The 2018 IBM Annual Convention is nearly upon us, folks. It’s time to make sure you’ve got your dates right before you make your way to the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to attend. 

The convention will start on July 4th and run through to the 7th. Registration is still open. If you’re looking to take advantage of special hotel rates, you’ll need to be booked in by June 15th. 

This is the 90th IBM Annual Convention, and the Brotherhood is celebrating the big nine-oh with a huge array of magical education and entertainment. Included in the base ticket price are:

• Thirteen lectures from notable magicians.
• Three Evening Shows at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre.
• Seats for the close-up and stage magic competitions (registration is still open for both the adult and youth categories).
• Over $20,000 in prizes, trophies and awards.
• The Lance Burton Teen seminar for young magicians courtesy of Jeff McBride and Dr. Lawrence Hass.
• A cabaret show.

The following shows and events cost extra, but they all sound like a good time:

• A grand banquet provided with the cabaret show.
• Special events for spouses.
• The Order of Merlin Breakfast for Order of Merlin Members.
• A late night show by The Amazing Johnathan.
• A workshop by Jeff McBride of McBride Magic & Mystery School  fame. 

Hell, I’d pay good money just for proof that The Amazing Johnathan is still alive, never mind capable of performing.

You’ll also find the following performers wandering the convention floor:

• Chris & Neal
• Michael Finney
• Pop Haydn
• Jeff Hobson
• Larry Wilson
• Nick Lewin
• Rick Merrill
• Jeff McBride
• Nick Diffatte
• Kayla Drescher
• Niels Duinker
• Mistie and Kyle Knight
• David Malek
• Patrick Martin
• Luna Shimada
• Stuart McDonald
• Michael Trixx
• Steve Valentine ​

All that magical talent on display, plus a chance to meet/kidnap Steve Valentine. Sounds like a good time to me. 

If you want to hit up the International Brotherhood of Magicians Convention, happening in Grand Rapids, Michigan July 4-7, you should register in the next two weeks: ticket prices will go up on March 1.

Performers for the convention include: Pop Haydn, Nick Lewin, Jeff Hobson, Larry Wilson, Michael Finney, Jeff McBride, Rick Merrill, Nick Diffatte, David Malek, Luna Shimada, Niels Duinker, Mistie & Kyle Knight, Patrick Martin, Steve Valentine, Kayla Drescher, Chris & Neal, Michael Trixx and Stuart MacDonald. 

The Amazing Johnathan will also be performing a special late-night show. It’ll cost you an extra five bucks, but you know he’s worth it, and besides, all the proceeds are going to charity. 

Registration for the Stage and Close-up contests has also just opened, so check out www.magician.org/convention/contest-2018 if you’ve got the skills to bring home the gold.