The 28th New Zealand International Magicians
Convention Update

20-23 October 2006 in Palmerston North, New Zealand
The time is New Zealand's Labour Day weekend in 2006 - Friday evening of October 20th to Monday lunchtime of the 23rd October 2006

Diary these dates **NOW** this is a Convention you do not want to miss

Registrations will be opening in late January 2006

The place is Palmerston North
This small and friendly University City is a popular convention location for business and pleasure. It has a conveniently small and handy international airport only a five minute drive from our convention centre and plenty of hotels and motels within walking distance of it.

The venue is the magnificent and newly built Speirs Centre Theatre inside the local Boys' High School complex in Featherston Street with an abundance of other halls, lecture rooms and free parking. There will also be convenient places to eat, drink, chat and relax.

Convention update

Currently booked David Williamson (US), Terry Seabrooke (UK), Lisa Menna (US), Duane Lafflan (US) and Joel Howlett (Aust)

International Entertainment (NZ) Ltd is proud to sponsor Joel Howlett as another headliner for the 28th New Zealand International Magicians Convention 2006

Joel will inspire both young and older magicians and also keep in mind when reading his bio below that he is only 15 years old!

Joel is destined for stardom

Major achievements
" Winner of Junior Close-up competition Adelaide Magic Convention August 2005
" Winner of Open Stage competition Adelaide Magic Convention August 2005
" Special guest act on the gala show Adelaide Magic Convention August 2005
" Performer of the year" in a national music & arts talent search May 2005
" Featured guest at the Riviera Hotel, Las Vegas in the Stars of Tomorrow show (Society of American Magicians convention, July 2003)
" Winner of Junior Close-up competition at The 28th Australian Convention of Magicians - Sydney June 2002
" Winner of Junior Stage competition at The 28th Australian Convention of Magicians - Sydney June 2002
" Second place adult section Walk-on Walk-off competition at The 28th Australian Convention of Magicians - Sydney June 2002
" Special Guest Act at the gala show "Stars of Magic" finale to The Australian Convention of Magicians - Sydney June 2002
" Chosen to be the 'Face of the Newcastle Show' for 2001 - presenting the advertising campaign for TV, Radio and press
" Australian Representative at Disney world Florida for Millennium Dreamers Awards - May 2000
" Special Invitation performer at "International Magicians Gala" Sydney
October 1999, October 2000, September 2003, September 2005
" Live to air appearance on "Hey Hey It's Saturday" show in Melbourne - Red Faces segment winner 1999

Other Awards & Competition results
" First place Geniis Stage competition 2004
" "Hero of the Hunter" Newcastle Radio Station award for community service 2004
" Australian Achievers Awards finalist 2004
" Holiday Coast $1000 Talent Quest - Wauchope RSL, Club June 2003. Grand Final Winner
" Newcastle Rotary Club "Achievers Award" for 2002 (youngest ever recipient)
" Newcastle Society of Magicians "Rex Sinclair Memorial Shield" for outstanding contribution - 2002
" Junior Talent Quest, Raymond Terrace Marketplace, 2001 Third place
" Stockton Bowling Club Talent Showcase, 1999 First place
" National Maritime Festival, regional busking competition Winner 1998. Third place 1999
" Showbiz Talent Quest Winner 1998. Third place 1999
" The Post/Club Phoenix Junior Talent Quest Winner 1998
" The Newcastle Store Talent Quest Special award 1998
" Charlestown Festival Junior Talent Quest Winner 1997 & 1998

Television Appearance
Disney Channel (feature story & two segments) Nov 2004 - Jan 2005
Today Extra on NBN Television Oct 2003
Mornings with Kerri-Ann (Channel Nine, Sydney) Sept 2003
2 live appearances on the "Today" show
(Channel Nine, Sydney) June/July 2003
Coverage from Las Vegas - aired Nationally June/July 2003
Commercials for Telstra/Retravision July 2001
Newcastle Show advertising campaign presenter/performer Feb 2001
Hey Hey It's Saturday-Red Faces show Feb 1999
Big Dog & Friends children's show (3 appearances filmed Live at Westfield shopping center, Tuggerah Nov 1998
Big Dog & Friends show (2 appearances filmed at studio) July 1998
NBN Telethon (2 live to air appearances) Dec 1997

Performance history
" Australia Day Entertainment - official events around Newcastle area
" Toastmasters International conference, Novotel Olympic Park 2004
" Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast. Rotary District Conference 2004
" Channel 10 Special Children's Christmas Party in Canberra 2003
" Kefford's company anniversary function - Grand Hyatt, Melbourne 2003
" Special guest World Festival of Magic, Civic Theatre Newcastle (Oct 2003 & 2004)
" Hunter Valley Wineries appearances at dinners, conferences & harvest festival
" Guest act Penrith Panthers Club, Sydney, November 2002
" Regular performer for Rafferty's Resort (conferences, dinner functions and kids club)
" Regular performances on behalf of Newcastle Visitor & Convention Bureau
" Belmont Golf club, Tournament Sponsors Dinner, January 2002
" Carols by Candlelight, Speers Point, December 2002 & 2001
" Hunter Exports Center, awards night/ball
" McHappy day performances at McDonalds restaurants
" Various fairs, festivals, shopping center opening and school holiday activities
" Special appearances at "Harry Potter" premiers/movie promotions
" Workshop & Show Newcastle Grammar School, July 2001
" Season Launch for Newcastle Knights Sponsors dinner, 2002
" School holiday entertainment at Libraries (Port Stephens, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie)
" Children's Disco/Xmas Concerts at various registered clubs
" Lions Club International dinner 2000
" Special guest act Lennon Brothers Circus, September 2000
" City of Newcastle Lord Mayors dinner, May 2000
" New Years Eve & Melbourne Cup functions
" Peach Advertising Clients Xmas Party
" Numerous birthday parties
" Charity concerts for Red Cross, Life without barriers, senior citizen groups, hospitals, nursing homes......

Footnote
Joel was asked to be the subject of a short documentary film entitled "Joel's Dream". This was entered in a National Film Festival where it won two Awards, one being for best documentary.

There has also been a song written about Joel (2004) entitled "World of Magic" and performed by the Sing NSW Choir. This was part of a series of 5 songs dedicated to Young Aussie Achievers.

Here are just a few samples of the comments/feedback we have received recently
" Absolutely brilliant, his rapport touched on genius, he was a big hit. I'd recommend him to anybody"
Kathi Curran/Functions Entertainment consultant. EAO

"This young man is incredible, a skill level in one so young defies belief coupled with a confidence and cute stage presence he is destined for stardom"
Steve Walker/Australian Convention of Magicians 2002

"The future of Australian magic is firm in the hands of this kid"
Sean Taylor of Taylor's magic shop, Sydney

"This kid is destined to be a star"
David Wright/Australian Society Magicians, Melbourne

"What a wonderful showman you are. All I can say is David Cooperfield move over"
John Tate/Lord Mayor, Newcastle.

"Wherever he goes or performs, he spreads happiness and joy making a difference to many peoples lives"
Terry Lewis/Wallydag promotion

"The kids and adults certainly enjoyed the show. We have been getting great comments back from people. Joel certainly has a lot of talent and we look forward to seeing him perform in the years to come"
Roslyn Hale/Lake Haven Library

"His warm personality as well as his sense of humor was gushing throughout his act. His polite manner and professionalism shows us that this kid will be going places"
Bruce Kalver/Society of American Magicians

"The audience loved him - both the kids and adults were mesmerized….he quickly became a regular on the show. He has a pure talent and level of professionalism I have never seen before"
Vicki/Host of the Rowdy Rabbit Fun Show

"The best sight act in Australia" John Brownrigg/MATS Australia

"Joel added an extra dimension to the convention and lifted the overall standard of everything he participated in" Phil Aherns/Adelaide Convention Committee.