I've been active in my local magic community for a few years and am starting to get really excited about bizarre magick (primarily within the subjects of occult/seance/vintage horror). I'd like to attend a convention this year to see performances, meet experienced practitioners, and learn new skills -- face to face and in person.

It looks like there are several bizarre conventions in the US each year (Inner Circle of Bizarre Magick, East Coast Spirit Sessions, Odd Gathering, Magic & Meaning Conference, Pacific Northwest Gathering of Dark Magi, etc.). Which would you recommend as a good one for someone like myself? How do the different bizarre get-togethers compare with regard to their offerings, especially for newer practitioners?

Of those you listed ECSS is the only one I've attended but I highly recommend it. It's newbie friendly as well as great for experienced Bizarrists. Check the various ECSS threads to learn more.

As newbie's to the Bizarre World we also recommend ECSS
We attended in January this year and were welcomed into the "FAMILY" as if we were long lost friends.
Everyone makes you feel welcome and is willing to share a wealth of knowledge.

Hope to meet you there.

kOnO & Carollynn

Sounds like ECSS is the way to go -- thanks for the recommendations.

Too bad I have to wait ten months until ECSS III. Looking forward to it, though!

ECSS!!!!! All the way .. Make some friends ...drink some wine ..you'll be fine....

Https://countingdownto.com/countdown/eas......wn-clock

Are the dates for ECSS iii confirmed?

I do have a preference for the Northwest Gathering of Dark Magi, being a co-Founder and all. A lot of good things have been posted about the other groups, but the Gathering is different. Here is a link to our site.

http://petemcmillan.wix.com/the-gathering

Please call or write for more info if needed.

Pete

I'm set to attend the Odd Gathering this year on April 22-24 in Livermore,California with another underground legend in bizarre magic ChaCha Puddlewinks. It's also the only time in 2016 I will be in California. Then a couple of months later I will be doing a couple of talks and a workshop in Miami, Florida. Actually I am looking forward to the Odd Gathering as it will be one of a few few magic type conferences that I will ever attend. As I have not been to a magic conference in many years and I am not planning on going to too many more either as I usually have other events going on when these type of events are scheduled. -Bill Montana

Pretty sure the date is firm, the venue is up in the air from what I hear.

All of the aforementioned cons would be excellent for you. If you want face-to-face, in person, non-nonsense, brass tacks con, our small PNW Gathering of Dark Magi might be for you. It is intimate for certain. We extended it one more day and have packed in plenty of topics, but with room for informal jamming too. This is it is in mid-May in Seattle this year. I see at least two other (than myself) people who posted above will be there. We will be missing Michael McDonald greatly, however, may his eternal journies be rewarding.

ECSS3 we are looking to correct some of the minor issues with the location we had (one of which is new owners wanting to re negotiate) but the dates are there, it will still be in Myrtle Beach but may have a different address, stay tuned

I'd bet this coming ECSS is an ANIMAL!!!!!!

I believe Max Maven is the GOH this year at Odd Gathering-
new-comers (as well as everyone else) are treated with a lot of respect there.

I'm heading to the Odd Gathering with none other than Cha Cha Puddlewinks this year. It's going to be a real hoot.

Balaram you heading out this year to the Odd Gathering?

Bill, up until 2 days ago, I would have had to say a sad "no". I haven't missed one yet...
however, I may be able to at least say hello at the Sat. night show, as missing the opportunity
to meet you and Cha Cha, "live" (as it were), would be unforgivable-
well, if the stars align...

The PNW Gathering of Dark Magi was terrific! I made new friends, learned a lot, and even had an odd encounter with a spirit bell that was nowhere to be found.