Hi there, and a Happy New Year to you all.

I was planning on visiting later this year, an old magic friend in Florida that I met at the IBM in Eastbourne about 10 yrs ago. As it happened he dropped me a Christmas email and in it he asked if would be going to the IBM in Miami this year. I wondered whether I could change my holidays at work and tie the convention it with the convention. I then checked the dates of the convention and it just so happens that the week I was planning on visiting coincides with the IBM convention in Miami!
Too good an opportunity to miss I think!

As ive never been to any conventions outside the UK, can anyone give me an idea of what to expect, ie no's attending, events, competitions and if anyone knows who is going to be there this year. I regularly go to the Blackpool Convention and the UK IBM so I'm wondering how big an event the USA one is in comparison.

I will be travelling alone so if any of you guys would like to meet up, give me a shout.

hope to hear from you soon

Paul

I have never been there, but I will be there this year. I know of two other guys from my local magic club that will be going too. Ben Proudfoot, and Patrick Drake.
http://www.benproudfoot.com
http://www.patrickdrake.com
and this is my site, just so you know who to look for!
http://www.corygallupe.piczo.com

Hope to se you there!-Cory.

Here you go: http://www.ring45.com/

That's my old Miami Ring. Tell Oliver, Maria and Fantasio HI from me.

Greg

Say Hi for me to Rick Del Vecchio and Martha. Thank you.

Paolo Venturini

Have not seen the whole line-up yet, but I will be performing there this year. Stop by and say hi!

How many registrants are there at the IBM convention usually?

Seeing as I am in West Palm Beach about 30 minutes North of Miami I plan on attending but what exactly happens there? Are there major shows I could go to for free seeing as I am joining an IBM Ring? Where is a schedule of events?

There's way too much to describe in a simple forum message. Trust me, you'll have a GREAT time!

There are shows each day, plus lectures and special events, all included in the registration price. There may be a few extra cost things like award banquet dinners and such, but for the most part everything is included.

You can find a schedule at http://www.magician.org

But could I bring a new person to watch the shows? Is it all in one building?

Turns out Ben and Patrick can't make it. I guess Im alone.
Oh well, hope to see you there.

Typically, the answer is "no" the shows are for registered members. Usually guests have to pay the same fees as members. Sometimes however, if seats are empty they might allow a guest or spouse to attend, but you won't know for sure until you get there.

Most, but not all, the events are at the host hotel. If there's no theater space available, they'll bus you to the remote theater site.

Oh bummer because I'm 16 so it would be easier for me to go if my dad could join me. I just checked the site and WOW is the registration fee high or what?!

Check the other thread about Convention pricing. Balance that against multiple shows, lectures, special events, etc... It's really a bargain!