Magic con Philadelphia is a popular annual event that brings together magicians and magic enthusiasts from around the world. It is a convention where professionals and amateurs alike can learn, share, and showcase their magical talents. The convention typically lasts for several days and features a variety of activities and events. Attendees can participate in workshops and lectures, where they can learn new techniques, tricks, and the latest developments in the world of magic. Renowned magicians often lead these sessions, providing invaluable knowledge and insights to aspiring magicians. One of the main highlights of Magic con Philadelphia is the performances and shows.
VIP Lounge: This was an ordinary room where the only decoration were 5 Ultra Pro wall scrolls. Coffee and Tea was available for free, but there was frustration at the snacks offered. Friday morning, I walked in and only saw a bowl of popcorn sitting around with paper cups to grab some. It wasn’t until Saturday night that I saw they added canned soda, cookies/brownies, chips, trail mix, and some granola bars. Frustrating since there was no incentive to go to the lounge except for a free coffee. Lack of communication about what was going to be offered in the lounge meant I paid for overpriced drinks/snacks at the concession stands throughout Friday and Saturday. There is space to sit down and relax anywhere so the lounge offers nothing special.
Lack of communication about what was going to be offered in the lounge meant I paid for overpriced drinks snacks at the concession stands throughout Friday and Saturday. One 1 Best in Show Runner-Up Award US 2,000 cash prize, one 1 Three-Day VIP badge to our second Festival event in 2023, and one 1 hotel room to be used at the event.
One of the main highlights of Magic con Philadelphia is the performances and shows. Magicians from different backgrounds and styles take the stage to entertain the audience with their unique acts. From close-up magic to large-scale illusions, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
MagicCon Experience in Philly
Hey Y’all. Wanted to give my thoughts on my experience as a Black Lotus ticket holder for Philly. I think it’s important to note that I had a lovely time, but I felt that the overall VIP experience was disappointing. If I could do it again, I would have settled been really happy with Commander VIP.
VIP Lounge: This was an ordinary room where the only decoration were 5 Ultra Pro wall scrolls. Coffee and Tea was available for free, but there was frustration at the snacks offered. Friday morning, I walked in and only saw a bowl of popcorn sitting around with paper cups to grab some. It wasn’t until Saturday night that I saw they added canned soda, cookies/brownies, chips, trail mix, and some granola bars. Frustrating since there was no incentive to go to the lounge except for a free coffee. Lack of communication about what was going to be offered in the lounge meant I paid for overpriced drinks/snacks at the concession stands throughout Friday and Saturday. There is space to sit down and relax anywhere so the lounge offers nothing special.
Black Lotus-exclusive Signings: The only thing they offered were two exclusive John Avon session. No other exclusive VIP-only session was offered with other artists, content creators, cosplayers, or wotc staff. They both took place Sunday but the morning session CONFLICTED with the VIP-only Dominaria Remastered sealed event.
Black Lotus VIP Event: This turned out to be a sealed event for Dominaria Remastered. They threw in 80-count Ultra Pro sleeves, and three collector packs for free (Unfinity, Brothers War, and Dominaria Remastered). The “secret prize” that players who went 3-0 received a normal secret lair. This sucked, as the most premier event was ultimately the Unknown event that Gavin hosted. Had they offered that experience instead, it would have been much more fun than a normal Dominaria Remastered event.
“Fast Pass” access: VIP Queue for the merch store was useful on Friday, when everyone was rushing to grab stuff. But beyond that, lines weren’t that bad on Saturday or Sunday. There is no other real “fast pass” access that you get with the badge.
Philadelphia Party: This was a mixer where you get 3 complimentary drink tickets (choice of beer or wine) and hangout with other VIP ticket holders. This took place in the space where they put up the art show. I personally liked it since I got time to speak with Gavin Verhey, a cosplayer who was there in costume, and some magic artists in a more relaxed setting. If mixers aren’t your thing, you’re likely not going to enjoy this.
VIP Exclusive merch: The only exclusive merch you ultimately get for VIP is the Timbuk2 backpack (with a gray Planeswalker symbol) and the gold/black lanyard for your badge. Everything else is available at the shop (lapel pin, playmat, deck box/sleeves, Secret Lair Look at the Kitties, etc). It’s a nice backpack but it’s a normal bag - NOT a specialized bag built for magic players.
Surprises: The only surprise offered at Philly were your choice of 3 or 6 packs of Dominaria Remastered for you to an on-demand draft or sealed event with other friends. This did not sit well with me, as we were notified at 12:15 PM on Sunday that this was being done. This is despite the fact that the window of time to claim these packs were on Sunday from 1-4 PM and IT CONFLICTED WITH THE VIP EXCLUSIVE EVENT that started at 11 AM…
VIP-play area: Waste of space! I rather play/hang out with my non-VIP friends than other whales I don’t know. It was empty a majority of the time, with most people just choosing to sit down and take a break.
Panels: There’s no priority or reserved seats for VIP. I expected at least center row for priority seating but it’s all first-come.
Conclusion: Overall, I can’t help but feel like additions were made last minute to appease people who were unhappy with the experience. I absolutely don’t recommend it. Save yourself the money so you can sign up for other events, buy singles, and actually hang out with your non-VIP friends. Not sure if I missed anything but would love to hear from other VIP folks about their experience and if what I said was accurate/fair.
(*Work in progress. Playmat image not yet final.)
Another exciting aspect of the convention is the opportunity to meet and network with fellow magic enthusiasts. Attendees can connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, collaborate on projects, and build lasting relationships within the magic community. This not only fosters a sense of camaraderie but also provides a platform for growth and development in the field. Throughout the convention, there are also dealers and vendors selling a wide range of magic props, books, DVDs, and other materials. This allows attendees to expand their collections, find rare or hard-to-find items, and stay updated with the latest trends in the magic industry. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, Magic con Philadelphia offers a unique and immersive experience for all magic lovers. It serves as a platform to learn, showcase, and become inspired by the art of magic. With its diverse lineup of workshops, performances, and networking opportunities, the convention continues to be a must-attend event for anyone passionate about the world of magic..
Reviews for "From Card Tricks to Levitation: Joining Philadelphia's Magicians Guild"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I found "Magic con Philadekphia" to be extremely disappointing. The storyline was weak and predictable, the characters lacked depth, and the acting was mediocre at best. The plot dragged on and I found myself losing interest halfway through the movie. Overall, it felt like a wasted opportunity for a potentially great film. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a magical and exciting movie experience.
2. John - 2 stars
"Magic con Philadekphia" was a letdown for me. While the concept of combining magic and Philadelphia was intriguing, the execution fell flat. The script felt forced and the dialogue was cringeworthy at times. The actors' performances were lackluster, and I struggled to connect with any of the characters. The film had potential, but it failed to deliver on its promise. I would suggest skipping this one and watching something else instead.
3. Emily - 2.5 stars
I had high expectations for "Magic con Philadekphia," but unfortunately, it couldn't live up to them. The pacing was off, making the movie feel disjointed and confusing at times. The special effects were underwhelming, and the plot lacked substance. It seemed like the filmmakers relied too heavily on the magic aspect, neglecting to develop a compelling story. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and wishing I had chosen a different film to watch.
4. David - 1.5 stars
"Magic con Philadekphia" was a disappointment from start to finish. The plot was convoluted, and the attempts at comedy fell flat. The magic tricks were unimpressive, and the film failed to capture any sense of wonder or excitement. The characters were poorly developed, and their motivations were unclear. I found myself counting down the minutes until it was over. Save yourself the time and watch a better magic-themed movie instead.