The Story Behind WonderBash
- trinomagic
- May 25
- 2 min read
WonderBash didn’t start as a business idea or a strategic move. It started as a feeling.
The day I was supposed to sign the venue contract for the very first WonderBash, my brother Luc passed away. The timing was surreal. What began as a spark of an idea quickly became something deeper — a passion project that helped me keep going during the hardest chapter of my life.
I had been reading a book by Tim Ferriss about compressing timelines. It asked, “What if you took your five-year plan and did it in one year?” For me, that meant launching a magic convention. Not someday. Right now.
WonderBash was born. And from the beginning, it has always been about more than tricks. We’ve featured topics like mental health for entertainers, aesthetics and stagecraft, walkaround strategy, business development, and real-world communication. The workshops aren’t gatekept. The performers are generous. The vibe is collaborative, creative, and honest.
It’s a small gathering of creative people who genuinely care about leveling up their show and their business. The energy in the room isn’t competitive — it’s encouraging. It’s a space where people share openly, perform boldly, and walk away better than they arrived.
What makes WonderBash feel magical is seeing people from all over the country come to my city, Grand Rapids, for a weekend of learning, laughter, and connection. We hold the convention at the Residence Inn. The evening shows take place at Wealthy Theatre — the same stage where I do my monthly public show Amaze & Amuse. WonderBash closes out that season every April with a high note.
The performer lineup is curated by a small, trusted committee of creatives. These are people who understand what makes a show land and what makes a performer memorable. Every invite is intentional. Every moment is crafted with care.
Next year will be our fifth WonderBash. That was the original commitment: five years. What happens after that? I honestly don’t know yet. But I know what we’ve built is special. It’s meaningful. And I’m incredibly proud of it.
When people leave WonderBash, I want them to feel seen. I want them to feel recharged, inspired, and ready to take action. I want them to walk away remembering that we have the best job in the world. We get to create wonder. And for one weekend each year, we get to share that wonder with each other.
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