Introducing: Basecamp

By Damian Jennings - Sunday, July 30, 2023

We have all felt overwhelmed by the idea of coming to a magic convention. What if you don’t know anyone? Are people friendly? Who will you chat with? Who will you have dinner with? What if you’re nervous or anxious?

This year, we’re proud to announce new offerings designed to help first-timers—or those who want to make more friends—feel as welcome as our convention veterans.

We’re calling it Basecamp. A safe place you can return to any time you need. And it’s totally free to be part of.

Welcome Event After the first session, all first timers are invited to a breakout room where you’ll get to meet your hosts Josh and Andi and your other friends-to-be. We’ll make sure you’re welcomed properly and get to meet each other. Friendships could be formed here that will last you a lifetime. We can’t wait to meet you.

Basecamp Tables We know how it can feel awkward for a first-timer or magic beginner trying to join a jam session already in progress. Or that the idea of eating alone can feel intimidating. So, this year, we’re reserving special tables in the convention area exclusively as your “Basecamp”.

These tables will be marked with table tents and will often have hosts present to help people get to know each other, to encourage us all to help each other with moves, or tricks, and to just generally have the best of times. Whether you’re working on a new trick or just want to see some cool magic, these tables will be a great place for Basecampers to gather.

At The Session, these table tents will also be out during meal times, so you always will have someone to eat with!

Special Pins A special, pin will let everyone know you are a Basecamper. Beyond being an awesome collectible, this will help veterans better welcome Basecampers and ensure you experience the very best of times.

Our conventions are undoubtedly one of the best weekends of the year for magicians and mentalists. We don’t want you to miss anything. So we’re doing everything we can to make sure you feel welcomed, and have an incredible experience.

Remember, Basecamp is free. Just tick the box as you checkout. If you've already registered, you can amend your booking to include Basecamp access from within your account area.

Reader comments:

Evan

Tuesday, 01 August 2023 14:35 PM - Reply to this comment

What a great idea! Looking forward to checking it out in January!

ian

Monday, 08 January 2024 01:46 AM - Reply to this comment

I think this is a brilliant idea.
I attended my first Session , which also happened to be my first Magic convention back in July 2022 (moved from the general January slot due to Covid). I got to meet Josh and Andi when I checked in and enjoyed the sessions and Gala Show along with the informal meetings in bar.
I did however feel a little lost at first but found some friends from the London Magic Circle to sit next to and go for meals with but at the same time I felt it was a burden on them. It would have been nicer to have been introduced to a community of people who were experiencing the event for the first time or even those veterans who could act as guides to those that were new.
Unfortunately I can't make it this year but I think the Basecamp idea is really good and would probably want to be included if I was new or a veteran.
Ian

Jered

Saturday, 20 January 2024 19:30 PM - Reply to this comment

This will be my third Magifest, but I'm not great at getting out of my comfort zone and meeting new people; I'm looking forward to the opportunity to do just that. Really looking forward to Magifest 2024! Thank you to the VanishingInc team for all that you do to support the advancement of magic and magicians.

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