The Gathering
Once a year, a small group of magicians gather to share secrets, challenge ideas, and push their work to the next level — not just through performance, but through deep conversation, practical sessions, and hands-on workshops that dig into every layer of the craft.
This isn’t a convention. It’s a focused experience. A space to think, question, and grow — surrounded by some of the most thoughtful minds and skilled performers in magic today.
The Gathering is hosted by Luke Jermay, R. Paul Wilson and Manuel Beissel at a remarkable location hidden deep in the Bavarian forest — a place designed to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with what matters most: the work.
Guest coaches and speakers bring their own hard-won insights to the table, each selected to provoke thought, spark ideas, and help shape better magicians. Every session, every conversation is part of a structure designed to challenge assumptions, sharpen technique, and open new creative doors.
The Gathering is intimate, immersive, and unlike anything else in the magic world.
Moments of 2025
Step inside the atmosphere of last year’s sold-out event. From deep-dive workshops to late-night sessions by candlelight, these images capture the intensity, the camaraderie, and the breakthroughs that defined The Gathering 2025.
Take a look at what we created together—and see what awaits you in 2026.
The Format
A four-day intensive experience designed to sharpen your magic from every angle — with interactive workshops, live performances for real audiences, and deep-dive discussions where we unpack exactly what worked, what didn’t, and why.
This isn’t about just learning methods — it’s about understanding what makes magic truly work. We’ll explore how structure, timing, character and clarity can turn a clever trick into something unforgettable.
You’ll also have the chance to share your own work — ideas in progress, routines in development — and receive thoughtful, honest feedback from people who care about helping you grow. The atmosphere is supportive, focused, and genuinely collaborative.
Lunch, coffee, soft drinks, and local transport are included — with great hotel options just minutes from the Castle.
Schedule
Each day commences with a social gathering dedicated to discussing magic and exchanging ideas over coffee, providing the perfect environment to learn essential sleights and esoteric moves. This is immediately followed by an intensive workshop led by one of our world-class presenters, complete with a dedicated Q&A session to fully explore all your thoughts and questions. Throughout the week, participants will have valuable opportunities to perform and discuss their own material, receiving expert feedback directly from our speakers.
The evenings feature a captivating live show performed for a lay audience. Following the performance, an intimate “green room” conversation takes place, offering a deep dive into the thinking and philosophy of the day’s performer. This unique format is designed to uncover the real secrets at the heart of truly great magic. Whether you are a professional performer or a passionate amateur, this seminar is the perfect setting to dramatically elevate your skills and become a better magician.
2026 Guests
In 2026, David Ben, Mortenn, and Professor Richard Wiseman will join The Gathering — bringing with them a powerful mix of insight, experience, and creative fire.
Each will offer a unique perspective on the art, the craft, and the performance of magic — and together, they’ll help shape an experience designed to elevate your thinking, deepen your practice, and reignite your passion for what your magic can achieve.
Mortenn
One of Denmark’s most original voices in magic, Mortenn is known for his bold thinking, disarming presence, offbeat humour and quiet precision behind everything he performs. His work blends deep theory with real-world impact — offering fresh perspectives on performance, psychology, and the hidden layers that make magic matter.
David Ben
A true master of sleight of hand and one of the world’s most respected magical minds, David Ben brings decades of experience as a performer, author, and curator of magic’s history. His sessions will explore not just how magic works, but how it endures — combining craft, philosophy, and razor-sharp insight.
Professor
Richard Wiseman
A psychologist, author, and performer with a global following, Richard Wiseman bridges science and mystery in ways few others can. His work on perception, belief, and misdirection has shaped how we understand magic — and his sessions promise to rewire how you think about what your audience sees, thinks, and feels.
Your Hosts
R. Paul
Wilson
A lifelong student of deception and an expert in both performance and real-world sleight of hand, R. Paul Wilson brings a unique blend of artistry, psychology, and hard-earned knowledge. With decades of experience creating magic for stage, screen, and live performers; Paul’s focus is on clarity, conviction, and the deeper mechanics that make powerful magic truly unforgettable.
Luke
Jermay
Renowned for his groundbreaking work in mentalism and psychological performance, Luke Jermay now concentrates on classic conjuring, challenging assumptions and expanding possibilities with a fresh perspective. His approach goes beyond tricks — drawing on intuition, theatre, and the human mind to create magic that feels real. At The Gathering, Luke invites you to rethink what magic is… and what it could be.
Manuel
Beissel
As a professional performer, Manuel Beissel is known for his refined technique, thoughtful construction, and a quietly intense performance style that leaves a lasting impact. Based in Germany, Manuel combines classical foundations with modern thinking — bringing a fresh, intelligent approach to both close-up and parlour magic. As host of The Gathering, which is held in his ancestral home, he helps shape the experience from the inside out.
Ian
Kendall
A dedicated teacher and mentor, Ian Kendall is passionate about helping magicians unlock their full potential. With years of experience guiding conjurors of all levels, Ian focuses on building strong foundations in technique. At The Gathering, he shares practical methods designed to elevate both the craft and the confidence of every participant.
Testimonials
What the attendees thought of the 2025 Gathering.
Only a few steps remain
The fee to attend The Gathering is €2750 and includes the following points:
To join now and secure your spot click below.
Travel to Schloss Guteneck (Schloßberg 10, D-92543 Guteneck) and hotel accommodation are not included. However, Manuel Beissel will assist with reserving nearby hotels and can advise on the best travel options from the nearest airport to the venue.