Ottawa, Ontario
VCA Canada (previously Associate Veterinary Clinics) represents more than 80 veterinary hospitals and clinics across Canada, employing 350 veterinarians and 1500+ support staff.
Every year they host conferences across Canada where their teams gather to learn about the latest products, technology, and techniques. At the end of each conference, they celebrate with an evening Gala, featuring cocktails, dinner, and live entertainment.
On September 28th, VCA hired Sam to entertain guests at their GTA conference, held at the Toronto Sheraton. They enjoyed the show so much, they immediately hired Sam to perform at their next conference in Ottawa, one month later.
The Ottawa conference was hosted at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre. Seems fitting, right? It’s an extremely versatile conference facility with 43,000 sq ft of floor space, which can be divided to create up to 37 different meeting rooms. VCA’s conference was hosted in the 118 Ballroom; a sprawling meeting room that Sam and his technician, along with the on-site audiovisual team from Advantage AV, transformed into a dinner theatre. Advantage AV supplied the giant video screens and sound system, while Sam’s team provided the stage curtains and theatrical lighting. Together, the equipment worked seamlessly and everything was set-up and ready to go.
During cocktails, Sam entertained guests in the foyer with his amazing Mingle Magic – up close. Crowds gathered around Sam as he entertained guests by creating magic with cards, coins, dinner forks, and other everyday objects. His quick-wit and eye-catching magic instantly drew people together, breaking the ice and getting everyone excited for what was to come.
Following cocktails, guests found their seats in the ballroom and enjoyed dinner and drinks, served by the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre.
After dinner, it was showtime!
The room darkened as the stage lights were turned on, while music boomed in the background. Right on cue, Sam ran on stage and captured the audience’s attention with a visually-stunning magic act set to music. Then, he launched into the comedy! The whole show was funny, and also completely clean – Sam never says anything that would offend or embarrass your guests.
The crowd really loved when Sam invited audience volunteers (along with some executives) on stage to take part in the show. During the 60-minute after-dinner show, guests found themselves strapping Sam into a straitjacket, helping him juggle knives, and hanging onto a table that was floating away! It wasn’t long until these guests were entangled in Sam’s zany act and they became the real stars of the show.
