Mt. Laurel, NJ is a magical place to be this week.

KYW’s Hadas Kuznits reports that there is a magician’s conference taking place there this weekend:

The 69th annual Conference of the Magician’s Alliance of Eastern States is underway here at the Mt. Laurel Marriott:

“We have magicians performing, teaching, we have an auction, we have competitions, we have a big dealers room where magicians come to buy all the latest books and DVDs and tricks.”

That’s past president Marc DeSouza, he says the best part of the conference is seeing your old friends:

“I say that it’s like a family — a big dysfunctional family.”

He says the seminars at this conference are geared towards improving a magician’s act:

“Adding comedy to your performance and how to improve the comedy that’s already in your performance and how to write comedy. The other lectures that we’re having, coin magic.”

So what makes for a great performance?

“One that combines really good technique, creativity, and most importantly the presentation itself.”

The conference runs through Saturday.

Hear more of Hadas’ interview with DeSouza below.