March 30, 2011 - While not part of the regular S.A.M convention events, David and Dania have offered those interested in learning their unusual techniques a lecture where they will teach their incredible Styles, Techniques, Construction and Know-How, at a rare one time only event. You do not have to be registered at the S.A.M. convention to attend this Workshop. Limited to no more than fifty people. This one could sell out FAST! - Magicians Only - Friday afternoon, July 15, 2100 at 1 PM; Fee: $250.00. Early birds and S.A.M convention registrants will receive a $25.00 discount. Apply on or after July 13 at the S.A.M. desk.

March 30, 2011 - Life Member chairman Clem Kinnicutt announced that Maurine Christopher will be the guest of honor at the annual Life Members meeting at the S. A .M. Convention in Pittsburg. As customary she will be on hand to make presentations of the annual Milbourne Christopher Foundation Awards at the Banquet. This is always a prestigious event horning celebrated magicians and recognizing their contributions to the art of magic.

March 4, 2011 - Since 1956 Bob Little has attended over 1000 magic conventions, averaging 30 per year or more!. Nowadays he averages only 15 per year which includes one-day events, in Europe, Japan and the US. He will be at the S.A.M. convention as always, in Pittsburgh, PA July 13 - 16. Be sure to say hello to Bob and the 22 dealers already booked!

February 15, 2011 - "Pennsylvania and Ohio Face Off" is the title of a Close-Up Special Event scheduled for Saturday afternoon, July 16 at the at the S. A. M convention in Pittsburgh. Four prize-winning close-up artists from each of the two states will face off. In this corner from PA: Paul Gertner and Marc Desouza, plus Ohioans Joshua Jay and Ed Ellis.

January 25, 2011 - Comedy mentalist/magicians Christian and Katalina have been added to the great talent lineup at the S. A. M Convention. Watch Christian and Katalina perform and you find yourself in a bizarre carnival like world where they twist and change the laws of physics. At one moment you will sit in jaw dropping amazement as this powerful duo just predicted your every decision and then you will laugh out loud as Christian tickles your brain. The act will appear at the traditional International Awards Banquet on Saturday evening July 16. View their bio here.

January 10, 2011 - As many of you know, the S.A.M. National Convention in Pittsburgh this coming July will be dedicated to Hank Moorehouse. There are very few members of our Society who can match the dedication and service that Hank has given our organization for nearly half a century. For many years Hank served as talent chairman for our national convention and established our unparalleled reputation for always providing new and unique talent at our conventions. Our reputation today rests firmly on the foundation built by Hank. In addition Hank has served us by serving other organizations, as well � The Magic Circle and F.I.S.M., for example. Indeed, he commands the respect of the entire world of magic, and has carried the name of the S.A.M. around the globe. Here is your chance to say "Thank You" in a convention program that Hank and Jackie will treasure for years to come. Click here for ad rates and more information.

January 10, 2011 - Comedy Acts always add flavor to convention shows and this year's S.A.M convention will be real tasty. We're looking forward to seeing the guy who had us laughing and came away with second prize at the 2008 IBM/SAM convention Dave Kaplan. It is always rare to find a comedy act winning these awards. And we have a few funny men you may not have seen before, such as the act described as "mentally irregular, bonkers, buggy, cracked, kooky, loco, loony, loopy, nutty, wacky." Two guys called "Haywire" will have you in tears from laughter. Favorite comedy juggler Howard Mincone makes a return appearance by popular demand, plus the antics of Bill Cornelius... and the guy who made it big at Elmo's Rib Shop, John Hromada. You've got to be there to enjoy it all. Register early at www.magicsam.com/samshop/convreg.asp Hold the dates! July 13-16, 2011. Call the Wyndham Grand for the special S.A.M rates- 412-391-4600

November 15, 2010 - The Saturday Night Gala at the upcoming S. A .M. Convention will feature a battery of winners. Remember the great IBM/SAM Convention in Louisville? Who was it that walked away with the $10,000 Stage Award? The same guy who won the top award at the World Seminar earlier that year. Yes. It was that Korean guy whose great original card manipulations won him third place at FISM last summer. His name is An Ha Lim. We proudly announce that he will join a battery of many other "Award Winners". When? July 13-16 2011 in Pittsburgh. See a sneak preview of some other acts already booked on this page. Register now. Rates go up in March.

October 27, 2010 - America's Got Talent star, Michael Grasso, has been booked as a headliner for the S.A.M National Convention in Pittsburgh. The first ever magician to reach the TOP 10 of AGT finalists and featured in MAGIC Magazine's November issue, Michael will be taking a break from the AGT tour to appear on the Saturday night Gala Show in the Byham Theater. He will be joining other award-winning close-up and stage artists being booked for the "two conventions in one" taking place July 13-16, 2011.

The S.A.M. also will be hosting the first ever FISM sanctioned contest of magic, guaranteeing up to 15 finalists a slot to compete in the World Championship of Magic in 2012. Competing over three days of the convention, the North American stage and close-up Champion of Magic will be also crowned as the result of one final contest to select the best of the best.

Other stage and close-up galas, Stars of Tomorrow show, President's reception, tribute to Hank Moorehouse, young magicians activities, dealer's show, and sightseeing to popular venues are all part of the four day conference. Full contest details, convention schedule, stars of magic to appear, and registration information may be found at www.magicsam.com/SAM2011.

September 20, 2010 - Producer John Apperson announced that the 2011 honoree at the annual Society of American Magicians' convention will be Hank Moorehouse. Hank is a Past National President of the S. A.M. (1981-1982) and is an Honorary and a Life Member.

Moorehouse is best known for his sixteen years as Executive Show producer having booked more than five hundred performers from the U.S. and abroad for .S.A.M conventions. Hank's efforts have brought more than thirty-fiveoverseas artists to the U.S. for the first time and improved the face of all magic conventions with his keen sense of magical talent. Moorehouse is recognized around the world and most recently was the Artistic Directorfor both the combined IBM-SAM Convention in 2008 and 2009 FISM Championships in Beijing, China. He still finds time to act as a magic dealer and performer and is one of the best known emcees in the magic fraternity.

Colorado Springs, CO, August 20, 2010 - The Society of American Magicians will be hosting the North American Championship of Magic as an integral part of its annual four day convention to be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, July 13-16, 2011, it was announced today by Mark Weidhaas, S.A.M. President.

In addition to its stellar line up of gala shows, lectures and other popular events for young and old magic enthusiasts, the convention will be holding up to six contests of magic to accommodate the 50 contestants who will be selected to compete for the title of North American Champion of Magic. Multiple winners across six categories of magic will be guaranteed a position if they wish to compete at the FISM World Championship of Magic to be held in Blackpool, England, in July 2012.

All contest applicants must be a member of either the Society of American Magicians, the International Brotherhood of Magicians, the Canadian Association of Magicians or the Academy of Magical Arts. They must submit an application plus a DVD of their act by April 15, 2011 to be reviewed for an acceptable quality level by a preliminary judging panel who will decide the final acts for the competition. Contestants selected for the competition are required to be registered for the convention A full description of contest rules, fees, requirements and procedures is available here: www.magicsam.com/SAM2011/contest.asp

The Society of American Magicians, founded in 1902, is the world's oldest international organization devoted exclusively to advancing magic as an art throughout the world as well as elevating its ethical standards for professionals, amateurs, hobbyists and collectors.