15 Signs You’re Booking a Pro, Not a Hobbyist Magician

​By Jeff Jenson – Las Vegas Magician for Corporate and VIP Events

When you're planning a high-end event —whether it's a corporate function, a private party, or a VIP gathering—you want every detail to reflect excellence. You’ve chosen the right venue, the best catering, and a tight schedule. So when it comes to hiring a magician, you’re not just looking for “someone who does tricks.” You’re looking for a performer who can elevate the entire experience. And that’s where it’s critical to know: are you hiring a pro, or just a hobbyist?
I’ve been performing magic professionally for years and beyond, and one thing I’ve noticed is that many clients aren’t quite sure what to look for when hiring entertainment. They’ve been burned before—by unreliable performers, underwhelming shows, or someone who was clearly “practicing” on their guests. This blog is meant to help you avoid that situation by giving you the 15 signs that you're hiring a true professional magician.

1. Have a Professional Website That Reflects Their Brand

​When you’re booking entertainment for a high-end event, your magician’s website should reflect the same level of polish and professionalism you expect from the rest of your vendors. It includes performance videos, testimonials, service breakdowns and a clear way to contact. If a magician is directing you to a dated social media page or sending blurry PDFs, that’s a warning sign.

2. Promo Video Shows Real Reactions—Not Just Tricks

It’s one thing to see a magician perform a clever trick on camera. It’s another to see a room light up with laughter and amazement in real-time. A promo video focuses on audience reactions because that’s where the magic lives—in the connection, the surprise, the shared experience. Whether performing close-up magic at a private VIP suite or onstage at a corporate gala, the energy in the room is the real proof of quality.

3. Respond Promptly and Professionally

When you reach out to book they respond quickly. They respect your time and understand how fast-paced event planning can be. Whether you're a professional event planner or someone organizing a one-time private party, you’ll get clear answers, fast replies and consistent follow-through.

4. Tailor the Performance to Your Event

No two events are alike. A corporate awards night needs a different vibe than a VIP afterparty. They always take time to understand your event goals, your audience and the tone you want to set. Then build a performance around that, not just whatever they feel like doing. That kind of customization only comes with experience and intention.

5. A Resume That Includes Corporate, Luxury and Private Events

They have performed everywhere from high-profile casinos to intimate rooftop lounges. The difference between a pro and a hobbyist is consistency. They must be trusted to deliver every single time and that’s why I’m regularly hired by brands, meeting planners, and clients who want results—not risks

6. Use a Clear Agreement form for Every Booking

​Professionalism starts before the show. When you hire them, you should receive an agreement form that lays out all the details: what’s included, when they arrive, how long they will perform and payment terms. A solid agreement gives you peace of mind—and ensures that we’re on the same page from day one.

7. Comfortable with Professional AV and Event Teams

Events often include complex lighting, sound, and scheduling logistics. I’m familiar with how to work within those frameworks. I’ve worked alongside AV teams, event producers, and tech crews, and I understand the importance of seamless collaboration. You don’t need a performer who panics when the mic isn’t on—you need someone who adapts and rolls with it.

8. A Show Is Built from Years of Real-World Experience

This isn’t a collection of store-bought tricks. The material has been refined through hundreds of live performances, tested in front of real people and built to connect with audiences on a deeper level. They don’t just aim to fool—They aim to delight.

9. Dress for the Occasion

When you hire a professional magician, you’re not getting someone in a wrinkled shirt or an outdated tuxedo. You’re getting someone who dresses to match the tone of your event—whether it’s black-tie formal or smart casual for an executive mixer. First impressions matter, and represents you while performing.

10. Stay Calm Under Pressure

In live events, things rarely go exactly to plan. A speaker runs long, the lights flicker, or the schedule changes. I’ve seen it all, and I know how to keep things running smoothly without missing a beat. Professionalism isn’t just about tricks—it’s about attitude.

11. They Offer Options That Fit Your Event Style and Space

Some events call for a full stage show and others work better with interactive close-up magic during cocktails or networking. They will help you determine the right fit for your event’s flow, audience size and energy. Flexibility and experience mean you don’t have to guess— they guide you.

12. Their Testimonials Go Beyond “Fun Show!”

Anyone can collect a few casual compliments. Testimonials come from people who say things like, “You made our event,” “Our guests are still talking about you,” or “You made me look like a hero for hiring you.” That’s the level of experience and impact they should bring.

13. They Perform Full-Time

Magic isn’t just a hobby—it’s a career. This is what they do every day and it’s what they build a reputation on. When you hire a full-time professional magician, you’re getting someone who’s invested in every detail and who lives and breathes performance.

14. they Focus on You and Your Guests—Not their Ego

The best magic happens when the spotlight is on your guests—not the magician. The goal is never to show off or prove how clever they are. It’s to connect, to engage and to create moments your guests will remember long after the final reveal.

15. Your Guests Will Talk About the Experience Long After the Event

​That’s the ultimate sign of a pro: people remember the experience. They talk about it the next day, the next week, sometimes even years later. The goal isn’t just to impress people in the moment—it’s to give them stories they’ll retell again and again. That’s the kind of experience I work to create at every show.

Planning an Event in Las Vegas? Let’s Make It UnforgettableWhether you're booking a magician for a corporate event on the Strip, a luxury private party in Summerlin, or a VIP experience anywhere in Las Vegas, I’d love to help you create something amazing.
👉 Check my availability and request a custom quote 
​
Professional magic isn’t just about the tricks—it’s about connection, impact, and leaving your guests with a memory they’ll talk about for years. Let’s make your event stand out in all the right ways.