Corporate Networking Event by DHL

In June, I was specially engaged for a corporate networking event by DHL in which their guests consist their most important clients.

Presenting my chic style of magic in front of a beautiful rustic building

This engagement involves me performing 2 sets of Interactive Close Up Magic segment and one Stage Magic Show for the finale. I worked closely with Michelle in advising the best placement of magic.

We split the Interactive Close Up Magic segment into two parts because in such cocktail networking sessions, guests will arrive in different timings. For those who arrive early, they typically do not have much activities to do. Hence, it is most appropriate to have a magician interact and entertain them before the main activities of the event.

Priceless expression : O

Thereafter, I also performed the second Interactive Close Up magic segment slightly after dinner is served. Restaurateurs might have the false impression that featuring close up magic during dinner would be akin to disturbing their guests during their meal. While this concern is valid, the years of experience I have performing in high end restaurants  allowed me to discern the best timing to approach a table. It also made salient to me when the guests are taking a break from the food. Such an approach comes with the years of experience that a younger or semi-professional magician may not have the privilege to gather.

Towards the end of the evening, I then presented my Stage Magic show as one of the entertainment finale to this networking event.

Audience participation during the magic

The stage magic show was a strong closer as it gathered everyone in the event and they all participated in the magic. It features music and visual magic.

In the show, I got a gentleman (John, above) to help me with the magic. And after the show, another gentleman came up to me and thanked me for the magic. And he said if I have not chosen John to help in the show, he would not have been able to meet his friend who he had lost contact for many many years.

At that point of time, my hair kinda stood due to the uncanny coincidence. But also, I think this is truly what magic is about, it is about bringing people together. This left me with a strange but yet fulfilling feeling knowing that on top of doing the show well and everyone enjoying it, I have established contact for two separate individuals who had not seen each other for more than a decade. That is, real magic!

Once again, it is great to get affirmation from the events organizers and the committee!

“ At our recent Customer Event, Alexander stunned everyone with his amazing magic with his unbelievable sleight-of-hand. The performance was highly entertaining, either small groups or individually was just what was needed. He was professional and non-intrusive in his manner, whilst being friendly and approachable. People were left in awe by the seemingly impossible things he was doing! He was an invaluable addition to the evening’s activities, and one that I would recommend to any event! It was such a special night for us and you were an essential part of its success. Thank you so very much, Alexander! “

Warm Regards

Michelle Tay
Sales Performance & Development
Marketing & Sales
DHL Global Forwarding (Singapore) Pte Ltd

That is all for this entry! On a side note, I will be performing outside Central Mall  along Singapore River this week and next week (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Do catch me there! More details here.

Signing off,

Alexander

Corporate Close Up Magic and Teach In

Last month, I had the privilege to do a unique performance for the friendly people at AIA. It was a session in which I performed a small portion of my Close Up Theatre set and Interactive Close Up magic, which ended with  a Teach-in seminar.

Finale to the Close Up Theatre set

A mini “Circle Show”

One of the main reasons why I personally decided to take up the teach-in was because of the inspirational theme of using magic. Under the leadership of District Manager, Mr Peter Lee, he wanted to showcase to his team that even though something seems impossible, it can be achievable as long as you put effort into it.

This message resonated with me and I took up the challenge. I arranged 3 effects of varying difficulties and true enough, Mr Lee and his colleagues were all able to execute them after considerable practice.

Hands on practice

The effects were handpicked based on the following criteria:

1. It cannot be a kiddish trick as it is not in line with Meta Illusions’ policy to perform kiddish tricks, let alone teach a trick that is kiddish/clownish in nature

2. There needs to be demonstration of skill involved. Because we conduct classes for youths and professional working adults, an effect is more amazing and appealing if some feats of dexterity are displayed.

3. The tricks are not heavily exposed in other mediums accessible to the general public.

With this set of criteria, my proposal was approved.

Experiential learning and group based teaching

Apart from inculcating the theme of the seminar, learning magic as a group is fun! It can create a culture of learning and sharing. It also fosters teambuilding.

Teaching and sharing within the group

I had a lot of fun teaching and performing to this group of spontaneous and fun-loving people. And I strongly believe that while magic can be performed for just entertainment’s sake, there are other subtexts that magic can exemplify, hence, creating an underlying theme or lesson.

For more on workshops and lessons, you can contact us at info@metaillusions.com, or drop us a line at 97459753.

One last thing, like us on Facebook too!

 

Signing off,

Alexander Yuen