also like the EMC logo thats a table in the discussions. It looks like something Jerry Andrus couldve designed.

How is this program being funded? Is Luis DeMatos footing the bill? It was mentioned that there are over 1,000 registrants. That can hardly cover costs, even with the performers donating their time, which in itself is admirable --- thank you to all of them.
It really shows their passion for, and love of magic.

But can they do it again?
Its not geared to the young Youtube crowd; theres more history and theory than tricks.
Hopefully, the Conference will be repeated and will help create interest for others to visit other conventions in person.

[Magic Newswire]

When we spoke with Luis and Marco just before it began, they stated that they had over 2000 and were cutting off registration at 2500.

[erdnasephile]

Max also announced that the last session of the EMC will be made available for free to all--they are supposed to announce instructions on how to do this later today.

Also, for the registered members, the first session is supposed to be available on demand later today as well.

[Richard Hatch]

Richard Wiseman's talk yesterday and Gene Matsuura's this morning were each worth more than the modest admission price in my opinion. Great value, especially when you add in the access to all talks in the archive and one the upcoming DVDs. Plus the online chatting in real time is kind of fun... Like heckling in subtitles!

[Richard Hatch]

And what about Mago Anton? Wow!

[naquada]

The last session of today will be broadcast FREE to all.. details to follow (but I'd imagine just head to the website and select the live broadcast)

I've written up all the sessions thus far (and there are photos from back stage as well as from the broadcast in there ) at http://www.magicconventionguide.com/cat ... ence-2010/

tonights 'free' session at 21:30 (uk and portugal time) will feature performances (not explanations) from -

Ton Onosaka - Performance

William Kalush - Talk - THE SECRET WAY TO SECRETS, OR WHAT I ASKED ALEXANDER

Mike Caveney - Performance

Gazzo - Performance

Luis de Matos - Performance

[naquada]

the FREE last session for Essential Magic Conference will be broadcast at


http://backup.essentialmagicconference.com


for those who wish to view what they have been missing... these will be performances..

however if your register at www.essentialmagicconference.com you can have access to the DVD sets and the on demand video of ALL sessions...

[Richard Hatch]

www.backup.essentialmagicconference.com is the site for the open viewing, though it appears not to be working yet... Final session starts at 3:30 CST in the USA.

[Richard Hatch]

Correction to the above, here's the free site:
http://free.essentialmagicconference.com/

[naquada]

both the backup. and free. urls should work...

[Magic Newswire]

Bill Kalush just gave everyone signed up for the EMC a free month of access to AskAlexander via ConjuringArts.org Not a bad bonus for a $75 conference that will also send you a complete DVD set of all the presentations!

[Magic Newswire]

If you missed this year's EMC, you can mark Huly 7, 8 & 9 of 2011 for next year's conference!

It is a wrap and here's the photo to prove it!

[naquada]

Make that July 7, 8 and 9 dodd ;)

[Magic Newswire]

Hah!

If you missed this year's EMC, you can mark July 7, 8 & 9 of 2011 for next year's conference!

It is a wrap and here's the photo to prove it!

[Frank Dudgeon]

I had to miss Thursday and Friday because of work, and joined midway into today's first session. I had a blast.

Now I have the video on demand of the sessions I missed to look forward to. And the DVD's!

Obviously a labor of love for all involved. Thank you. I'll certainly be there next year.

[CraigMitchell]

Do we have clarification on the exact numbers ? Initially 2500 had been mentioned - but then at the end of the session Luis said they had 1400 members ? And then a further mention of how many active paid members ?

I don't know whether 1400 referred to the number of actual online members at that time ... or whether that was the total sum ?

[Scott M.]

I think 2,500 members was the upper ceiling of what their bandwidth was capable of. I thought the 1,400 was the total members, including staff, speakers and comps, and 1,150 or so were total paid.

[erdnasephile]

S/N ratio was the highest of any convention I've attended, bar none.

All in all, the best $75 I've spent this year. The bar has been raised, and I'll definately be back next year. Bravo! :grin:

[Bill Mullins]

Has anyone heard when the DVDs of the sessions will be sent out?

[Matthew Field]

On The Second Deal website, ir was mentioned that Luis de Matos has been busy with the BBC series Magicians, but that the DVDs were now being duplicated.

[Richard Kaufman]

I just received a message about the forthcoming DVDs--it's an 8-DVD set sent free to all those who registered for the convention. Incredible.

There's also a link to an interview with David Berglas:
http://vimeo.com/19475699?utm_source=Es ... dium=email

[IrishMagicNews]

Just received that e-mail too.

I noticed they say they will include the chat logs also so people can get a vibe about what people were talking about in the chat room.

Sheesh, wish I hadn't been so vocal in the chat room with regard to the delayed appearance of the "catch-up" sessions online. Mind you if I were them I would have edited all the negativity out.

To be fair despite some glitches this was a truly wonderful event and the DVD's contain some of the very best material available. I look forward to their arrival and hopefully next years EMC.

Brendan

[Magic Newswire]

I do agree that they could have done a better job communicating, but I also have to say that I think that the dollar for dollar value of what you got as a member of this event far outweighs any delays and I'm a bit surprised by all of the griping. After all, every presentation on these DVD's is still online for you to watch as a member.

[IrishMagicNews]

In case of any misunderstanding I am not griping. In fact I am sorry I did at the time. Must have been the wine.

I think it was a super event, ambitious, different and quite brilliantly produced. I really hope it runs again.

Brendan

[erdnasephile]

I really enjoyed EMC. The one thing that surprised me a little is that there was no customer survey sent to those of us who missed the last session. I think that it was extremely good, but like at any event, there may have been a few suggestions from the attendees that may be helpful in the future.

[Magic Newswire]

Wasn't singling you out. Just have heard all this elsewhere too.