Thunder Bay, Ontario:
Firecon brings together the top firefighters and emergency first responders in northwestern Ontario.
It’s a three-day training event that attracts 200 fire service experts who strive to stay at the top of their game. Over three days, firefighters train with life-life simulators using state-of-the-art equipment and real fire. Based on their level of expertise and interests, Firecon’s attendees were able to take part in a wide variety of rigorous training exercises. Some first-responders specialized in auto extrication, while others gained valuable experience operating fire trucks and suppressing wildland fires.
On the final day, everyone gathers together to celebrate their success (and take a well-deserved break from fighting fires) during the annual dinner gala at the Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre. Guests first enjoy a delicious buffet, followed by live entertainment. In 2016, Emergency North Training hired Magician Sam Pearce to entertain and amaze their guests.
The morning of the gala, Sam and his technician flew from Toronto to Thunder Bay with his bag(s) of tricks. Arriving well in advance allowed Sam and his technician several hours to work with the on-site AV team, ensuring every single detail was perfect before the show began.
After dinner, it was showtime! Sam ran on stage and started the show with a burst of energy that immediately drew in the audience. His quick wit and ingeniously silly humour had everyone in the ballroom laughing. Sam’s squeaky-clean comedy appealed to even the most conservative guests.
Guests really started laughing when audience volunteers, executives, and VIPs were invited on stage to join in the fun. Once in the spotlight, these volunteers quickly became the real stars of the show. They locked Sam in handcuffs, assisted him while juggling knives, and even strapped him into a straitjacket during a tribute to Houdini. Together with Sam, the guests at Firecon created memories that will last a lifetime.
