25-04-2024
I AM GOING TO PERFORM IN VEGAS!
OMG, I can still not believe it. With great pleasure and a big smile, I’m thrilled to announce my upcoming performance in the vibrant city of Las Vegas on May 8. Joining alongside illusionists like Chris Angel, David Copperfield, Shin Lim, and many more, there is also a spot for me. I won’t perform on the strip but at the beautiful M Resort Spa Casino on Las Vegas Boulevard. As part of the IAITAM ACE conference, together with Johan West, we’ll kick off the second day with a one-of-a-kind blend of comedy, magic, and technology designed to captivate the approximately 2,000 conference attendees.
Back in 2008, I visited Las Vegas as a little boy. During a trip along the West Coast with my family, we stopped at several cities, including Vegas. At 14 years old, I was not allowed to get the whole Vegas experience; however, there was still a lot to see and experience. We walked around the immense casinos, visited spectacular shows, saw the Bellagio fountains, watched the Mirage volcano erupt, and looked at real Lions in their habitat in the MGM Grand. The activity that got excited the most? Seeing David Copperfield at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. It was an incredible experience, which made me wonder: How cool would it be if I … and see here, 14 years later, I get to put on a show in Vegas. But how did I get there?
Road to Vegas
As you know, my magical journey started many years ago. In 2018, I was a speaker at the IA ITAM European ACE in Amsterdam. That session went very well, and the conference organizer asked me to provide the opening keynote for the 2019 conference. I already knew that they also hosted a meeting in the States; however, we have yet to talk about that. In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic hampered all events worldwide. When everything started to open up again, we got in touch again, and they told me that there wouldn’t be any conference in Europe for the next few years; however, there was potentially a spot for us in The States. EXCITING! Due to my job at Canon, I could not do a performance in 2021, but in 2022, our schedule met, and Nashville was the place to be. I flew with Johan to the home of Country Music and delivered an interactive keynote on the third day of the conference. We felt satisfied, but there was another step on the podium: Doing the show in Vegas.
With great pleasure, we received an invitation from the IA ITAM to deliver a keynote again, but this time in Las Vegas. That is an offer we could not refuse. And here we are, on the edge of going to Las Vegas in ten days. MEGA!
By the way, my trip to Vegas did not go unnoticed. Local newspapers, radio stations, and TV channels picked up that I will perform about 8.700 kilometers away from home. A two-page article about my journey appeared in De Limburger, and even an interview and live appearance on L1. Of course, I bought a couple of copies from the newspaper and hung them on the wall in my office. A fun fact: Due to the publicity, people started recognizing me on the streets and wishing me all the best in Vegas. It gives a fantastic feeling, and I hope to headline the news again, haha!
What are you going to do in Vegas?
Good question! The three-day event features educational sessions, workshops, vendor interaction, and networking opportunities. It’s the world’s leader in ITAM education, attracting 2,000 attendees annually to its conference in The States. Like in Vegas, there is much to see and do, so what’s my show planning?
- Monday, May 6: During the gathering party, I will entertain all the attendees with my walk-around magic. Every year they have a special theme and this year it is Hawaii. With a special outfit, I will mingle around among the guests and let them experience my tricks during the beautiful Vegas sunset. Definitely read the upcoming blog to spot my special Hawaiian outfit.
- Tuesday, May 7: In the evening, it is time for the exhibition fair, where all 50 conference partners showcase their products and services. This is an ideal moment to show special marketing magic on the trading floor and entertain the visitors.
- Wednesday, May 8: Time for the BIG event, an interactive and educational keynote! Together with Johan, we will kick off the conference day. The title of our session will be: Where to play and where to stay away? The modern IT Asset Manager has a lot to embrace. Keeping the IT asset inventory up to date, managing compliance, fighting software audits, optimizing costs, and supporting the IT budgeting process, just to name a few. Truly maximizing the value of ITAM might start to feel like an illusion over time. But the reality is that these opportunities are genuine indeed. Using real-life examples, anecdotes, movie quotes, impersonations, and (mind-blowing) tricks, Johan and I intend to show the audience where (ITAM) illusion meets reality.
Of course, in the days leading up to the conference, I will also explore Vegas to get into the right mood. It is fantastic to see how opportunities can unfold all around the globe. I travelled with my suitcase, full of magical moments, to the far corners of the Netherlands and even Europe. And on May 8, we go even further because Vegas is the place to be. I guess you can read the excitement through the screen. Wish me luck, and for now:
🎤 Vivaaaaaaaa Las Vegas!
