The "Texas Houdini" - One of America’s best known Houdini collectors and well known speaker on the subject will speak about Houdini's life in 1924 and his tour to Texas in that era. He wrote the book on Houdini's Texas Tours (1916 & 1923,) and will compare those tours with his much different tour in 1924. Ron authored four other books on magic and is considered one of the leading authorities in the field , This is a "must see" event.

As a magician, M.C. and comedian, Bill Clary has performed over 29,600 shows in 17 countries on 101 international tours. Bill has appeared in motion pictures with Burt Reynolds, Jim Nabors, Lonnie Anderson, and Chuck Norris. He has entertained with Brooks & Dunn, Clint Eastwood, Jeff Foxworthy, Trisha Yearwood, Carol Channing, Dizzy Gillespie, Rich Little, Raquel Welch, Phylicia Rashad, Bill Cosby, Glen Campbell, and Martina McBride. He has appeared over 100 times in Las Vegas hotels and on 127 college campuses. At Bill's Coca-Cola sponsored "Theatre of Illusion" at Six Flags Over Georgia, during 13,300 performances, 6.5 million people enjoyed his show.

Michael Close is an internationally known performer, creator, author, and lecturer, and he is the current editor of M-U-M, the magazine of The Society of American Magicians. His five-volume Workers series has been hailed as a modern classic. His most recent project is the two-DVD set Michael Close: Devious, produced by L&L Publications. He makes his home in Las Vegas with his wife Lisa and his daughter Ava.

Aldo Colombini moved to the United States from Italy in 1993 and has taken the country by storm! He has performed in over 60 countries including every European country, the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, South Africa, China and South America. He is a F.I.S.M. prizewinner, one of the most prestigious awards in the world of magic. Voted by the Academy of Magical Arts, Hollywood, California,he was TWICE Parlor magician of the year, nominated for best Close-up magician of the year, Best stage performer of the year and for Best COMEDY act of the year. In the history of the Magic Castle is the ONLY magician to be nominated in all six categories: Comedy, Stage, Close-up, Parlor, Bar magician and Lecturer. Aldo has written and published dozens books on magic, produced many DVDs and created many magical effects used by magicians all over the world. He also lectures on magic worldwide and was nominated by the Academy of Magical Arts TWICE Lecturer of the Year.

Rachel Colombini moved to the United States in 1998 following an earlier career working for one of the largest corporate organizations in Britain. Magic had been a life long hobby and in 1993 Rachel decided to fulfill her ambition of making magic her profession and opened a magic shop in Stockport England. and Rachel specialized in creating her own line of products. She spent the next few years displaying her creations and lecturing on magic at various magic conventions before moving to the States. Rachel is an accomplished full time performer in both stage and close-up magic at both private and corporate events as well as on the magic circuit having lectured in over 30 countries and is one of very few accomplished female magicians in all aspects of the art.

P.N.P. Andy Dallas has been fascinated with the carnival and midway since the age of five. As a carnival showman, Andy traveled with touring carnivals primarily in the Midwest exhibiting a sideshow called "Lena the Headless Wonder". Andy was interviewed about the mysterious carnival lifestyle on a national television show "You Asked for It". As a lecturer and consultant on life in the carnival, Andy has provided valuable information to law enforcement, researchers, and the magic community regarding carnival crime deception practices and fraud. If you have ever been in Andy's shop and office, you will find yourself surrounded by carnival collectibles, memorabilia, and games. If you play the gamers, don't expect to win!

is 16 years old, and is from the Los Angeles area. He has been performing magic for 6 years, and is an active member of the Magic Castle Junior program. He performs regularly at the Magic Castle in Hollywood in the Close up Gallery and the Palace of Mystery the last three years during Future Stars week. His television appearances include the 2008 World Magic Awards, where he was voted Best Teen Magician. Kyle prefers to take older, classic magic effects and develop new presentations, writing his own material. He uses his dry wit to portray a socially challenged, somewhat insecure individual, with just the right touch of cynicism, to create a unique stage persona.

Omar Ferret and his wife Anabel were both born in Havana, Cuba. Omar's interest in magic started at age 13. His mentor, a Cuban magician named Mago Aladini took Omar under his wing, teaching Omar his first magical effects. In 1985 Omar started his professional career performing magic in the Government owned National Circus. In 1995 Omar took the first place award in the Close-up contest at the FLASOMA Convention which was held in Mexico, City Mexico. This lead to a three year contract to perform on the Italian Cruise ship, Costa Cruceros. In 1997 Omar won first prize in the Close-up contest at the Intermagic 97 Convention in Colombia, South America. From 1998 to 2006 Omar and Anabel, whom he met in 1999, worked together in Hotels and Cruise ships in Cuba, Spain, France and Colombia. You may remember them for their stunning performance at the combined IBM/SAM Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.

Dan Garrett) is a full-time professional having magic as his avocation since the age of 10. Dan has performed and lectured extensively across the United States, Canada, South America, the UK and continental Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. He has performed and emceed at numerous magic conventions worldwide. Dan was one of the 'dream team' of close-up magicians chosen to perform at the Inaugural Candlelight Dinner for President George W. Bush in Washington, DC. Credentials include Past National President of S.A.M., FISM Delegate in Yokahama, Japan (1994), MIMC w/Gold Star (and recently appointed Regional Representative for The Magic Circle in the southeastern US), Board of Directors for Obie's 4F Close-up Convention, and Guest of Honor at FFFF with his friend and comedy partner Gene Anderson. Currently Dan is Greater Atlanta Magician of the Year by vote of his peers in I.B.M. and S.A.M. Of all the blessings magic has brought him, Dan Garrett treasures his many friendships the most.

S.A.M. members are familiar with David Goodsell, past national president and former editor of M-U-M Magazine for many years. He is the recipient of both the Christopher Foundation award for literature and an Academy of Magical Arts (the Magic Castle) literary fellowship, and has received several awards from the S.A.M. including Honorary membership. He holds an M.I.M.C. with Gold Star degree in The Magic Circle (London) and is a 40 year member of both the S.A.M. and the I.B.M. His recent efforts have produced Finding Dariel Fitzkee, the definitive biography of that famous magician, Oracle Magic Magazine (with the late Larry White), and several marketed tricks. David's lecture for the S.A.M. Atlanta Convention is titled: 'TRICKS & TREATS." David was greatly influenced by his good friend, the late Karrell Fox. Simplicity + Creativity = Foolers! Half of David's lecture will feature quick, straight-forward magic that will surprise and confound your audience. Work them into your show or simply entertain your friends at the next club meeting. The other half he calls Story Magic: Memories of days gone by, a little tug at heartstrings, maybe a hint at the supernatural.

Whit "Pop" Haydn is that strangest of creatures, an honest cheat--a fake scoundrel. Whether on stage or performing close-up magic at an elegant private party, Pop combines his magic with the wit and charm of a professional con artist and the deftness of a pickpocket. Caesars chose Pop Haydn to be one of the acts to open the new $60 million Caesars Magical Empire at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. He has also performed at Caesars Tahoe, and at other casinos. Whit works on some of the world’s largest and most prestigious cruise ships—including the QE 2, the Norway, and the Westerdam. He has performed as the opening act for Jerry Seinfeld, Loretta Lynn, Gallagher, and others.

Courtesy Bruce Chadwick.

A member of both SAM, IBM and the Academy of Magical Arts , Eric has astounded his audiences with his unique brand of coin and card magic. He is a regular at the FFFF close-up convention and has lectured and. appeared at the World Magic Seminar, and for many magic clubs around the country . He currently has several products on the market and will introduce his new DVD in Atlanta.

Debbie was voted 2006 Greater Atlanta Magician of the Year. and has performed more than 350 shows in Japan and China, and entertained on eight Caribbean cruises. She appeared with Ray Charles, Mariah Carey, Tina Turner, Joan Rivers, Gladys Knight, the Village People, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Highlights of her career include being invited to teach magic to Muhammad Ali, and entertaining President George H.W. Bush, two Governors of Georgia, three Mayors of Atlanta, and the entire Georgia Supreme Court. Debbie has appeared on Good Day Atlanta five times, and was the subject of a chapter titled Wonder Woman in the book A Career In Magic. Debbie is Immediate Past President of I.B.M. Ring 9, and she is honored to serve as National Chairperson of the S.A.M. Veterans Entertainment Committee.

Alexander 'Sandy' Marshall is author of the critically acclaimed new book, Beating a Dead Horse: The Life and Times of Jay Marshall. A multiple Emmy Award-winner, he has more than forty years' experience as a writer, director, producer, and actor. Sandy has also won the Clio Award, Golden Eagle, Gold medals at the New York Film & TV Festival, and a dozen international awards. His Emmy Award-winning film, The Revenge of the Sons of the Desert, was released on The Laurel & Hardy Collection Volume 1 by Twentieth Century Fox. Sandy's play, And in the End: The Death and Life of John Lennon, received outstanding reviews in both Great Britain and Australia. Recently, he has produced the shows Carny Trash, Short Guys with Glasses, and Fooling Buddha. No stranger to magic, Sandy is related to two Deans of the Society of American Magicians: his grandfather, Al Baker, and his father, Jay Marshall. Sandy divides his time between New York City and Chicago writing, producing, and creating magic. His column, 'Sandy's Rants' appears in The Newest Tops (www.topsmag.com). He is guest professor at Syracuse University, an avid Cubs fan, and insists anybody can have a bad century. Photo courtesy David Linsell.

has combined four lectures into one super lecture that will cover topics from Showmanship to Presentation. Marketing, Tradeshow Effects to Boardroom Negotiations, as well as Doves effects. Ice will also teach effects. Come and see if you have what Ice calls Magic Swagger. Ice personally guarantees that you will gain some knowledge from his presentation. You met him on the cover of the M-U-M in January with a great story about this incredible performer.

When Johnny Ace Palmer earned the title of World Champion Magician in 1988, he was the first close-up magician in history to receive that award, called the Grand Prix. Johnny received the award at the FISM convention, where competing magicians from 47 countries witnessed his award winning act. The Grand Prix is awarded once every three years. In addition, Johnny was voted Best Close-Up Magician at the Magic Castle in Hollywood two years in a row (1987, 1988) and Lecturer of the Year (1996, 1999). He is also the only magician to receive both the International Brotherhood of Magicians' Gold Cups Award of Excellence (1983) and the Society of American Magicians' (SAM) Gold Medal Award of Honor (1986). He will be doing a “hard core” lecture at the S A M Convention.

The Reed sisters, Jessica, Shayna, and Mandy, have amazed audiences all over the world. They have been featured on the cover of the International Brotherhood of Magician's monthly magazine, "The Linking Ring." In 2001, Jessica won first place at the International Brotherhood of Magicians in Orlando, Florida. In 2007, Shayna won first place at the World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas, NV. Just recently the three of them returned from performing in France. They have combined their award winning acts to form an act that they call "The Sister Act." In this high energy act they combine illusions, comedy, and drama to make it fun for all ages. Their charismatic on-stage presence makes their act one not to be missed.

has over 20 years of experience, performing over 350 shows a year. He is a two-time winner of the Greater Atlanta Magician of the Year award. Ken was featured on CNN Headline News, where he headlined their segment on A Day of Magic. Ken performs yearly in Hollywood, California at The World Famous Magic Castle. Ken has also performed FIVE times at the White House.

Two-Time "Greater Atlanta Magician of the Year", Paul has been entertaining audiences for over 30 years. A magician's magician, he was a winner in Close-Up competitions at the Atlanta Harvest of Magic, Winter Carnival of Magic, SouthEastern Association of Magicians Convention, South Carolina Association of Magicians Convention, and the International Battle of Magicians. Paul's magic has been mentioned in works by Michael Ammar, Dan Garrett and Chris Kenner. He has been president or vice-president multiple times in the Georgia Magic Club. Paul's unique style of magic and comedy has made him a popular staple for audiences everywhere.

This exciting magic team is originally from Bulgaria and came the U.S. after many appearance on cruise ships throughout Europe, Greece, Cypress, Israel , South Korea and Japan. Ekaterina was a processional ballerina with the Bulgarian State Opera Company until she met Stoil in 1993. Using comedy and costume changes , the team's energy level offers an exciting magical experience. TYheuy have entertained audiences around the country from New York to the casinos of Las Vegas to the Magic Castle in Hollywood ,where they make their home. Be prepared to be amazed and surprised every moment they are on stage.

is a member of the Society of American Magicians, the International Brotherhood of Magicians, the Texas Association of Magicians, and Fechter's Finger Flicking Frolic. He has competed in magic contests at the local, regional, and national levels and has won awards in close-up, comedy, and stage magic. At the SAM 2009 National Convention in Buffalo, he won the rarely-awarded Seabrooke Red Seal Comedy Award as well as the Brad Jacob's People's Choice Award for the Stage Contest. Michael's mastery of the craft, combined with his innovative and original presentations, is a testament to his dedication and commitment to the art of magic.

has taken magical entertainment in a new direction of performance art by combining magic and theatre in an innovative and artful way. Highly acclaimed by his peers as "one of the most unique acts in the world of magic today," Arthur Trace is the eighth magician in the history of magic to be awarded The International Brotherhood of Magicians "Gold Medal International Award of Excellence." In 2006 he became a FISM award winner at the World Championship of Magic in Stockholm. In 2007 millions of television viewers watched as Arthur was awarded the "Best Cabaret Magic" award at The World Magic Awards on My Network TV. And in 2009, Arthur was a featured performer on the hit TV series Masters of Illusion. When not performing abroad, Arthur Trace can be found performing at Hollywood's world-famous Magic Castle. Watch Arthur perform and find out why the Chicago Tribune called him "one of magic's bona fide superstars!"

Professional magician, speaker and M.C. Joe M. Turner is a corporate entertainment specialist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He creates customized corporate magic presentations for promotional, motivational and entertainment events in the United States and Canada. By adapting his performances to entertain and amaze his audiences while emphasizing specific marketing or inspirational messages, Mr. Turner has developed a niche as "America's Corporate Conjuror." He has also served as a magic consultant, writer and director for theatre, film and cause-related promotional projects on the national scale. Mr. Turner has entertained prominent elected officials, sports figures, corporate leaders and other celebrities. He has been featured in numerous television, radio and print appearances, including Good Morning America, Nightline, and a highly rated feature on CNN Headline News.

Bruce Walstad was with the Franklin Park Police Department (a suburb of Chicago) from 1975 to 2001 He was a Investigator and Juvenile Officer. He Is best known for his training seminars, one of which was on 'Carnivals and Carnival Game Fraud' Bruce has also acted as a consultant on fraud and con games to most all network news and talk shows and has appeared on national TV with Oprah, Maury Povich, Geraldo Rivera, and on many other shows . Bruce is also a professional magician and has performed over 2,000 shows during the past 30 years. Bruce is the current president (6 terms) of the Gulf Coast Magicians Guild (SAM Assembly 129 and IBM Ring 287) in Pensacola, Florida. What better way is there to scam our convention attendees, than to hire and expert for the "Atlanta Circus Side Show?"

is an accomplished magician who has an act featuring the character Skilldini. He is also a professional stand up comedy magician who can present after dinner entertainment, hospitality work close up, or custom work. One thing for certain, if you get Tim Wright to work as Skilldini or in any venue, you will be pleased with the outcome.

Whit Haydn

Joe M. Turner

Stoil & Ekaterina: