The Society of American Magicians

10/17/2026

In two weeks, we mark the 100th anniversary of the death of Harry Houdini. Here is a look at the events just before his passing.

Did punches to the stomach contribute to Houdini’s death? The question remains disputed, but his story’s final chapter unfolded in Detroit and ended on Halloween.

10/17/2026

Researchers love to study why magic works. Not from a how the effects works, but why they work on the human brain.

Magic tricks reveal how the brain forms reality, as a review of 55 studies explores gaps in attention, perception and awareness.

10/16/2026

The Yankee Gathering 2026 magic history conference is coming up November 5-7 at the DoubleTree in Nashua, NH! This year their guest of honor is Stephen Minch.

The Yankee Gatherings only happen in even-numbered years. There will be an early bird performance by Jonathan Harrington (19th century conjuror represented by Andrew Pinard) on the evening of November 4 for those travelling from long distances and arriving early.

The Yankee Gathering features presentations, performances (Anton James Andresen, Francis Menotti, Brad Henderson, the aforementioned Jonathan Harrington, Marc DeSouza and Mark Walker performing Horn's Punch & Judy), Tom Ewing speaking on the late Bill Rauscher’s new book on Houdini. There are also dealers, exhibitions, lightning talks, an auction, a flea market, a banquet, book signings, magic history pub trivia (with prizes), one on one time with others who share your passion, social events, and more.

In addition to the full conference registration, they now offer one-day registrations available for those who cannot stay the whole weekend.

For more detailed information about the conference, please go to https://nemca.com/wp/register-now/

10/16/2026

This month we welcome back Mago Smayfer, this time in English. He will also be joining us next month for v1.4 for a lecture in Spanish.

Mago Smayfer is a creator, director, and performer who has transformed magic into a comprehensive performing art. With a career defined by innovation and elegance, he masterfully blends the tradition of illusionism with theatrical aesthetics and cinematic storytelling.

His career has seen him produce and star in shows in Bogotá and across the country, where every performance becomes an immersive experience fusing atmosphere, script, and character. Smayfer has earned recognition at international festivals, reaching a pivotal moment when he won three categories at Flasoma—an achievement that solidified his commitment to elevating magic as a major art form.

Beyond his work as a performer, Smayfer excels as a creative director and event producer, designing epic, family-friendly campaigns that connect with diverse audiences. Shows such as *Las Salas de los Menesteres* (The Rooms of Requirement) and *Arquitectura del Imposible* (Architecture of the Impossible) exemplify his ability to pace information, sustain a magical atmosphere, and build visual and emotional universes that transcend the stage.

Today, Smayfer presents himself not merely as a magician, but as an architect of the impossible—an artist who invites every spectator to experience magic as something unique, elegant, and deeply human.

Join us Sunday October 18, 2026 7:30 pm Eastern 4:30pm Pacific for Mago Smayfer.

10/16/2026

QotD: what are you doing for National Magic Week this year?

10/16/2026

Coming to the 2027 S.A.M. Convention in Atlantic City, and looking for a roommate? We have opened a forum for S.A.M. members kn our private community as a place to post yoyr roommate request.

PLEASE NOTE: The S.A.M. holds no responsibility to any background checks or approval of roommates. It is your responsibility to do your own screening of people that you wish to share a room with. It is your responsibility to work out all details with your roommate including the payment of the room.


https://www.magicsam.com/forums_engagement/Topics.aspx?forum=278998

10/15/2026

QotD: What is your favorite piece of performance advice, helpful or not?

10/14/2026

Happy Birthday to this month's cover boy Dan Harlan!

10/14/2026

For our youth members

🎩✨ TONIGHT: SAMY Youth v1.Y Virtual Assembly! ✨🎩

Young magicians, it's time to get together and make some magic!

This month, we're exploring PAPER BAG MAGIC! Bring your creativity, your curiosity, and—if you have them—about six brown paper lunch bags. Don't have any? No worries! You can still join in on the fun.

We'll learn, share ideas, and leave time for youth magicians to show us what they've been working on. We'd love to see your magic, too!

🗓️ Tonight, Wednesday, October 14
⏰ 7:30 PM Eastern
💻 Approximately one hour on Zoom

SAMY Youth Members, parents/guardians, and SAMY Assembly Leaders are welcome!

Need the Zoom information? SAMY members and Assembly Leaders should have received an email earlier this week with the login details. If you didn't receive it, send us a message here or email [email protected], and we'll help you get connected.

Come hang out with your fellow magicians. Let's learn something, share some magic, and have fun together!

We're better together! 💛🎩

10/14/2026

QotD: How often do you do a deep clean of your props and sponge items?