The Magic Community

   In addition to all the enjoyment that Magic can bring to you personally, there is a large and friendly Magic community. It's great to make new friends that share a common interest!

   There are people of all ages, and all walks of life, that share a common love of Magic. They gather either on line, or in person, depending on the group.

   The International Brotherhood of Magicians ( I.B.M.) is the largest Magic organization in the world, with local groups, known as "Rings" in cities and towns in many countries including the US. You must belong to the IBM in order to join a local ring, however many rings will allow a non-member to visit their meetings once or twice to see how they like it. There is also a "Virtual" Ring (Ring 2100) through which members all around the globe get together through E-mail.

    For a list of Central New York Rings, click here.

 The Society of American Magicians (S.A.M.) is the other major Magic organization in the US. Like the IBM, the SAM has local groups (Which the SAM refers to as "Assemblies" all over the place, as well as an on-line assembly.

   For a listing of Central New York assemblies, click here.

   There are also less formal on-line groups that share a "Web Forum" site. You will find a couple here.

Conventions

   Magicians also have conventions, where you can meet other Magicians from outside your area. They range from one-day regional gatherings like the Central New York MagicFest held in Syracuse each fall, or MAWNY (Magicians' alliance of Western New York) held in the spring in Batavia NY, to multi-day conventions held by the IBM and the SAM.

   Typically these conventions include close-up performances, Stage shows, lectures and a dealer room where Magic dealers offer the latest Magic tricks for sale. Some conventions also feature an auction of used Magic equipment, and contests for performers.