The Session

January 10-12th 2020

The Session is the UK's only close-up magic convention & attracts many of the world's best magicians. Based minutes from London's Heathrow airport, it's the perfect location (and the only London magic convention!).

Watch The Session trailer

The Session 2020

The Session is the best close-up magic convention in the UK. Full stop. It was started thirteen years ago, in Gloucestershire, back when it was just a bunch of friends trying to make the sort of convention they wanted to go to. One that wasn’t too big. One that actively encouraged sessioning. One where the performers actually wanted to hang with the attendees.

How often would you be able to just chat with Chris Kenner and get his help on your Three Fly in the bar? Where else could you get a selfie with Tamariz, Dynamo, or Derren Brown? How amazing would it be to be able to talk about comedy timing with Mac King over breakfast?

That’s what happens at The Session. You’ll be encouraged to hang with your heroes and be blown away by people you’ve not heard of.

We sell out every single year. With guests like Juan Tamariz, Derren Brown, David Blaine, Troy, Ben Hanlin, Daniel Madison, and Roberto Giobbi it’s easy to see why. Secure your seat at the table. Book for The Session now.

New for 2020: The Session is now a three-day event! Starting on Friday lunchtime, and finishing Sunday night, you'll be blown away by the line up we have arranged for our first ever three-day convention!

Performers & Speakers

We'll be announcing even more performing for The Session 2020 in the coming months. Here's just a few:

David Regal

Having written four seminal books on close-up and parlor magic, David Regal is a creative force in our industry. And for the last five years he has been the producer of Michael Carbonaro's hit television show, The Carbonaro Effect. He rarely appears at conventions anymore, and so we're delighted to welcome David for a mixture of all-new material and old favorites.

Laura London

Laura London is an acclaimed performer, but we're featuring a different side of Ms. London. She will talk on her groundbreaking research into the great Talma, one of the most acclaimed female magicians of her time.

Mike Pisciotta

Mike Pisciotta is fresh off of a win for Parlor Magician of the Year from the Academy of Magical Arts. Mike is also the ONLY magician who performs weekly at the Magic Castle on retainer. His specialty is bar magic, and he will lecture and present on the original material that has made him one of the hottest names in our industry.

Michael Vincent

We've had the pleasure of welcoming Michael Vincent to our stage on several occasions, but this time he's here specifically to present his signature touches on Darwin Ortiz's "The Sting." This blockbuster card effect could be the closing piece of your show, and Michael will deliver a candid examination of the routine and how he has altered it for his own performances.

Denis Behr

One of the finest technicians in the world of card magic, Denis will lecture on the material he uses to astound German audiences in his acclaimed one-man show. Las year his Magic on Tap DVD was a sellout hit. Now you'll see the magic live and in person!

Peter Clifford

A consultant for magicians such as David Blaine, Derren Brown, and many fine theatrical productions, Peter Clifford is an expert in stagecraft and original presentations. Clifford will speak to us on the power of adding theatrical tools into your arsenal, and he will perform a one-man show for us.

David Williamson

Regarded as both one of the most skillful and hilarious living magicians, David Williamson embodies everything we value in an artist. His original output includes neo-classics like "51 Cards to Pocket," The Striking Vanish, and "Funner Color Stunner." He is an IBM Gold Cups winner, and he has performed on stages all over the world, most recently as the star ringleader in the touring show Circus 1903. Williamson's superb sleight of hand is sometimes overshadowed by his larger-than-life stage persona, but we'll honor David and explore all aspects of his career and creative output.

Who should attend?

Anyone who loves magic as much as we do. The Session attracts passionate magicians from around the world. It’s wholly inclusive and we’d love you to join us this year for what is proving to be the best convention yet – see the list of performers.

What should you expect?

Never seen before lectures, talks and workshops – we persuade our amazing performers to share their brand new material with you
The very best magicians in the world sharing their thoughts and ideas with an eager and appreciative audience
Amazing opportunities to session with the stars as well as your friends – we have exclusive use of the hotel bar and conference room
Handpicked dealers – just like the products we sell on Vanishing Inc. – we make sure you only get the best of the best in our dealers’ room
A schedule that is packed with astonishing magic, but also makes time for you to catch up over a beer or coffee with old friends – and make new ones

How much is it?

This is the really good bit. It’s only £155 for Fri - Sun, or £75 per day if you just want to come for some of it. You’re going to come away with more practical advice on how to improve your magic than anywhere else.

And our new hotel this year has rooms from just £82 per night.

What happened to The Event?

Our mentalism convention, The Event, has grown into its own event, starting September 2020. The Session is now a three-day event!

Where is it?

It’s probably the best-located convention in the world. Just two minutes from Heathrow airport – making it very easy to get to.

Please note: we have exclusive use of the conference area and bar at The Park Inn. Only attendees (registered with badges) will be allowed access during the convention (and evenings). This year we will have door security to ensure that only registrants have access, and all registrants must show their badge to enter the conference area.