Meeting August 13, 2025: David Gerard Lecture

David Gerard Returns to the IBM Ring216 — One Night Only

   Join us for a rare, wide-ranging evening with David Gerard, one of the top corporate entertainers and magicians in the world. David has performed for clients like Mark Zuckerberg and Larry Page, consulted on four seasons of America’s Got Talent, and recently directed Colin Cloud’s Mastermind at Harrah’s Las Vegas. Before all that, he got his start right here — at the IBM Ring in San Jose and The Magic Garage in Sunnyvale. His past lectures for the club have been met with rave reviews and this will be no different. Having left his job in tech three years ago to perform full time, David returns with a refined perspective on our craft.

 

    This won’t be a canned set or a dealer demo. David has studied under some of the most respected minds in magic — including Eric Mead, Ken Weber, Jamy Ian Swiss, and many more — and will be weaving insights from these legends into a one-of-a-kind lecture. David wants to customize the evening to serve the real questions, needs, and curiosities of the Ring. Whether you're interested in the basics of strolling magic, deep theory around audience management, or advanced material for the stage, nothing is off-limits. Please comment or email your questions and requests ahead of time so he can tailor the night to the group. 

 

   This will be an evening of magic, mentalism, business, and community — and one you won’t want to miss.

Cost: $20 for RING216 Members / $30 for nonmembers

Time: August 13th, 2025, 7:30PM 

Ring 216 Meeting on Wednesday, July 9

We can't wait to see you at our next meeting!

Agenda Highlights

Raffle: Don't miss out on another chance to win some fantastic prizes donated by club members. It's always a highlight of our gatherings. The raffle is for members who have paid their dues for 2025.

Open Performance: Bring your latest tricks and share your magic with fellow members. Whether it's a classic routine or something new, this is your chance to shine. Club members are encouraged to perform at least once each year. This is a perfect low-stress environment to test out your new magic routines!

This meeting promises to be engaging and full of learning opportunities. Let's continue to support each other and share the magic that brings us together.

On June 11, 2025: The Ring 216 Auction and Flea Market

Mark your calendars! Reserve your flea market table!

Got magic stuff you want to get rid of? Is there anything you have your eye on? Bring your magical friends and join us at our next meeting on Wednesday, June 11, beginning at 7:00 PM to shop the collections of your fellow magicians — and/or sell the stuff you don't use anymore. Flea Market A few tables are still available to reserve, so don't miss out! Reserve your table today using our easy online form. The costs are: Full table: $15 for members, $20 for non-members Half table: $10 for members, $15 for non-members You can view a layout of the tables when you reserve, and you can make a request for a particular table (although requests are not guaranteed). The earlier you reserve, the more likely you will be to get your preferred location.

Reserve Table

Auction There will also be an auction of magical goods. If you're interested in the auction, just show up. Anybody can sell at auction. The club takes a 10% fee for auction sales, but no fee for table sales. Make a Donation If you have some unwanted stuff, consider donating it to the club. We'll auction it off that night, and the proceeds will go to Ring 216. Evening Agenda 6:30 PM: Sellers may arrive to set up their tables for the flea market. 7:00 PM: The doors open to buyers. 8:15 PM: The auction begins. 9:30 PM (approximately): All sales end and it's time to pack up. Want more details about the auction? Read our FAQ. So bring your friends and your stuff — and your cash.

Meeting Report - April 2025: Phil Ackerly Lecture

 

On April 9, 2025, Ring 216 had the pleasure of welcoming celebrated Bay Area magician and the Ring's good friend Phil Ackerly for his new lecture, “Phil-osophy of Success.” Most of the members knew well Phil’s cheerfulness and skill in performing for all ages. In this lecture, drawing on his decades of experience, Phil presented lessons he has learned on how to have a successful magical career, as well as sharing some favorite routines.

  

The personalization of effects to the situation is a feature of his approach, both giving the audience a unique experience for that time and place and encouraging word-of-mouth buzz and achieving repeat engagements. For example, for a birthday party Phil would have a card selected that would be revealed to have on it a picture of the birthday child. At the lecture, he gave detailed instructions on how to create personalized cards of this type.

 

An aspect of Phil’s performing method that the members appreciated was his preparation for questions and remarks that he knew would come at certain moments in the show or even in after the show when chatting casually with audience members – in that situation he might ask, “What’s your favorite trick that you saw?” And then proceed from there with another effect; if the child responds, as they often will, “I don’t know”, Phil has a routine all lined up in response!

 

The Ring members appreciated experiencing the warm humor and the expert insights of this true professional.

Phil Ackerly Lecture - April 9, 2025

Join us on Wednesday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m. for a magic lecture by the Northern California magic legend (now living in Nevada) Phil Ackerly!

 

Date: April 9, 2025 Time: 7:30pm Cost: $20 for members of Ring 216, $30 for non-members Phil Ackerly presents his new lecture, "Phil-osophy of Success." Phil offers practical advice, insights from his experiences, theater techniques, marketing and sales strategies, along with a variety of creative ideas. He’ll also share some of his personalized routines and effects tailored for both kids and adults, as well as for corporate events.   Phil has studied with some of the best in the business from Jeff McBride, Larry Hass, and Tobias Beckwith to Peter Samelson, Bruce Gold, and Broadway legend Bob Fitch. He has worked with music writers and scriptwriters to hone his craft and make him the most sought after family performing in the Northern California and Nevada areas.  Whether you're a family entertainer, corporate performer, or a strolling close-up magician, there’s something valuable here for everyone. Lecture notes will be available as well as many of the Phil's products. Visit www.ackerly-entertainment.com/shop  No need to RSVP for the lecture... just show up!