Glossary
Jon Finch
Glossary
A/V (Audio/Visual): Refers to the sound and visual components of an event, such as microphones, speakers, projectors, and lighting. A/V equipment is crucial for presentations, performances, and speeches.
Adelaide Herrmann was a British magician who performed with her husband Alexander Herrmann as part of a world-famous magic act in the late 19th century. After his death, she continued the act on her own to great acclaim, specializing in escapes and spiritualist performances.
Edward Doe, known by the stage name Al Koran, was a British mentalist and magician. He was most active in the 1950s and 1960s as a performer and author of books on mentalism, cold reading and magic tricks. Koran's act emphasized both suggestion and clever trickery, astonishing audiences with headline predictions, mind reading, and psychicIllusions. He has been described as one of the most influential mentalists of his generation.
Alain Nu is a French mentalist known for clever television performances involving telepathy, prediction, memory feats, lie detection and psychic readings. Nu uses psychology, suggestibility and statistics to achieve his mindreading wonders that have amazed audiences worldwide.
Alchemy is a proto-scientific and philosophical tradition aimed at the transmutation of base metals into noble metals, notably to achieve the creation of a philosopher's stone. Alchemy, a precursor to modern chemistry, also sought the discovery of a universal panacea, and the revelation of the spiritual truth symbolized by the philosopher's stone.
The alchemist spent years attempting to turn lead into gold, a fundamental pursuit of alchemy.
Claude Alexander Conlin was a popular American vaudeville magician in the early 1900s. He was known for elaborate theatrical tricks as well as close-up skills like manipulating coins.
A 19th century French illusionist who was renowned for his masterful performances of conjuring and mind-reading trickery. Alexander Herrmann was a French magician, known as Herrmann the Great, recognized for his technical proficiency and the expansion of the scale of magic performances. Herrmann's contributions to magic include popularizing the bullet catch illusion.
Alexander Herrmann, with his theatrical flair, brought the art of magic to the grand stage.
Alexander J. McIvor-Tyndall was an influential mentalist around the turn of the 20th century. He performed demonstrations of clairvoyance and mind reading in front of large audiences. McIvor-Tyndall exposed many fake spiritualists while advocating for mentalism to be studied as a natural phenomenon.
Angela Funovits is an American mentalist who emphasizes the psychology of deceit. Her act often involves duplicating drawings, revealing secret words, and making shocking predictions about audience members she just met. Funovits has performed extensively on cruise ships, theaters, and corporate events across the world.
Anna Eva Fay was an American mentalist active in the late 1800s and early 1900s. She performed in vaudeville and theaters, demonstrating telepathy, clairvoyance, psychic predictions and communication with spirits. Fay's combination of magic methods and dramatics thrilled audiences, though skeptics challenged the validity of her psychic claims.
Apollo Robbins, nicknamed "The Gentleman Thief", is an American performer and self-described theatrical pickpocket. While his technical skills are peerless, Robbins is best known for using psychology and distraction in his interactive performances. He considers himself an illusionist rather than magician.
When asynchronous participation occurs, attendees participate in a virtual event at different times by accessing pre-recorded content like videos or presentations on their own schedule.
An audio engineer is a professional who manages the sound at an event, including the operation of sound systems and microphones.
Automata are mechanically operated devices designed to follow automatically a predetermined sequence of operations or respond to encoded instructions. In magic, automata are often used to create illusions of self-operation or life-like behavior.
The famous magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin (1805–1871) was known for creating automata for his stage shows. Automata that acted according to a set of preset instructions were popular with magicians during 19th century.
The magician's automata, a self-playing chess machine, fascinated the audience.
An avatar is a graphical representation of an individual used within an online virtual event platform, usually taking the form of a 2D or 3D modeled human.
Awards ceremonies formally recognize outstanding corporate achievements. Plaques, trophies, and prizes are presented to top performers to highlight excellence and motivate employees. Awards ceremonies celebrate wins big and small through speeches, videos, and entertainment. Elegant dinners often accompany these black-tie events.
A bachelorette party, or "hen night," is a celebration for the bride-to-be that's usually organized by her bridesmaids or close friends. The bachelorette party is a chance for the bride to enjoy a fun outing with her friends before the wedding.
Back of House: The area in a hospitality venue that is not visible to guests, including the kitchen and administrative offices. Back of house staff handle tasks like food preparation, cleaning, and logistics.
Banachek, born Steven Shaw on November 30, 1960, is a British-born mentalist who now resides in America. His shows focus on psychic entertainment involving mind reading, telepathy and precognition. Banachek has worked with famous magicians like David Copperfield and Criss Angel and has made many television appearances. He is notable for exposing psychic frauds and speaking about the psychology behind deception.
A banquet is a large, formal meal for many people, often followed by speeches or performances. Banquets are common in corporate events, weddings, and award ceremonies.
French magician Bernard Bilis gained fame in the 1980s with his grand spectacles and innovations in stage magic technology. With his own company Magic Bilis, he transported massive illusions and invented groundbreaking mechanisms still used by magicians today.
The best man is the chief assistant to the groom at a wedding. His duties often include organizing the bachelor party, helping the groom get ready on the wedding day, and giving a toast at the reception.
Billet reading is a collection mentalism techniques where the performer is able to reveal information written on a piece of paper (billet), apparently without seeing what the spectator has written.
Benjamin Rucker, known by his stage name Black Herman, was an African American magician who gained fame in the early 1900s as one of the first Black performers to find success entertaining white audiences. His act incorporated elements of a "voodoo charlatan" persona.
Bob Cassidy was an American mentalist known for pioneering psychological mentalism tricks and authoring influential books on mentalism. His acclaimed act incorporated techniques such as muscle-reading and psychological forces to create stunning displays of mindreading. Cassidy emphasized creating mentalism routines that were both powerful and natural in presentation.
A booth is a small, temporary structure used for displaying products, distributing information, or providing services at events such as job fairs, exhibitions, and trade shows.
"Booth babe" is a term used to refer to attractive promotional models hired to draw attention to a company's booth at a trade show. Some regard this term as outdated.
The bouquet toss is a traditional wedding event where the bride throws her bouquet over her shoulder to a group of single women. According to superstition, the woman who catches the bouquet will be the next to marry.
A brand ambassador is a person hired to represent a brand in a positive light and by doing so help to increase brand awareness and sales. At a trade show, a brand ambassador might demonstrate a product, interact with attendees, or perform other activities to promote the brand.
Breakout Session: A smaller session, workshop, or meeting that takes place within a larger event. Breakout sessions allow for more focused discussion or interactive learning.
A breakout session is a smaller session, workshop, or meeting that takes place within the larger trade show. These sessions allow for more focused discussion or interactive learning on topics.
A bridal shower is a gift-giving party held for the bride-to-be in anticipation of her wedding. It's a chance for the bride's close female relatives and friends to spend time with her before the big day.
The bridal veil is a piece of fabric the bride wears over her face during the wedding ceremony.
A bridesmaid is a close friend or relative of the bride who assists her before and during the wedding. Bridesmaids often help with planning, provide emotional support, and participate in wedding day activities.
Joseph Buatier de Kolta was a French magician in the late 1800s who invented the expanding flower bouquet illusion, vanishing birdcage, and the rising cards trick. His style focused on elegant manipulation.
Buffet: A style of food service where guests serve themselves from a variety of dishes set out on a table or counter.
The Bullet Catch illusion is a potentially lethal magic trick in which a magician appears to catch a fired bullet in mid-flight—often in his mouth or hand. The bullet catch illusion, despite its danger (or maybe because of its danger), remains a crowd-pleaser in the world of magic. More than a dozen performers have died performing the Bullet Catch, including Theodore Annemann and Chung Ling Soo.
Burling Hull was an American mentalist known for publishing cutting-edge books in the 1920s that revealed psychology-based mentalism techniques to magicians. His writings educated serious students of mentalism for generations on fundamentals like blindfold reading and spirit slate writings.
Canapés Small, prepared and usually decorative food, typically eaten in one bite. Often served during the cocktail hour of an event.
Richard Valentine Pitchford, known by the stage name Cardini, was a British magician famous for his card manipulation act performed with white gloves. At a time when most magicians revealing their secrets was taboo, Cardini was very open about his techniques. He helped inspire a new generation of card magicians.
Catering is the provision of food and drink at an event, often involving professional services that can accommodate a variety of dietary preferences and event themes.
The ceremony is the formal part of the wedding where the bride and groom exchange vows and are officially married.
Chan Canasta was the stage name of British mentalist David Solomon. Active in the 1950s, Canasta gained fame for public stunts like blindfold card readings and thought transference tricks with BBC radio listeners. He made frequent television appearances with his mind reading act.
Channing Pollock was an American magician popular in the 1900s and 1910s for his elaborate illusions on Broadway and around the world. His most famous tricks involved producing doves and other animals. Pollock was also known for advocating the professionalism of magic as theatrical art.
A chat feature is an option within a virtual event platform that allows attendees to communicate with each other and event hosts in real time through text messages.
The Chinese Water Torture Cell is an escape trick, most famously performed by Harry Houdini, where the performer is suspended upside-down in a locked glass-and-steel cabinet filled with water. The illusion combines elements of escapology, physical endurance, and dramatic spectacle.
Chris Cox is a British mentalist who creatively incorporates comedy and improvisation into his interactive mind reading act. Cox makes predictions, reveals thoughts, and guesses personal details about audience members. He has toured widely and made television appearances on shows like Britain's Got Talent.
Chrissy B is an American mentalist who performs for theaters and event productions across the country. Her act highlights her intuition skills, including displays of telepathy, lie detection, psychic readings, and revealing of secrets. Chrissy B has opened for famous magicians like David Copperfield.
Chung Ling Soo was the stage name of American magician William Ellsworth Robinson (April 2, 1861 – March 24, 1918). He was known for traditional illusions like the linking rings as well as new tricks with huge production boxes he invented. Chung Ling Soo was one of many magicians who died on stage performing the Bullet Catch.
Clairvoyance is the ability to see things hidden from the eyes. This ability to gain information about an object, person, location, or physical event through extrasensory perception is called clairvoyance.
"She closed her eyes and, using clairvoyance, described the contents within the opaque box."
Close-up magic is a genre of magic where the performance occurs within close proximity to the audience, using simple props such as cards, coins, thimbles, or small objects. Close-up magic often involves intricate sleight of hand and misdirection.
The close-up magic performance, with its intimate setting, allowed the audience to experience the magic firsthand.
A cocktail reception is a social event where guests mingle while enjoying drinks and appetizers, often before a larger event like a banquet or conference.
Cold reading is set of techniques used by mentalists to imply that they know much more about the person than they actually do.
Colin Cloud is a Scottish mentalist known for highly energetic performances combining comedy, magic and mind reading demonstrations. Notable stunts include revealing audience secrets and predicting headlines in newspapers torn up by audience members. Cloud gained fame through appearances on talent competition shows.
Performers who combine humor with magic, often incorporating comedic timing, jokes, and physical comedy into their routines. Comedy magicians use humor to enhance the entertainment value of their performances and to misdirect the audience.
The comedy magician had the audience laughing uproariously while he performed his tricks.
A conference is a corporate event where groups of employees, clients, or industry experts gather to network, exchange ideas, and learn. Conferences often span multiple days and include keynote speeches, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. The goal of a corporate conference is to educate, motivate, and build relationships.
Conjuring (to conjure) can have the two related meanings listed below.
To summon or evoke (something, especially a spirit) by the use of magic spells, incantations, or rituals. Used especially when referring to witches, sorcerers, magicians, etc. For example, "The wizard conjured a spirit to assist him."
To devise, fabricate, or contrive, especially with deceitful intent. For example, "The magician conjured up doves and illusions to fool the audience."
To "conjure" means to summon, evoke, produce, or fabricate something (often in an imaginative, deceitful, or magical way), especially with the use of spells, incantations, rituals, or ingenuity. The key aspects are: summoning, producing, inventing, and often with magical, imaginative, or deceitful overtones.
A convention center is a large venue that hosts conventions, conferences, trade shows, and other large events. Eight key features of a convention center are listed below.
- Large, open spaces that can be configured into rooms of various sizes using movable walls/partitions. This allows hosting multiple events simultaneously.
- May contain one or more auditoriums for keynote speeches and presentations. Auditoriums can seat hundreds or thousands of attendees.
- Exhibit halls for trade shows and expos. These large, open halls allow companies to set up booths/displays.
- Meeting rooms for breakout sessions and smaller meetings. Rooms can host anywhere from a dozen to hundreds of people.
- Catering facilities like kitchens and banquet halls to serve food and refreshments to event attendees.
- Additional facilities like lobbies, registration areas, press rooms, etc. to support events.
- Designed to host thousands of attendees simultaneously across multiple events. Location is usually in or near major cities.
- Managed by professional event staff who handle booking, logistics, room setups, catering, audio/visual, security, etc.
A convention center is a versatile, large-scale facility purpose-built for hosting conventions, conferences, trade shows, and other major events in a metropolitan area. The configurable space and support facilities allow serving many events and attendees simultaneously.
Count Alessandro di Cagliostro was an 18th century occultist, alchemist and mentalist who performed throughout European high society. He claimed psychic abilities like clairvoyance, telepathy, and healing powers but drew skepticism over the stage magic methods behind his tricks. Cagliostro pioneered many mentalism techniques despite accusations of being an impostor.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted virtual events and accelerated adoption of virtual technology platforms. Seven key effects are listed below.
- Mass cancellation of in-person events due to lockdowns, social distancing, travel restrictions, and health concerns. This included conferences, trade shows, networking events, training workshops, etc.
- Rapid pivot by event organizers to adopt virtual event platforms as an alternative. Tools like Hopin, vFairs, Run The World, etc. saw huge growth.
- Learning curve for organizers and attendees in using virtual platforms effectively. Issues like video conferencing fatigue arose.
- Experimentation with innovating virtual event formats, engagement tactics, monetization models. Examples like virtual happy hours, 3D virtual worlds, gamification.
- Challenges in fully replicating the spontaneity and serendipity of in-person events online. Networking and informal interactions were harder.
- Benefits like wider audience reach, lower costs, saved travel time led many organizers to consider permanent hybrid virtual/in-person models.
- Uneven adoption across industries and geographies based on digital maturity, demographics, tech constraints.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the events industry and accelerated adoption of virtual events. While challenges remain, virtual events are now seen as a core part of the modern events toolkit.
Commonly known as the "Vanilla Ice of Magic," Criss Angel is a celebrity emo illusionist and a walking Hot Topic, Criss Angel is renowned for his extreme TV magic tricks. Known also for his television show "Criss Angel Mindfreak", Angel's style often involves street magic, and dramatic stunts.
Cyril Takayama, born on September 27, 1973, is an American illusionist of Japanese descent. He is known for his deceptively simple yet mystifying magic effects using ordinary objects like cards, coins, and rubber bands. Takayama has performed on Broadway and had appearances on TV shows like The Tonight Show.
Dai Vernon, born David Frederick Wingfield Verner on June 11, 1894, was a Canadian magician, also known as "The Professor". Vernon was a pioneer in modern close-up magic and significantly influenced card magic. He spent most of his last years as a beloved figure at the Magic Castle, an exclusive club for magicians in Hollywood. Vernon passed away on August 21, 1992.
David Berglas is a British mentalist known for pioneering close-up mentalism on television in the 1970s. His act features impressive demonstrations of telepathy, psychic abilities, lie detection and predictions. Berglas has famously refused to reveal the magic methods behind his storied routines.
An American magician, illusionist, and endurance artist, known for his high-profile feats of endurance and innovative street magic.
David Blaine, with his unique style of street magic, has redefined the boundaries of magic and endurance.
An American magician, David Copperfield is known for his combination of storytelling and illusion. Copperfield's magic often involves large-scale illusions, escapology, and television specials that present new approaches to magic performances.
David Copperfield, with his narrative-driven magic, has captivated audiences worldwide.
A preeminent British magician, David Devant is best remembered for his invention of the Split-Second Change (also known as Devant's Diversion) in 1889, a magic effect that swaps two items in lightning speed.
Décor refers to the decoration and styling of an event venue to create a specific look or mood.
Dedication ceremonies celebrate new buildings, projects, or donated corporate gifts by unveiling plaques and signage. Local dignitaries often speak to thank funders and recognize corporate generosity. Some dedication events feature ribbon cuttings or tours. The ceremonies commemorate projects and honor key contributors.
Dell O'Dell was an American magician who became one of the most successful female magicians of the 1900s. She specialized in close-up magic and published books revealing magic secrets other women performers. She was a role model for women in magic.
Derren Brown, born on February 27, 1971, is an English mentalist, illusionist, and author. Brown is known for his performances in which he mixes magic, suggestion, psychology, misdirection, and showmanship. His television shows and stage performances, such as "Derren Brown: Mind Control" and "Derren Brown: Trick of the Mind", have garnered widespread acclaim. Brown also has written books for magicians as well as the general public.
A dinner meeting combines a corporate event with a shared meal. Dinner meetings offer executives and employees a chance to dine together, discuss business, and strengthen relationships. They create an informal setting for collaboration, idea sharing, and team building. Dinner meetings may feature guest speakers and structured programs.
Divination is the practice of seeking knowledge of the unknown, or foresight into the future, through supernatural or magical means. Divination is sometimes used to find hidden objects.
The mentalist used divination at the beginning of his show to surprise the audience with statements about them he couldn't possibly know.
Docc Hilford is an American mentalist who focuses on incorporating psychology and human behavior in his routines. Known as "The Mind's Eye," his act often includes displays of telepathy, psychic readings, lie detection, and hypnotism. Hilford has published numerous books on mentalism and even runs an online mentalist school.
An American stage magician and escapologist, known as the "First Lady of Magic." Dietrich is recognized for being the first woman to perform the bullet catch in her mouth and the first woman to perform a straitjacket escape while suspended hundreds of feet in the air.
Dorothy Dietrich, with her daring escapes, has broken barriers in the world of magic.
Doug Henning was a Canadian magician, illusionist, and escape artist born on May 3, 1947. He is credited with reviving the public's interest in magic in the 1970s with his Broadway show "The Magic Show". Henning was known for his exuberant personality, distinctive style, and for blending magic with theatrical performance. He also starred in several television specials and was nominated for a Tony Award. Henning passed away in February 2000.
Dress Code: The expected standard of dress for guests attending an event, which may range from casual to formal.
Joseph Dunninger, known professionally as Dunninger, was an American mentalist who peaked in popularity during the 1930s and 1940s. He performed numerous feats of mentalism and hypnosis on stage and on radio programs. Dunninger's signature tricks involved identifying hidden objects and prediciting headlines in newspapers. He insisted his abilities were genuine psychic powers.
Steven Frayne, better known by his stage name Dynamo, is an English magician born on December 17, 1982. Dynamo is best known for his television show "Dynamo: Magician Impossible", which ran from July 2011 to September 2014. His unique brand of magic usually involves large-scale illusions, street magic, and close-up magic. Dynamo has influenced a new generation of magicians and brought a fresh approach to the magic scene.
In magic, the effect is the outcome of a magic trick as perceived by the audience. Magicians frequently use the terms "method" and "effect." Regardless of how clever the method is, the magic trick is good only if its effect on the audience is good.
Ehud Segev is an Israeli mentalist known for his appearances on television programs where he showcases mind reading, prediction abilities, and influencing skills. Segev emphasizes the human psychology and body language cues behind his tricks. He has performed internationally, including shows in New York City.
Emcee (MC, Master of Ceremonies): The person who hosts and guides the event, introducing speakers or performers, making announcements, and ensuring the event runs smoothly.
Employee appreciation events show gratitude for hard work and dedication. Companies host fun activities like picnics, parties, or field days with free food, gifts, and entertainment. Door prizes, games, competitions, and giveaways create inclusive, upbeat experiences to boost morale.
Equivoque, or "Magician's Choice," is a psychological technique used in mentalism, and by some magicians, to give the illusion of a free choice when, in fact, the outcome is controlled by the magician.
Erik Jan Hanussen was an Austrian mentalist and clairvoyant performer who toured Europe in the early 1900s. He performed apparent feats of telepathy, mindreading, psychic abilities, and prediction. Hanussen claimed to have genuine supernatural powers but also drew skepticism over the stage magic methods behind his tricks. He became famous for predicting Adolf Hitler's rise to power.
Escapologists are performers who specialize in escaping from confinement or restraints. Escapologists often incorporate elements of danger, physical endurance, and showmanship in their performances. Such escape artists escape from restrictive holding areas or devices, like handcuffs, handcuffs locked in a safe, a straitjacket, or bonded by rope to a train.
The escapologist, bound in chains and locks, thrilled the audience with his daring escape.
An event planner is a professional who coordinates all aspects of events, including choosing the venue, hiring caterers, and arranging entertainment.
Executive presentations are important corporate events where leadership delivers key messages to employees. Successful presentations inform, inspire action, and persuade listeners through compelling delivery. Custom presentations reinforce vision, values, culture, and strategy. Executives carefully craft content and practice
An executive summit gathers top corporate leaders and decision-makers for a shared agenda of high-level discussions. Notable keynote speakers provide insights on emerging trends, technologies, and strategies. Executive summits aim to spur innovation and shape management best practices through idea sharing. Strict attendee criteria maintain exclusivity.
An exhibition is a public display of works of art or items of interest, often held within events such as conferences or trade shows.
An exhibitor is a company or individual who displays their products or services at a trade show.
The first dance is a tradition at wedding receptions where the newly married couple share a dance. This typically takes place before any other guests are invited to dance.
A floor plan is a diagram showing the arrangement of spaces in a building as seen from above, used for planning the layout of an event.
A floor plan is a diagram showing the arrangement of booths and other features at a trade show.
A flower girl is a young girl who participates in the wedding procession, often preceding the bride down the aisle. She typically carries a basket of flower petals, which she scatters along the aisle to symbolize a happy path for the bride's new life. The flower girl is usually a close relative or family friend of the bride or groom. The flower girl's role adds a touch of innocence and charm to the ceremony. 💮
Focus groups assemble current or potential customers to preview ideas, products, and messaging. Moderators lead discussions and activities to gauge opinions, preferences, and satisfaction. Companies gain customer insights and feedback to refine strategies and offerings before launching to market. Focus group facilities have viewing rooms behind one-way glass.
Forcing is a technique used in magic and mentalism to give the illusion of a free choice when the outcome is actually predetermined.
Franz Harary is an American magician known for his grand illusions and stage shows around the world. Some of his famous tricks include making a space shuttle disappear and teleporting an entire live elephant on stage. Harary has received awards from the Academy of Magical Arts.
Freya is a British mentalist who delivers energetic mind reading performances incorporating magic, psychology, analytics and audience participation. She is known for her precise guesses about minute details of a person's life after asking them just a couple quick questions. Freya has toured internationally and appeared on television programs.
The Front of House is the area in a hospitality venue visible to guests, including the lobby, dining area, and bar. Front of house staff interact directly with guests, providing services like seating, serving food, and answering questions.
David Bamberg, under the stage name Fu Manchu, was a magician from the early 1900s known for his performances as an exaggerated Chinese stereotype. He pioneered new tricks like the floating ball illusion. His son David Bamberg Jr. also became a famous magician as Fu Manchu Jr.
Gerry McCambridge, born on March 31, 1973, is an Irish mentalist, magician and memory expert. He is known for his mind reading performances that combine sleight of hand, mentalism, psychology and showmanship. McCambridge uses his skills in body language reading to make precise guesses about audience members he has just met. He has performed internationally and made television appearances on shows like The Tonight Show and America's Got Talent.
A magician's gimmick is a secret device used to accomplish a magic effect.
Glenn Falkenstein is an American mentalist specializing in trade show entertainment. His interactive presentations showcase skills like telepathy, lie detection, psychic readings, and predicting outcomes. Falkenstein uses magic, psychology, non-verbal communication and statistics-based tricks in his corporate act.
Grand openings mark the first official day of business for new corporate locations and initiatives. Festive celebrations aim to generate buzz and foot traffic. Store discounts, gifts, entertainment, refreshments, and VIP guests are common grand opening elements. Companies use the events to make a splash and welcome the public.
A green room is a space where performers or speakers can relax and prepare before their appearance at an event.
Groomsmen are close friends or relatives of the groom who stand with him during the wedding. They often assist with wedding preparations and participate in the ceremony.
Groundbreaking ceremonies commemorate the start of corporate construction projects. Company leaders shovel ceremonial dirt to celebrate the initial site excavation. These upbeat events build excitement for new buildings, headquarters, and campus expansions. Groundbreakings may include speeches, renderings, and hard hat photos.
Guy Bavli is an Israeli mentalist and entertainer best known for original mind reading stunts performed on television. His skills include identifying objects hidden by audience members, duplicating drawings, and revealing personal details about volunteers. Bavli uses psychology, prediction, and trickery in his precisely executed routines.
Hackathons are intensive corporate events where programmers collaborate on software projects. Over several days, teams race to conceptualize and develop functional apps and tech solutions. Hackathons tap into talent's creativity to quickly prototype and innovate. Prizes reward top projects, and companies gain licensing opportunities.
Haim Goldenberg is an Israeli mentalist known for mindreading stunts like identifying words written by audience members on concealed slips of paper. Much of his career has been dedicated to debunking psychic frauds through public demonstrations. Goldenberg combines magic and psychology in his performances.
Harry Blackstone Jr., born on June 30, 1934, was an American stage magician, the son of notable magician Harry Blackstone Sr. Throughout his career, he performed many of the same illusions his father had performed, such as the "Buzz Saw" illusion, where a woman appears to be cut in half. Blackstone Jr. was known for his dedication to the art of magic and his efforts to preserve his father's legacy. He passed away on May 14, 1997.
A Hungarian-born American illusionist and stunt performer, noted for his sensational escape acts. Houdini's magic often involved escapology, large-scale illusions, and debunking psychic phenomena. Harry Houdini was the world's most famous escapologist and illusionist who specialized in spectacular escapes that often involved being chained, handcuffed, or otherwise confined in a seemingly inescapable device.
Harry Houdini, with his legendary escapes, remains one of the most famous magicians in history.
Harry Lorayne, born on May 4, 1926, is an American magician and a memory-training specialist, known for his mnemonic demonstrations. He has appeared on national television numerous times showing his memory techniques and has authored more than 40 books on magic, memory, and other subjects.
Hidden compartments are areas in an illusionist's props or equipment that can be secretly accessed in order to store objects without the audience being aware. Hidden compartments are concealed spaces within objects or structures, used in magic to create illusions or hide objects. Such compartments are often used in tricks involving disappearance, transformation, or transposition.
The trick was made possible by the hidden compartment on the illusionist's table.
Holiday parties are celebratory corporate events held during the winter holiday season. Festive decor, food, and entertainment aim to spread cheer and appreciate employees. Holiday parties offer a chance to socialize, unwind, and recognize a year of accomplishments. Gift exchanges, contests, and visits from Santa are popular elements.
The honeymoon is a holiday taken by the newlyweds after their wedding. It's a chance for the newly wed couple to enjoy some time together after the busyness of wedding planning and the wedding day itself.
Hopin is an all-in-one virtual events platform used to host large-scale online events with networking, session streaming and engagement tools.
Horace Goldin was a stage magician who became famous in the early 1900s for his signature "sawing a woman in half" illusion, which he invented and patented. Though not the first sawing illusion, his improvement of the trick made it a sensation.
A hospitality suite is a room or area provided for entertaining guests, often in a hotel or conference center. These suites are typically used for informal meetings, relaxation, or networking during events.
An American magician from the early 20th century, Howard Thurston gained fame as a rival and successor to Harry Houdini. He performed renowned illusions like the floating lightbulb and rising card tricks. Thurston also had a popular magic show that toured internationally for decades.
A hybrid event combines both virtual and in-person elements to engage both remote online and in-person onsite attendees simultaneously. Ten key features of hybrid events are listed below.
- In-person component at a physical venue for local attendees with space/safety precautions.
- Virtual component streamed online for remote attendees via a virtual event platform.
- Options for attendees to join either in-person or virtually based on location and preference.
- Shared content and unified schedule across in-person and virtual experiences.
- Presenters delivering sessions to a combined physical and remote audience.
- Opportunities for both in-person and virtual attendees to interact and network.
- Potential for simulcasting or alternating content streams for in-person and virtual audiences.
- Integrated technologies like live-streaming, video conferencing, virtual chat, mobile apps, etc. to bridge the physical and digital components.
- Dual staffing model of onsite event managers and remote event moderators.
- Robust internet connectivity and AV setup required in the physical venue.
Hypnosis is a state of human consciousness involving focused attention to achieve a trance-like state, reduced peripheral awareness, and an enhanced capacity for response to suggestion. In magic, hypnosis is often simulated or used as a part of mentalism routines.
Hypnotists use induction techniques to induce a trance state characterized by heightened suggestibility, a reduced sense of self-awareness, and an altered perception of reality. Induction techniques include progressive relaxation, guided imagery, or direct suggestion.
The mentalist used hypnosis to convince a volunteer that they had forgotten their own name.
Performers who use methods of deception to create impossible or unlikely perceptions, including optical and auditory illusions. Illusionists often incorporate large-scale props, special effects, and showmanship in their performances.
The illusionist's grand performance, making an elephant disappear, left the audience in disbelief.
Illusions are perceptions or interpretations of sensory information that contradict reality. In magic, illusions are used to create effects that seem impossible, such as levitation, disappearance, transformation, and restoration.
An illusion is a perception that does not match reality, often created in magic to make impossible feats seem real. Illusions can involve physical objects, light and shadow, or psychological factors.
The magician's illusion of sawing a person in half is a classic trick in the world of magic.
Imro Fox, born Isidor Fuchs, was an American vaudeville magician who founded Imro Magic. The company manufactured magical equipment for decades and published expose books revealing secrets.
Influencer days invite social media influencers, bloggers, and industry experts to company headquarters. Customized agendas showcase products and culture. Influencers receive access to create social content, drive engagement, and spread brand awareness. The hands-on experience informs authentic storytelling and promotion to large followings.
The itinerary is a detailed plan or schedule for an event, outlining what will happen at specific times.
John Nevil Maskelyne was a British stage magician from the late 1800s renowned for the Egyptian Hall theater he founded. He made many innovations in stage illusions and automata. The Levitation of Princess Karnac was among his most spectacular tricks.
James Randi, born Randall James Hamilton Zwinge on August 7, 1928, was a Canadian-American stage magician and scientific skeptic. Known as "The Amazing Randi", he dedicated much of his career to debunking paranormal and pseudoscientific claims. Randi was a founder of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI), and the James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF), organizations dedicated to promoting scientific skepticism. He passed away on October 20, 2020.
Jason Latimer is an American magician who specializes in the manipulation of fluids, gases, and dynamic objects. His signature performance involves the creation of intricate shadow images using lasers and smoke. Latimer gained fame through appearances on television shows like Penn & Teller: Fool Us.
Jason Suran is an American mentalist who emphasizes the psychology of deceit and reading body language. His interactive performances test his lie detection and mind reading skills with audience participants. Suran has been featured in media outlets like the Huffington Post and Forbes.
Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin was a French watchmaker, considered the 'Father of Modern Magic' and often credited as the first professional magician. Robert-Houdin achieved a high degree of fame and success due to his innovative revelations of the secrets of illusions.
Jeff McBride, born on September 24, 1959, is an American magician known for his skill in mask work, manipulation, and cabaret-style magic. He is a recipient of the prestigious Magician of the Year award from the Academy of Magical Arts. McBride is also a popular teacher and author on magical performance.
Jerome Finley is an American mentalist who emphasizes intuition, hypnosis, and ritual in his act. Finley's serious style involves demonstrations of telepathy, psychic abilities, divination, and lie detection through a combination of magic methods and interpersonal skills. He has performed extensively across the United States.
Job fairs provide companies an efficient way to identify job candidates and fill open positions. At these recruiting events, employers have booths to engage with attendees, collect resumes, conduct interviews, extend offers, and promote company culture. Job seekers move booth to booth to network and discuss opportunities.
Johnny Thompson, also known as "The Great Tomsoni", born on July 27, 1934, was a Polish-American magician who performed with his wife, Pamela Hayes. They had a comedic slapstick act with Thompson as the bumbling magician and Hayes as his assistant. Thompson was also a respected consultant and helped design illusions for magicians like Penn & Teller, Lance Burton, and Criss Angel. He passed away on March 9, 2019.
Jon Finch is an American magician who specializes in highly visual and interactive performances that mystify audiences. Finch's skills include misdirection, sleight of hand, close up magic, and illusions. His unique "hands-off" magic style has entertained audiences across the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, and Switzerland. Magician Jon Finch combines magic and comedy in his magic act for theaters, corporate events, television, and live web conferences for Fortune 500 companies.
Jon Finch is an American mentalist, magician, and mind reader. He specializes in highly visual and interactive performances that astonish audiences. Finch's skills include telepathy, predicting future events, and identifying thoughts and memories. His unique "hands-off" mentalism style has entertained audiences across the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, and Switzerland. Mentalist Jon Finch combines magic, psychology, humor, and mentalism in his acts for theaters, corporate events, television, and live web conferences for Fortune 500 companies. His grand finale stunts often involve mindreading numbers with astonishing precision.
Juan Tamariz, born on October 18, 1942, in Spain, is a magician specializing in close-up magic. He is well-known in the magic community for his development of "The Tamariz Stack", a memorized deck order used to perform incredible feats of card magic. Tamariz has written several books in Spanish and English on magic theory.
Juliana Chen is a Chinese magician known for her manipulation acts, especially with playing cards. Chen's magic often involves close-up magic, sleight of hand, and a unique blend of traditional Chinese and Western performance styles.
Karl Germain was a German magician active in the late 1800s and early 1900s. His specialties included manipulation and sleight of hand tricks with cups and balls. Germain influenced future generations as a teacher of magic and author of important books like The Modern Magician.
Keith Barry is an Irish mentalist, magician and hypnotist who won fame through television specials in the 1990s and 2000s. His skills include mind reading, influencing choices and implanted thoughts, and predicting events. Barry combines magic, suggestion and psychology to achieve his mental feats.
A keynote speaker is the main speaker at an event, often a recognized expert or notable figure who addresses the main theme of the event.
Kickoff meetings launch new corporate projects and initiatives by outlining goals, roles, and responsibilities. These motivational events bring team members together to detail plans, align expectations, and build excitement. Kickoff meetings set the stage for success through presentations, activities, and discussions.
An American escapologist, known as "Lady Houdini," recognized for her water torture cell escape. Johnson's performances often involve escapology, physical endurance, and large-scale illusions.
Kuda Bux was an Indian mystic magician known for his blindfold acts, including safely riding a bike through traffic while blindfolded. His most famous trick was reading serial numbers on bills while blindfolded. He claimed these were the result of his yogic mental powers.
Kyle Johnson is a mentalist from Long Island, New York who performs an interactive mind reading act across the United States. Blending magic, psychology, and humor, he astounds audiences by revealing their thoughts, replicating drawings, and making precise predictions about their lives. His act has been featured at the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood.
Lance Burton, born William Lance Burton on March 10, 1960, is an American stage magician. He performed in Las Vegas for more than 30 years and had a contract with the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino for a record-breaking 13 years. Burton's show typically combined large-scale illusions with intimate, close-up magic. He retired from performing in 2010 but remains one of the most respected figures in the magic community.
Large-scale illusions are complex, large-scale magical performances that involve elaborate sets, props, or special effects. They are designed to amaze and astound audiences with their grandeur.
Grand illusions often involve the performer being put into extraordinary, seemingly impossible situations and escaping from the dangers unscathed. Magic tricks that involve large props or a large stage area, often creating the impression of grandeur and spectacle are large-scale illusions. Such illusions often involve disappearance, transformation, levitation, or penetration of large objects or people.
"The magician's large-scale illusion, making a helicopter disappear, left the audience in awe."
Le Grand David and his own Spectacular Magic Company were an American magic troupe led by Cesareo Pelaez. With a cast of thousands during its run from the 1960s to the 1990s, their stage shows harkened back to the grandeur of vaudeville magic.
Lead retrieval is the process of collecting contact information from potential customers or partners at a trade show.
The process by which an object is held aloft, without mechanical support, in a stable position. In magic, levitation is often used to create the illusion of a person or object floating in the air, defying gravity. The act of making a person or object appear to float or levitate in the air without any visible means of support or lift.
The magician astounded the audience with a levitation trick of his assistant.
Lior Suchard, born in 1982, is an Israeli mentalist, magician and entertainer. He performs mind reading feats where he guesses intricate details about audience members he just met or divines their secret thoughts. Suchard's performances incorporate music, comedy, improvisation and audience participation. He gained fame from his shows in Israel before bringing his act to international stages and television, performing on shows like The Tonight Show and Britain's Got Talent.
Live Entertainment: Performances provided for guests' enjoyment during an event, such as bands, DJs, magicians, or comedians.
Live polling is a method within a virtual event of gathering response data from attendees in real time via multiple choice surveys or yes/no questions, often displayed as charts or graphs immediately.
Live Q&A is a feature within a virtual event, allowing attendees to ask questions and receive answers from speakers in real time, usually via text boxes or chat.
Live video streaming is the broadcasting of a virtual event's video content in real time over the internet.
Load-in and load-out refer to the process of bringing equipment, supplies, and materials into and out of an event venue.
Lu Chen is a Chinese magician who combines illusion and Chinese traditional arts like shadow play and acrobatics. He gained fame through his magic competition shows on Chinese TV. Chen has broken several world records and is nicknamed "the China David Copperfield".
Luke Jermay is a British mentalist known for mindreading presentations that blend magic, suggestion, psychology, and showmanship. His skills include predicting events, identifying objects hidden by audience members, and revealing personal details about volunteers. Jermay has published best-selling books on mentalism and released instructional DVDs.
Mac King, born on December 2, 1959, is an American magician who has performed on television specials, often in one-off comedy magic roles. King has his own family-friendly show, "The Mac King Comedy Magic Show", at the Harrah's Las Vegas in the Clint Holmes Theater.
Magic is an art form in which magicians, illusionists, and mentalists use techniques like sleight of hand and misdirection to demonstrate seemingly impossible feats.
The maid of honor is the bride's chief assistant before and during the wedding. She often helps with planning, provides emotional support, and the maid of honor helps the bride get ready on the wedding day.
Marc Paul is a German mentalist known for bold public prediction stunts like guessing headlines weeks in advance and identifying the unknown authors of books. He has also demonstrated telepathy on live television by having partners duplicate his drawings remotely.
Marc Salem, born on September 16, 1950, is an American mentalist known for his highly intellectual, interactive mind reading performances. He incorporates techniques from magic, psychology, and neuroscience in his acts. Salem has performed at theaters and colleges all over the world, and also works as a researcher in the field of nonverbal communication. He performs exclusively in the realm of mentalism rather than traditional magic tricks involving props.
Mark Wilson, born on April 11, 1929, is an American magician who had the first network television magic series, The Magic Land of Allakazam. He is largely credited with pioneering the format of magic on television and has written numerous books on magic. Wilson passed away on January 19, 2021.
Mat Franco, born on May 10, 1988, is an American magician and the winner of the ninth season of America's Got Talent. Franco's style of magic involves storytelling and humor, often using simple props and common items. He has a long-term contract with The LINQ Hotel and Experience in Las Vegas for his magic show, "Mat Franco: Magic Reinvented Nightly".
Maurice Fogel was an American mentalist known for his vaudeville and theater shows during the early 1900s. His act consisted of apparent feats of telepathy, including revealing audience members' thoughts and identifying objects hidden in envelopes. Fogel blended sleight of hand with psychology to make his mentalism routines entertaining. His legacy helped popularize mentalism in America.
Max Malini was an American magician born in the late 1800s who performed sleight of hand and large-scale illusions. He was renowned for his impromptu street magic performed for wealthy patrons and celebrities.
Max Maven, born Philip Goldstein in 1950, is an American magician and mentalist. Known for his sophisticated and often mysterious performances, Maven has performed in over three dozen countries and had numerous television appearances. Besides performing, he has also served as a consultant to other magicians due to his deep knowledge of magical history and practice.
A media tour sends company spokespeople to appear as guests across TV, radio, online, and print media. Booking multiple interviews in a short timeframe blankets the media landscape. Media tours efficiently increase visibility and control messaging around product launches, rebranding, and other announcements. Topic-focused pitches align with specific shows and audiences.
Mentalism is the performance art of creating illusions of mind reading and other mental feats. Mentalism is a performing art in which practitioners, known as mentalists, use mental acuity, principles of stage magic, and suggestion to present the illusion of mind reading, psychokinesis, precognition, clairvoyance, and other similar phenomena.
A mentalist is a performance artist who performs tricks and illusions associated with mental powers, such as telepathy, mind control, predicting the future, and other mental feats. A mentalist is a performer who uses psychological techniques and tricks to demonstrate mental feats beyond the ability of ordinary people. Mentalists seem to be able to read minds or predict the future, present mind reading, psychokinesis, precognition, clairvoyance, and other similar phenomena.
Mesmerism is the therapeutic application of hypnotism, named after Franz Mesmer who proposed the concept of "animal magnetism." Mesmerism involves a trance state in subjects through nonverbal hypnotic methods such as fixed gazing.
Michael Ammar, born on June 25, 1956, is an American magician known for his work with close-up magic, particularly with his cups and balls routine. He has won magician of the year from the Academy of Magical Arts and has written several books and instructional guides for magicians.
Michael Gutenplan is an American mentalist known for highly visual presentations and ability to read body language. His fast-paced act often includes psychic readings, duplication of drawings, and shocking predictions about audience members he just met. Gutenplan has performed at Hollywood's famed Magic Castle.
Michael Weber is an American mentalist known for mindreading stunts like duplicating drawings made by audience members while blindfolded. He has performed extensively on international stages, in casinos, and on television, including shows like America's Got Talent. Weber uses magic, psychology, and suggestion in his highly interactive performances.
Micro-expressions are brief, nonverbal facial contortions that reveal a person’s emotions and intentions. Micro-expressions last for only a fraction of a second and often go unnoticed by the average person. In mentalism, understanding and interpreting micro-expressions can be used to create the illusion of mind reading or clairvoyance.
"Mentalists and psychics notice ideomotor responses, and even micro-expressions, to help them gain insights into their clients' thoughts and feelings."
Microsoft Teams is a communications tool within the Microsoft 365 suite that can be used to set up virtual events with video calling, chat and content sharing capabilities.
In magic, mirrors are often used to create illusions of invisibility, duplication, or transformation.
The magician used mirrors to create the illusion of a vanished object.
Misdirection is an act of misleading, by word or gesture, to direct the spectator's focus away from the method. Misdirection is the strategic diversion of attention, often used in magic to prevent the audience from detecting the method behind an effect. Misdirection can be physical (directing attention away from a move) or psychological (creating false assumptions).Magicians and illusionists use misdirection to "misdirect" attention away from the modus operandi, attracting the audience's attention to a more interesting distraction. Misdirection is a fundamental principle in magic and is used in a wide range of magic tricks.
The magician used misdirection to direct our focus to his left hand holding the magic wand, while he did something sneaky with his right hand.
An American magician, known for her her performances in magic, particularly seances, and comedic performance style.
Nakul Shenoy is an American mentalist who combines magic, psychology, intuition and humor in his performances. Notable mindreading stunts include drawing hidden pictures and guessing words written by audience members. Shenoy has appeared on television shows to demonstrate his psychic entertainment skills.
Name badges are labels worn by attendees at a trade show, often including the person's name, their company name, and other relevant information. These badges help facilitate networking and professional interactions. Name badges are commonly used at trade shows to identify attendees, exhibitors, and staff members. The name tags can be custom-designed, and can be made of paper, plastic, metal, or other materials. Name tags can be worn on a lanyard, clip, or magnetic fastener. Name badges are an important tool for networking and making connections at trade shows.
Networking is the process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts. Networking is a key component of trade shows.
Networking is the process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts, often a key component of business and industry events.
A networking break is an informal period of time scheduled during a virtual event to allow attendees to socialize and form connections via features like breakout rooms, video calls and chat.
Networking events provide a casual setting for corporate professionals to connect and build relationships. They may have open or structured formats and often incorporate food, drinks, and entertainment. Networking events expand professional circles in a relaxed atmosphere. Name tags and icebreakers facilitate introductions and conversation.
Nina Kulagina was a controversial Soviet psychic and mentalist who claimed telekinetic abilities enabling her to move objects with the mind. While widely studied, the legitimacy of her abilities was questioned. Skeptics attributed her demonstrations to sleight of hand instead of supernatural powers.
Nonverbal cues involve communication methods other than words, including gestures, body language, facial expressions, eye contact, and tone of voice. In mentalism, understanding and interpreting nonverbal cues helps to know the thoughts of the participant.
An open bar is a bar at an event where drinks are served free of charge to guests.
Oz Pearlman is an American mentalist known for his clever and engaging interactive performances involving mindreading, prediction, influence, and psychic abilities. Pearlman was a finalist on America's Got Talent, which helped launch him into professional theater and corporate performances.
Palming is a sleight of hand technique where an object (like a coin or card) is held in an apparently empty hand. 🫳🏻
A panel discussion is a structured conversation on a specific topic involving a selected group of panelists who share their viewpoints while engaging with each other and the audience.
Patter is the script that accompanies a magic trick, used to engage the audience, provide misdirection, and enhance the overall effect. 🗣️
Paul Brook is a British mentalist known for interactive mind reading stunts where he reveals audience members' thoughts, duplications their drawings, and makes improbable predictions about their lives. His television appearances have made Brook one of the UK's most recognized mentalists.
Protul Chandra Sorcar, known as P. C. Sorcar, was an Indian magician called the "father of Indian magic" for helping popularize the art in the 20th century. His elaborate shows incorporated exotic animals and elaborate props. One of his most famous tricks was sawing his wife in half on stage.
A peek is a secret method used by mentalists to gain information, such as the identity of a chosen card, without the knowledge of the spectator.
Penn & Teller are an American magician duo consisting of Penn Jillette and Raymond Teller. They have performed together since the late 1970s and are known for their unique blend of comedy and magic. Their act often includes a philosophical or political component alongside the magic, and Teller, uniquely, performs silent while Penn provides the commentary. The duo has had several successful television shows, including "Penn & Teller: Fool Us" and "Penn & Teller: Bullshit!"
An American magician duo known for their blend of comedy and magic, often incorporating elements of skepticism and debunking pseudoscience. Penn Jillette, the vocal half, and Teller, who remains mostly silent, challenge conventional magic show norms, revealing some secrets to enhance the complexity of their main tricks. Penn and Teller's show is a masterclass in the art of illusion and entertainment. Penn and Teller perform a subversive style of magic, blending comedy and storytelling with misdirection and audience participation.
Peter Turner is a British mentalist who combines magic, suggestion, psychology, and intuition in his act. He is known for performing accurate psychic readings on audience members he just met. Turner has done world tours and made television appearances on shows like America's Got Talent.
Playing cards are rectangular pieces of specially prepared heavy paper, thin cardboard, or thin plastic, marked with distinguishing motifs and used as one of the primary tools for magic, especially in close-up magic. Playing cards are often used in tricks involving illusion, sleight of hand, and mentalism.
The magician shuffled the deck of playing cards, preparing for his next trick.
Podcasting is the distribution of audio recordings related to a virtual event, often as a series allowing attendees to listen on-demand whenever convenient.
A podium is a raised platform where a speaker stands during a presentation or ceremony.
Precognition is the ability to anticipate future events or be aware of something before it happens, often employed through the use of magic or illusions by mentalists, magicians, or illusionists. Precognition is a psychic ability allowing perception of events before they occur.
The mentalist used precognition to predict the audience member's upcoming promotion.
A presenter is a person who speaks publicly to the attendees at a trade show, often to introduce a new product, discuss a topic, or conduct a demonstration.
A press conference is a corporate event that announces news to media outlets. Company spokespeople deliver prepared remarks and answer questions from journalists. Press conferences control the narrative around product launches, rebranding, mergers, and other major announcements. The goal is to shape media coverage and public perception.
A press junket invites media to preview upcoming films, TV shows, or music through special viewings, performances, and celebrity interviews. These promotional events aim to generate buzz leading up to releases. The media receive access to stars and exclusive content in exchange for coverage. Luxury accommodations provide a VIP experience.
Princess Tenko, born Mariko Itakura on December 10, 1959, is a Japanese magician and illusionist. As one of the few prominent female magicians, Tenko earned the nickname "The Magic Queen of Japan". She starred in Broadway's Magic Castle in the late 1980s and her own Princess Tenko TV specials.
A product demonstration at a trade show is a promotional presentation of a product or service, often involving a practical demonstration of its use or operation.
A product demonstrator is a person who demonstrates a product's use or features to potential customers at a trade show. This can involve practical demonstrations, explanations of features, and answering questions from attendees.
A product launch is an exciting event that introduces a new product through demonstrations, presentations, and trial opportunities. Company executives highlight key features and benefits to generate buzz. Attendees may include employees, media, influencers, and industry partners. Product launches create momentum and visibility for sales.
Professor Hoffmann was the stage name of Anglo-German magician Angelo Lewis who wrote many popular books on magic in the late 19th century. His writings revealed secrets of the trade and influenced Harry Houdini and others.
A promotional model is a person who is hired by a company to interact with potential customers at a trade show. Her role is to generate interest in a product, service, or brand by directly engaging with attendees.
Prototype testing events invite select customers to interact with a product prototype in development. Hands-on testing identifies flaws and areas for refinement. Companies observe reactions and solicit feedback through surveys and interviews. Prototype testing events occur before manufacturing final designs. All participants sign non-disclosure agreements.
Events or interactions seemingly influenced by the mind beyond the scope of established physical laws. These phenomena, including telepathy, clairvoyance, and psychokinesis, are staples of magic and mentalism.
Psychic phenomena refers to a broad range of mental activities claimed by practitioners of mentalism (as a performance art) as being supernatural or mystical. These activities include communication with discarnate entities, perception of past lives and distant events and the manipulation of physical systems by paranormal means.
The mentalist's act was based on demonstrating various psychic phenomena.
Registration is the process by which trade show attendees provide their information, often including payment, to secure their participation in a trade show.
Registration is the process by which attendees provide their information, often including payment, to secure their participation in an event.
The rehearsal dinner is a meal that takes place after the wedding rehearsal, usually the night before the wedding. It's a chance for the wedding party and close family members to relax and spend time together before the wedding day.
Corporate retreats remove employees from the office for focused strategic planning and skill-building. Facilitated meetings, trainings, and workshops aim to inspire innovation, stimulate creativity, and strengthen company culture. Retreat venues like hotels and resorts cultivate an immersive learning environment through ample breakout spaces.
In magic performance, the reveal is the climax of a magic trick where the effect (such as a prediction or transformation) is shown to the audience.
Ribbon cutting ceremonies officially open new corporate locations or launch new products and initiatives. Company executives cut a ceremonial ribbon while employees and media look on. Brief remarks, tours, and product demos follow. Ribbon cuttings generate buzz and goodwill. The photo opportunity also provides media content.
Richard Osterlind is an American mentalist known for his influential writings that instruct magicians on incorporating mentalism techniques. His acclaimed stage act showcases skills like clairvoyance, telepathy, and precognition through interactive mind reading routines with the audience. Osterlind has also released many books and DVDs teaching mentalism.
Aldo Izquierdo, better known as Richiardi Jr, was a hugely influential stage magician from the 1960s through the 1990s. He specialized in gruesome tricks like the buzzsaw illusion, despite losing a finger to a real buzzsaw accident earlier in his career.
Ricky Jay, born Richard Jay Potash on June 26, 1946, was an American stage magician, actor, and writer. Known for his card tricks, close-up magic, and historical knowledge of the art of magic, Jay gained recognition not only from the magic community but also from the entertainment industry. Jay also appeared in numerous films and television series. He passed away on November 24, 2018.
The ring bearer is a young boy who carries the wedding rings down the aisle during the wedding ceremony.
Corporate roadshows are business trips to connect with geographically dispersed teams, clients, and stakeholders. Executives travel city to city to provide updates, gather feedback, and strengthen relationships. In-person meetings, presentations, and facility tours replace virtual communication. Roadshows demonstrate commitment through face time and visibility.
Rob Zabrecky is an American mentalist and magician known for offbeat acts blending gothic horror elements with mental magic. His skills include apparent telepathy, psychic readings, communicating with spirits, and precognition. Zabrecky performs regularly at the legendary Magic Castle in Hollywood.
Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin was a French magician in the mid-1800s considered the father of modern conjuring. He pioneered many techniques still used today, like electrical illusions, and combined magic with science and psychology. The magician Houdini later adopted his name as homage.
Roni Shachnaey is an Israeli mentalist who uses the art of NLP (neuro-linguistic programming) to read people's verbal and non-verbal cues. He then makes shocking revelations about audience members he just met, like revealing their hidden thoughts or predicting their actions. Shachnaey performs regularly in Europe and the Middle East.
RSVP (Répondez S'il Vous Plaît): A request for a response from invited guests to confirm their attendance at an event.
A seating arrangement is the planned organization of guests' seats at an event, often coordinated with considerations for social dynamics, visibility, and accessibility.
A seminar is a type of academic instruction, either at an academic institution or offered by a commercial or professional organization. At a trade show, seminars are often used to educate attendees about specific topics related to the industry.
Servais Le Roy was a Belgian magician who became famous in the late 1800s for his invention of the expanding die illusion. This trick involved a small box transforming into a much larger one in an instant.
Shareholder meetings are yearly corporate events that company leadership hosts to update owners on performance. Presentations cover earnings, operations, products, goals, and more. A Q&A session and shareholder vote often follow. Companies use shareholder meetings to build confidence and align on strategy.
Shin Lim, born on September 25, 1991, is a Canadian-American magician recognized for his use of card manipulation and sleight of hand. Lim first came to international attention after winning the 2015 World FISM Championship for Close-Up Card Magic and later won the 13th season of America's Got Talent in 2018. His silent performances set to music are a departure from traditional patter-based magic acts, focusing instead on intricate techniques and the theatrical aspects of magic.
Showmanship is the skill of making an artistic performance engaging and entertaining, crucial in the field of magic. Showmanship involves charisma, stage presence, and the ability to captivate an audience. A great showman can turn a simple trick into a memorable spectacle.
The magician's showmanship turned the simple card trick into a crowd-pleasing spectacle.
Siegfried & Roy were a German-American duo of magicians and entertainers, known for their appearances with white lions and white tigers. The duo was made up of Siegfried Fischbacher (June 13, 1939 – January 13, 2021) and Roy Horn (October 3, 1944 – May 8, 2020). Their show in Las Vegas was one of the most visited and expensive in town. Their careers ended in 2003 when Horn was critically injured by one of their white tigers during a performance.
Sleight of hand is a set of manual dexterity techniques used by magicians to manipulate objects such as cards and coins unseen. Sleight of hand, requiring extensive practice, forms the backbone of close-up magic, creating illusions of impossibility.
"The master magician impressed the audience with fanning and springing the cards, flourishes, and other stunning feats of sleight of hand."
This Russian husband-and-wife duo gained prominence in the 1970s and 80s with their revue-style magic show performed with a troupe of dancers. Their graceful combination of magic and dance made them hugely popular in Europe and Asia.
Special effects are techniques used in performing arts to create illusions or visual tricks, often using mechanical, optical, or digital means. In magic, special effects can enhance the spectacle, creating illusions of grandeur and impossibility. Special effects are used by a stage magician or illusionist in a performance art setting. The special effects create impossible or improbable acts seemingly achieved by supernatural forces. For example, an illusionist may appear to make a live animal appear from an empty box, and add special effects, including smoke and colorful stage lighting.
The magician's use of special effects made the levitation seem real.
A spokesperson is a person chosen to speak on behalf of a company or brand. At a trade show, the spokesperson often presents the company's products or services to attendees and may interact with the media.
Stage magic is magic performed for a large audience, usually on a stage, involving larger-scale illusions and often assistants.
A stage manager is a professional who oversees the physical aspects of a performance or presentation, including the coordination of technical equipment and the management of performers or speakers.
Storytelling is the act of conveying events through words, images, and sounds, often structured with a beginning, middle, and end. In magic, storytelling can provide a narrative framework for tricks, enhancing audience engagement and emotional resonance. An illusionist might tell stories about the meaning behind his magic act as part of his stage show.
The magician's storytelling made the audience feel part of the magical journey.
Street magic is a form of magic performance which takes place in public spaces, characterized by direct interaction with random passersby. Street magic, popularized by magicians like David Blaine, often involves close-up tricks and mentalism, creating intimate experiences of wonder.
Strolling magic is close-up magic performed in a mobile, informal setting, moving from group to group. Also knows as "mingle magic" or "walk-around magic," strolling magic is often seen at parties or corporate events. Strolling magic allows for personalized, close-up performances, enhancing audience engagement.
The strolling magician moved through the party, amazing guests with his close-up tricks.
Suggestion is psychological technique used to guide thoughts, feelings, or behaviors, often employed in hypnosis and mentalism. In magic, suggestion can create illusions of mind control or prediction, adding a layer of mystery to the performance.
Through subtle suggestion, the mentalist seemed to predict the spectator's choice.
When synchronous participation occurs, attendees participate in a virtual event at the same time while separated by distance, using technologies like video-conferencing.
Table magic is performed in a close-up setting, typically while seated at a table, often involving cards, coins, or small objects. Table magic allows for intimate performances, with the close proximity enhancing the illusion of impossibility. The difference between table magic and strolling magic is that a strolling magician approaches small groups where everyone is typically standing, whereas the table magician is stationed at the table.
The magician's table magic left the dinner guests in awe as he made a salt shaker disappear.
A table setting refers to the way that tables are arranged for a meal, including the placement of dishes, glasses, and utensils, as well as decorative elements.
Team building activities use interactive games and challenges to improve collaboration, communication, and trust between corporate team members. These engaging events identify strengths, foster creativity, and build relationships through shared experiences. Team building activities may incorporate obstacles courses, scavenger hunts, or group problem solving.
Tech fairs showcase corporate technologies through immersive exhibits and experiences. Interactive displays demonstrate innovations and capabilities across business divisions. Drone shows, virtual reality, and 3D printing often feature prominently. Tech fairs aim to impress investors, clients, and talent with technical prowess.
Theodore Annemann, known as Ted Annemann, was an American mentalist most prominent in the 1920s and 1930s. Annemann specialized in thought reading stunts, telepathic mind control, and predictions. He was known for his bold, fast-paced performances and prolific writing that educated generations of mentalists. Annemann helped expand interest in mentalism through his work in magic organizations.
Telekinesis, or psychokinesis, is the psychic ability to move or manipulate objects with the mind, often featured in magic and mentalism acts. Telekinesis is also knows as psychokinesis.
The magician's act of telekinesis, making a pencil move without touching it, left the audience stunned.
Telepathy is the ability to transmit thoughts or information between individuals without the use of senses or physical interaction. In magic and mentalism, telepathy is often simulated through clever techniques and psychological manipulation, adding a layer of mystery to the performance.
The magician's telepathy trick, guessing the card the spectator was thinking of, amazed the audience.
Tenkai Ishida was a Japanese magician who pioneered new tricks in the late 1800s and early 1900s like the production of goldfish bowls from empty boxes. He traveled widely introducing Western audiences to Japanese magic for the first time.
The Amazing Kreskin, born George Joseph Kresge on January 12, 1935, is an American mentalist who became popular on television in the 1970s. His signature move involves finding hidden objects while blindfolded. Kreskin has headlined world-wide and has appeared in numerous television shows performing his mentalism act. He also hosted a full hour television special on the Fox Network called The Amazing World of Kreskin.
The Clairvoyants are an Austrian mentalist duo made up of performers Thommy Ten and Amelie van Tass. Their act features a blend of magic, mind reading, psychology and showmanship. The duo gained popularity through appearances on talent competition shows like America's Got Talent, where they impressed audiences by revealing hidden words, numbers and objects. They now perform their interactive mentalism act across the globe.
Ira and William Davenport were American magicians in the 1800s who gained fame for their spirit cabinet illusion involving rope ties, musical instruments flying about, and purported contact with the dead.
Sigmund Neuberger, better known as The Great Lafayette, was a German illusionist in the late 1800s and early 1900s who specialized in elaborate mechanical tricks powered by steam. His stage persona was flamboyant. He perished in a theater fire along with his beloved dog.
Jonathan and Charlotte Pendragon are American illusionists who gained fame for large-scale stage illusions like appearing to teleport across theaters and escaping from exploding cages. They are prolific inventors, having created over 100 original illusions during their career.
The Piddingtons were an Australian mentalist duo made up of Lesley and Sydney Piddington. Their act featured interactive mindreading using word associations and a form of telepathy where one would receive thoughts from the other while blindfolded on stage. The Piddingtons gained fame through 1950s radio and television appearances.
Julius and Agnes Zancig were a husband-and-wife mindreading act popular during the early 1900s. They claimed to demonstrate real telepathy between them, although it was later revealed to be expert mentalism and signal techniques. The Zancigs inspired many future mentalist performers.
The Zener, made up of performers Psych and Zen, are an Italian mentalist duo that blend magic, mind reading, technology, and comedy in their acts. They gained fame by winning Italy's Got Talent in 2019 and have since performed on international stages. Their interactive style involves reading minds, predicting events, and influencing choices.
Thomas Bends is a German mentalist known for his mind reading performances on television. His act usually involves displays of telepathy where he replicates audience drawings or reveals their secret thoughts. Bends has made appearances on shows like The Next Uri Geller and Penn & Teller: Fool Us.
Tim Conover is an American mentalist who emphasizes imagination, psychology, and intuition in his performances. His interactive act involves mind reading games revealing the thoughts, memories, and even dreams of audience members. Conover has performed extensively across the United States, including entertainment venues on the Las Vegas strip.
Tommy Cooper was a British magician and comedian known for his slapstick humor and feigned ineptitude with magic tricks. Tommy Cooper's unique style, blending comedy with magic, made him a beloved figure in British entertainment.
Tommy Cooper's act, where tricks seemingly go wrong only to succeed in unexpected ways, brought laughter and surprise to the audience.
Tony Andruzzi, known as "Neil Kileen," is an American mentalist known for headline predictions, blindfolded vision stunts, and other feats of mindreading. His career has spanned over 30 years performing on television, cruise ships, and theaters across the world. Andruzzi uses magic, prediction, psychology, and humor in his interactive performances.
Tony Corinda was the professional name of British mentalist Marvin Berglas. He authored pioneering books on mentalism, revealing psychology-based techniques, principles, and presentation methods. Corinda is credited with legitimizing mentalism as an artform distinct from traditional stage magic.
A trade show is an exhibit-based corporate event where companies showcase and demonstrate their products and services. Trade shows provide an opportunity for sales teams to connect with prospects and customers. Trade shows often take place at convention centers and last multiple days. Exhibitors rent booth space to display products, capture leads, and network. Trade show exhibitors may rent trade show presenters or trade show entertainers, including trade show magicians, to draw traffic to their trade show booths.
A trade show booth is a designated space where a company displays its products or services and interacts with attendees at a trade show.
A trade show display is a type of exhibit used by companies at trade shows to showcase their products or services. These displays can range from simple tabletop displays to elaborate multi-story exhibits.
A vendor is a professional or company providing a specific service or product at a trade show, such as catering, entertainers, audio/visual equipment, or promotional materials.
Trapdoors are hidden openings in a stage or platform, used in magic to secretly move objects or people. Trapdoors, integral to many large-scale illusions, allow for sudden appearances or disappearances, contributing to the spectacle of magic.
The magician used a trapdoor to make his assistant seemingly vanish from the stage.
A tweetup is a corporate event for social media influencers to network, exchange insights, and learn about new products. Companies organize tweetups to build relationships with bloggers, brand advocates, and Twitter users with large followings. Influencers tweet throughout the event to spark real-time conversations.
Uri Geller, born on December 20, 1946, is an Israeli-British performer and self-proclaimed psychic, known for his trademark television performances of spoon bending and other supposed psychic effects. Throughout his career, he has used conjuring tricks to simulate the effects of psychokinesis and telepathy. Geller's career is notable as he courted controversy by insisting his illusions were the result of psychic powers.
An usher is a person who shows people where to sit, especially at a theatre or when a ceremony is being held.
Val Valentino, best known as the "Masked Magician", was an American magician who exposed magic secrets on TV specials in the late 1990s. This controversial revelation of tricks angered many fellow magicians but also ignited greater public interest in magic.
A vanish is a type of magic effect where an object is made to disappear.
Vendor: A professional or company providing a specific service or product for an event, such as catering, photography, decor, or entertainment.
The venue is the location where an event is held. Venues can range from hotels and conference centers to outdoor parks and private residences.
Video streaming refers to the transmission of video content over the internet in real time. Nine things to know about video streaming are listed below.
- Allows organizers to broadcast video content like presentations, speeches, performances, etc. to online viewers. Replaces in-person attendance.
- Requires encoding live video into a compressed digital format and transmitting it over internet via streaming protocol.
- Popular streaming protocols used include RTMP, HLS, WebRTC, RTSP, etc. These handle video packet transmission.
- Video players on attendee devices receive the video stream and decompress it in real time for viewing. Common players like Flash, HTML5, etc.
- Streaming services like Wowza, Azure Media Services provide cloud encoders, CDNs for scalable streaming delivery.
- Streaming quality dependent on factors like internet speeds, bandwidth, compression rate, video resolution etc.
- Features like closed captioning, sign language insets can make streams more accessible.
- Interactivity can be added via chat, polls, Q&A, or by taking live feed of virtual audience reactions.
- Allows for monetization via pay-per-view access, sponsorship, ads, subscriptions.
Video streaming enables virtual events to deliver engaging video content to online audiences globally, though requires robust technical infrastructure.
A virtual conference is an online event featuring keynotes, sessions, exhibit booths and networking opportunities using online platforms. A virtual conference is a meeting that takes place entirely online using video conferencing and collaboration platforms instead of having in-person attendance. Key features of a virtual conference are listed below.
- Live streamed and pre-recorded presentations, talks, and sessions from different speakers and subject matter experts.
- Virtual exhibit halls with sponsor booths, downloadable materials, and representatives available for live chats/video calls.
- Networking opportunities through text and video chat rooms or one-on-one video meetings.
- Interactive elements like polls, Q&A sessions, surveys to engage remote attendees.
- Conference resources and materials accessible on-demand through the virtual event platform.
- Options for private or group video calls between attendees.
- Analytics and metrics for organizers related to session attendance, attendee engagement etc.
Benefits of virtual conferences include increased accessibility for those unable to travel, cost-savings, and the ability to scale events to larger audiences. Virtual conferences aim to create an immersive conference experience through technology without requiring in-person attendance.
A virtual event is an event held online and digitally instead of in person, due to circumstances like safety concerns, cost considerations or to attract a wider audience.
A virtual happy hour is an informal social gathering during or after work hours where remote workers or event attendees use online tools to connect, socialize and network.
A virtual job fair is an online event where employers and job seekers can connect and network for recruitment purposes, similar to an in-person job fair. Key features of a virtual job fair are given below.
- Company booths - Employers can set up virtual booths to showcase information about their organizations and open positions. These usually include company descriptions, photos/videos, job listings, and downloadable brochures.
- Live chats - Candidates can video chat or instant message with recruiters in real-time to ask questions and learn more about opportunities.
- Virtual networking - Informal networking sessions or social lounges allow for broader connections between candidates, recruiters and sponsors.
- Presentations and panels - Employers can highlight their companies culture, benefits, hiring process through pre-recorded or live video presentations and panel discussions.
- Resume reviews - Recruiters may offer virtual resume reviews and feedback to candidates through the platform.
- Scheduling - Integrated calendar tools allow candidates to schedule 1-on-1 video interviews and assessments with recruiters.
- Analytics - Employers can gather data on candidate engagement and interest to improve their hiring strategies.
The goal of a virtual job fair is to connect job seekers with employers in an online format that is more easily accessible to a wider audience of candidates and employers.
A virtual lobby is a digital space where attendees can gather before and after sessions within a virtual event, usually providing options for messaging, networking and accessing event resources.
A virtual sales meeting is a meeting between sales teams, managers, and leadership that takes place remotely using video conferencing and collaboration technology instead of meeting in-person. The 8 features of a virtual sales meeting are listed below.
- Presentations and product demos shared via screen sharing. Allows new products, sales initiatives, promotions etc. to be introduced virtually.
- Sales training and workshops conducted remotely through interactive sessions. Can include exercises, case studies, role playing, etc.
- Virtual whiteboarding and visualization tools to collaborate on sales strategies, campaigns, pipelines, forecasts, etc.
- Breakout rooms or groups for specialized team meetings and brainstorming sessions.
- Polls, Q&A, surveys to gather instant feedback and increase engagement.
- Networking opportunities through informal video chat rooms or sessions.
- Recording meetings for future review or to share with absent team members.
- Analytics and data on meeting engagement.
The goal of a virtual sales meeting is to boost productivity and morale, while saving travel time and costs. Virtual sales meetings allow for more frequent communication and training across globally distributed sales teams.
A virtual summit is an online event, typically one or multiple days long, bringing together attendees through keynote speakers, panels and breakout sessions to learn and share knowledge.
A virtual tradeshow is an online event that aims to connect exhibitors with buyers in a virtual exhibition hall. Key features of a virtual tradeshow are given below.
- Virtual exhibit booths - Companies can showcase products/services through a customized virtual exhibit space with images, videos, documents etc. Attendees can browse these booths.
- Networking - Attendees and exhibitors can connect through text, audio and video chat features. Some platforms allow 1-on-1 video meetings to be scheduled.
- Presentations and workshops - Educational sessions, product demos, keynotes, panels etc. can be delivered through video conferencing tools.
- Gamification - Some virtual tradeshows incorporate gamified elements like scavenger hunts, contests, leaderboards etc. to engage attendees.
- Live support - Organizers, exhibitors and sponsors can communicate with attendees through live chat and messaging.
- Analytics - Data and insights on attendee engagement and behavior can be gathered through the virtual platform.
A key benefit to virtual tradeshows over in person trade shows is expanded reach and accessibility.
A visitor is an individual who attends a trade show, often to learn about new products or services, network with industry professionals, or attend educational sessions.
The walk-in rate is the price charged for guests who attend an event without prior booking or registration.
A walk-through is a final inspection of the event venue by the event planner and client before the event begins to ensure everything is ready.
A webcam is a video camera that attaches to or is built into a computer to transmit live video footage over the internet, typically used during virtual events.
Webex is a conferencing software used to host virtual events with HD video, screen sharing, audio, and other collaboration tools.
A webinar is a seminar or other presentation that takes place on the Internet, allowing participants in different locations to see and hear the presenter, ask questions, and sometimes answer polls.
A webinar is a seminar or other presentation that takes place on the Internet, allowing participants in different locations to see and hear the presenter, ask questions, and sometimes answer polls. Webinars can be used in conjunction with trade shows to reach a wider audience.
A wedding planner is a professional who assists with the design, planning, and management of a client's wedding. Wedding planners can help with choosing the venue, hiring caterers, arranging entertainment, and coordinating other details to ensure the wedding runs smoothly.
The reception is a party that takes place after the wedding ceremony. It's a chance for the guests to celebrate with the newly married couple, and typically includes a meal, dancing, and other festivities.
Wedding vows are promises that the couple make to each other during the wedding ceremony. These can be traditional vows or personalized vows written by the couple.
Will Goldston was an innovative English magician from the late 1800s and early 1900s who founded magic shops and published books exposing secrets as well as theories on performance.
Wolf Messing was a Russian mentalist and psychic entertainer who gained fame in the Soviet Union in the mid 1900s. His act consisted of stunts like mind reading, influencing thoughts and actions, and predicting future events. While controversial, Messing impressed audiences including Stalin through displays of telepathy and psychic powers.
Zoom is a video conferencing software that allows for virtual events with screen sharing, collaboration and video/audio conferencing.
A Zoom background is an image or video placed behind an individual during a video conference call on Zoom to mask their physical surroundings.