2008-09 Magic Convention Contests more than just a trophy

We are less than three months away from the "fall" Florida Magicians Association convention in Daytona Beach. We encourage all clubs to sponsor a local member in representing the club in one of the contests. We also hope that you attend the contests so that you can cheer on your club member.
Yes, the prizes are very good. Magic on the Beach, in June, (the "spring" FMA convention) gave away some very nice cash prizes. In Daytona, they give away nearly $2000.00 in Daytona Magic merchandise. If you don't receive a plaque or trophy, ask the convention chairman and I'll bet that they might help arrange for you to also receive one if you wish.
I recently attended the IBM/SAM convention in Louisville. What impressed me was during the final night of the contests. "Invitations" to many future conventions were handed out and (nearly) every contestant walked away with a few contracts worth thousands of dollars.
Not only were the contestants admired by their peers, but even many of those who did not win the contests, were invited to perform at one of many international magic conventions. The more conventions you perform at, either in a contest or during an actual show, many magicians will step out and offer suggestions as to how you improve your act. One comedy act, Dave Kaplin, although not winning, walked away with thousands of dollars in contracts. Yes, he has a hilarious act but, again, he did not win! Many years ago I came in second during a contest but the chairman enjoyed the act enough that he invited me to perform on the "big show" two years later.
Sometimes it just takes a push from the club or a few club members to give any person the opportunity in advancing their interest.
At most conventions are other convention chairmen looking for talent for their own conventions. If you do compete in a contest, do yourself a favor and invite criticism. Ask friends and even some people who you don't know to give you ideas of how to improve your act. It will only help in making your act stronger. See if someone can tape your act, although most of the time taping is not allowed during the actual competition.
Again, I ask the clubs to get involved and encourage a club member to compete at a future convention contest. Then, and above all, help them and give that person your support. It will only make your club proud and make your club stronger.
See www.flmagic.org to see the rules for the upcoming Florida Magicians Association convention contest. Good luck.
Dan Stapleton
Prez-FMA