I am looking to go to a Magic Convention to see what it's all about but I've only been doing it for about 7 months now and am by no means an expert. I was looking into the Atlanta Harvest of Magic since I live in Birmingham, AL and it's close but it says it is only 165 participants so I am assuming I need to be an expert magician to get into that? Any advice on other avenues of events like that I could attend at my level currently?

It doesn't matter what level you rank yourself. You will get something out of any convention that you attend. The fact that some conventions limit their attendance only means that you have a better chance of having a better experience, without a large crowd.

Cheers !

It's an interesting idea, but I think you'll be able to get A LOT of value from a convention with 165 participants.

Just make sure the folks you talk to know you're a beginner, as I've found that many magicians just assume any other magicians they encounter are at least as experienced as they are... But once they know you're a beginner, rest assured - EVERYONE will want to "show you something" (and will probably love to teach it to you as well!)

Definitely go, if you're considering it. Don't wait until you're "better" or more experienced. Now is always the best time to learn new stuff.

What ever level you are going to a convention is well worth a visit. Small conventions are great as you can meet most people and have accesses to the guest magicians.
My top tips,
- Take notes, I have a note app that I take phots and text with.
- Hydrate,Long days in a/c hotel.
- Find out if there a secound hand dealer day... Buy old and buy cheap!

Just visited there page it looks great.I would go.
https://atlantaharvestofmagic.com/

Adezis, The Atlanta Harvest usually is sold out by now. You might want to check out Bob Sanders Magic Valley convention. It's in Clanton Alabama which might be closer to you. The information about Magic Valley is in these threads. Contact Bob for more information.

https://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/view......forum=31

https://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/view......forum=31 This one is last years convention but will give you an idea of what goes on at the convention.

Atlanta Harvest of Magic was my first convention. Ken Scott really does a great job running it. I think you'll really enjoy it. Try to stay at the Sonesta so you can hang out and jam late into the night.

It is not sold out yet.

Also - learn at least ONE effect to the point where you can perform it. Just make it something simple, that you enjoy. Maybe a self worker, maybe something with a single move. Then show folks that one thing, at the convention. People love to show you "how they do it"... it's a great way to get into a conversation. Getting into a "session" like that is the best way to meet interesting folks and learn.

Go.
Go to as many of the events, contests, lectures, etc as you can on any topic that interests you and maybe some that don't.
If you have specific questions, don't hesitate to ask.
I plan on going to the Texas Association of Magicians convention this year, for the first time since probably 1980.

I have similar question. I'm also a beginner, and I'm trying to decide between the IBM convention in Pittsburg and the SAM convention in New Orleans. I live in VT and haven't been able to find many magicians here to interact with/learn from. Amazingly, I'm able to make either convention work. Can anyone offer any reasons why I might chose one over the other as a beginner?

Also, if anyone can steer me towards any events or groups in my neck of the woods, that kind of information would be greatly appreciated too. Thanks in advance. I hope this isn't a repeat question. I did a search a couldn't find anything.

Take a look at the headliners and choose based on which one has the best line up for you.

Gaddy's advice is great. I would add, do you happen to know where each convention is the following year? Maybe play the long game and choose the one next year that you can go to, and go to the other one this year.

AndrewG_VT, where in Vermont do you live?

There don't appear to be an Society of American Magician Assemblies in Vermont. There is an S.A.M virtual assembly.
https://www.magicsam.com/forums_engageme......_1699009

If you're in Southern VT, my Assembly 17, is just outside of Springfield, MA. A straight shot down Route 91. We meet the first Friday of the month. There are also a number of assemblies in NY. There's one in Albany.

The S.A.M. site also lists a number of magicians in VT. As we tend to be a friendly bunch, they might be interested in a get together.

Message me about other opportunities in Massachusetts, if you're interested.

Mark

Thanks Mark,

I'm in Montpelier, but I know the Springfield drive well. I'll start by trying to connect with some folks locally. It woud be great to find or grow a club around here. If that doesn't work out, I'll definitely take you up on your offer.

I am heading to the I.B.M convention in Pittsburg in a few weeks. Hopefully I can find some New England folks there too.

Andrew

We have the Atlanta Harvest of Magic Sept 28-30th
https://atlantaharvestofmagic.com/
going to be a blast!

Ken Scott

I second the thought to go to Atlanta if you can. Ken's gathering us top notch.