Last Week’s Corporate Magic with Close-Up Chris

Corporate events aren’t what they used to be—and thank goodness for that! No more endless PowerPoint slides, a tired DJ, and lukewarm finger food. Instead, businesses are looking for ways to make their events exciting, memorable, and, above all, worth the time. Last week, I brought a pinch of magic (and a generous splash of laughter) to a corporate gathering hosted by tech innovators NoBlue2 at the stunning Edgbaston Park Hotel. Spoiler alert—it was magical in every way.

Watch the Close-Up Corner in action

A Night to Remember

Corporate events can make even the most seasoned professionals groan at the thought of stuffy networking moments and thinly veiled sales pitches. But NoBlue2 went all out to create a vibrant, fun-filled experience for their team, and they brought me—Close-Up Chris—along for the ride.

The evening was set at one of Birmingham’s finest venues, the illustrious Edgbaston Park Hotel. The sun was shining, the drinks were flowing, and I was ready to dazzle. From axe throwing to clay pigeon shooting, the scene was buzzing before the Close-Up Corner had even made its debut. Yet, when the clock struck 6 pm and the magic booth opened its metaphorical curtains, the night turned into something truly unforgettable.

Why the Close-Up Corner Works for Corporate Events

Corporate entertainment is an art in itself. You want to improve morale, encourage networking, and provide an experience people will actually enjoy (because nothing says “team bonding” like impressing your CEO by hitting a bullseye in axe throwing). That’s where the Close-Up Corner excels.

Unlike the usual roaming corporate magician, who awkwardly interrupts conversations with a handful of tricks, the Close-Up Corner provides a defined, distraction-free space for guests to experience magic on their own terms. Here’s why this setup is a win for any corporate audience:

• Guests' Love Choice: Instead of being ambushed mid-canapé, they decide when to join the fun. They enter the booth with curiosity and leave amazed.

• Fully Immersive Experience: The booth ensures there’s no background chatter or other distractions—just guests and awe-inspiring magic.

• Shared Reactions That Spark Conversation: Imagine your colleagues roaring with laughter over a signature trick or staring wide-eyed in disbelief. Those shared moments create the perfect icebreakers during an event.

Highlights from the Night

The magic began once people had soaked up the afternoon’s outdoor activities. I welcomed small groups of curious colleagues into the Close-Up Corner, where the real fun began. From sleight-of-hand card tricks to some mind-reading that left even the most sceptical onlookers scratching their heads, each guest had a moment of wonder – and often, wild disbelief.

One particularly unforgettable moment involved a senior exec who jokingly claimed, “I’m impossible to fool.” Spoiler alert—they were not impossible to fool. Watching their reaction as their chosen card somehow reappeared inside a sealed envelope across the booth was priceless. Moments like that remind me why I love what I do.

Corporate entertainment has a way of inspiring camaraderie when done right, and this event was no exception. Between the astonished gasps and bursts of laughter rippling throughout the evening, even guests who weren’t inside the booth joined in the fun as spectators.

Why Every Corporate Event Needs Magic

Corporate gatherings are no longer simply about delivering information—they’re about building connections, celebrating achievements, and creating memories that reflect positively on your company. The Close-Up Corner provides all of that and more.

Here’s how close-up magic fits seamlessly into professional events:

• Perfect Icebreaker: Magic bridges the gap between strangers and colleagues alike. The interactive nature of close-up tricks creates shared moments guests won’t soon forget.

• Versatile Entertainment: Whether you’re hosting a post-conference networking session or an end-of-year bash, the Close-Up Corner adapts to meet the tone, size, and goals of your event.

• Lasting Impact: People might not remember that keynote speech, but they’ll be talking about how a £20 note vanished and reappeared in a sealed wallet for weeks.

Corporate Perfection in Every Detail

What I loved most about this particular event was how much effort NoBlue2 put into curating an unforgettable night for their team. This is exactly what corporate events should be—fun, interactive, and genuinely enjoyable.

The Edgbaston Park Hotel didn’t disappoint, either, offering an elegant yet laid-back environment perfect for a mixed evening of activities and “wow” moments. Paired with the laughter and energy brought by an open bar, the Close-Up Corner played its role as the pièce de résistance of the evening.

Performing for corporate audiences who don’t necessarily know what to expect always makes for a delightful surprise when they leave grinning ear to ear, sometimes still holding their baffling card (because I can’t vanish all the souvenirs).

Elevate Your Professional Gatherings

From awards dinners to product launches, corporate Christmas parties to trade shows, magic has this unique ability to elevate any gathering into something remarkable.

The beauty of the Close-Up Corner lies in its versatility. I customise each performance to suit the event’s goals and theme, whether that means performing branded tricks, bringing teams together, or offering light-hearted entertainment during long schedules.

Here’s what your next event could look like with magic at its core:

1. Boost Team Morale with Unique Experiences

Replace the awkward trust falls and icebreaker games with collaborative magic tricks that get everyone laughing and rooting for one another.

2. Impress Clients with High-Class Entertainment

Turn a simple networking session into something that feels cutting-edge by showcasing interactive illusions alongside your branding.

3. Make Your Event Stand Out

   When guests walk away remembering the thrill of magic rather than just the appetisers, your event leaves a lasting positive impression.

   Sprinkling Some Magic Into Your Next Event

   Magic is more than just tricks; it’s about creating experiences guests cherish long after the event ends. If you’re planning a corporate occasion and want to add something beyond the predictable, the Close-Up Corner might just be the secret ingredient for unforgettable entertainment.

   Last week reminded me again why I feel so lucky to do what I do. Being part of such well-organised, feel-good corporate events is always a joy—and I’d love to bring that magic to your next event.

   Get in touch, and together we’ll make sure your event isn’t just talked about—it’s raved about.