The (not so) Secret Guide to Magical Corporate Events

How does your magic improve the experience for guests?

Just as everyone has different music tastes, I believe there are different magic tastes too. Seen a magician you didn't like? You probably don't hate all magic! Instead that one guy or girl didn't connect with you.

I describe my style of performance as lively, approachable and conversational. By integrating with guests, my magic breaks down barriers so people want to be involved. Remember what I wrote earlier? The best magic is interactive, not passive! Imagine a room filling with uncontrollable laughter, gasps of amazement and rapturous applause. Imagine people turning to their best friend who just read their mind and asking them, "How did you do that?" That's what I add to events. I spark the stories and memories that guests will be telling for years to come.

What advice would you give to someone considering magic for an event?

There is a saying in magic, which I think applies across the whole events planning industry. People are either there to remember, or they are there to forget.

With that in mind, the best advice for someone hiring a magician is to make the magic a feature of the event. Even if you're only adding in a taste of magic, such as during the guests arrival, treat it as something special. Tell guests in advance so they can get excited about it. You could even ask your magician to make a short video to introduce themselves. After all, it's not everyday you get to see the impossible. The best events I have performed at are the ones where people have been genuinely enthusiastic about what I do.

What are some of the stand out events you have worked at in the past?

Having performed at thousands of events over the past 15 years there are many stand out moments, but with the previous question still fresh in your mind, here are two that I will never forget!

Following a recommendation, I was hired to perform for a corporate networking event in Boston, Massachusetts. The event was a fairly relaxed evening with no spectacular moments (except the magic of course!) But it was my first international event. As is so often the case in life, it was about the journey, not the destination.

Shortly following the above event, one of the delegates asked me to perform at his wedding in Miami, Florida. I spent two years learning conversational Spanish and converting many of my routines purely so that half of the party didn't feel left out. I think that's a pretty solid definition of going the extra mile.

How should someone make sure they choose the right magician for their event?

Much of hiring a magician is about the personality of the performer. Do you want this person at your event? I honestly believe the best way to get a feel for someone is to speak to them. While an initial enquiry might come via email, it's always a good idea to speak on the phone. A short ten minute phone call could save you hours of emailing back and forth.

Another important factor is, of course, experience. Over the years, I've solved many of the issues that someone starting out hasn't even considered yet. That means I'm able to quickly adapt so if there are any issues they are solved before you even know about them. How's that for magic?

In short, are you confident they can do the job required? You may look at their online reviews, and photos or videos of them performing but again... if you speak to those on your shortlist, it will become pretty clear, pretty quickly, whether he or she knows what they are talking about or not.