Mitch Williams - The Magic Word

This blog has moved

2010-03-31T07:06:00.001-07:00

This blog is now located at http://blog.mitchwilliamsmagic.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://blog.mitchwilliamsmagic.com/feeds/posts/default.

Meetings and Events Blog

2010-03-26T11:53:00.000-07:00

Hey, here's a new blog I just found on "The Strategic Business Value of Meetings and Events". It's by Corporate Event Interactive, a Chicago based event planning company, and it has a lot of good information on the value of corporate meetings and other events.

Check it out: The Strategic Business Value of Meetings and Events

Business Expo and Google Video

2010-03-24T14:04:00.000-07:00

I just spent the day doing magic for the Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau booth at the annual Peoria Chamber of Commerce Business Expo, which was held at the Peoria Civic Center. I had a lot of fun, and got to connect with some old friends and meet a few new ones.

And when I got back in the office, I discovered that they now have my Google Fiber Peoria testimonial video up online. Here it is:

Event Planning Guide and Google Fiber

2010-03-23T07:42:00.000-07:00

Here's another event planning resource I stumbled across... It's an online version of a magazine on event planning, called The Guide 2010. Although it's published in London, and is mainly targeted to the British event market, it nonetheless does have some useful articles with information that would be helpful for event planners anywhere. Anyway, it's well worth checking out.

Also, I just heard that my Google Fiber video should be up sometime today or tomorrow. Stay tuned, I'll post a link to it as soon as I have it...

2010-03-18T16:25:00.001-07:00

taped a video segment today at WTVP studios for the Google Fiber Peoria project. I'll keep you posted... http://ping.fm/c3iYT

Martini's and Haiti Relief Effort

2010-02-10T13:32:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow night I'll be performing close up magic at Martini's on Water Street in Peoria for a special Valentine's giveaway night for PeoriaNightOut.com. They're giving away a great package of fun stuff for Valentine's Day.

And just a reminder that there are still a few days left to take advantage of my offer to benefit the Haiti Relief Effort and HopeForHaitiNow.org. (See my post below.)

Help the People of Haiti

2010-01-25T12:59:00.000-08:00

As I'm sure has been true for most of us, I've been moved by the images and stories of the devastation following the earthquakes in Haiti. If you've read my most recent newsletter, you'll know one of my former high school classmates runs a mission there.

I felt moved to help in some way, so I've decided to give my customers a way to help me assist the aid efforts in Haiti. Starting today, Monday, January 25, 2010, for any engagement for my services that is booked and confirmed during the next three weeks, I will donate 10% of my fee to HopeForHaitiNow.org. Regardless of when you're holding your event, if you simply confirm during this period, you can take part in my fundraising effort.

This is the fund set up with the global benefit telethon by George Clooney and others in the entertainment industry. 100% of the funds raised by Hope for Haiti Now go to relief efforts in Haiti, with no backend or administrative costs.

The fund benefits the following organizations:

So if you need entertainment for an event at any time, and you can confirm your booking with me in the next three weeks, 10% of your fee goes immediately to these organizations to benefit the earthquake survivors in Haiti.

To learn more, you can call me at 309-647-3692 or send me an email with details on your event and any questions you may have. You can learn more about my services here.

Thanks so much for your support.

Great New Event Planning Resource

2010-01-22T13:23:00.000-08:00

I'm always doing my best to keep an eye out for great resources for those of you who are event planners, or even for those of you who may be planning an event in the near future. Anyway, here's a good one I just found. It's a site called EventLeftovers.com. Here's a quote from their recent press release:

"New website offers professional and amateur party planners a way to recoup event-related costs, find amazing deals on new and gently used party supplies and help the environment through recycling. EventLeftovers.com is used by Hollywood event insiders as well as general public."

Basically, it's a sort of "eBay for events", in that you can buy and sell slightly used event related items, such as decorations, florals, catering supplies, entertainment and technical supplies, and just about anything else you can think of related to party and event planning. What a great idea, eh? Good for the environment, good for your pocketbook, and a "win-win" all the way around. I love finding great event planning resources like this one! As the press release goes on to say:

"Event Leftovers is for both event professionals (event planners, florists, venues, party stores, nonprofit organizations, rental companies, corporate planners, etc.) and nonprofessionals (anyone that organizes a party for themselves, family or friends). Event Leftovers is appropriate for all types of events, parties, productions, trade shows, expos and conventions and so much more.

"There is tremendous waste in the event industry; whether it’s items bought but never used, used but are still in excellent condition, or merchandise from past seasons sitting in warehouses, garages, offices or stores. Event Leftovers was created to take advantage of this excess by making these items available for secondary events. Event Leftovers is particularly timely in today’s down economy when people are looking for the best possible deals as well as ways to recoup event-related expenses and find the best deals available."

Hope you find this useful in planning your events. Check them out: EventLeftovers.com.

And hey, if you are planning an event soon, don't overlook the entertainment, for crying out loud. My magic programs may be just the ticket (even if I do say so myself!)

New Newsletter

2010-01-22T08:54:00.001-08:00

My new Magic Word newsletter is up: www.mitchwilliamsmagic.com/1-10.html

New Year's Greetings and More...

2010-01-19T06:44:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all! First a quick update on my Dad. He just came home from the hospital a couple of days ago, and is doing well, all things considered. He's getting around much better, and his speech is steadily improving. I certainly appreciate all the prayers and support, and also a big "thank-you!" to the staff at Proctor Hospital. They did an excellent job of taking care of him and lending encouragement and support when he really needed it.

If you tried to email me or access my website in the past week, you were no doubt frustrated by the attempt, (though probably not as frustrated as me!) Through an error on the part of my domain registration company, my website was down for just over a week. Since it's my main marketing tool, and my email address my main means of business communication, it put a definite hamper on my business. (If you host websites and register your own domain names, a word of caution: avoid using a company called Mapname.com at all costs. 'Nuff said.) Anyway, you'll be glad to know the problem is now solved, and I'm up and running again.

I'm currently working on a new edition of my email newsletter The Magic Word that I hope to have out by the end of this week. It's generally filled with updates on my activities and lots of other fun stuff (I usually include a tasty vegetarian recipe and a "Trick of the Month" that you can learn, for example.) If you'd like to be on my mailing list to receive the newsletter, just send me an email asking to be added to my mailing list.

Finally, here's something helpful for those of you who plan corporate meetings and events, and are feeling the pinch of the economy. It's an article I found on the Top 10 Tips for Reducing Meetings Costs in 2010.

I hope your New Year is going well so far. Please do keep in touch!

Holiday Notes

2009-12-28T08:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays! It's been hectic as always. I hope yours have been as stress free as possible.

The week before Christmas, my dad had a stroke, and had to spend Christmas in the hospital. Our whole family had our Christmas celebration with him there. He's doing well, and we're hoping for a speedy recovery. He's currently in the rehab ward at Proctor Hospital. Please do send him your prayers.

I got some nice press for my appearance at the Salvation Army "Red Stocking" parties. Several people said they saw me on the TV news, but I missed seeing it. Here's the Peoria Journal Star article. And here are two photos from the article.

Rocco Follow Up

2009-11-18T08:32:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update/ followup to the Rocco Landesman visit to Peoria. First, here's the At Issue episode that aired on WTVP, in which I was one of two audience members who posed questions to Chairman Landesman.

And here are a few photos of the discussion that took place at WTVP studios, where I also posed a question to Rocco:

Finally, there was a ton of press generated, locally, regionally, and nationally, on the Landesman visit. Here's a list of some of the highlights:

Peoria Journal Star
November 8, 2009
November 7, 2009
November 7, 2009
October 31, 2009

St. Louis Post Dispatch
November 8, 2009

Washington Post
November 8, 2009

WCBU
November 5, 2009

NPR News
November 5, 2009

Bloomberg.com
November 9, 2009

Artsjournal.com
November 7, 2009

Chicago Reader Blog
October 21, 2009

WEEK TV
November 6, 2009

Bradley University
http://www.bradley.edu/spotlight/09/neachair/

NEA Chair Plays in Peoria

2009-11-10T06:49:00.000-08:00

This past Friday, I took part in a discussion that was part of a visit to Peoria by National Endowment for the Arts Chairman, Rocco Landesman. The visit came about as a result of comments that Chairman Landesman made several months ago, saying that he didn't know if Peoria had a theatre, but that if so, it probably wasn't as good as the Steppenwolf in Chicago. Suzette Boulais, Executive Director of ArtsPartners, and Kathy Chitwood, Executive Director of Eastlight Theatre each wrote to Rocco, saying he should come see for himself what Peoria has to offer. And he took them up on it, using his visit to Peoria as the kickoff for his Art Works tour, which will have him visiting cities throughout the country to learn how art shapes the economics, city revitalization, and social development of communities. He wrapped up his visit by attending a special performance of Rent at Eastlight.

The discussion I attended took place at WTVP studios and was taped for the NEA website, as well as a special edition of At Issue, a WTVP program with producer/host, H. Wayne Wilson. I was one of the audience members who posed questions to Chairman Landesman in both tapings.

I have a strong sense that those of us in the arts have a responsibility to make our voices heard, when it comes time to shape public policy that effects how the arts are funded and allowed to thrive. One of the interesting points that Chairman Landesman made is that even some Congress members have made comments about the (comparitively miniscule) amounts of the national budget directed to supporting the arts being frivolous, and that it could instead go to creating "real jobs". Rocco pointed out that someone who'd spent their life working to become the top violinist in a symphony orchestra would not think they didn't have a "real job". And he went on to note that the number of people who have full time jobs in the arts is actually greater than the number of people with jobs in the transportation sector and automobile manufacturing industries combined.

There was also discussion of the arts in education, how it's the first thing eliminated when budgets are tight. And yet it's been shown again and again that students who have the arts as a part of their curriculum achieve higher in all areas of academic pursuit, as well as at success in life and business after leaving school, than those who don't. We need the arts if we're to compete effectively on the world stage. Those who claim otherwise are simply ignorant of the facts.

So it's obvious that the arts play a major role in the economic, academic, and cultural health of our society, and it's time that those of us who have a stake in the arts step up and educate people on the realities of not only the part that art plays in our personal lives, but also of the value it has in our economic health as a nation.

Corporate Event Planning Checklist

2009-10-15T07:02:00.001-07:00

Here's a helpful article with tips on planning a corporate event, from small to large, with a useful checklist to help keep you on track. They've also included a link to a pdf file with a more detailed checklist and planning sheets, courtesy of Midwest Meetings.

2009-10-09T07:33:00.001-07:00

Here's an article I just found with some useful tips on planning a kids' Halloween party: http://ping.fm/CTpUR

Why Meetings Matter

2009-09-25T07:20:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of buzz in the press lately about how the economy, and in particular the perception of corporate events as frivolous, have effected the meeting and event industry. I've noticed some companies tightening budgets, being more cautious about event spending, and waiting until the last minute to firm up plans. Luckily, in part because I offer an excellent service at affordable prices, my business hasn't taken a huge hit, and I've made up the difference in other areas. But many event related businesses have suffered.

Now the National Speakers Association (NSA) and the Global Speakers Federation (GSF) have teamed up to create a campaign to "reinforce the message, that contrary to media and political backlash, Meetings Matter." Their website promotes the idea that corporate meetings and events "develop leaders and a workforce ready to invent a profitable future for America... and help drive a vibrant and productive economy."

The US Travel Association has developed a similar approach, and developed a website on the idea that "Meetings Mean Business". For example, they point out that "For every dollar invested in business travel, companies realize $12.50 in incremental revenue."

If you're in an event related business or job, and concerned about cutbacks, there's a wealth of information out there on the true value of corporate events and how they relate to the bottom line. It's not just about lavish, extravagant, or frivolous spending: it really is about an investment in the bottom line.

Holiday Party Planning Tips

2009-09-16T06:13:00.000-07:00

Current trends say that even with the downturn in the economy and tight budgets, most companies are still having parties for the holidays, even it they are scaled back a bit. I just came across a useful article on low budget party planning for the holidays.

Some of the main tips include:

1. Book early for the best deals and dates -- and be flexible.

2. Seek support from on-site event planners.

3. Take advantage of seasonal promotions and packages.

4. Look for distinctive locations and activities.

5. Remember, low-key doesn't mean low quality.

You can check out the entire article HERE.

2009-09-11T08:22:00.001-07:00

There's a great video profile on me that currently is front and center on the Peoria Journal Star website, at www.pjstar.com

2009-08-28T09:11:00.001-07:00

Just set up a new account on Eventful, and listed my upcoming 5 Points show: http://ping.fm/Y6Yms

Social Media Event Planning and a Fundraising Opportunity

2009-08-27T07:28:00.000-07:00

We all know online social media is the big craze these days. But what does it mean for our businesses? Well, if you plan meetings, conferences, or other events, I just came across a useful article in the Indianapolis Examiner on "15 Ways Social Media Can Make Your Next Event a Smashing Success". It does a nice job of summarizing the wide variety of social media tools that are either directly related to or that can be used for event planning. Some of the more interesting ones include event planning sites like Upcoming (just used this on myself!) and Eventful, to ways share photos and video on Twitter.

On another topic, we've just announced a really unique opportunity tied to my upcoming show, The ART of Magic! at Five Points in Washington, IL. We're allowing local community organizations and charities to partner with us, using the show as a fundraising vehicle for their groups. In a nutshell, they help us sell tickets to the show, and in return, they get a generous cut of the price of each ticket they sell. If you're part of a group that might benefit, send me an email right away for details.

New Conference Communication Resource

2009-07-27T07:21:00.000-07:00

Hey, meeting and event planners, if you're planning a large conference of any kind, here's a really interesting new resource I just stumbled across that may make your life a whole lot easier. GuestAssist is a mobile phone/ text based, interactive communication system that allows conference planners, staff, attendees, and others to communicate in a variety of useful ways. Here are just a few uses:

Questions can be answered
Information can be sent or downloaded
Schedules can be updated
Alerts and updates can be sent
Feedback can be given

Communications can be targeted to specific groups or individuals, all attendees, or can be used by attendees to reach event organizers for questions or feedback. Feel free to check it out at: www.guestassist.net.

Upcoming Public Appearances

2009-06-24T09:37:00.000-07:00

Well, my show at the Apollo Theatre in Peoria went well. And now that it's over, I'm looking forward to a few other public performances in the coming months.

July 11 and 12th I'll be doing two shows each day at this year's Marshall-Putnam County Fair.
On July 17, I'm performing in a special FREE CONCERT at 5 Points Washington, called The Art of Music and Magic.
On August 1, I'll be performing at 2-Cylinder Days at the John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour, IL.
And I'm really excited to announce we've just confirmed I'll also be back at 5 Points Washington for my own The ART of Magic! one man theatre show on September 19.

Since most of my work in the past few years has been at private and corporate events, it's a little more rare to be able to see me at public venues, so I'm really glad to let everyone know about these. If you need more information about any of these events, feel free to call me at 309-647-3692, or send me an email.

Social Media and Networking

2009-06-09T07:28:00.000-07:00

I'm always looking for better ways to stay in touch with my clients, friends, and anyone else interested in my entertainment programs and events.

I just found an interesting statistic. According to a recent survey, a majority of meeting planners are using online social media sites as ways of keeping touch with customers and event attendees. 61% use Facebook, 58% for LinkedIn, but only 13% are on Twitter.

If you're on one of the social media sites, and you'd like to stay in touch, keep up to date on my activities, or just follow me on any of my various social media pages, you can become a "friend" on my MySpace page, or my Facebook page, connect with me on LinkedIn, or follow my "tweets" on Twitter.

Oh, and if you'd like to stay up to date more directly, you can subscribe to my email list, and receive my email newsletter The Magic Word, by sending me an email asking to be added to the list. For immediate attention, put "Subscribe to MW" in the subject line.

PeoriaMagician.com

2009-05-15T07:36:00.000-07:00

I now have a new version of my website, specifically for the Peoria area. It's at www.peoriamagician.com. It has some subtle differences from my main site, including my promo video on the homepage.

I also just learned about a new tool for helping to integrate your social networking. If you use more than one social networking site, such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, or MySpace, Ping.fm is a way to update all of them at once! How cool is that? (I got this tip from my friend and business associate, Cindy Fleming, President and founder of VisionShift. Thanks, Cindy!)

Press Release

2009-05-05T05:46:00.000-07:00

I just put out a press release on our upcoming show at the Apollo. You can view it HERE.

We're really excited about how the show's coming together, and about our support for Look! It's My Book! They've only been operating since January, and they've already adopted two schools in the Peoria school district, and have raised enough money to date to add a third school

Great work!