It's Time For KIDabra Conference 2012 News Update Edition

In this issue:
o Greetings and News
o Updates and Surprises
o KIDabra 2012 Conference Schedule
o KIDabra Audio Album Now On Disk Drive for A Limited Time
o Optional Pre-Conference Biz Builder Classes August 8th & 9th
o Get Well Wishes and A Remembrance
o Airport Shuttle Info to Conference
o Conference Hotel Info
o Registration and Membership Details

KIDabra Greetings!
All systems are go! It's KIDabra Conference Time! We can't wait to see you! We wanted to do a quick touchbase and share some updates with you. You can see the complete Jam Packed Conference schedule below. You may even want to print this out for the Schedule and other info, or load the Mobile Website below. Please read carefully throughout this newsletter, more surprises are revealed. Here is a clip from KIDabra Member, and People's Choice Award Winner, Dorian LaChance, to get you ready!

Conference Tips
1 Wear comfortable summer clothes, temps look to be in the upper 80s in the Tennessee Mountians for Conference Week. We are a fun and informal gathering, flip flops, no problem!
2 You may want to dress up a bit for the Saturday Night Gala.
3 The trolley stops right in the parking lot of the Conference Center and will take up and down the strip.
4 Don't forget about Max's show, The War Wizard, Tuesday Night only, at Wonderworks, with performances at 8:00PM and 11:00 PM. Tickets are $10.00 at the door and a Don't Miss!
5 And a Never Miss! Terry Evanswood has shows all week, dark on Sundays. Please make your ticket reservations in advance with Wonderworks he always sells out! - wonderworkstn.com
6 Restaurants, Shopping, and stuff to do are every direction in the Pigeon Forge/Sevierville/Gatlinburg area.

Important Hotel Update
The Music Road is happy to take your reservations, based on availability at the Hotel and Inn. I know you're behind and have been meaning to call, I understand! So Please take a moment and call the hotel today at 865-429-7700. I travel all the time and I think The Music Road is great, it reminds me of my other favorite hotel Hampton Inn. While it may be tempting to stay at a cheaper hotel, staying at the Music Road gets you a fantastic breakfast, comfortable, relaxing and excellent accommodations. Did you know that every room, including yours at the hotel and inn supports the success of the conference? It's true and it's easy to make it affordable with a roommate or 2 even 3 or 4 folks in the room. I do this all the time at conferences with buddies. Thanks for your help with this important matter.

Mobile Website, The easy way to Look up all Things KIDabra on the GO!
Thanks to Dennis Michael for taking kidabra.org mobile for your Smart Phone, just perfect if you want to bring up the Schedule at the conference.
http://mobile.dudamobile.com/site/kidabra

Register Today for KIDabra Conference at kidabra.org and at The Door
If you find yourself making last minute plans to attend the conference, no worries! Register on line right up to the conference at kidabra.org and in person at the door as well. Plus, you can add on Biz Builders and an Audio CD/Flash Drive Album if you like.
You want to come but can only attend part of the conference? No worries, call us at 336-492-7870 and we'll customize your registration. We can also customize at the door!

KIDabra Auction Time: Wednesday Night, August 15th
Gary Shelton is ready and excited for the hardest night he works all year, auctioneering the best deals and steals around! Please check your Auction Guidelines at kidabra.org, click on auctions for your forms and info.
Also Terry Evanswood will once again make available the Hottest Tickets in Town: 5 Golden Tickets for The Tour of his amazing home, with proceeds going to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

KIDabra Yearbook 2012 at KIDabra Conference
We've had a tradition the last few years of having the newest issue of The KIDabra Journal for members in attendance, and this year you will receive the print issue of The KIDabra Yearbook. (Members who couldn't make it in person will receive their digital copy by e mail, and their print copy in the mail after the conference.) Also, folks at KIDabra will see the unveiling of cartoonist/illustrator Angel Contreras' gorgeous KIDabra 2012 Yearbook Cover!

Renewing Your KI Membership Online and at KIDabra Conference
Thank you for renewing your membership! The majority of your membership fee goes to the design and publication of the terrific KIDabra Journal. We have found that with tougher economic times folks let memberships lapse assuming that they don't make a difference. Believe me you do! You are a valued part of the KIDabra family, plus renewing helps in keeping the magazine on schedule. To renew or join now, go to kidabra.org and click on Join. Thanks so much and if you have already, double thanks! And if you've been thinking about joining, now is the time, you're invited to be a part of something special: KIDabra!

Please join us for The 21st KIDabra Conference. We can't wait to see you! Register today at kidabra.org
Thanks,
Mark and Tami

The 21st KIDabra Conference 2012
In the Resort Town of Pigeon Forge, TN - Music Road Hotel Complex
August 14 - 18, 2012
(Optional Seminars start Tuesday Night, August 14th)

And be "Inspired" we shall, with the performers, the artists, and the independent spirit that makes our group of KIDshow and Family Performers called KIDabra so special! We celebrate by exploring greatness and revel in the inspiration of entertaining young audiences. Whether your goal is laughter, motivation, or being the best you can be and the busiest you can be, join us for the 21st Annual KIDabra International Conference as we explore all things performance and all things KIDabra!

Featuring:
Dave Andrews, England; Steve Petra, NY; Steve Axtell, CA; Dal Sanders, TX; Jason Hudy, MI; Mike Bent, MA; Kimmo, England, Tom Dowling, OH; Marcy Klutchka, PA; Matt Fore, TN; Ken Scott, GA; Brad Ross, NJ: David Farr, MN: Dave Risley, NC; Steve Kissell, VA; Barry Mitchell, TN; Tim Sonefelt, SC; Todd McKinney, TX; Bruce Amato, TN; Jim Kleefeld, OH; Jim Austin, IN; Max Howard, GA; Chris Weed, AZ; Tate Elliott, NC; Gary Shelton, NC; Todd Neufeld, NY; Don Caldwell, CA; Marty Hahne, MO; Dave Hill, NC; Joe Lefler, NC; Skip Way, NC;
and Mark and Tami Daniel

Still Another Lecture Added to the Jam Packed Schedule!
Friday Night 10:30 PM - Todd Neufeld and Don"Buster Balloon" Caldwell: Balloon Routines, Magic, and Comedy On The Loose!
Imagine if you take 2 of the World's Top Balloon Guys and unleash them on KIDabra for an "inspiring" avalanche of ideas. Guess what, you don't have to imagine! Join "Buster Balloon" Don Caldwell and Todd Neufeld for a fun-filled workshop featuring the ultimate packs flat plays big props, Balloons! Buster and Todd will take you on a tour of comical balloon bits, classic gags, and full routines for magicians, clowns, twisters, emcees and variety entertainers. Regardless of your skill level with balloons, you will find bits here that your family audiences will love. A Don't Miss KIDabra Highlight Event!

Plus, Saturday Morning 10:30AM Matt Fore
Ask many Top Pros to list their favorite performers and you'll find Matt Fore high on the list. Thinker, funny, and great guy to boot, Matt rocked the house 3 years ago at the Conference as the MC for the Saturday Night Gala. He also presented a popular breakout after which Bruce Bray walked by me with huge smiles and said "Matt really get's it" From Bruce that was the highest of compliments!

Matt Fore's Practical Magic Lecture
What two words best describe Matt Fore's "Practical Magic" Lecture? "Practical" and "Magic." Learn effects that you will apply directly to your Family and Kid Show performances including an incredibly easy and invisible egg switch for your "Silk to egg." You don't do the "Silk to egg?" You will after this lecture!! Also learn a coin in bottle like you have never seen and add to your arsenal a "Surprise Ending" that will be in all your Birthday Party Shows. Plus much, much more! No relation to our friends Jeremy and Cheryl of England's Practical Magic. Matt is just, well, practical!


KIDabra Conference Schedule 2012

Optional Biz Builder Schedule Tuesday, August 14th, 2012
6:30 pm Registration Opens
7:00 pm The Biz Builder's Kickoff - Kevin Heller: The "Pitch" Selling the Experience!
8:30 pm Brad Ross - Facebook Marketing Secrets

Special Invitation to all KIDabra Attendees to Attend Max Howard and Diane Bray's presentation of The War Wizard
11:00 pm - Performance at The Terry Evanswood Theater in Wonderworks - Admission $10.00 at the Theater, open seating

Wednesday August 15th, 2012 Pre-Conference Biz Builder Continues
8:30 am Registration Opens
9:00 am Dal Sanders -Turning That Restaurant Gig Into A Restaurant SHOW
10:30 am Tom Dowling - The Near-Ultimate Birthday Party Plan
Noon Lunch and Learn with Amazing System's David Farr - The Secret to Working Smarter Not Harder, as a Family Entertainer! Lunch Choices Available in the Conference Center.
1:30 pm Jason Hudy - How to Keep Your Calendar STUFFED All Year Long
3:00 pm Riz Speaks -The Whole Truth About Pre Schools

Wednesday Evening, August 15th - KIDabra Conference Begins!
5:00 pm Registration Opens
7:00 pm The 18th Annual Kid Show Magic Auction - Auctioneered by the "Kernal" Gary Shelton!
Our legendary auction with tons of great buys! You must be registered for the convention to participate as a buyer or a seller.) Visit the Auction page button at http://www.kidabra.org, for full info. Sellers, all sheets must be turned in to Tami at front of room by 6:30 pm in order to participate.

Thursday, August 16th
9:00 am Registration Opens
9:00 am Vendors Open
9:00 am Networking Time
Your host for the day is Steve Kissell
10:00 am Jim Austin - Senior Secret Wows!
11:00 am Dal Sanders -Holidazzle: The Lecture
Noon Lunch Choices Available in the Conference Center.
1:00 pm Bruce Amato and Jim Kleefeld, - Easy Reading Routines
3:00 pm The Max Howard Project III with Gary Shelton
4:00 pm Dave Andrews's Kindergarten Show LIVE! with an audience of children.
5:30 pm Dinner
7:00 pm KIDabra Special Occasions, Then Mark Daniel and Max Howard Chat
9:00 pm Dealers Minute Show and KIDabra Party!!!!!
Midnight The Legendary Midnight Jam Session - Hosted by Ken Scott

Friday, August 17th
9:00 am Registration Opens
9:00 am Vendors Open and Networking Time
Your host for the day is TBA
9:30am & 10:45am - The KIDabra Breakout Session Workshops
Barry Hinnant -The Not So Dreaded Tween Chronicles Routines and Bits of Business for Older Kids
John and Joan McClenahan - Doctor and Mrs. Magic Present Hospital Magic For Children
Marcy Klutchka - Would you rather do a disappearing act… than face a room full of preschoolers?
Todd McKinney -Original Routines You Can Do!
Noon Lunch Choices Available in the Conference Center.
1:30 pm Steve Petra - Lets get Visual!
4:00 pm Mike Bent's Live Library Show with a Kids Audience
5:30 to 7:00 pm Dinner
7:00pm An Evening with Steve Axtell! - Celebrating 30 Years Of Axtell Expressions with Friends, Surprises and Fun!
10:30 pm "Buster Balloon" Don Caldwell and Todd Neufeld - Balloon Routines, Magic, and Comedy On The Loose!
Late Nite Session The Second Annual Santa Jam - Hosted by Tate Elliott

Saturday, August 18th
9:00am Vendors Open and Networking Time
Your host for the day is Marty Hahne
9:30 am Tim Sonefelt - Exploring the Genius of Warren Stephens' KIDshow Magic
10:30 am Matt Fore - Practical Magic Comedy Routines for Family and Kidshow Performers
Noon Lunch Choices Available in the Conference Center
1:30 pm The Max Howard Project III with Gary Shelton
3:00 pm Barry Mitchell with Special Guest Terry Evanswood - Make it Personal
4:30pm Ken Scott - Unlocking The Treasure! The Secrets of the Successful Family Performer!
5:30 pm Dinner
8:00pm The KIDabra Gala Show - Master of Ceremonies: Kimmo; Produced by Ken Scott

Optional Pre-Conference Biz Builder Classes - One of the Hottest tickets at KIDabra this year!
Tuesday Evening, August 14th & Wednesday, August 15th
Don't Miss the Amazing seminars happening during Biz Builders 2012!

Tuesday, August 14th
7:00 pm Kevin Heller - The Pitch: Selling the Experience
What does this mean for you? Kevin has taken the principals of Professional sales and applied them over the years to his magic business and merchandise sales allowing him to book more shows and make more money as a part time professional than most full time pros! In this lecture, he's going to show you how he does it!
This is Reality folks - coming to you from a proven sales master. There will be a heavy focus on merchandising (pitching) during this lecture, so have your hard questions ready! Kevin will be sharing with you some of the sales pitches that have made him literally thousands of $$$ throughout his career. This is designed to show you how to take your sales efforts from The Ordinary to The Extraordinary! Hold on tight, this lecture will change your life!

8:30 pm - Brad Ross The Secrets of FaceBook
Facebook has become part of our daily lives and it IS how we communicate in 2012. Love it or hate it, YOUR business needs it now and for the foreseeable future! With more than a BILLION users, with most users logging on daily, Facebook can:
o Build your brand Build authority for yourself and your business.
o Build HUGE Rapport with your prospects & clients.
o Stay in Constant Contact with your prospects & clients.
o Drive tons of traffic to your website.
o Increase your business and PROFITS.
o Gain massive exposure for your business.
o Get the chance to make your products and business go viral.
o And so much more!
Join Cutting Edge Marketer, Brad Ross, with a HANDS-ON workshop to divulge some of his BEST Facebook Marketing Secrets that you'll be able to start utilizing WHILE AT KIDABRA 2012!

Wednesday
9:00 am - Dal Sanders Turning That Restaurant Gig Into A Restaurant SHOW -
Many entertainers do walk around restaurant gigs when don't have a "regular" show booked or as away to prospect for shows. Over 30 years ago Dal Sanders recognized this and decided to find ways to bring comedy magic and family entertainment into new venues (restaurants and local businesses).
Dal discovered a how to convert a restaurant into a "dinner theater" that would be advantageous to the business, the customers and to himself.
Dal Sanders does hundreds of these shows every year. Yes, you read that right…hundreds of shows. The best part is you can charge more for a show than you can for table hopping.
This Biz Builders session offers tips on how to do it and once it is booked, how to promote it to the restaurant's customers as well as to your fan base with 24 no cost to low cost promotional ideas. You will end up looking like a marketing genius to your clients and more valuable to them…which in turn will bring you more shows!

10:30 am -Tom Dowling The Near-Ultimate Birthday Party Plan
Ideas Guy and Pro Performer Tom Dowling leads you through his system that goes from creating a lead, making the sale, doing the show, and all the way thru to the follow-up. He explains his marketing program, show how he builds his shows, down to even the little things that get additional shows.
All of Tom's birthday party shows are themed with things that kids love! Learn why and how to theme your shows. And even better how to theme tricks and routines for them. Plus, How to get businesses to work for you, How to increase your markets with themed shows. And even how to make a great backdrop for less than $50.00 and in about an hour. Be ready, the ideas will come rapid fire, Tom is an ideas machine and it's the good stuff!

Lunch and Learn with Amazing System's David Farr
The Secret to Working Smarter Not Harder, as a Family Entertainer!
It seems most entertainers are struggling to keep on top of all the latest internet marketing tools available and most are working harder and still not getting caught up. Here's the answer you've been looking for. David Farr is back at KIDabra once again this year, revealing to us how we can easily and without added stress, book shows completely online.
Sure you can get a call from a client who has seen your website and consider that to be booking it from the internet, but wait till David shares his techniques with you... he'll show you how to get tons of bookings without EVER having to physically pick up the phone and talk with prospects. Worried about a disconnect from your clients...no worries. David is the KING of customer service and will share his techniques for providing a customer experience like none other. Even better is he'll show how to do it all FOR FREE, with your own autoresponder system, or no autoresponder at all!
Whether it's birthday parties, school shows or library presentations, once you implement these strategies, you'll never look back to the old way of doing business. It's 2012 and whether you like it or not, your clients are doing business online. Instead of resisting technology and change, it's time to embrace it and let it go to work for YOU.
Join David for a FUN Lunch & Learn session, where he'll share with you (in a non-techie way) how to harness the power of the internet and your website, no matter what kind of shows you do.

1:30 pm - Jason Hudy How to Keep Your Calendar STUFFED All Year Long
Magician Jason Hudy performs over 500 shows every year across the country for clients such as ESPN, Hershey, Chevrolet, Lego and on the "Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" on national CBS-TV. Plus tons of Schools Shows,Theme Park Shows, Birthday Parties and more! During his presentation at KIDabra, 2012, he will open up his business to you and share exactly how he keeps his calendar STUFFED with shows all year long!
Upon leaving the lecture, you will have new tips and strategies for increasing the number of shows you perform. Jason will show how you can incorporate timeless marketing principles with "new" technology, to make your marketing as efficient as possible!
Join us for this "hands-on" 90 minute presentation as we journey into internet videos, specialization, postcards, differentiation and much more. If you'd like to learn "real-world" marketing ideas from a "real-world" pro currently performing over 500 shows a year, you'll want to be at this presentation!

3:00 pm - Dave Risley The Riz Speaks:The Whole Truth About Pre Schools!
Pre School Guru Dave Risley reveals to you, for the first time, the secrets of the business he's kept for himself until now! Riz may possibly be one of the busiest performers of all time! Come find out why kids love him and directors can't wait to see him again! Learn how, with a great show you to, can stay very busy, the Riz Way! A Biz Builder's Feature Event!

KIDabra Audio CD or Flash Drive Album 2012
Now on Sale, but only until August 18th. Reserve one Today before they're gone forever! Own an instant collectible - 8 KIDabra sessions recorded live on Audio CD or Flash Drive. Relive the lectures for years to come. You can enjoy them in your car, listen on your computer, that's 2 of our favorite ways to learn. Importantly, no albums are sold after the convention as we give each lecturer who participates their master recording at the completion of the project.

FAQ's
Do you record the entire conference? No, as there is so much that happens at KIDabra, much of which is visual, not lending itself well to recording. We try to select the optimal listening sessions.

Do you record sessions from the Business Builders Seminars? We usually select one lectures from Biz Builders to include.

What do I get? An album with 8 Audio recordings on CD or Flash Drive (your choice) of lectures and sessions recorded live as they happen with no editing at KIDabra on one or 2 CDs as needed. Our mission is to have the album ready to take with you Saturday Night, before you leave. Great quality and ease of use add up to a fabulous bargain and opportunity to relive and continue to learn from KIDabra for years to come.

Who's on the Recordings?
1 Ken Scott: Unlocking The Treasure
2 Barry Mitchell and Terry Evanswood: Make It Perssonal
3 Mike Bent: The Lecture
4 Steve Petra: Let's Get Visual
5 Bruce Amato and Jim Kleefeld: Easy Reading Routines
6 Dal Sanders: Holidazzle
7 Max Howard and Mark Daniel Chat
8 Dave Risley: The Secrets of Preschool Marketing

Reserve your 2012 Audio Album today!
How Much? The KIDabra Audio Album is only $99.95 pre-ordered and pre-purchased prior to the start of the Conference, delivered to you at the conclusion of this year's KIDabra Conference. You can also purchase the Album at KIDabra for $110.00

Important Note: Due to the arrangements with our speakers no Album sets will be sold after the conference, so they are available in advance or at KIDabra only. No copies will be sold after the Conference.

If you can't be with us and would like to purchase a set as an Invisible Attendee you may for only $150.00 including shipping in the US and Canada. (Additional shipping for other countries) Invisible registrants must place their order in advance of the conference and please allow at least 2 to 3 weeks after KIDabra to receive your Album.

The Audio Albums are highly prized and always sell out, so please order today at kidabra.org Please let us know your preference CDs or Flashdrive when ordering in the Notes Section.

Get Well Wishes
Dean Alan Carnegie, writer of the wonderful All Things Magical column in the Journal, designer of the Covers of the Journal, full time performer and gentle giant is recovering from a blood clot in his leg. Unfortunately he will not be able to travel to the conference this year to lecture, so we are already excited about having him with us next year. I'm sure he'd love it if you dropped him a note of good cheer, to carnegiemagic@me.com

Remembrance
KIDabra member and friend, Bill Robinson passed away in Las Vegas on July 28th from heart complications. I don't know if Bill ever had a job outside of magic. When Tami and I met him 30 years ago at The Magic Corner in Raleigh, he was funny, passionate about Magic, and a great guy! That never changed! It makes me smile to think about all of our visits at the shop, conventions, magic meetings, and dinners over the years. One of my favorite memories of many with Bill, still cracks me up, him looking completely ridiculous modeling a Indian Headdress at the KIDabra Auction one year in Orlando. Bill moved to Las Vegas about 8 or 9 years ago, and was a charter member of the Vegas KIDabra Chapter. He along with Brad Roberts made history with the first ever KIDshow on the strip, The Super Duper KIDshow ran an amazing 2 years. Bill held a degree in Theater and Music and he used it to fuel his love of magic for a lifetime.

Official Airport Shuttle for Conference
Rocky Top Tours: 877-315-8687
Rocky Top Tours provides transportation to and from the McGee-Tyson Airport in Knoxville, TN for the KIDabra Conference
RESERVATIONS:
o You may phone toll free for reservations: 1-877-315-8687 please have your flight information available. E mail at rockytoptours@bellsouth.net
SHUTTLE COST: The charge for transportation is $65.00 for one passenger-each way. There is a $5.00 per person charge for any additional passenger on the same shuttle- passengers on the same shuttle can split the fare between them. Example:
o 1-passenger-$65.00
o 2 passengers-$70.00 or $35.00 each
o 3 passengers-$75.00 or $25.00 each
o 4 passengers-$80.00 or $20.00 each, etc...

The Music Road Hotel Complex hosts KIDabra Conference 2012
Great rooms, free parking, free wi-fi, on property water parks, pools indoor and outdoor, water slides, lazy river and more, coupled with an excellent free continental breakfast each morning make for a great whole family treat. A lot of folks say the Music Road is "like going to a retreat."
We'll be housed in both the Music Road Hotel and the Inn with the Conference Center between. The Inn is only a few steps further from the free standing Conference Center, the Hotel is best if you have special needs, also half of the rooms at the Hotel overlook the river. If the whole family is coming pick the Inn for the most water activities, although no matter which building you're in, you have full access.

The complex is located at Traffic light 1 in Pigeon Forge in a quiet cul de sac just off the main drag, turn at the Ruby Tuesday's Restaurant. Surrounding it for a mile in every direction are restaurants to please every taste and that huge Wal-Mart in Sevierville is only 4 or 5 minutes drive, not to mention every outlet store known to man. Call Music Road Toll Free at 866-615-6353 or 865-429-7700. and tell them you're with KIDabra. Every room night counts toward our reserved block and makes the conference possible. See more, just click on the Hotel/travel button atkidabra.org Take a moment and make your reservation today!

Don't forget you can read past newsletters at the website to gain the full story of KIDabra! We can't wait to see you at KIDabra Conference!

Join KIDabra International Today
Primary Members receive a Membership Card, The KIDabra Journal, Free Member Websites, and more. Member dues are $65.00 and thereafter $57.00 on renewal.
Associate/Spouse (who assist or are married to a Primary Member) $30.00 and thereafter $25.00 on renewal.
Junior Member (10-18 years old who are the child of a Primary Member) $30.00 and thereafter $25.00 on renewal. If a youth is interested in joining and does not have a parent that is a KI member, we suggest joining at the Primary rate so they can receive the Journal and full benefits.
International Member (outside of U.S. and Canada) $80.00 and thereafter $72.00 on renewal. International Members receive a Membership Card, The KIDabra Journal, Free Member Websites, the KIDabra Discussion Forum, and more.

Register Today for KIDabra Conference 2012
Member Performer $199.95
Spouse $95.00
Child under 16 with full paying adult $75.00
New Member Performer/ includes Conference Registration and KI Membership $264.95 (US and Canada)
New Member International Performer $279.95/ includes Conference Registration and KI Membership
Optional KIDabra Biz Builders August 14 &15 $99.95

You can register by online, by phone or fax with Mastercard, Visa, and Discover. Phone (336) 492-7870 fax (336) 492-2199 Online athttp://www.kidabra.org
(Credit Card Receipts read MSD Productions)

What if there was a place and a group of people that existed to meet the special needs of folks who perform for kids and families?
What if there was a place to motivate you, educate you and point you in the right direction?
What if there was a place that helped person after person build successful performance careers?
What if all of this really existed?
A place so good that your competitors won't tell you they're a member because they want to keep all the resources for themselves?
It does! It is KIDabra International!

KIDabra International
P.O. Box 1296
Mocksville, NC 27028
Phone 336-492-7870
Fax 336-492-2199