The S.A.M. sponsors an annual
convention held in a different city each year. The multi-day event
features performances by famous magicians from around the world, with
lots of stage shows, close-up shows,magic lectures, and special events
There are close-up and stage contests, exhibitors who offer information
and sale of magic props, books, tapes, publications, collectibles and
items related to magic and other variety arts. The convention features
events for young magicians and alternative events for non-magicians.
Gala stage shows are held every night for the conventioneers and tickets
to these exciting evening events are also sold to the public.
There is something for everyone at the S.A.M. National Convention. Each
show is a "never to be repeated" event and each year, the convention is
brand new. That’s why so many attend this world-class event each year.
Click HERE to learn where our conventions were each year!
2023 Convention
Click HERE to download flier for New Orleans July 2023
Click HERE for the Convention Newsletter to get Details, Tips, and Advice on your trip
New Orleans Schedule
(REV 06-23)
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Time
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Event
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Location
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SATURDAY 7/22
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|
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9:00AM-11:00PM
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SYM Youth Academy
|
"William Andrews Classroom"
|
|
on your own
|
WWII Museum
|
Walking distance
|
|
on your own
|
Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour
|
Stop near hotel
|
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11:00 -1:30
|
Steamboat Natchez River Cruise*
|
Very close to hotel
|
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1:00-3:00
|
Mardis Gras World*
|
Free shuttle from hotel
|
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3:00
|
SAM Caucus (SAM Officers only)
|
"Matinkas Back Room"
|
|
Following Caucus
|
MEF Meeting
|
"Matinkas Back Room"
|
|
Following Caucus
|
RVP Meeting
|
Boardroom
|
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5:00-6:00
|
Early Registration Open
|
Vieux Carre Foyer
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8:00-10:00
|
Ghost Tour*
|
French Quarter
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SUNDAY 7/23
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|
|
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8:00-4:00
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Registration open
|
Viuex Carre Foyer
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9:00-3:00PM
|
SYM Youth Academy
|
"William Andrews Classroom"
|
|
9:00
|
SAM National Council Mtg
|
"Thurston Lecture Hall"
|
|
11:00-6:00
|
Exhibitors Grand Opening
|
"Kellar Exhibitor Hall"
|
|
1:00
|
SHOW 1: Exhibitors Showcase Show
|
"Thurston Lecture Hall"
|
|
2:15
|
Convention Welcome
|
"Thurston Lecture Hall"
|
|
2:30
|
Lecture 1: Bruce Kalver: Tech-Tricks Live
|
"Thurston Lecture Hall"
|
|
4:00
|
Lecture 2: Barry Mitchell: Focus on Funny for Kids
|
"Thurston Lecture Hall"
|
|
8:00
|
PARTY 1: Mardis Gras Welcome Party with the Crecent City Conjourers (Warpo, Doug Conn, Devon Faul, Steve Reynolds, Winston Helling Jr, Michael Dardant) and Variety Talent by Frenchman Street Productions
|
Join the 2nd line Parade - Promenade / courtyard / Martinkas Backroom and balcony
|
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MONDAY 7/24
|
|
|
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9:00-3:30
|
Registration open
|
Viuex Carre Foyer
|
|
9:00
|
SAM Event 1 - Youth Protection Training
|
"Thurston Lecture Hall"
|
|
9:00-5:00
|
SYM Youth Academy
|
"William Andrews Classroom"
|
|
10:00-5:00
|
Exhibitors
|
"Kellar Exhibitor Hall"
|
|
10:30
|
Lecture 3: Doug Conn
|
"Thurston Lecture Hall"
|
|
1:30
|
SHOW 2: Stars of Tommorrow Stage Show
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"Thurston Lecture Hall"
|
|
3:30
|
Lecture 4: pro close up 1 with R. Paul Wilson and Friends
|
"Thurston Lecture Hall"
|
|
7:00
|
bus pick up at hotel
|
|
|
8:00
|
SHOW 3: SAM Contest Experience
|
Houdini Theater at the Jesuit
|
|
9:30
|
bus pickup at Jesuit
|
|
|
10:30
|
PARTY 2: SAM Movie Night
|
"Thurston Lecture Hall"
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
TUESDAY 7/25
|
|
|
|
9:00
|
SAM EVENT 2: SAM Life Members Reception: The Magic Castle 60 years
|
"Matinkas Back Room"
|
|
10:00-5:00
|
Exhibitors
|
"Kellar Exhibitor Hall"
|
|
10:00-2:00
|
Registration open
|
Viuex Carre Foyer
|
|
10:30 (arrive early for the SYM Close-up performers)
|
SHOW 4: International Pro Close-up Show: R. Paul Wilson and Friends. Featuring Jason England (USA), Paul Nardini (Scotland), Giancarlo Scalia (Spain/Italy), R. Paul Wilson (Scotland), and more
|
"Thurston Lecture Hall"
|
|
1:30
|
SAM EVENT 3: Convention Honoree: Tina and friends - panel discussion
|
"Matinkas Back Room"
|
|
3:30
|
SAM EVENT 4: Magic in America: The Story of the Society of American Magicians by David Goodsell - discussion by Editor David Charvet
|
"Matinkas Back Room"
|
|
6:00
|
PARTY 3: Cocktails and Magic in America Book Release
|
Viuex Carre Foyer
|
|
7:30
|
SAM EVENT 5: SAM Banquet and Comedy Magic Show 5
|
"Thurston Lecture Hall"
|
|
10:30
|
SHOW 6: SAM LATE NITE: Masquerade Magic: magic by Michael Dardant and Dante; Minx Burlesque with Trixie Minx, Madame Mystere, and Mamie Dame; guest starring : Meadow Perry. PG-13
|
TBD
|
|
|
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WEDNESDAY 7/26
|
|
|
|
9:00
|
SAM EVENT 6: Magic Boot Camp with R. Paul Wilson and Friends. (Bring a coin and a deck)
|
"Thurston Lecture Hall"
|
|
9:00-12:00
|
SYM Youth Academy
|
"William Andrews Classroom"
|
|
10:00-12:00
|
Register for 2024 Dallas
|
Viuex Carre Foyer
|
|
11:00-4:00
|
Exhibitors
|
"Kellar Exhibitor Hall"
|
|
10:30
|
Lecture 5: David Carvet: Charvet On The Classics
|
"Thurston Lecture Hall"
|
|
1:30
|
SAM EVENT 7: King Cake Surprise Bonus event
|
"Thurston Lecture Hall"
|
|
3:30
|
Lecture 6: pro close up 2 with R. Paul Wilson's Friends
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"Thurston Lecture Hall"
|
|
7:00
|
bus pick up at hotel
|
|
|
8:00
|
SHOW 7: GALA SHOW: Tina Lenert and Friends Featuring Ardan James, Mike Caveney, Jorge Blass, Christopher Hart, and Tina Lenert
|
Houdini Theater at the Jesuit
|
|
9:30
|
bus pick up at Jesuit
|
|
|
10:30
|
PARTY 4: SAM Finale
|
TBD
|
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|
|
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4 Parties, 7 Shows, 6 lectures, 7 SAM Events, 4 days of Exhibitors
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