The Gator Gate Gathering Magic Convention

The Gator Gate Gathering Magic Convention THE tiny magic convention continues in Orlando, Florida! A Continuation of The West Coast GGG!

07/24/2026

Our 5th lecturer announcement for GatorGate Gathering 2027:

Doc Docherty!

Doc is a North Carolina-based magician whose work is rooted in real-world performance, close-up magic, street magic, stand-up routines, audience connection, and practical material built for actual performing conditions.

Doc’s love for magic began at the age of 8, when a simple magic set became the start of a lifelong obsession with the art. Since then, he has traveled the country performing in a wide range of venues, including regular featured appearances at both The Magic Castle in Hollywood and the Chicago Magic Lounge.

He is also the founder of the Asheville Magic Company, where he continues to help bring strong, professional magic to audiences in North Carolina and beyond.

Magicians may know Doc through his published and released material, including Groove Electric, The Ultimate Turnover, Zoso Change, Unexpected Upjog, Trampled Under Cards, and his Penguin LIVE lecture. His work blends technical card handling, practical routining, street-tested thinking, comedy, audience participation, and the kind of material that grows out of performing for real people.

As a lecturer, Doc brings more than tricks. He brings the thinking behind the work: how to connect with an audience, how to make material play in demanding situations, how to structure close-up and stand-up magic, and how to create moments that feel spontaneous, direct, and memorable.

That makes him a wonderful fit for GatorGate Gathering — a convention built around strong magic, practical thinking, real-world performance, and the kind of shared experience that happens when magicians gather in the same room.

We are very happy to welcome Doc Docherty to Orlando for GatorGate Gathering 2027.

07/07/2026

We are excited to announce our fourth featured lecturer for the Gator Gate Gathering 2027:

Steve Ehlers

Known as The Arizona Card Expert, Steve Ehlers is a highly respected sleight-of-hand performer with decades of experience in close-up magic, card magic, and real-world audience interaction.

Steve has been involved in magic for over 40 years, developing a reputation for strong, direct, practical magic performed in the hands and minds of the spectators. His work reflects the kind of close-up magic GatorGate loves most: personal, deceptive, interactive, and built for real people in real performing situations.

Magicians may know Steve through his card work, his performance material, and effects such as The Three-Card Location, which appeared in Allan Ackerman’s Las Vegas Kardma (Allan was with us lecturing this past GGG 2026). Steve's magic is rooted in solid sleight-of-hand, clear construction, and the ability to create memorable moments at close range.

As a lecturer, Steve brings more than tricks. He brings experience, thinking, structure, and the practical lessons that come from years of performing close-up magic for real audiences. Attendees can expect strong card magic, thoughtful handling, and insights from a performer who understands how to make intimate magic connect.

We are very excited to welcome Steve Ehlers to Orlando for GatorGate Gathering 2027.

Remember to check https://gatorgategathering.com for the details on how to sign up!

06/17/2026

We are thrilled to announce our next featured lecturer for GatorGate Gathering 2027:

Suzanne

Suzanne has been delighting audiences since 1985 with close-up magic that is charming, thoughtful, and deeply audience-centered.

Based in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Suzanne specializes in close-up magic for corporate and private events, but magicians know her especially well from her celebrated work at Hollywood’s famous Magic Castle. Her engaging style makes the audience an essential part of the performance, creating magic that feels personal, intimate, and genuinely memorable.

Suzanne was awarded Close-Up Magician of the Year by the Academy of Magical Arts, appeared on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, where she fooled Penn & Teller, and has been featured on the covers of both Genii and M-U-M magazines.

Her favorite format is close-up magic: seated in an intimate setting, working with an audience member, and building a shared experience with everyone watching.

That spirit fits beautifully with what GatorGate Gathering is all about — strong magic, real-world performance, meaningful connection, and the kind of moments that happen best when magicians gather in the same room.

We are very excited to welcome Suzanne to Orlando for GatorGate Gathering 2027.

05/16/2026

The GatorGate Gathering's second lecture announcement,

Please welcome 🎩 BILL ABBOTT 🎩 to the 2027 Gator Gate Gathering.

Named “Canadian Magician of the Year,” Bill Abbott is one of the most respected professional performers and lecturers working in magic today.

With more than 5,000 performances across 11 countries, Bill has built an international reputation for commercial magic, audience psychology, strong routining, and real-world entertainment experience. His creations and performance material are used by magicians around the world, and his lectures are known for delivering practical, powerful material that working performers can immediately apply.

Many of you may already know Bill through acclaimed effects and routines such as:

• Smart Ass
• The Thing
• 5 Card Opener
• Postcards From Paradise

…and much more.

We are incredibly excited to have Bill joining us for Gator Gate Gathering 2027 in Orlando, Florida.

More lecturer announcements are still ahead.

04/04/2026

The GatorGate Gathering's first lecture announcement,

The Gatorgate Gathering 2027: Alex Geiser!

Alex Geiser is a highly respected sleight-of-hand artist, creator, and lecturer known for his elegant approach to magic and refined technical ability. With a background that spans professional performance, television appearances, and published instructional material, Alex brings a rare combination of real-world experience and thoughtful theory to his work.

He has contributed to the film Now You See Me as a hand double for Jesse Eisenberg, demonstrating the level of precision and control required for magic on camera. He has also appeared on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, further establishing his reputation among both magicians and broader audiences.

Alex is the creator of acclaimed releases such as MiRAGE and The Prodigy, which highlight his focus on clarity, visual impact, and deceptive structure. His work is often noted for balancing strong technical foundations with an artistic sensibility—resulting in magic that is not only effective, but beautiful.

As a lecturer, Alex offers more than material. He provides insight into construction, timing, and the underlying principles that elevate technique into performance. Attendees can expect practical methods, thoughtful theory, and a deeper understanding of how to create magic that resonates.

For magicians interested in refining their work and raising their standards, Alex Geiser represents a compelling and valuable voice.

The FIFTH Gator Gate Gathering — GGG 1/15/2026: 5th times a CHARM!The West Coast Golden-Gate Gathering brought together ...
01/08/2026

The FIFTH Gator Gate Gathering — GGG 1/15/2026: 5th times a CHARM!

The West Coast Golden-Gate Gathering brought together magicians, sleight-of-hand artists, and magic aficionados in the South San Francisco area. In 2022, that magical tradition moved to East Coast, reborn in Orlando, Florida. This is our 5th year and its going to be amazing!

This years event Schedule:

Start: Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 1:00 PM (noonish)
End: Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 12:00 AM (midnight)

This year’s gathering has a strong mix of lectures, performances, late-night sessions, and magic energy that has happened for over 12 years on the West Coast. AND this is ONLY our 5th year!

🎩 Featured Lecturers & Performers

Tony Cabral (Thursday) — Known for his contributions to the world of close-up card magic. His instructional videos (for example, The Usual Suspect series) have helped a generation of magicians refine sleight-of-hand and misdirection technique.

Wallace Murphy (Friday) — A respected name in card and close-up magic whose routines blend classic technique with modern presentation. His work appeals to both traditionalists and contemporary performers. He's performed for over TWO decades at Universal's HARD ROCK hotel's Kitchen restaurant as a walk around artist.

Jack Carpenter (Friday evening) — Revered for his dynamic performing style and engaging teaching. He sometimes goes very late into the late night sessions intended to inspire, challenge, and entertain.

Allan Ackerman & Giovanni Livera (Saturday finale) — Two HEAVYWEIGHTS whose contributions to magic have earned them hardcore loyal followings. Attendees can expect a masterclass-level closing to a weekend already packed with excitement and camaraderie.

Seasoned professionals and passionate newcomers are welcome to attend the GGG 2026! We will offer opportunities to learn from and mingle with the finest minds in close-up, coin, and card magic.

Mark your calendars. Sharpen your sleights. Get READY to gather!!.

HAPPY NEW YEAR from the GGG! I can't believe there is only FIFTEEN days left? These guys lectures are going to be insane...
12/31/2025

HAPPY NEW YEAR from the GGG! I can't believe there is only FIFTEEN days left?

These guys lectures are going to be insane! Getting them all together for this photo shoot was nothing short of a deepfake photoshop job!!!

If you were at the FIRST GGG in Florida and were lucky enough to hang out with Mike Gallo at the LATE LATE night session...
12/16/2025

If you were at the FIRST GGG in Florida and were lucky enough to hang out with Mike Gallo at the LATE LATE night session not only would you have witnessed Mike Gallo holding David Roth's original balls but you may have heard Mike ask Ousterling about a two coin box he wanted made. That two coin box design is going to be showcased at one of the late night sessions this year. If you have an okito box BRING IT.

Come join the fun! Sign up at gatorgategathering.com

Here's an image of the #1 box Mike Gallo received:

Address

Cambria Hotel Orlando Airport/7986 Conway Road
Belle Isle, FL
32821

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