Client: Association of Victoria Anesthesiologists (AVA) Venue: The University Club, University of Victoria Date: December 12, 2025 Guests: About 110 Entertainment: Close-up mingling magic during the reception, then a stage show after dinner
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A room full of people who are always on call
Anaesthesiologists spend their working lives being the calmest person in the room. A holiday party is one of the few nights a year that whole group gets to be off duty together.
So the goal for the night was simple. Give a room of doctors and their guests a night where nobody has to be in charge of anything.
Across the water to UVic
This one was a trip over to the Island, to the University Club at UVic. About 110 guests, with the association's president as guest of honour.
Two days out, the team pushed the start back an hour. Dinner moved to 7:45 and the show moved to after dinner. That's normal for a holiday party, and the plan is built to flex. The mingling magic slides to fit the reception, and the stage show waits for the room to be fed and settled.
The icebreaker: magic in small groups
The night opened with close-up magic during the reception. Small groups, drinks in hand, no stage.
At a professional association event, a lot of guests know each other by name but not by much else. Close-up magic gives them something to react to together. One person gasps, the next group leans in, and conversations start that weren't going to start on their own.
The main event: the stage show after dinner
Once dinner wrapped, the room turned to the stage. The show is built around volunteers from the audience, so colleagues get to watch people they work alongside in total disbelief.
That's the part people talk about afterwards. Not the trick. The look on their colleague's face.
The result
Jenn Thompson organised the night. Her note afterwards:
"Thank you again for an amazing party! I got lots of messages saying how fun the party was and gushing about you."
Jenn Thompson, event organiser
For a group that spends all year looking after other people, that's the job done.
Planning an association or medical group event on the Island?
Association holiday parties, AGMs and conference evenings are some of my favourite rooms to work. The guests are sharp, a little skeptical, and ready to laugh once someone gives them permission.
December dates fill months out, and Island events need a little more lead time for travel. If you're planning one in Victoria, reach out here before your date is locked.
Kelvin Ng is a corporate magician based in Vancouver, BC, with 25 years of experience and three 2026 PCAM awards: Gold Medal in Comedy Magic, Most Novel Magic, and People's Choice.
Frequently asked questions
Do you perform in Victoria and on Vancouver Island?
Yes. AVA's holiday party was at the University Club at UVic, with mingling magic during the reception and a stage show after dinner for about 110 guests. Travel to the Island is planned into the quote, so there's nothing extra to arrange on your side.
What happens if our event timeline changes on the day?
The plan flexes. AVA pushed their start back an hour two days before the party. The mingling moved to fit the new reception time and the stage show moved to after dinner. Nothing about the show had to change.
Is magic a good fit for a medical or professional association party?
It's one of the best. Many guests know each other professionally but not personally. Close-up magic gives small groups something to react to together, and the stage show turns colleagues into the stars of the night. Volunteers are never the punchline.
