VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Canada, May 6, 2026 — Attendees at the TED2026 conference had a unique opportunity beyond the signature talks that share paradigm-shifting ideas and the chance to interact with some of the world’s brightest and most influential thinkers. Thanks to Shawn Farquhar and a select group of five additional magicians, they were able to experience wonder even beyond the typical awe-inspiring experience TED is known for.
Michael Wipf is a director of experience production for TED. Over a year ago he booked a ticket for Farquhar’s show at the two-time world champion magician’s Hidden Wonders Speakeasy. “I was completely blown away,” Wipf told Conjurly. “Not only by the outstanding magic but by the intimate setting with an audience limited to just 30 people.”
“I watched the show, which had me spellbound, but also watched the reaction of the intimate group that was incredibly engaged by the experience. Before the show came to an end, I had already decided we had to make this a part of TED.”
Over the coming year the two worked together on the project. An intimate theater setting was planned and built where attendees could gather in small groups to witness world-class performances by Farquhar, Alyx Hilshey, Danny Cole, Alex Zander, Andrew Evans, and Simon Cassegrain.
Hilshey shared the importance of the opportunity with Conjurly saying, “Performing close-up magic for attendees at the TED conference was one of the most inspiring, fun experiences of my life. I’m constantly blown away that card tricks have allowed me to travel the world, but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine magic would land me at TED.”
Farquhar echoed that the awe and wonder went both ways between the magicians and the TED attendees. “This was the big global TED annual conference as contrasted with the many local TEDx events. At $12,500 a ticket, you would expect some high-level attendees. I have always been pretty proud of my magic credentials holding a FISM World Champion title two times over among other awards and accolades, but when I found myself having lunch and seated on my right was the developer of the COVID vaccine and on my left was the creator of the Furby, I felt pretty humble.”
Farquhar also noted the high level of curiosity of TED attendees. “They are interested and engaged. Not just in our magic but in us as people. And that makes for great experiences all around.” He went on to say that one attendee invited him to a future event at his home, but said, “Leave your deck of cards at home. Just come and enjoy.”
From Wipf’s point of view, the recreation of a Hidden Wonders experience within the TED week-long conference environment was a success. “From the team performing walk-around magic at the opening night party to the performances throughout each day, it was a great addition to TED2026,” Wipf told Conjurly. “TED is all about experiences and how ideas come from seeing the world from a different perspective and how wonder can spark inspiration. The magic was a perfect fit.”
Both men noted a certain fittingness in how it all came together. Wipf walked into a speakeasy, was moved by what he saw, and returned to TED with an idea. Farquhar said yes and dove in. A year later, wonder had a seat at the table alongside the world’s thought leaders.
In other words, a seed was planted then bloomed — exactly the way the best TED ideas always work out.
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