IBM/SAM 2008 Combined Convention

I just came back from Louisville, Kentucky where I attended the IBM/SAM 2008 Combined Convention, a week of 24/7 magic. Some 2000 magicians from around the world came together for lectures, shows, close-up and stage contests and more.

The contests were a blast. Some of the unusual themes included a "human deck of playing cards" and an "underwater cups & balls," yes, the classic trick was performed inside of an aquarium. I liked the performer who tore up a newspaper and then sent his entire routine into reverse to restore it, with the pieces flying back up from the ground.

Disney themes were apparent with pieces based on "Mulan," "Snow White" and the "Little Mermaid." As you would expect, there was outstanding manipulation of cards, balls, thimbles, cell phones and more.

The dealer’s room was a feast for anyone into magic. Even the most resolute can end up spending money on magic, as I did. Just walking around the dealer’s room I met famous magicians such as Simon Lovell (pictured), Norm Neilson, Henry Evans and more. I got to meet Losander and see a live demo of his floating table.

I enjoyed Mike Power’s "Diminishing Returns" (pictured) where a deck of cards shrinks in size and Tom Isaacson's "Prophet," a new and powerful take on the bill change. David Penn bent my mind as well as my quarter with his "Coinvexed," and Justin Miller showed me his new card trick, "Legend," a card to box that relies on a fresh new method.

Wayne Dobson unveiled "Unclamped," a new DVD with lessons on "tossed out deck" "invisible deck" (no gimmicked deck), "teach a trick" and more. I met Matthew Hampel who showed me the new larger "Presto Pad." The portable close-up pad is not only available in a larger size, it's thinner as well.

I got to hang out with Craig Petty (pictured), a fantastic and innovative coin worker from the UK. His breakthrough work and skill with gimmicked coins is nothing short of astounding.

If all this sounds rather brief, I only attended the show four days and spent a good amount of time in interviews. Look for my upcoming interviews with Wayne Dobson, Christ Priest and Bob Sheets.

I did catch the act of An Ha Lim of South Korea who took the stage competition and was the very first stage contestant to perform. Lim presented a stunning and entertaining 10-minute routine that was exclusively card manipulation. His routine was well structured and built to a crescendo, and his application of color cards was exquisite.

Thank you to everyone who took time to say "hello" as I walked around. It was great meeting you in person. New friends include a great bunch of guys: Adam, Doug, Jim and Rich from Pittsburgh.

As I was flying back and in a layover in Dallas, I went to purchase a drink from a vending machine. Alas, all I had was a bent quarter (with my initials written on it) and a dollar bill with a missing corner. Only at a magic convention...