How to Incorporate Close Up Magic in Your Event

Last Saturday, Matthew entertained in The Leonardo Hotel, Milton Keynes. He began by entertaining during in the VIP drinks reception on the ground floor, and then during drinks and photos on the first floor for the other guests. Following this, the guests seated for a sit down meal; he entertained with close up magic between meals and performed a stage show.

Incorporating close-up magic into your event is a fantastic way to engage guests and add a touch of wonder to the atmosphere. Here are some tips on how to seamlessly integrate close-up magic into your event:

1. Hire the Right Magician

  • Skill Level: Ensure the magician is skilled in close-up magic, which usually involves tricks done with cards, coins, or small objects that can be performed in an intimate setting.

  • Personality Fit: The magician should be personable and able to connect with the guests, as close-up magic often involves interaction and crowd engagement.

2. Strategic Placement

  • Pre-event: Have the magician mingle with guests as they arrive, performing small tricks while everyone’s socializing. This helps set the tone and gets people talking.

  • During Dinner or Cocktail Hour: Close-up magic works well during meals or drinks when guests are seated or standing in groups. The magician can move around the room and perform tricks one-on-one or in small groups.

  • Breaks Between Activities: If your event involves speeches, performances, or other scheduled activities, you can use close-up magic during the downtime to keep the energy up.

3. Group Size Consideration

  • Close-up magic is best for small groups (4-6 people) at a time. This ensures that everyone can see the magic up close and enjoy the experience fully.

  • If your event has a larger crowd, consider breaking it up into multiple smaller groups or having the magician perform in various parts of the venue.

4. Blend With Event Theme

  • If your event has a specific theme, try to find a magician whose style fits with it. For example, a magician dressed in elegant attire might be perfect for a formal gala, while someone with a more modern or casual vibe could work for a laid-back celebration.

  • You can also have the magician tailor their tricks to your event, perhaps incorporating elements of the theme (e.g., cards with your logo, or magic tricks related to the event’s subject).

5. Interactive Experiences

  • Interactive Magic: Invite guests to participate in some of the tricks. This creates memorable moments and gives people something to talk about after the event.

  • Customized Tricks: A magician could create a trick around a specific guest or aspect of the event. For instance, a trick could involve a personalized message or item that’s relevant to your event or the person you're honoring.

6. Flow of the Event

  • Plan the magician’s appearance so it flows smoothly with the schedule. For instance, if there are speeches, the magician could entertain people before or after the speeches to keep the mood lively and fun.

  • Having close-up magic between segments can also help create smooth transitions and prevent any lulls in energy.

7. Promote and Build Excitement

  • If you want to make the close-up magic a feature of your event, hype it up beforehand! Let guests know that there will be a magician in attendance, which can create excitement and anticipation.

  • If the magician is really good, they might even be a highlight of the event, so it’s worth setting expectations early.

8. Social Media Engagement

  • Encourage guests to capture moments of the magic and share them on social media. You could even create a hashtag for the event and ask guests to post their experiences with the magician. This helps create buzz and extends the fun beyond the event itself.

Close-up magic is all about personal interaction and creating moments of amazement. The key to incorporating it seamlessly is to ensure that it enhances the experience rather than disrupting the flow.

Matthew Garrett