January 5, 2012 - The Society of Young Magicians will present the “Weekend of Wonder” (WOW) on August 10, 11, 12, 2012 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Warwick Rhode Island. This highly successful total immersion weekend event, presented in 2008 and 2010, is being repeated, and will bring young magicians from around the country, under one roof, for a weekend of magic studies. In addition to the training, friendships are made and social activities, gifts and special attention are offered by experts in all fields of magic. For details see the brochure at www.magicsym.com/wow.asp

January 5, 2012 - Show Producer Marlene Clark is seeking to hire young performers for the “Stars of Tomorrow “ show, a professional stage show that features magicians ages 7 through 17. The show is part of the annual S.A.M. National Convention that will take place July 23 through July 26, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Each performer will receive a cash payment; two free convention registrations – one for the performer, the other for a parent or guardian; plus one year membership in the Society of Young Magicians. Click here for full details.

Posted December 10, 2011 - The Magic Endowment Fund is providing scholarships to youngsters between the ages of 12 to 18 to attend Magic Camp at either Bryn Mawr College, in Pennsylvania or Halliburton, Ontario, Canada. The Magic Endowment Fund is proud to offer the scholarships which it has done for the past 20 years. Involvement in the magical arts not only makes a crucial difference in the lives of youngsters during their formative years, it develops character and good traits and combats juvenile delinquency.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2012 Summer season for full tuition scholarships plus travel expenses to attend magic camp at either Tannen’s Magic Camp at their location in Bryn Mawr College, Pennsylvania for the week of July 7 to July 14, 2012, or the Sorcerer’s Summer Safari located near Toronto in Halliburton, Ontario, Canada, for the week of August 28 to September 2, 2012. Both camps are wonderful places for youngsters to learn new skills, improve their performance abilities and make new friends with similar interests. The campers study under some of the leading professionals, receive helpful critiques of their performance ability and attend classes which improve their skills.

All candidates must demonstrate existing talent and dedication to achieve improved magical performances and skills. Applications may be obtained by writing to the S.A.M. Magic Endowment Fund, Suite 39, 15 Warren Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601. A copy of the application and instructions may also be downloaded from the S.A.M. website by clicking here, or by e-mail, stating your mailing address, to warren@kapsbarto.com. The deadline for receipt of applications is May 15, 2012

Posted December 10, 2011 - The Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund is awarding a full tuition scholarship to a promising and aspiring magician to attend the Jeff McBride Extended Master Class at the McBride Magic & Mystery School in Las Vegas. Founded by Master Magician, Jeff McBride, the Magic & Mystery School is celebrated as "the world's most prestigious magic school" (BBC television). The winner of this scholarship will study with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, and the world-class faculty at an Extended Master Class being held in Las Vegas during the summer of 2012.

Do you want to study under some of the world’s best teachers of magic? Are you working on a magic act and need professional direction and coaching? You can achieve all of these goals by applying for a full tuition scholarship offered by the Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund.

The winner can choose which Extended Master Class to attend, either July 16-22, 2012, or August 13-19, 2012. The scholarship covers the full tuition of the Master Class, but the winner will be responsible for his or her transportation to Las Vegas, lodging and meals. Applicants must be at least 13 years of age. Otherwise, there is no age requirement to attend. (If the winner is under the age of 18, he or she must have a parent or guardian in Las Vegas during the week of the Master Class.)

All candidates must demonstrate existing talent and dedication to achieve improved magical performances and skills. Applications may be obtained by writing to the S.A.M. Magic Endowment Fund, Suite 39, 15 Warren Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601. A copy of the application and instructions may also be downloaded from the S.A.M. website by clicking here, or by e-mail, stating your mailing address, to warren@kapsbarto.com. The deadline for receipt of applications if May 15, 2012.

Posted November 17, 2011 - PARKER, COLORADO - The Parker Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Society of American Magicians Magic Center at the Mainstreet Center located at 19650 E. Main Street in Parker on Saturday, November 19 at 1:00 pm. The general public is invited.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be followed by a magic & illusion show at 2:00 pm in the main theater. The show features five award-winning magicians including Vinny Grosso, National President of the Society of American Magicians (S.A.M.), Mark Weidhaas and Mike Miller, both Past-National Presidents of the S.A.M., and youth magicians Timothy Cripe and Blake Neilson.

Tickets for the magic show are $10 and can be purchased at the Parker Chamber of Commerce or online at www.samMagicCenter.com. For more information call 303-362-0575.

"The S.A.M. Magic Center resides in the Mainstreet Gallery and includes a performance stage, research library and a magic museum," said Manon Rodriguez, National Administrator of the Society of American Magicians, adding, "Current collections on display include original costumes, show posters and magic props from legendary magicians including Howard Thurston, Doug Henning and Harry Houdini."

The S.A.M. Magic Center Foundation is a non-profit 501c3 corporation that promotes the performance and preserves the history of the magical arts. Donations are tax-deductable. Visiting hours are by appointment only. The museum exhibit will be open for free tours during the ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 19. For more information, call 303-362-0575.

Posted November 15, 2011 - The Society of American Magicians is proud to announce that David Copperfield will be the guest of honor at their national convention in Las Vegas in July 2012. During a Skype phone call from his island home on November 14, David graciously accepted our invitation. Producer John Apperson also announced that tickets for the Copperfield show at the MGM Grand will be part of the entertainment package for all those registered at the convention. This is a convention not to be missed! Great rates at the Golden Nugget, July 23-26, 2012. For the schedule and tentative lineup of performers plus registration information, please visit the SAM 2012 Convention page.

Posted September 22, 2011 - In New York on September 15, 2011, Vinny Grosso, National President of the Society of American Magicians, proclaimed the week of October 25 to October 31 as National Magic Week throughout the United States and Canada. For more than forty years the Society has recognized the anniversary of the death of Harry Houdini with a special "week" of events to highlight the charitable work of the Society throughout the year. For more details on the event and it's history and charitible benefits, please see the Magic Week page.

Posted September 14, 2011 - New York, NY - The Society of American Magicians (S.A.M.) will award illusionist David Copperfield their highest honor today, "Magician of the Century", and name him the ‘King of Magic,’ an award which has never before been given by the association. S.A.M., the oldest and most prestigious magic organization in the world founded in 1902 and led by past president Harry Houdini himself, is recognizing Copperfield for his efforts to preserve, promote and enhance the art of magic throughout his legendary career. Its esteemed national president, Vinny Grosso, says that Copperfield has, "accomplished more than anyone else in the field of magic today." Copperfield was named Magician of the Century for the last century, and Magician of the Millennium from other organizations.

Among his many achievements, S.A.M. highlighted Copperfield’s dedication to excellence which has earned him the Living Legend Award from The Library of Congress, the first Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame awarded to a living magician, a knighthood by the French government, 11 Guinness World Records and 21 Emmy awards. He has sold more tickets than any other solo artist in history and recently crossed $3 billion in ticket sales worldwide. In 1982, Copperfield created Project Magic, which teaches sleight-of-hand magic to those with disabilities as a method of physical and occupational therapy.

In addition, Copperfield is the creator and curator of the International Museum and Library of Conjuring Arts, which holds the world’s largest collection of historical magical artifacts, including Houdini's Water Torture Cell and Orson Welles' Buzz Saw Illusion.

The Society of American Magicians was founded on May 10, 1902 in Martinka's famous magic shop in New York City, New York. For over a century it has promoted the ideals shared by Kellar, Houdini, Thurston and over 45,000 others world-wide who have held membership in the society.

Copperfield said, "I’m humbled by the honor and grateful to be recognized by this great organization."

For more information, click here for a PDF download of the official proclamation.

Photo courtesy Billy Farrell, BFanyc.com. Click to view an enlarged copy.

Posted August 27, 2011 - The room rates in the original agreement have been LOWERED as follows:

If you see any ads stating a rate of $65.00, those are OLD ads! Now's the time to take advantage of this great new low rate and register today!

Posted July 21, 2011 - The International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Society of American Magicians have announced a unanimous agreement to hold a joint convention in St. Louis, Missouri on July 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 2014.

Following the success of the North American Championships of Magic recently held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the two organizations also will host the 2nd FISM North American Championship of Magic concurrently with the joint convention.

Venue for the five day event will be the 1075 room Renaissance St. Louis Grand Hotel, with 55,000 square feet of meeting space, located six blocks from the Gateway Arch and adjacent to two theaters under consideration for shows and contests.

The name of the convention will be the IBM/SAM 2014 Combined Convention. The steering committee has named Shawn Farquhar and Mark Weidhaas as co-chairs of the convention.

Posted June 29, 2011 - The Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund Scholarship Chairman, Warren J. Kaps, announced that four young magicians have been awarded scholarships to two magic camps this summer. As part of the Endowment Fund program, one will attend the Sorcerer's Safari Camp in Toronto, Canada, and three will go to Tannen's Magic Camp in suburban Pennsylvania. The winners are:

Sorcerer's Safari:

• Mario Seki (Age 13)

Tannen's Magic Camp:

• Sean Burke (age 14)
• David Laid (age 13)
• Yathundandh R. R. (age 13)

For full information, click here for a PDF of the winners with bios and information on the SAM Magic Endowment Fund.

Posted April 16, 2011 - The June 2011 issue of M-U-M will be issue number one of Volume 101, and this will officially mark the 100th anniversary of the best magazine in magic. This is a remarkable milestone for The Society of American Magicians. To commemorate this achievement, you are invited to purchase an ad offering congratulations. Please be a part of this historic occasion.

Special ad pricing has been made available: You must submit this immediately.

• A quarter-page ad (height: 4.875" width: 3.625") is only $100.
• An eighth-page ad (height: 2.25" width: 3.625") is only $50.

Contact advertising manager Mona Morrison at mona@monamorrison.com.

Posted March 17, 2011 - Several S.A.M. National Officers performed at Give Kids The World Village, a nonprofit resort in Kissimmee, Florida for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Included were RVP Jeff Sikora, National Secretary Marlene Szulczewski Clark, National First Vice President Chris Bontjes, National Second Vice President Dal Sanders, PNP John Apperson, RVP David W Bowers and his wife Judy Bowers, National President Mark Weidhaas, National President Elect Vinny Grosso and RVP Michael Roth. Click the image to enlarge.

Posted March 14, 2011 - The S.A.M. Magic Endowment fund has a Disaster Relief Fund for assistance to magicians who have sustained losses due to this current disaster. While it is too soon to ascertain who needs help, the fund is ready to reply to any requests from magicians and allied artists. Our contacts in Japan have been alerted that we are ready to assist and will handle the arrangements. If you or your Assembly wishes to donate funds, please send to:

Disaster Relief Fund
Society of American Magicians
234 Towyn Court
Lower Gwynedd, PA 19002

For more information on the Houdini Fund and how it assists magicians who have fallen ill or been injured, click here.

Posted March 3, 2011 - Applications are now being accepted for the summer season for full tuition scholarships plus travel expenses to attend magic camp at either Tannen’s Magic Camp (July 9 – July 16) at their location in Bryn Mawr College, Pennsylvania, or at the Sorcerer’s Safari (August 30 – September 4) located near Toronto in Haliburton, Ontario, Canada. The scholarships are made possible by a grant from the Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund, which has provided scholarships to youngsters between the ages of 10 to 18 years for the past eighteen years.

This year, a full scholarship is offered to attend the Extended Magic Class at the McBride’s Magic & Mystery School, located in Las Vegas, Nevada. The applicant may select either the Master Class from July 18 to July 24, 2011, or the Class on August 19 to August 25, 2011. The winner of the Extended Magic Class scholarship must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the week in Las Vegas, and each will be responsible for their lodgings in and transportation to Las Vegas, and meals.

The Magic Endowment Fund realizes that involvement in the magical arts can make a crucial difference in the lives of youngsters in their formative years. They develop magical skills that can help provide a positive mental attitude and a sense of accomplishment and achievement that can last their entire life. Magic camp is a wonderful place for youngsters to learn new skills and improve their performance in a convivial setting. Many magic campers have gone on to become full-time performers and all have been a credit to the magical arts.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate talent and dedication to a magical performing arts discipline. Applications may be obtained by either writing to the S.A.M. Magic Endowment Fund, 15 Warren Street, Suite 39, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601, or by e-mail, stating your mailing address, to kapsmagic@optimum.net. A copy of the application may also be downloaded from the S.A.M. website by clicking here.

* * * DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS IS MAY 10, 2011 * * *

March 1, 2011 - President Mark Weidhass announced today that Mr. David Ball of England has accepted the position of international Deputy for the UK. Mr. Ball is a former officer of the Magic Circle and succeeds the late Terry Seabrooke.

Posted January 30, 2011 - The Society of American Magicians (S.A.M.) has a long history of sharing and supporting our men and women in the armed forces. Harry Houdini, a Past President of the organization, often provided benefit programs for WW1 veterans. Many members of the S.A.M. have become proficient magicians with a deck of cards in a foxhole or off-duty. Current S.A.M. National President, Mark Weidhaas, announced at the U.S. Air Force Academy, that active military members can join the world's oldest and most prestigious magic organization with a special military discount. Weidhaas announced the annual rate for a paperless membership option will be $35.00 for active Military personnel. Included with this membership is a monthly subscription to the M-U-M e-zine edition, a downloadable magazine filled with tricks, advice, reviews and feature articles. Membership also allows initial access to local gatherings of like-minded members who can help mentor one-on-one. Other benefits include access to a the S.A.M. media library, Internet newsgroup, and an annual "members-only" convention. A desire to be a better magician is the main requirement to be a member, and membership will help fulfill that desire. Click here to join today!

Posted January 25, 2011 - Sharing-Awareness-Mentoring is a program started by the S.A.M. which aids magicians in their quest to use magic to help their communities, schools, and various charities. Much of the focus is on educating youth in areas such as peer pressure and bullying, drug abuse, health and safety. School show performer Bob Carroll heads this committee and with the help of Tech Chairman Bruce Kalver, PNP, has created the S.A.M.'s first truly interactive website. This special WIKI site allows members to learn about these special presentations and also allows them to contribute ideas and suggestions for each other. To contribute to this sight, you must be a member of the S.A.M. Simply visit the site and register to become a contributor. By sharing and mentoring each other, we can help spread important lessons to aid our youth in proper life decisions. To visit this page, please go to: www.magicsam.com/SAMSAM

Posted December 24, 2010 - The S.A.M. is seeking young performers for the Stars of Tomorrow Show, a professional stage show that features magicians ages 7 through 17. The show is part of the annual S.A.M. National Convention that will take place July 13-16, 2011, at the Wyndham Grand Downtown in Pittsburgh, PA.

Along with an application, interested young magicians should submit a video or DVD of the five-to-10-minutge stage act that they would like to perform in the show, a biography and a photo for the convention program. Young magicians interested in emceeing the show should also include samples of introductions, jokes, and emcee bits in their videos. The deadline for receiving applications is April 20, 2011.

For information and an application form, please click here to download an application in PDF format. You may also contact Marlene Clark, 435 Main St., Durham, CT 06422, by phone at 860-349-8149; email: afuntime@comcast.net

November 4, 2010 - John Degal, aka Montana's Santa, Assistant Professor of Magical Arts, Camelard College of Conjuring of Chemmis, Em Conspicienaus Miraculum, has agreed to become the Montana State Deputy for S.A.M. beginning in January 2011. He will be the first ever S.A.M. Deputy for Montana so it is a special honor to have him coming in as part of there Northwest Region team. Congratulations John.

October 24, 2010 - Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg proclaimed the week of October 25-31st as "Magic Week" in the City of New York, honoring the Society of American Magicians founded in 1902. Each year since the passing of Harry Houdini in 1926 the Society celebrates the work of its Members through "Magic Week" when it highlights its ongoing program of "performing special shows for seniors, children in day care centers and patients at hospitals, and furthering S.A.M.'s mission to bring the enjoyment of magic to people of all ages." Performances in the city and the history of the program are listed at http://www.magicsam.com/magicweek.asp. You may also view the mayor's proclamation here.

New York- October 1, 2010 - Mark Weidhaas, National President of the Society of American Magicians, proclaimed the week of October 25 to October 31 as National Magic Week throughout the United States and Canada. For more than forty years the Society has recognized the anniversary of the death of Harry Houdini with a special "week" of events to highlight the charitable work of the Society throughout the year.

Magic Week History

Houdini died at 1:26 PM on October 31 in 1926 and was president of the Society for the previous nine years. His grave is
in New York City. Click the image at the left to view the gravesite.

During the year the members of the S.A.M. perform for Senior Citizens in nursing homes, plus in VA Hospitals and for schools and libraries for children who cannot afford the luxury of live entertainment. The free shows are part of the service programs by its members. Magic Week is when the magicians can take their bows. Public magic events and exhibits will be taking place all over the country.

For more information, please visit the National Magic Week Page

September 26, 2010 - FROM JOHN ENGMAN, PRESIDENT, HALL OF FAME and MAGIC MUSEUM:

WARNING: PLEASE BE WARY of items for sale purportedly once belonging to the S.A.M. Hall of Fame and Magic Museum, Inc.

It has come to the attention of the officers of the S.A.M. Hall of Fame and Magic Museum, Inc. that a company in Los Angeles is listing a purported magical item for sale on e-Bay. This is a false claim. This item is a heavily damaged old trunk, disposed of along with other furniture items that have no significance to a magic collector. All magic and any magician-owned or related items and all Museum and Hall of Fame items are now in secure storage. Some decorative items, such as furniture and costumes, were disposed of; they were period pieces collected by the museum for display purposes only and are not magic related and were not previously owned by any magician; they are not magic collectibles.

Any claim to have letters of authenticity for this or any future items for sale by any seller that purports to relate to a magic collectible from the Hall of Fame is disputed and denied by the officers of the S.A.M. Hall of Fame and Magic Museum, Inc. All such claims are false and misleading. No magic or magic collectibles or any item of historical value has been disposed of by the museum.

The S.A.M. Hall of Fame and Magic Museum, Inc., its Board Members, and Volunteers are proud of its magical collection obtained honestly and legally throughout the years through the generous donation of magicians, their relatives, magic organizations and other lovers of the art of Magic. As a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the history of the Magical Arts, the Museum or any of its representatives will never sell or dispose of any true magical collectible or piece of magic history by any means. The Board is currently looking for a new permanent home for the Museum and its precious collections.

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.

September 3, 2010 - President Mark Weidhaas has announced that the next meeting of the National Council wil be held November 6th at AM at the Doubletree Hotel, 1775 E Cheyenne Mountain Blvd in Colorado Springs, CO. Special SAM rate is $69.00 (Use code "SAM" for reservations.) The Committee chairs and officers will hold their caucus on Friday November 5 at the same location. Early birds on Friday will be able to do site seeing at a Gold Mine! Saturday after meeting events are planned such as one to the Garden of the Gods and a surprise magic show in the evening.

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.

Posted July 13, 2010 - Continuing its long tradition the Milbourne Christopher Foundation presented its annual awards during the Installation Banquet at the S.A.M Annual Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, July 3. The MCF honors the memory and accomplishments of a Past President (1957-1958), Author and Historian, Performer, Editor and World Traveler. This year’s honorees are Johnny Ace Palmer (Close Up); Johnny & Pam Thompson (Masters of Magic); Joseph Gabriel (Illusionist); PNP Michael Miller (Ambassador Award); and John Harrison (Literary Award). Image courtesy of Dale Farris, click to enlarge.

Posted July 10, 2010 - The contest chairperson has released the names of the all the winners at the Atlanta Comnvention. Here are the recipients of awards for The S.A.M. Contest:

Close-up:

• Chairperson's High Score Award - Johan Stahl
• Second Highest Score Award - Chaz King
• People's Choice Award - Johan Stahl

Stage Contest:

• Chairperson's High Score Award - Ito Shinichiro
• Second Highest Score Award - Andy Hung (Andost)
• People's Choice Award - Ito Shinichiro
• Originality Award (to be presented in 2011) - Andy Hung (Andost)
• Mystic Craig Award for Professional Promise - Eric Gilliam

Presidential Award - Close-up: Brian Roberts
Presidential Award - Stage: Andy Hung (Andost)

Posted July 7, 2010 - Tom Prete Assembly 127 of Wallingford, CT, will celebrate its 30th annual New England Magicians Conference (NEMCON) on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Cromwell, Connecticut.

The all-star lineup for this great one-day event includes 16 year-old Reuben Moreland, 1st place winner, Long Island Magic Arts Convention; Dean of American Magicians, ("Mr. Showbiz") George Schindler; Geoff Williams, First Place winner in Stage, Close-Up and Comedy categories at the annual Houdini Magic Convention; Angela Funovits, who is ranked among the "Best of 2009" by Corporate Entertainer Magazine and runner up on NBC's primetime series "Phenomenon"; Oscar Munoz winner of the IBM Gold cup and SAM First Place Gold Medal Competition; Rocco Silano, winner of the Worlds Most Original Magician at the 2006 FISM in Stockholm; and Eric DeCamps, winner of the prestigious SAM Gold Medal of Excellence for Close Up Magic.

The conference will honor Assembly 127 member and NEMCON dealer chairman Patrick Guida for his contributions to Assembly 127 and his tireless contributions to NEMCON. The fun begins at 9:30 A.M. and includes a close-up show, 3 lectures, 13 dealers, a silent auction to support the Tom Prete Scholarship for the Arts, and a Gala All-Star evening show. Information is available at www.ctNEMCON.com or by contacting conference chairman Henry Holava at 203-238-1940 or email HHolava@ctnemcon.com.

Posted May 16, 2010 - The Society of Young Magicians invites kids to attend a three day weekend of concentrated magic, with special sessions for young people between the ages of 7 and 17 on all aspects of the art taught by professionals, all famous magicians. Whether you are a beginner or already performing magic shows you will have great fun and benefit by learning from experts, all well known in their fields, who are youth approved mentors. The three day event covers illusions, escapes, card and coin magic, close-up, stage and parlor magic. All sessions are for kids only. You will especially enjoy the "Kids Do Magic for Kids" show and an "All Star Magic Revue."

FAQ:

Where can I get all the details of this fabulous magical WOW weekend? For more information, please see the information on the SYM Website at http://www.magicsym.com/wow.asp

When is it? - July 23, 24, 25, 2010.

Where? - Ontario -California at the Doubletree Hotel – Ontario Airport - 1-800-222-TREE (Special WOW rate of $89.00 single/double)

How much does it cost? If registering before July 1 each SYM Member pays only $150.00. If you are not a member the price is $170.00, which includes a membership. Parent or guardian pays $75.00. (After July 1 add $25.00 to each category)

Who are some of the famous magicians I will meet?

Scheduled Guest performers and mentors (subject to change):

• Mark Cannon- Escape Artist
• Tony Clark- Birds and illusions
• Sterling- A young Las Vegas World Seminar winner
• Shawn Farquhar- World Champion Magician
• Bruce Kalver- Past National President of Society of American Magicians
• "Ice" McDonald- International performer with his famous Macaw
• George Schindler- Magicomedian and author" Dean of Magicians
• Joel Ward- Young magic rising star
• Alan Zagorski- Illusions

YOU CAN SAVE $25.00 IF YOU REGISTER EARLY RATES INCREASE JULY 1

Posted January 30, 2010 - S.A.M Executive officers and their counterparts, met at the IBM mid-year meeting in San Diego to discuss mutual goals to help build both organizations. Meaningful discussions included topics such as FISM, Ethics, Convention Planning and Membership goals. Seated left to right: IBM President-Elect Rolando Sanchez, IBM President Jack White, SAM President Mike Miller, Standing, left to right: SAM 2nd VP Chris Bontjes, SAM President-Elect Mark Weidhaas, IBM VP Vanny Pule, SAM 1st VP Vinny Grosso.

Posted November 27, 2009 - The SAM Area's Best Recruiter Award (ABRA)

The Society of American Magicians is encouraging you to be involved in the latest membership campaign with a special contest: Win one year free extended membership in the SAM ($65 value - 11 to be awarded) AND a free Atlanta Convention Registration ($260 value)

• Campaign begins December 1, 2009 and ends May 1, 2010
• Open to all SAM Members in good standing (excluding National Council
• Recruit at least 3 new SAM adult members (excluding trial members)
• One Free extended Membership awarded to the top recruiter in each Region.
• Grand Prize of one Free Atlanta Convention Registration to the recruiter bringing in the most members.
• Winners will be honored by the National President in Atlanta and in M-U-M
• Inform the National Administrator by May 1 that you are the designated sponsor of the new recruits: samadministrator@magicsam.com or 775-751-0505
• Tie breakers to be determined by the Membership Committee.

We are providing extra tools to help you succeed: Free October issues of MUM (contact the administrator), the $45 Paperless Member Option, Four Free Nielsen Posters to new recruits December - February, I Have a Friend in the SAM collector pins. GOOD LUCK!

Questions? Contact Mark Weidhaas, presidentelect@magicsam.com or 719-637-9965.

Posted November 12, 2009 - S.A.M. Members attending the annual Broken Wand Ceremony at the Houdini Grave Site, Nov 10, 2009. PA#1 members left to right are Paul Hsiao, Jim Stranges, Bruce Lish, Rabbi Noach Valley, George Schindler, Arthur Ashendorf, and Rabbi Jack Glickman, Plus Tony Corrao of Assembly #77. Click the image to enlarge.

Posted September 17, 2009 - www.flypmedia.com has a great story on New York's Magic Table at the Cafe Edison. Featured names include Mike Bornstein, George Schindler, Jerry Oppenheimer, Eric DeCamps, and more! Click here to view - be sure to flip the pages! Why not join us on Fridays?

Posted September 5, 2009 - The Trustees of the S.A.M. Magic Endowment Fund have recently voted to continue the popular lecture program started a number of years ago to provide free magic lectures to those Assemblies that did not get them in the past. Click Here for full information!

Posted August 23, 2009 - If you've been curious about the Society of American Magicians, you can experience what the world's oldest and most prestigious organization has to offer by taking advantage of the S.A.M. Trial Membership option. Trial Membership is a four month, temporary membership option that gives you the advantages of full membership, without a long term commitment. Click here for full details, FAQs and info to pass along to your friends!

Posted July 29, 2009 - At the annual meeting of the Society of American Magicians, the S.A.M. National Council unveiled a new, eco-friendly option for new and renewing members. Members may choose to go "paperless". For many months, M-U-M, the official magazine of the S.A.M., has been available on-line. The e-edition continues to be available as one of the many benefits the S.A.M. offers to its members.

In an effort to save paper, trees and mailing expenses both in the U.S. and abroad, the council voted a special savings to those who choose not to receive the printed version of M-U-M. All other full membership benefits will not change, and printed copies will be made available when requested.

See a FAQ list and all the details allowing new and renewing members to pay only $45.00 of the usual; $65.00 fee.