Conference Schedule

The Biz Builder's Kickoff

Brad Ross
Video Marketing Magic for the Family Entertainer

A detailed workshop into the basics of using video to market yourself as an entertainer. Brad will take you from A to Z and explain how to get started making GREAT looking videos even if you are on a shoe-string budget. He'll teach you the basics of shooting, composition, where to get ideas, how to set up a home studio, and how to use video in your social media marketing to establish yourself as a local or even national celebrity. As a bonus Brad will teach you how to create your OWN DIRECT TO INTERNET TV CHANNEL!!!!!! Not to be missed - totally CUTTING EDGE!

Video Marketing Magic

Video Marketing Magic

Todd McKinney
S.T.A.R.T.

Join Todd McKinney for an all new lecture: START. Educational and motivational from start to finish on a topic that is important to all of us who perform.

• Slow Down
• Take A Look Around
• Adjust Your Schedule
• Remember Your Seatbelt
• Take Off

Todd shares his personal story of why he almost quit the magic business and what made him stay. He will even share his emotional roller coaster ride from his life on the road doing nearly 600 shows each year.

This unique lecture features marketing techniques and cool ideas on making more money with each show. Todd promises to teach you how to live your dreams of being a performer while balancing the important things in life.

Don't Miss this critical insight of a journeyman performers personal revelations along the career path. This is the good stuff!

Jim Austin
Creating WOW Moments for Seniors

A big part of Jim Austin's work is with Senior Centers and it's an area of performing that folks are tremendously interested in. Jim's seminar will include video of directors who hire entertainers and what they look for and need; Tricks that work well; Do's and Don'ts; Getting hired tomorrow. Why seniors?, (After all, they are part of the family.) A perspective from an RN on working in facilities and much more. This topic has never been covered before at KIDabra and is an exciting Don't Miss Biz Builder!

John Kaplan
Selling the Impossible

John Kaplan has been "selling the impossible" across Canada for over 3 decades.

Corporate events and promotions, major league sports shows, opening act gigs for celebrities like Jay Leno, and thousands of fundraising shows have given John the experience and insights into what it takes to build a successful career as a professional performer.

In this session, John shares the stories of some of these sales and how they were made ... including an elaborate disappearing automobile promotion for a car dealership, a single 30-minute mall show that sold for over $20,000, and the step-by-step process he uses to sell out his Fundraising Magic™ show season year after year.

See Jozo's show shot live in a Croatian school with his live analysis. Plus he's interviewed via video by one of the KIDshow world's most beloved Stars! A Fantastic Don't Miss Lecture from KIDabra's European Ambassador!

Clever, funny and themed routines suitable for audiences of all ages have become the hallmark of John Kaplan's performances.

In this one-hour lecture, John will share a number of his original routines - personal favorites and marketed effects - that have become staples in the repertoire of his long-running family magic shows.

Along with routines involving "rap", ropes and rats, John will also be including a very special presentation of his uniquely innovative "Bogart Newspaper Tear".

You've Got the Power! Bullying in school is one of the hottest topics around and Greg is up to the minute on anti-bullying techniques and ideas he's sharing with a live performance of his show "You've Got The Power!" And we'll have a group of kids present so that you get a great feel for the material.

"MAGIC THAT WORKS!" is filled with routines that are tried and tested in his shows. With bits of business and some fun stuff that really does work well with a live audience of kids, it's a sure fire winner!

You never know who'll you run into at KIDabra Conference, maybe even the jolly old elf himself. At last year's conference, several people approached Tate Elliott (one of KIDabra's favorite Santas and your Journal Story Editor) and asked if he'd ever thought of hosting a late-night session for other Santas and potential Santas. The answer is YES and this year he will welcome all North Pole characters. (Santa, Mrs. Claus, and elves) If you portray Santa, come and share your experiences. And if you have ever thought of putting on the big red suit and want to learn more, Tate has written and will have a free handout, "The Beginner's Guide to Santa." Join Tate Thursday night Midnight at KIDabra Conference, there may even be milk and cookies!

Edd Patterson: The Interview with Phil Willmarth

Come and meet a School show legend attending KIDabra for the first time at the youthful age of 90. A guy who performed in schools for nearly 50 years for over 8 million children at 18,000 shows. Edd wrote, marketed and designed his shows annually on an educational theme. Often he invented the tricks and built the props for his programs, did his own artwork and layout for his promotional pieces and annually mailed out over 5000 pieces of mail. Before their was a Ken Scott, a Steve Taylor, or even a David Ginn, there was an Edd Patterson.

A Don't Miss KIDabra KIDshow Superstar Event!

Tim Sonefelt For The First Time:
Open's The Secret Notebooks! Part 1

Tim Sonefelt For The First Time:
Open's The Secret Notebooks!Part 2