#97832 - 08/05/0604:36 PMA Debacle of an Awards Show - FISM 2006
AnonymousAnonymous
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FISM Update Aug 5
We have just witnessed what is without a doubt the absolute worst awards show in recent FISM history - insulting the performers, the audience, the Swedish organising team who laboured for many months in putting the event together, and magic itself. FISM deserves more. Magic deserves more.
The final Close-up Gala show was transformed into a "filmed for TV event" Promoting magic worldwide via a FISM TV special is a fantastic idea. Shredding the very integrity of the Championships due to incompetence and poor planning is not.
Max Maven - MC for the evening - informed the audience that the magic world of television requires things to be done in reverse ... and as such the awards show would commence with the naming of the Close-up Grand Prix award ahead of the announcement of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd places.
The TV filming, however, quickly descended into an absolute circus. Max handed over to a British TV presenter for the benefit of the FISM TV special which turned into a reality / Who Wants to be A Millionaire style show complete with compulsory wait while the new presenter got the go ahead to proceed.
Eric Eswin is announced to canned applause and with great suspense and drama - Rick Merrill - was named Grand Prix winner - A fantastic result to a most deserving winner.
But stop ... wait and rewind.
We need to do that again for television. Rick is stripped of his trophy and the audience are now expected to happily sit back and wait once more so we can get it right for the camera.
Now yes - TV requires re-takes. But we are NOT dealing with a TV studio audience. We are dealing with 2500 magicians from around the world who have paid enormous amounts of money to watch a professionally produced event and have their performers justly rewarded for their efforts. The first the audience is told of the ridiculous conditions is at the start of the event. The delegates are expecting a gala awards show ... not a circus.
Eric Eswin is once more announced back on stage - but this time the audience lets their true feelings be known. Eric is booed and jeered for a prolonged period of time.
Faced with a hostile audience, the British TV presenter goes on the offensive and very quickly develops an attitude ( in his defence he was probably expecting a standard tv studio audience ) resulting in many delegates leaving the theatre in disgust.
The worst, however, was yet to come.
With the TV crew now having their necessary footage in the can, the TV presenter retreats to safety - and an amateur extravaganza of epic proportions takes place.
Eric Eswin returns to stage for the "remaining" award ceremony - being greeted with loud screams, howls and boos ... it can't be fun being so popular.
With the Grand Prix being announced first, the excitement & energy is quickly zapped. The grand prix finalists are left on stage looking like spare parts while everyone frantically attempts to get together the semblance of a prize giving. Out comes a ridiculous 1,2,3 winners podium - a wooden table is quickly covered with a cloth and filled with awards.
The various prize winners are announced without thought for pause or build up - and with no organisation or pre-planning, those on stage are asking the winners who they are and what they've won, awards are haphazardly distributed and winners have no idea where to stand or what to do. Seeing this mess on stage was an absolute embarassment and I can only but feel for the performers who have given their all to be treated in such a manner ...
Ending on a low the close-up gala show came to a close with the Stage Awards Show to commence a few hours later.
#97833 - 08/05/0605:11 PMRe: A Debacle of an Awards Show - FISM 2006
AnonymousAnonymous
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With the audience still reeling from the previous close-up debacle, delegates were extremely apprehensive as to what horrors awaited them in the organisation of the Stage Gala Awards show.
A little intelligence won the day as Eric Eswin once more took to the stage amidst screams & boos ( this was becoming a common theme ) and announced that no re-takes would occur.
Rich Bloch had the inenviable task of being MC and he handled the task with absolute skill. What a performer ! A professional through and through. Well done, Rich.
On the subject of professionals, Gaston too had his fair share of challenges, enduring a faulty microphone, a false start and screaming baby midway through the act. His dedication earned him a fantastic standing ovation.
The Gala Awards show was also transmitted to a separate room so that those delegates unable to be accommodated in the main theatre could also watch proceedings via video. Unfortunately the second venue lost its sound feed during Norbert Ferre's act resulting in a crowd of people trying to break through into the main theatre. Their howls could be heard inside as organisers attempted to prevent them from entering. I'm told that Derren Brown became party spokesman for the other room and managed to get the sound situation resolved.
With all the fun & excitement, our British TV presenter bravely returned to stage ( promising that he wouldn't be long ) for the announcing of the Grand Prix. Thankfully they got this in one take ... Pilou was a well deserving winner.
The microphone was handed back to Eric Eswin complete with more boos and jeers ( noticing a trend ? ) Blaming the failure on change is simply unacceptable. Change is not the problem - change is good. Its the poor implementation and lack of simple foresight that is the cause. Amateur hour soon resumed ... The results lists had to be found, winners were squashed onto tiny podiums, performers were herded about, microphones stopped working, finale music started, finale clapping stopped, confetti canons fired at the wrong time and a supposed closing ceremony was meant to occur somewhere in between. But someone clearly forgot to tell those on stage.
Amidst the chaos - the many hardworking members of the Swedish organising team were brought on stage. With such mixed emotions - the audience were one minute jeering and the next applauding.
These volunteers deserved more. Those who slaved away backstage deserved more. The technicians deserved more. The performers deserved more. The delegates deserved more. FISM deserves more.
Registered: 07/22/01
Posts: 6343
Loc: Southern California
Craig,
On behalf of all of us here at the Genii Forum, we want to thank you for your marvelous updates! You made me wish I was there and glad I wasn’t! (So that means you put me there through your words: thank you!)
#97838 - 08/05/0607:18 PMRe: A Debacle of an Awards Show - FISM 2006
AnonymousAnonymous
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I have followed your daily posts closely. I wanted to go to Sweden but sheduling conflicts with personal events did not allow me to go this year. Through your posts I feel like I was there in spirit, thanks so much. I also feel somehow glad that I did not shell out all that money.... Judging alone by your comments it feels like FISM in Sweden was not one of the greats. I have also confirmed with some friends who are attending and they seem to share your sentiment. We still have memories of the days of Vienna, Lausanne and Dresden.... Thanks Craig.
Just to add another 'thankyou', Craig. It really did feel as if I was there, but glad I wasn't (in a way!). Plaudits - the standing variety, of course.
I too want to commend you on a job extremely well done in giving concise accurate reports.
I could not make it either and to echo everyone else, I still felt like I was there thanks to you. But boy am I glad I didn't shell out the money for this one.
I also want to take this time to say that the job you are doing with the youth in South Africa is to be highly commended. You're a good man with a good heart with great love for the art of Magic. We need more people like you.
Craig -- great job. I know how difficult it is to find the time and energy as I used to do those kinds of reports, but haven't of late. Also, want to add to Farrington's comment on the great job you are doing with the kids from South Africa... hope to see you and more of the students at the next WMS in Las Vegas.
#97843 - 08/06/0612:58 AMRe: A Debacle of an Awards Show - FISM 2006
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Thanks Craig, I know the work you put in and hope that the FISM organisers realise that you are not being malicious and trying to criticise their efforts in a bad way, because that's not the kind of person you are.
I also hope that all FISM Presidents who read this will join me in supporting the College of Magic when they apply to become a FISM member, again in 2009.
#97844 - 08/06/0602:42 AMRe: A Debacle of an Awards Show - FISM 2006
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I feel really bad to read your comments, Craig but I'm happy that you are writing them. But I totally agree that the price ceremony was terrible. I was watching the stage awards myself in the auditorium and felt realy, really bad. Now when everything is over I can say more what my personal feelings are:
The problem was that we were totally in the hands of the TV-production company. That company (TLA – The Licensing Agency) took over the showroom directly after the last stage contestant. They built their scenery and went over like a bulldozer since they “bought the TV-rights”. They thought that it was OK to narrow down the stage so we would loose 150 seats. There were several meetings during the night (the last 7 AM in the morning) where our guys where fighting as much as they could until they won and TLA had to think again and let those chairs stay. The awards ceremony was their baby. They didn’t care about “runner ups”, they wanted ONLY the grand prix winner. They thought the other winners could be announced at our website or something similar… Because of that our guys didn’t have ANY time rehearsing and organize the rest of the prize winning gala as they would like to. I can tell you all so much more about this but I think it’s so sad that I can’t do it. I know Eric Eswin and others in the FISM organization is very disappointed with the TV-production people (but can naturally not say that).
I tell you we did our best and if not our guys stayed up all night fighting the price winning gala could have ended with total chaos.
The incident during Norbert Ferré’s act was that he (Ferré) never uses a microphone on stage and turned down a lapel mike and naturally nobody could hear him in the other room. But to try to barge in screaming like that only disturbed Norbert’s great act.
I also feel so sad that fellow magicians are booing at other fellow magicians (price winners, performers and FISM presidents). I also feel sorry to hear that our people standing in the door (all of them fellow magicians or family to magicians standing there without pay) was harassed, spit in the face, physically abused, given the finger etc, etc when people wit wrong or no ticket tried to get in or people with no respect for the performer on stage want’s to come in to the theatre during a performance.
I will NOT go into all the problem our Swedish crew had with other people not respecting the rule about filming performers. Some filmed with their video camera up front (I think the count yesterday was around 25 DV-cassettes). Some used their digital cameras set to video. Some tried to sneak cameras into boxes, cases, handbags and even binoculars…
We must understand one thing and that we all are humans who meet each other only because we can do magic. If we can not respect each other when we meet in person I think magic and magicians NEVER can get the respect in showbusiness as it deserves.
I’m also sad to read so many saying that after reading Craig’s reviews that they where glad they didn’t come to FISM 2006 in Stockholm. I think you are focusing on all the negative that has been written but totally disregarding all the positive things.
We can focus on the bad things, or we can focus on the good things. It’s up to us. My deepest apology for all that went wrong during FISM 2006. I’m really, really proud of what went well at FISM 2006 and I’m really, really proud that Swedish Magic Circle with only 300+ members could pull this off.
/John Houdi
Vice President Swedish Magic Circle FISM 2006 GROUP john@fism.com http://www.fism.com
I was also unable to be at FISM this year so I must add my thanks to Craig for his updates. Without having the excitement of actually being there, it definitely gave a flavour of what was happening. They made compelling reading each day.
Do you know the name of the English TV presenter?
The prize ceremony reminds me that while the English are staging the 2012 Olympics, with our engineering track record (Wembley Stadium being an example), they are looking like being scheduled for 2013 or 2014 instead.
#97847 - 08/06/0605:53 AMRe: A Debacle of an Awards Show - FISM 2006
AnonymousAnonymous
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Quote:
Do you know the name of the English TV presenter?
Stephen Mulhern was apparently the presenter. He is a good magician in his own right - having presented The Quick Trick Show in the UK. However he is best known as a children's TV presenter and therefore would seem to be a slightly strange choice to host the FISM awards.
#97848 - 08/06/0609:31 AMRe: A Debacle of an Awards Show - FISM 2006
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Hi all ...
Thanks for the kind words. Some have said that I've been too honest ... I reported events as I saw and experienced them ... they are solely my view. Some will agree, others won't. But sugercoating the truth doesn't help anything improve.
Despite the difficulties experienced at FISM - I still enjoyed myself as did nearly all the delegates. Meeting up with our many friends from across the globe was fantastic - and made the event all the more special.
Its these bonds and special times that makes magic the wonderful art that it is ... and without people like John Houdi and his team of volunteers we wouldn't have had such an opportunity. Thank you again, John.
FISM does however need to critically and independently evaluate itself - its structures, leadership, people and abilities. These are the World Championships of Magic. More of the same just will not do - it is clearly evident that FISM 2006 sent a very loud and clear message in this regard. Whether the organisation is able to acknowledge this and move forward for the betterment of magic remains to be seen. Lofty goals are one thing. Implementing them successfully is quite another.
FISM needs to improve and with the involvement of everyone it can. FISM needs to strive for excellence and moreover is expected to reach it. That is what magic is all about.
There's been a lot of interchange of ideas and similar thoughts, so as to prevent any repetition anyone who is wanting to get involved in the nitty gritty of how to improve - should definitely read his blog - it is amazing.
Magic is truly lucky to have people such as Tim Ellis & Sue-Anne Webster ! Thanks guys :-)
First of all... having spent 11 years working with some of the best convention organizers anywhere... (when the IBM was attracting almost double today's size crowds)... and as a board member of the World Magic Seminar, I can tell you you need to take the organizing away from the local clubs.
You need a permanent group to handle everything. They know what can go wrong and how to handle things, how to schedule things, how to police things...
When a city gets the FISM and the local club has to produce an event of this magnitude they have no experience.
To handle that size crowd (over 2,000) is near impossible without a well-oiled and experienced crew.
Whoever negotiated the TV rights for the award show should be shot -- tv should have had nothing to do with the way it was run, they should have been ALLOWED to cover what was going on. Not produce it.
When we had TV (Japanese NHK for five years) at IBM conventions they were almost invisible, staying out of the way, not telling us what to do. They did a fantastic job without interfering with any of our proceedings.
This was what we negotiated, feeling that TV should cover it but not produce it.
Despite all the organizational screw ups, I am sure that it was possible that a good time could be had... after all it is the visiting of friends from all over the globe that, to me, is the most important feature of a convention like this.
#97853 - 08/07/0601:13 AMRe: A Debacle of an Awards Show - FISM 2006
AnonymousAnonymous
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I fear that FISM 2009 will not be better ... since there are experiences with asian FISMs... Unfortunately those who fullfill the demands of Mr Eswin - professional event organizer, professional crew, ... - were not voted for 2009... yes I speak of Vienna ...
#97855 - 08/07/0605:29 AMRe: A Debacle of an Awards Show - FISM 2006
AnonymousAnonymous
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In 2000, I attended a (non-magic) conference in Beijing. Sometimes money translates into a smooth experience and sometimes it does not. Believe it or not, most of the students (?) looking after registration were Mardarin-only speaking. This meant that a registering delegate would provide his name to one person, who would would "transliterate" said name into Mandarin manually onto a small piece of paper, which was then sent to the next person in line... needless to say, both the registration and its line-ups were roughly twenty times longer than they needed to be. But lots can change in a decade. ..
#97856 - 08/07/0607:08 AMRe: A Debacle of an Awards Show - FISM 2006
AnonymousAnonymous
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I've also attended conferences in China (not Beijing though) and they were top notch. The problems in Sweden where we had to stand in line for hours could happen anywhere (or at least anywhere where they sold more tickets than they had room for).
#97857 - 08/07/0607:44 AMRe: A Debacle of an Awards Show - FISM 2006
AnonymousAnonymous
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John,
I think you should feel very proud of what you guy's did, I can't begin to imagine how much effort it takes to organise something this big, and if what you say is true about what your staff had to go through then I feel very sad that fellow magicians can stoop to this level... yes there were some organisational problems, certainly for the close-up competition you responded to our complaints and for the last couple of days made it better...
All the minor problems for me didn't stop me from having an excellent time in a beautiful city, we got some time to do some sight-seeing and I'm glad we did, and there are lots of highlights of the week that made me very glad to be there, and you guy's can take the credit for that, so a big thank-you from me!
Registered: 07/18/01
Posts: 12207
Loc: Washington DC
On his blog, Tim Ellis writes, "Second - what is it with pushing in???? Are magicians really that ill-mannered, selfish and disrespectful? This happened each morning at the stage comp (people lined up for an hour in advance then, when the doors opened, others who had milled around the door not in the line at all just barged in and it became a free for all stampede."
I noticed this when my trip first began: I flew SAS (Scandanavian Airlines) from Washington and, instead of lining up and boarding as the seating area was called out the way Americans do, most of the people on the SAS flight simply piled and pushed toward the gate when they announced pre-boarding for the handicapped! No organization, and pushing. The attendant taking tickets did nothing about it.
This happened again on my flight back.
As far as behavior at FISM, there were lots of people cutting in line in front of those who actually bothered to wait in line, lots of pushing. It was unpleasant.
Don't think it will be better in China: the Chinese do NOT wait in line and they have no sense of personal space. Expect lots of line cutting, pushing, and shoving.
#97859 - 08/07/0610:42 AMRe: A Debacle of an Awards Show - FISM 2006
AnonymousAnonymous
Unregistered
I hate waiting in line but I'll take a one hour wait over a push-fest any day. My father who travels all over the world on business has mentioned this phenomena to me as well. Doesn't really whet my appetite for traveling when I hear things like this.
#97860 - 08/07/0611:13 AMRe: A Debacle of an Awards Show - FISM 2006
AnonymousAnonymous
Unregistered
There was a lot of ill behaviour: Cutting lines, booing, hissing, spitting on attendants, a riotlike charge towards the theatre doors with physical attack on attendants, videofilming and flash photography throughout all events, sitting in the stairs despite the risk that the fire department would evacuate the building and despite requests from the MC:s. My wife was very upset when an American magician sitting next to her, stole the starter from another plate after finishing his own during the banquet. Lets face it, the magic world is no better than the real world.
#97863 - 08/07/0611:43 AMRe: A Debacle of an Awards Show - FISM 2006
AnonymousAnonymous
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John, Gay and all the good Swedish volunteers did their absolute best to put on a great event. I appreciate all that they did and I hope that they don't take some of the criticisms personally. I believe that some of the biggest problems were out of their control. "Magicians Behaving Badly" is the overarching theme, when I reminisce about this FISM. In every single lecture I went to, the host would ask people to turn off their mobile phones. In every single lecture, mobile phones would go off.
Magicians pushing, cutting lines, booing things and people they didn't agree with, using flash photography in spite of it being known not to do that, videotaping the shows...the list goes on and on. I have to say that it was stressful for me and dampened my enjoyment by a lot.
The Swedish hosts and volunteers seemed universally helpful and really trying to make everything ok. Stockholm was absolutely beautiful and I thank the people who worked so hard and probably got the least amount of thanks.
#97864 - 08/07/0612:16 PMRe: A Debacle of an Awards Show - FISM 2006
AnonymousAnonymous
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I have to agree with Pete about having a permanent organizing committee, and not letting the TV production co. run the awards ceremony.
Whoever approved the contract with the broadcasting company should have made it clear to them that it would be shot live and there would be no interference with the actual event other than having an audio-video presence in the room.
Registered: 07/18/01
Posts: 12207
Loc: Washington DC
I know what Andreas means about having a hard time hearing in the main hall. While I don't have a hearing aid, I've lost all the high tones in my left ear and in circumstances with a lot of ambient noise I can't hear much at all. The dealer room was also very noisy.
#97867 - 08/07/0603:54 PMRe: A Debacle of an Awards Show - FISM 2006
AnonymousAnonymous
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Richard!
It was nice ro meet you. While I think about it, why not have a private room for the next convention for those who want to chat in a quiet room? It should help in communicating better with each other.
#97870 - 08/07/0606:36 PMRe: A Debacle of an Awards Show - FISM 2006
AnonymousAnonymous
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Quote:
Originally posted by GayLjungberg: Lets face it, the magic world is no better than the real world.
By the sounds of it, the magic world is considerably worse than the real world. If you want polite performers, get to know some jugglers
But seriously, the Beijing organizers (who should be taken notes, right?) might want to hire the local Judo Club to act as crowd control. Anybody spitting on me would have spent the competition in the hospital.
#97875 - 08/08/0602:37 AMRe: A Debacle of an Awards Show - FISM 2006
AnonymousAnonymous
Unregistered
Just to let you all know: In Sweden we are used to stand in line and wait for our turn and (believe it or not) try to respect other people.
I can also inform you that at one point the police was called for by the Securitas guards we had on the venue. Because we believe in respecting other people - and especially fellow magicians - we asked Securitas to withdraw the police. IF the police appeared there were at least three persons that would have ended up in jail the last night... The brotherhood of magic shouldn't be like that, I think.
As for the final show and the award ceremony we where in the hands of TLA (The Licensing Agency) as I mentioned before.
We - FISM 2006 group - will gather all information that is written on forums and bloggs all over the world, read through them and then publish our final words on our website (and probably on other forums as well). We will pass as much information as possible to the FISM organization and to the Beijing FISM organizers to help them as much as possible.
My experience in the FISM 2006 group is that you should NEVER try to start rumours about anything. You and I and the rest of the world don’t know yet if the FISM 2009 will be a success or not. I suggest we all try to respect the fact that FISM 2009 will be held in China and try to support them as much as we can. We don't know in beforehand what will happen. Maybe the FISM 2009 will be the first where there will be now unauthorized videotaping, where people respect the fire rules and where we finally learn to respect each other.
Other than that I had a great time at FISM 2006. I saw a lot of great acts, met a lot of great people, saw som fantastic magic and (thanx to Richard Kaufman’s article in Genii) I’m a proud owner of a Hakan Varol Flea Circus.
/John Houdi
Vice President Swedish Magic Circle FISM 2006 GROUP john@fism.com http://www.fism.com
#97876 - 08/08/0603:52 AMRe: A Debacle of an Awards Show - FISM 2006
AnonymousAnonymous
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Quote:
Originally posted by Richard Kaufman: Begin spat upon does not excuse assault as a reaction.
As always, for real legal advice, one needs to consult a lawyer, but we find here , for example, that
"A defendant who spits on a plaintiff, even though there is little chance that the spitting will cause any injury other than to the plaintiff's dignity, has committed a battery." and "Assault and battery are intentional torts, meaning that the defendant actually intends to put the plaintiff in fear of being battered, or intends to wrongfully touch the plaintiff. The wrongful touching need not inflict physical injury, and may be indirect (such as contact through a thrown stone, or spitting)."
#97877 - 08/08/0605:05 AMRe: A Debacle of an Awards Show - FISM 2006
AnonymousAnonymous
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Quote:
Originally posted by John Houdi: there were at least three persons that would have ended up in jail the last night...We will pass as much information as possible to the FISM organization and to the Beijing FISM organizers to help them as much as possible.
Perhaps it would be a big favor to the FISM organization to provide names of those whose registrations might be declined...
#97878 - 08/08/0605:28 AMRe: A Debacle of an Awards Show - FISM 2006
AnonymousAnonymous
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Quote:
Originally posted by Doug Peters: Perhaps it would be a big favor to the FISM organization to provide names of those whose registrations might be declined...
I don't think we will. They might grow up under three year's time and regret what they did and maybe be wounderful persons at Beijing 2009. You always have to give another chance...
The big problem that confronts society these days is nobody wants to take responsibility for their actions and nobody wants to punish anyone for their bad behaviour.
#97880 - 08/08/0609:14 AMRe: A Debacle of an Awards Show - FISM 2006
AnonymousAnonymous
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I especially want to thank Craig M. for his coverage of FISM 2006. I was not able to attend to watch my son, Rick Merrill, compete but through Craig's reports as well as Richard K's comments and winner results, I knew Rick had won even before he called. I felt like I was there. Thanks!
Registered: 07/18/01
Posts: 12207
Loc: Washington DC
Just conducted a one-hour phone interview with Eric Eswin regarding FISM and it will be published in our October issue. Very interesting. Things are going to change substantially by 2012, by the FISM after Bejing.
Live and learn: I have never been moved to spit on anyone since an actual "spit fight" at summer camp at the age of 10. But, since it was a spit fight, that was the only means of combat allowed. No physical harm, just loss of dignity.
#97884 - 08/08/0612:16 PMRe: A Debacle of an Awards Show - FISM 2006
AnonymousAnonymous
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In America, hitting, spitting and even shoving are potentially criminal acts. Though assault (verbal abuse) may be difficult to prosecute, striking or spitting at anyone is battery and an offense that can land you in jail. Perhaps those who committed criminal behavior should be identified and banned from future events, be required to make a public apology and/or demonstrate rehabilitation through anger manamgement courses.
I, for one, would be deeply offended to hear of ANY American delegate who behaved in this manner. I understand that in other cultures, socially acceptable bahavior varies. This, however, is not an issue that I feel should require one to keep an open mind. It is wrong for anyone to behave in this way. In an international event, we all represent our country of origin and should be expected to conduct ourselves in a polite and professional manner at all times.
It sounds like it did not get too far out of hand and unless anyone was directly hurt by the actions of another, I am certain that cancelling the request for the local police was the right thing to do.
#97885 - 08/08/0612:28 PMRe: A Debacle of an Awards Show - FISM 2006
AnonymousAnonymous
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Quote:
Originally posted by Pete Biro: The big problem that confronts society these days is nobody wants to take responsibility for their actions and nobody wants to punish anyone for their bad behaviour.
ARgh... :whack:
Apparently neither John Houdi nor Pete Biro have heard about "Three Strikes and you're out" laws that have been cropping up all over America.
There are LOTS of folks who are happy to punish people for the behavior, even when it's "badness" is open to debate.
Here's a simple rule: Do what you want, but don't get anything on my shoes.
IMHO the main problem with FISM was 2,400+ people ... the close-up room could only seat 200 people who could watch live and only 500 watching on TV ... the theater could not hold all of the attendees (I know that late registrants were told that they would not be able to see the events live) ...
I don't think it has been mentioned but the lecturers (and maybe the performers)? were not given tickets to see the events in the theater ...
Trying to have a dinner and show for 2,400 people is not easy ... I was at a table in the back and we could not hear a thing ...
For an event of this magnitude, I thought that the audio/video was sub-par ... too few monitors (and too small outside the main theaters) and horrible camera work ...
I understand that the organizers want to make money but if they would have kept the numbers down a bit, that may have helped ...
Having said all that I had a great time seeing old friends and making new ones and seeing the wonders in a truly international dealers hall ... this was my second FISM and it won't be my last ...
_________________________
Producer of LVMI close-up convention & MINDvention mentalism convention
