The Society of American Magicians and International Brotherhood of Magicians, the two oldest and largest magic organizations in the United States, have joined together to stage an International Magic Competition to be held July 7-12 2008 in New Orleans, LA. The six day event will culminate by awarding the largest contest prize ever, $10,000 each for both the stage and close-up contest winners from a group of over 100 competitors. Added to the week long event will be stage shows, a close-up show, lectures, a banquet and several off-site activities.
Following six months of research and interviews by a committee jointly appointed the I.B.M. and S.A.M., plans for the event were approved early in July 2005 by the Boards of both organizations at annual meetings in Reno and Boston. Both the S.A.M. and I.B.M. will use the International Magic Competition in place of their regular conventions that year, and will hold their business meetings separately during the event. Both organizations will hold their annual conventions in 2006 and 2007 as usual. If this model is as successful as planned, it could be held again in five or six years.
The New Orleans venue was chosen for its combination of theaters, food and entertainment, and affordability for the 2000 attendees who are expected from all corners of the world. With nearly1300 rooms and 80,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, the organizing committee has selected the Marriott Hotel on the edge of the French Quarter as host hotel for the convention. The 2700 seat Saenger Theater and 1700 seat Orpheum Theater are within a few short blocks of the hotel. A recently completed trolley line also runs past the Marriott between the waterfront and theaters. The Marriott has guaranteed a special convention rate of $99.00 single or double occupancy.
Members of the organizing committee will continue to expand plans and staff during the summer months, with information and marketing programs set to begin in the fall. Organizing committee members are Joan Caesar, Andy Dallas, Brad Jacobs, Roger Miller, Hank Moorehouse and "Obie" O'Brien.
