With many magicians arriving in Blackpool in the coming days, have you planned a schedule yet to see various events, shows, and lectures? Of course, everyone is different, and while some are happy scouting around the dealers and just seizing the moment, others want to take full advantage of as much on offer as possible. I am an organiser, so want to plan so that I can see everything I want to. Though appreciate that others wont be bothered and we will all have a good time.
I last attended BMC in 2023 and I had a fantastic time. I used the BMC app, printed schedules, and made my way to lectures and shows in quite an organised way. Every evening, I the took a look at what I had planned for the next day and perhaps made last-minute changes.
This year, I have the app set up with alerts and have a lot of supporting info on my phone. I probably need to be even more organised to get to see the events I want to get into. Last year, I heard mumblings that you could not get into all lectures. This time, I may arrive earlier for the lectures that I really want to get into and may have to forget some as I don’t want to spend all my time queuing for. Certainly, I am up for visiting and spending more time at the dealers, closely looking at what is on sale and buying a few things. Last time, I spent more time at lectures but will definitely go to less this year. However, my evenings will definitely be filled with shows even though it is now impossible to see all the shows and I will have to make choices.
As I am not really a drinker, I will make sure I get decent sleep, good food, and enough rest. It is easy to do too much and get a little burnt out/exhausted. The Saturday will allow the most social and dealer time as I have less lectures that day.
So, what do I have planned?
Arriving late Thursday morning by train, I will definitely go and try an early check in at my hotel. As I have half board arrangements, I am looking forward to the breakfast and tea at the hotel restaurant. The hotel have already advised that if no early check is available, I am at least able to leave my bags. Once hopefully checked in as early as possible, I will be off to the Winter Gardens to complete my BMC registration along with ID.
Afternoon wise, likely a quick stop off at The House Of Secrets and then to ShowTown Blackpool. That should use up a couple of hours.
Some friends that are coming up for 24 hours and so I will hopefully be available at some point for a quick meet in the pub and I will be going to the Evolution of Magic show down at the horseshoe bar/theatre in the evening. I may just our of interest also pop my head in to see the BMC auction but that will only be if time permits.
For the Friday and the weekend, I will definitely focus on the dealers and the social side. I cannot wait to catch up with industry friends. Lecture-wise and shows, this is what I plan (listed below). There are, of course, many more acts that in an ideal world I would love to see, but you can only do so much. Watching one choice always means that you will miss something else. By the looks of things, if I get to see the eight main lectures I wish to see, the main day for me looking around the dealers will be Saturday.
Friday
Chris Dugdale - lecture
Alyx Hilshey - lecture
Oliver Tabor - lecture
Glek Hantos - show (maybe)
Gala Show - show
Saturday
Jonathon Goodwin - lecture
Jack Rhodes show
Cillian O’Connor - show
Insane Magic - late show
Sunday
Michael Ammar - lecture
Cillian O’Connor - lecture
Ashleigh Goodwin - lecture
Insane magic lectures
Rick Thomas - show
Chris Dugdale - show
All I now need to do is get through three days of work, and then I will be off. I have created a packing list and have already loaded things into my backpack. I cannot wait. And do not forget your ID to get registered!
See you soon Blackpool.
Martin
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