How much does it cost to hire a corporate magician?

Most corporate magic bookings run $2,500 to $5,000 depending on event format, audience size, and travel. Local events in St Louis are at the lower end. Out-of-region events with travel and lodging are at the upper end. Most of Josh Weidner's corporate bookings land in the $2,500 to $4,000 range.

What format of magic show works best for corporate events?

The three options are strolling magic during cocktail hour, a stage show after dinner, or both. Strolling magic breaks the ice when guests don't know each other yet. The stage show is the high-impact closer the team retells back at the office. Most clients book both.

Can a corporate magic show be customized for our company?

Yes. Josh regularly works company names, team members, product references, and internal jokes into the show so it feels built for the audience instead of dropped in from a template.

What is the difference between close-up magic and a stage show?

Close-up magic is performed for small groups in an informal setting like a cocktail hour. Guests are inches away from the magic, which makes it intimate and conversational. A stage show is performed for the full room with everyone facing the same direction. It is louder, more theatrical, and built to be a shared experience the room reacts to together.

What setup or AV does a corporate magic show need?

Strolling magic needs nothing but space. The stage show needs a stage at minimum 12 feet wide by 6 feet deep, a wireless headset mic, a handheld mic on a stand for volunteers, a 3.5mm input, and a professional sound system. Setup takes about 60 minutes before doors.

Does Josh Weidner travel for corporate events?

Yes. Josh is based in St Louis but performs corporate events across the country. Travel and lodging are added to the booking fee. Events outside of driving distance typically fall in the $4,000 to $5,000 range to cover flights and accommodations.

Strolling Magic during Cocktail Hour - The Meridian Society

How a Donor Dinner Turned Into the Most Talked-About Event in 20 Years

Quick Summary

For their 20-year celebration, The Meridian Society wanted more than a typical donor dinner. They needed an experience that made guests feel appreciated, encouraged connection, and created real energy in the room.

By integrating 90 minutes of interactive strolling magic during the cocktail hour, the event transformed from a standard reception into a high-energy, shared experience that guests were still talking about long after the night ended.

The Client

Company: The Meridian Society
Event: Donor Recognition Event
Location: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Audience: 100 Attendees (Donors & VIP Guests)

The Challenge

This wasn’t just another event. It was a milestone celebration.

The Meridian Society wanted to:

Thank donors in a meaningful, memorable way
Create a more engaging cocktail hour
Avoid the typical “stand around and make small talk” dynamic
Deliver an experience worthy of a 20-year celebration

They weren’t looking for background entertainment.
They wanted something guests would actually feel.

The Solution

Josh Weidner was brought in to perform 90 minutes of high-impact strolling magic during the cocktail hour.

Instead of pulling attention away from the event, the magic:

Brought guests together in small groups
Created instant conversation starters
Gave people a shared experience to bond over
Added energy without disrupting the flow of the evening

Every performance happened inches away from the guests, turning casual conversations into unforgettable moments.

Josh Weidner St Louis Magician for Galas and Fundraisers

What Happened

This is where things got fun.

The University President had their mind read… and completely lost it
Groups began pulling Josh over to meet their colleagues, turning the experience into a must-see moment
Reactions spread across the room as guests shared what they had just witnessed

Instead of isolated entertainment, the magic became a social catalyst.

The room didn’t just have energy.
It had momentum.

The Result

By the end of the night:

Guests described it as “the best Meridian Society event they’ve ever had”
Engagement during the cocktail hour was noticeably higher
Conversations felt natural instead of forced
The experience carried through the rest of the evening

And most importantly…

People didn’t just attend the event.
They talked about it.

What the Client Said

“The SIUE Meridian Society hired Josh Weidner to serve as a Mingling Magician for their ‘20 Magical Years’ celebration! Josh wowed guests with his amazing magical tricks… Thank you, Josh!”
— Julie Babington, Event Planner

Why It Worked

This event succeeded because everything was intentional:

Pre-event planning ensured the magic fit seamlessly into the flow
The performance style encouraged interaction, not distraction
Years of experience meant zero guesswork on what would land

No awkward moments.
No dead energy.
No “hope this works.”

Just a room full of people having a genuinely great time.

Long-Term Impact

The Meridian Society expressed interest in bringing Josh back for future events, but due to demand and scheduling, availability has been limited.

Which is… a good problem to have.

Planning an Event Like This?

If you're organizing a donor event, corporate gathering, or celebration where people are supposed to connect, relax, and actually enjoy themselves…

This is exactly what strolling magic is built for.

Watch Josh in action

Let’s make your event the one people keep talking about.