The Innovention 2010
Suncoast Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas

4th - 7th October
Report and photo by Rick Tynan

 

Paul Stone's Innovention delivered everything it promised. It was an intimate and friendly convention with between 250-300 conventioneers in a fantastic location dedicated to giving enthusiastic magicians the opportunity to experience magical excellence at close quarters. The support for the Innovention amongst British magicians was strong. There were 25 on our flight from Gatwick and we soon met up with others as they arrived on different flights. It was good to see Pat Fallon representing Ireland.

This was a convention with a difference. The schedule was carefully constructed to ensure that participants could attend every event on the programme. The specially selected dealers were open only at times that did not clash with sessions and the hall was busy but never overcrowded. There was plenty of opportunity to browse and chat over items for sale. The late night 'hang-out' zone at the back of TGIs was popular and there was much mingling of performers and conventioneers. The list of great contributors was exceptional and the whole experience was, for me, inspirational.

On the first night the welcome reception saw many old acquaintances renewed and new friendships struck. Alan Bursky hosted a glittering comedy chat panel featuring Mac King, The Amazing Jonathon and the incomparable Johnny Thompson. A surprise addition to the panel was Tom Mullica. A great first night entertainment.

Over the next three days there was a variety of high quality workshops, lectures, performances and special events. The lecture and workshop list was awesome:

Brian Egerton – Website optimisation
Paul Stone and Gene Anderson - Nemo Rising Cards
Lennart Green – Late Night Lennart
Seth Kramer – Trade Show Magic
Richard McDougall – Stage Craft
Shep Hyken – Moments of Magic in Business
Joanie Spina – Developing an Act with Music
Teller – The 'Red Ball' Lecture
Gaetan Bloom – Gaetan's Creative Magic

The highlight of the entire convention had to be Teller's Red Ball Lecture, a piece of pure theatre in its own right. It was truly a privilege to be in the audience. Teller spent some considerable time with the audience after the lecture, happily posing for endless photos.

Other shows included the incomparable Johnny Thompson Hour and Q and A session and Graham P. Jolley who performed his one man show to great acclaim.

Mark Mason, Eric Jones, Lennart Green and Bob Kohler were all outstanding in the Close-Up Sessions.

The Stars of Magic Show on Tuesday night featured high energy juggling from Aaron Sparkes, classic comedy magic from the Great Thompsoni & Co, artistic baton twirling from Nathalie Enterline, an excellent set from Mel Mellors and Richard McDougall's very funny cigarette act. Mark Raffles made his Vegas debut at the age of 92 and brought the house down. Kevin James closed the show as only Kevin James can.

Gaetan Bloom was my personal highlight from the last night cabaret, and I greatly enjoyed Jason Andrews' beautifully constructed and well presented manipulation act.

Special events included an audience with Criss Angel which was open and frank and won him many friends. Criss Angel was also happy to mingle with the conventioneers for chat and photographs as long as they wanted.

Siegfried and Roy attended the convention for the launch of their book written by Diana Zimmerman and Robert Gould. However, to call this project a book is a misnomer. Zimmerman and Gould have in fact produced an interactive reading experience which even contains authentic Siegfried and Roy memorabilia.

Also in attendance during the convention was the legendary Peter Reveen and Norm Nielsen.

Paul Stone should be congratulated on having the vision, energy and stubborn determination to deliver the Innovention 2010. It is unlikely that any other single person would have the network or influence to stage a convention of this standard. Within a 24 hour period Criss Angel gave a great session, Teller delivered probably the best Lecture ever at any Magic Convention, and Siegfried & Roy attended the official launch of their incredible book - 'Siegfried & Roy - Unique in all the World'. At what other Magic Convention would you see that?


© Rick Tynan, October 2010

 

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