29th Australian Magicians Convention - June 11-14, 2004

Tim Ellis organised this Melbourne convention. 'The World's Longest Magic Show' was staged in April at Luna Park to help promote the convention. Kerri-Anne Kennerley's TV show did a live cross to the convention. A memorable highlight was the 'Al Cappuccino Speakeasy' that opened the convention with gangster games, Felicity Rogers' tango, Al's classy act and free drinks!

VENUE: The Centre, Ivanhoe

REGISTRATION COST: $250 (included Saturday & Sunday night dinners with drinks and an opening night cocktail party) $220 Spouse, $190 Under 18.

NUMBER OF REGISTRANTS: 212

GUESTS: Henry Evans (Argentina), Aldo Colombini (Italy/USA), Norbert Ferre (France), Lee Eun-Gyeol (Korea), Pablo Kusnetzoff (Argentina)

DEALERS: Taylors Magic, Magiclassifieds, Phil Cass, Hey Presto, Henry Evans (Argentina), Tammii Twister’s, Wayne Rogers, Dave Lord Magic Works, Aldo Colombini (USA), Abracadabra, Fayne, Orsino Images, Oz Illusions, The Magic Store

AWARDS:
Best Trick – Simon Coronel
Best Line – Nick Nickolas
Most Entertaining Performer – Nick Nickolas
Most Inspiring Performer – Pablo Kusnetzoff
Moment of the Convention – Nick Nickolas
Best Stage Act – Sue-Anne Webster
Most Original Concept – Peter Cook

Best Close Up Act - Nick Nickolas

LECTURERS: Henry Evans, Aldo Colombini, Norbert Ferre, Lee Eun-Gyeol, Ellis & Webster, Adrian Kebbe

LINKS:

Convention report in the Australian Society of Magician's newsletter 'Magic Makers'.

REGISTRATION BROCHURE:

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Friday June 11
3.00pm - Dove Masterclass with Lee Eun-Gyeol (Extra Cost)
4.00pm - Registration Desk open
6.00pm - Al Cappuccino's Speakeasy (Opening Night Party with open bar)
7.30pm - Close Up Magic Mystery Tour: Lawrence Leung, Nelson, Lee Eun-Gyeol, Henry Evans
9.30pm - Ellis in Wonderland Lecture: Tim Ellis & Sue-Anne Webster

Saturday June 12
9.00am - Registration Desk & Dealers Den open
10.00am - Henry Evans Lecture
12.00pm - Lunch Break: Dealers Den and Magic Box open
12.45pm - Teen Welcome Session: Simon Coronel
1.30pm - All Aussie Stage Show: Andrew Gill (MC) Sue-Anne Webster as 'Jeannie', Anthony DeMasi, Cath Jamison, Sean Taylor, Nick Nickolas, Phil Cass.
3.00pm - Coffee Break: Dealers & Magic Box Open
3.30pm - Workshops: Patti Stiles, Henry Evans, Sean Taylor, Chuck Fayne
4.30pm - Workshops (rotate)
5.30pm - Dinner and a movie (with drinks!) Steve Walker hosts the 'Dogies'
8.00pm - World Champions Stage Show: Ellis & Webster (MC), Pablo Kusnetzoff, Lee Eun-Gyeol, Earl Shatford, Harry Houdidn't, Aldo Colombini, Norbert Ferre
9.30pm - Coffee Break
10.00pm - Norbert Ferre Lecture

Sunday June 12
9.00am - Dealers Den opens
10.00am - Workshops (rotate)
11.00am - Workshops (rotate)
12.00pm - Lunch break: Dealers Den and Magic Box open
12.45pm - Meet the man behind Harry Houdidn't
1.30pm - All Aussie Close Up Show: Mark Mayer, Nick Nickolas, Geoff Conrau, Jonathon Rubel, Dean Atkinson, Kamal Bushan, Simon Coronel, Peter Cook, Sue-Anne Webster, Phil Bevan, Tammii Twister and Star
3.00pm - Coffee Break: Dealers Den and Magic Box open
3.30pm - Aldo Colombini Lecture
5.30pm - Dealers Den Final Session
6.30pm - Banquet - Dinner (and drinks!) and a show
12.30am - Warren Jackman's late night comedy magic

Monday June 14
9.30am - Magic Marketplace
10.30am - Lee Eun-Gyeol Lecture
12.30pm - Lunch Break: Magic Box opens
1.30pm - Kids Entertainer Seminar
3.30pm - Break for voting
4.00pm - Panel Session with the stars & Awards Presentation
6.30pm - After party at The Rue Bar

28th Australian Magic Convention - June 7-11, 2002

Kent Blackmore again headed the Sydney team.

VENUE: Riverside Theatres, Parramatta

REGISTRATION COST:

NUMBER OF REGISTRANTS: 220+

GUESTS: Lennart Green, Magic Christian, Moi-Yo Miller, David Malek

DEALERS:

AWARDS:
Walk on Walk off – Neville Finney. 2nd Joel Howlett, 3rd Greg Britt (NZ)
Close Up – James Galea. 2nd Trevor Duffy (South Africa), 3rd Matt Hollywood
Stage – Demis Christo & KT. 2nd Thor Blomfield, 3rd Jack Mazloumian
Under 16 Stage – Joel Howlett. 2nd Natasha Babich (NZ), 3rd Karl Daniel (NZ)
Under 16 Close Up – Joel Howlett. 2nd Holly Ford (NZ), 3rd Jarred Fell (NZ)

LECTURERS: Lennart Green, Magic Christian, Andrew Wimhurst

CLOSE UP SHOW: Magic Christian, Lennart Green, David Malek, Barry Govan, Tim Ellis, Andrew Wimhurst

LINKS:
Convention report in The Australian Society of Magicians newsletter 'Magic Makers'

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Friday June 7
2.00-5.00pm - Registration Desk open
5.00-7.30pm - Dealers open
8.00pm - Show: Phil Cass and Friends
11.30pm - Dealers open

Saturday June 8
8.00am - Registration Desk open
9.00am - International Close Up Show
11.00am - Coffee Break
11.30am - Lectures: Lennart Green & David Malek
1.00pm - Lunch Break
1.00-3.00pm - Dealers open
2.00pm - Walk On Walk Off Competition
3.00pm - Coffee Break
3.30-6.00pm - Close Up Competition
5.30-7.30pm - Dealers open
8.00pm - Show: Magic at the Riverside
11.30pm - Dealers open, Andrew Wimhurst late night lecture

Sunday June 9
9.00am - Stage Competition Part 1
11.00am - Coffee Break
11.30am - Lectures: Lennart Green & David Malek
1.00pm - Lunch Break
1.00-2.00pm - Dealers Open
2.00pm - I Remember Dante
3.00pm - Coffee Break
3.00-5.00pm - Dealers Open
3.30pm - Stage Competition Part 2
5.00pm - Pre-Banquet Break
5.30pm - Pre-Banquet Drinks
6.00pm - Banquet and Awards Presentations
8.30pm - Show: Stars of Magic
11.30pm - Dealers open & Magic Christian lecture of Hofszinser

Monday June 10
9.00am - Magic Marketplace
9.00-11.00am - Dealers open
11.00am - Coffee Break
11.30am - Lecture: Magic Christian
1.00pm - Lunch Break
1.00-2.00pm - Dealers open, final session
2.00pm - An Audience with the Stars
3.00pm - Coffee Break
3.30pm - Closing Show
4.45pm - Thanks and farewell

27th Australian Magic Convention - June 9-12 2000

Paul Bowen headed the Melbourne convention committee.

VENUE: World Congress Centre, Melbourne

REGISTRATION COST:

NUMBER OF REGISTRANTS: 250

GUESTS: Rene Levand (Argentina), Tina Lenert (USA). Michael Finney was scheduled but failed to show.

DEALERS:

AWARDS:
Under 18 Stage – Chris Hackney-Smith. 2nd Brad Quay, 3rd Paul Cosentino
Under 18 Close Up – Brad Quay. 2nd Timothy Fensham, 3rd Daniel Kinsey
Non Pro Stage – Paul Cosentino. 2nd Dennis Kristo, 3rd Ian Harvey
Parlour Magic – James Sleight. 2nd David Kendal, 3rd Peter Cook
Phil Cross Children’s Magic – JamesSleight. Alan Sloggett, 3rd Paul Bowen
Strolling Magic – James Sleight. 2nd Ricki Brand, 3rd Matt Hollywood
Close Up Restaurant – Ricki Brand. 2nd James Sleight, 3rd Brad Manuel
Close Up Cards – Nigel Anderson. 2nd Ben Kierce, 3rd Ricki Brand
Lifetime Achievement Awards – Ross Skiffington, Graham Etherington

LECTURERS: Rene Levand, Phil Cass, Raymond Crowe, Chuck Fayne

STAGE SHOW: Don Crawford (MC), Tina Lenert, Rene Levand, Ross Skiffington

26th Australian Magic Convention - June 5-8, 1998

Kent Blackmore headed the organising team for Sydney.

VENUE: Riverside Theatres, Parramatta

REGISTRATION COST: $130 (Banquet $50 extra)

NUMBER OF REGISTRANTS: 300+

GUESTS: Doc Eason (USA), Gene Anderson (USA). Nick Lewin was scheduled but didn't show.

DEALERS:

AWARDS:
Under 18 Stage – 1st - William Olds, 2nd - Paul Cosentino, 3rd - Paul Bates
Stage – 1st - Sam Putnam, 2nd - Sue-Anne Webster, 3rd - Matthew Servelli
Professional Stage – 1st - Cath Jamison
Close Up – 1st - Matthew Thomas, 2nd - Nigel Anderson, 3rd - Mark Lindenmayer
Walk on Walk off -

LECTURERS: Doc Eason, Gene Anderson, Chuck Fayne

STAGE SHOW: Steve Walker (MC), Taylor & Pearson, Sean Taylor, Tim Ellis & Sue-Anne Webster, Gene Anderson, The Mon-Tanners, Timothy Hyde & The Amazing Lynda, Sean Kramer, Raymond Crowe, Taylor & Pearson

REGISTRATION BROCHURE:SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Friday June 5
2.00-5.00pm - Registration opens
5.00-7.15pm - Dealers open
8.00pm - Opening Show

Saturday June 6
8.30-9.30pm - Dealers open
9.30am - Adults & Under 18 Stage Competition
11.30am - Coffee Break
12.00pm - Professional Stage Competition
1.30pm - Lunch Break
2.30pm - Lecture by Doc Eason
3.30pm - Dealers Show
4.00pm - Coffee Break
4.30pm - Mini Lectures: Sean Taylor, Richard Paddon, Clifford Warne
5.30-7.30pm - Dealers open
6.00pm - Dinner Break
6.00pm - Workshops: Jerome Kirwan (Clowns), Andrew Wimhurst (Cards
8.00pm - Public Show
11.00-12.00am - Dealers open
12.00 midnight - Tim Ellis at Prospero's (Extra Charge)

Sunday June 7
8.30-9.30am - Dealers open
9.30am - Lecture by Doc Eason
10.30am - Coffee Break
11.00am - Close Up Competition
1.30pm - Lunch break
1.00-2.30pm - Dealers open
2.30pm - International Close Up Show
4.30pm - Coffee Break
4.30-6.00pm- Dealers open
7.30pm - Pre Banquet
8.00pm - Banquet and Cabaret Show
12.00am - Chuck Fayne at Prospero's (Extra Charge)

Monday June 8
9.00-11.00am - Auction
9.30-11.00am - Dealers open
9.30-11.00am - Walk On Walk Off Competition
11.00am - Lecture by Gene Anderson
12.15pm - Lecture by Chuck Fayne
1.00-2.30pm - Lunch break
2.00pm - Repeat lecture by Chuck Fayne
3.15pm - Guest Discussion
4.00pm - Final Show and Closing

25th Australian Magic Convention - June 7-10, 1996

Billed as a 'Celebration of Imagination', Tim Ellis headed the convention committee for Melbourne. NHK TV filmed the convention as part of a television magic special for Japan called 'Magical Mystery Tour Downunder'. Wizard's Inn, Tokyo, also gave an award to the 'Best Act of the Convention' which included a free trip to Japan. This was also the first convention in the world to feature 'MagicSports'.

VENUE: World Congress Centre, Melbourne

REGISTRATION COST: $150 maximum - $70 minimum

NUMBER OF REGISTRANTS: 400+

GUESTS: Tom Ogden, Tommy Wonder, Bob Sheets, Ali Bongo

DEALERS: Chatterbox Puppets, Abracadabra Promotions, Wizard’s Inn (Japan), Adrian Kebbe, Blueprint Magic, Magic Moments, Bernards, Nigel Kennedy (NZ), Tom Sharp, Sonny Hew (Malaysia), Gary Sparks (USA), Classic Magic, El Gregoes (NZ), Abracadabra Toys

AWARDS:
Under 18 – Gidon Silveron
Favourite Trick – Evelyn Strugnell
Non-Pro Stage – Beverley Unitt
Ken Littlewood Stage ($1000 prize money) – Taylor & Pearson
Kids Entertainer – Alan Sloggett
Strolling Magic – Phil Bevan
Close Up – Andrew Wimhurst
Weirdo Comedy Trophy – Phil Cass
Lifetime Achievement Award – Gerald Taylor
Best Act of the Convention (Free trip to Japan) - Raymond Crowe

LECTURERS: Tom Ogden, Tommy Wonder, Ali Bongo, Bob Sheets, Gary Norsigian, Phil Cass

INTERESTING STATISTICS: A break down of the first 400 registrants showed where they all came from:

191 - Victoria
65 - News South Wales
38 - South Australia
33 - Queensland
17 - Western Australia
8 - Australian Capital Territory
6 - Tasmania
1 - Northern Territory

23 - New Zealand
5 - Japan
6 - USA
3 - Singapore
2 - Malaysia
1 - United Kingdom
1 - The Netherlands

Of the first 400 registrants:
286 - Full price magicians
86 - Accompanying persons
28 - Under 18

Breakdown by sex:
307 - Male
91 - Female
2 - ???

REGISTRATION BROCHURE:



SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Friday June 7
12.00-4.00pm - Optional Yarra Cruise (Extra Cost
4.00pm - Registration Desk opens
5.00pm - Dealers Den opens
5.30pm - Earlybird Bonus Event - 60 minutes with Bob Sheets
6.30pm - Cocktail Party (free drinks!)
8.00pm - Opening Night Show
9.30pm - Break
10.00pm - Lecture by Tom Ogden
12.00am - Gary Norsigian in the Lobby, Magic Quiz in the Bar

Saturday June 8
8.30am - Dealers Den opens
9.00am - Registration Desk opens
9.30am - Auction
11.00am - Coffee Break & Strolling Magic Competition
11.00am - Silent Auction
11.30am - Under 18 Stage Magic Competition
12.15pm - Lunch Break & Dealers Den open
12.30pm - Phil Cass Lecture (Extra Cost)
1.45pm - Favourite Trick Competition
2.45pm - Break
3.00pm - Lecture by Tommy Wonder
4.30pm - Coffee Break & Strolling Magic Competition
5.00pm - Non-Pro Stage Magic Competition
6.00pm - Dinner Break & Dealers Den open
8.00pm - Ken Littlewood Stage Competition
10.00pm - Break & Dealers Den open
10.30pm - MagicSports
12.00am - Gary Norsigian in the Lobby & Magic Quiz in the Bar

Sunday June 9
8.30am - Dealers Den open
9.30am - Masterclasses: Gerald Taylor, Phil Cross, & Christof!!
11.00am - Coffee Break & Strolling Magic Competition
11.30am - International Close Up Show
1.00pm - Lunch Break & Dealers Den open
1.15pm - Gary Norsigian Lecture (Extra Cost)
2.30pm - Kids Entertainers Competition
2.30pm - Intensive Sessions: Bob Sheets, Barry Govan, Kent Blackmore
4.00pm - Coffee Break & Strolling Magic Competition
4.00pm - Dealers open, final session
4.30pm - Close Up Competition
6.30pm - Break
7.30pm - Banquet, Show and Awards Presentation

Monday June 10
9.30am - Lecture by Ali Bongo
11.00am - Break
11.30am - Talk Soup: Panel Session
12.30pm - Lunch Break
2.00pm - Closing Show: Circus of Magic
4.00pm - Break
4.30pm - The Magic of Clowning Session
5.30pm - Close
7.30pm - Tramcar Restaurant Dinner (Extra Cost)

24th Australian Magic Convention - June 10-13, 1994

Allan Sullivan again headed the Sydney convention committee and organised a live television cross to 'Hey Hey It's Saturday' with Trevor Marmalade interviewing magicians in the dealer room. The whole convention was filmed by Japan's 'Elite Magicians Club' who awarded a trip to Japan to the winner of the Stage Magic Competition.

VENUE: The Boulevarde Hotel, Kings Cross

REGISTRATION COST: $125

NUMBER OF REGISTRANTS: 220 +

GUESTS: Daryl, Chuck Fayne, Mike Close, Rovi

DEALERS: Blueprint Magic, Bernards, El Gregoes (NZ), Wayne Rogers (NZ), Daryl USA (Sophie Ashton-Evans), Harry Irwin, Alfred Hayes, Aladdin’s, Dave Lord Magic Works, Ron Holmes, Jim Gunn, Tah Ban Chee (Singapore), Graham Kite, Classic Magic

AWARDS:
Stage – Rudy & Tia. 2nd Magic2, 3rd Ian Harmon (NZ)
Close Up – Sophie Ashton-Evans (USA). 2nd Alan Watson (NZ), 3rd (tie) Richard Paddon and Tom Berger
Favourite Trick – Graham Grant. 2nd Paul Koh, 3rd (tie) El Gregoe (NZ) and Evelyn & Val
Special Prize – Rena MacLeod (NZ)
Outstanding Service to Magic – Bill Helyer

LECTURERS: Daryl, Chuck Fayne, Mike Close, Phil Cass

CLOSE UP SHOW: Daryl, Keiko Kobagashi, Alan Carmichael, Tim Ellis, Chuck Fayne, Yashiro Yamagita, Mike Close, Rovi

STAGE SHOW: Steve Walker (MC), Glenn Barker & Company, Timothy Hyde & Lynda Holmes, Chuck Fayne, Tim Ellis, Brendan Montana, Raymond Crowe, Rena Macleod, Phil Cass

TOP TEN QUOTES OF THE CONVENTION: (By Bryan Wood from Australian Magic Monthly July 1994)
10 - "I only memorise the names if there are fewer than 108 acts on the bill." Chuck Fayne compering the opening night show.
9 - "Wait, you're way ahead of me." Chuck Fayne on the Friday night show with the little boy.
8 - "Nigel did my act." Mike Close on the Friday night show.
7 - "I'll have two beers thanks." The first 108 people to approach the Bernard's dealers stand, which was set up on a disused bar.
6 - "I'm from Brooklyn." Vic Quick during Chuck Fayne's lecture.
5 - "The muscle between his legs is so big." The Boss in an attempt to explain why Brendan walks the way he does.
4 - "Not only are you among the most courteous people in the world, you also have the biggest bladders on anyone on earth." Mike Close referring to the very long Friday night show.
3 - "That's the first time I've ever seen anyone close their act with a cheese grater." Chuck Fayne compering the Friday night show.
2 - "These are Eunuch cups." Steve Walker at the auction explaining why the cups had no balls.
1 - "They said it couldn't be done." Ronnel, on video Friday night.

23rd Australian Magic Convention - June 5-8, 1992

Graham Etherington was the head of the Melbourne organising committee. Great coverage was organised with a live cross to the 'Today' show. The Itchy Feet Pep Band opened the convention in a spectacular way.

VENUE: World Congress Centre, Melbourne

REGISTRATION COST: $130 (Early rego $100) $110 U18 or Partner (Early rego $80)

NUMBER OF REGISTRANTS: 277

GUESTS: Alan Shaxon (UK), Mac King (USA), Max Maven (USA)

DEALERS: Daryl USA (Sophie Ashton Evans), Dave Lord Magic Works, Abracadabra Toys, Anne’s Magic, Wayne Rogers (NZ), Classic Magic, Aladdin’s Magic, Magical Knights, Bernards
Carnival Products

AWARDS:
Close Up – Alan Carmichael. 2nd Bill Walsh, 3rd Alan Watson (NZ)
Favourite Trick – Wayne Rogers (NZ). 2nd John Taylor, 3rd Rebekkah
Stage Magic – Cath Jamison. 2nd Beverly Cook, 3rd Simon Bainbridge
Children’s Entertainer – Wayne Rogers (NZ). 2nd Alan Watson (NZ), 3rd Alan Sloggett
Under 18 – Adam Fraser. 2nd Felicity Rogers (NZ), 3rd Jason Davis
Ken Littlewood Stage ($1000) – Duck Cameron. 2nd ($100) Enzo Ficco
Weirdo Comedy Award – Lyndsay Rietschel

LECTURERS: Jon Zealando, Alan Shaxon, Mac King, Max Maven, Wayne Rogers

OPENING SHOW: Itchy Feet Pep Band, Ricki Ozimo, Murray Dugale (Christof!!), Tim Ellis, Martin Ralph, Terry McSweeney, Ross Prior, Larry Isaac, Sam Angelico.

CLOSE UP SHOW: Mac King, Phil Cass, John Barrand, Barry Govan, Sean Tretheway, Ray Crowe, Tim Ellis, David Jones, Alan Shaxon

STAGE SHOW: MC Andrew Gill, Gerald Taylor, Keith Ryall, Alan Shaxon, Timothy Hyde & Lynda Holmes, Max Maven, Magic2, Project Blue, Raymond Crowe, Jon Zealando, Duck Cameron, Mac King, Tim Ellis.

QUOTE OF THE CONVENTION: "I've got Daryl's balls in the dealers room!" Sophie Ashton-Evans.

REGISTRATION BROCHURE:

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Friday June 5

5.00pm - Dealers Open

6.00pm - Registrations Open

7.00pm - Foyer Entertainment

8.00pm - Official Opening

8.10pm - Opening Show - 'Melbourne 150'

10.00pm - Break

10.30pm - Jon Zealando Lecture

11.30pm - Dealers Den

12.00am - Party Time

Saturday June 6

9.00am - Registrations Open

9.00am - The Alan Shaxon Lecture

10.00am - The Ken Oliver Children's Entertainer Competition

11.00am - Dealers Show

12.00pm - Break for Lunch - Dealers Open

1.00pm - Stage Competition

3.00pm - Break - Screening of Phil Cass video - Dealers

3.30pm - Under 18 Stage Competition

4.30pm - Panel Discussion

5.30pm - My Favourite Trick Competition

6.30pm - Break for Dinner - Dealers Den - Playing Card & Escape Exhibit

8.00pm - The Ken Littlewood $1000 Trophy Show

10.00pm - Break

10.30pm - The Mac King Lecture

11.30pm - Dealers Den

12.00am - Party Time

Sunday June 7

9.00am - Final Dealers

9.30am - Close Up Competition

12.30pm - Break for Lunch

1.30pm - Buses leave for Public Show

2.30pm - It's Magic Show at MLC Theatre

4.30pm - Buses return to WCC

6.00pm - Light Dinner and Surprises

8.00pm - Masterclasses

9.30pm - Break

10.00pm - International Close Up Show

11.30pm - Party Time

Monday June 8

9.00am - Buese leave for Witches In Britches Theatre Restaurant

10.00am - Auction

1.00pm - Luncheon Banquet

2.00pm - Visitors Entertain Closing Show

3.30pm - Close of Convention

4.00pm - The Max Maven Lecture (Extra cost event $15)