Hi James

Looks like you have been busy in the Magic Café. Kinda missing in the MMF forum lately I see.

Where have you been performing out-of-town? Let me know and I would love to see your show now. I am back in Malaysia and am scheduled to be around till the end of the year. It has been way too long since I have seen you perform.

A mega-convention in Malaysia-eh? Now that is interesting. Just based on my years of experience creating, managing and producing events and shows (both magic-themed and otherwise, in Malaysia and abroad), I am wondering about the reality of making that happen. Lot of people have come out and said this that and the other about magic-based conventions, competitions, TV specials, etc...but mostly it has been a lot of hot-air and the one group that tried recently failed miserably. Sure they console themselves by saying that it was successful but really, when compared to the ones held internationally, it was pathetic at best, in its execution.

The reality of it is that the magic market here in Malaysia is still in its infancy stages. We do not have the critical mass to make these type of events profitable, much less break-even, from a business stand-point. This is not even considering the organisational capabilities of executing a professionally produced stage show... and when I say that, I am comparing it against international standards - since that is what your are talking about.

Folks like the Genting group have the $$$ resources to make something like this happen (like the Genting International Magic Festival) and not really worry about the profits. Their main aim is to create interesting events throughout the year on their marketing calendar and try to maximise media publicity and awareness. Their $$$ profits are really coming from the casinos.

I sincerely hope it is not another Malaysian airy-fairy wishful thinking project but that it really does come to fruition. It would be great if it does but James, my question - Is this for real???

Yes, Aroy. That is why I am taking 2 years of planning and executing the whole blueprint. I already have quite a number of things lined up and confirmed. International guys are coming over with their expertise to make this event a success. The target market is not Malaysia but South-East Asia. The venue will most likely not in Genting.

To your question ... Is this for real? The answer is a big YES.

Let the fighting begin!


Good luck, congratulations!

I read the paper today, the venue is Genting from Nov 16th to 25th.
I was not aware of this event until today when I saw Michael Ammar face staring at me in our local newspaper

More info here:
http://www.genting.com.my/en/live_ent/2007/magic/default.htm

This is a totally different event, and this is not the one I am organising.

From what I know, this event is endorsed by the I.B.M. thus they are giving a special rate for the members. I might attend this one!

Sal