Okay. I'm back from the Walkabout Trance Beach Resort Getaway and I think a review is in order. But before that, I need to apologize for my most recent post; I didn't get a product up in time. I'd intended to, but didn't quite get anything finished before I left.

Now for the review. Hypnoticon was fun, though it definitely was a mixed group. It was an inclusive event, so people from all walks were there: recreational, stage, clinical, metaphysical. All in all, everyone got along and treated each other with respect and learned from each other. Which was, after all, the entire point.

There was a workshop on balancing different aspects that had useful information; even if you're not into the more recreational aspects, many people do a combination of stage and clinical. And it's important to decide which one is more important to you, and which one you'd be willing to sacrifice if you had to. Also, you need to decide on your level of openness. Are you comfortable with people knowing both aspects, or do you need one or the other to be more private?

The first day of the convention had a beginner track and an advanced track. The advanced track was taught by Brian David Phillips and included several of his instant inductions, along with an exercise for coming up with an induction on the spot. This exercise was a lot of fun.

Take 5 to 7 people and line them in two lines facing each other (like this: ---> <----). One of the two people in the front of the lines is the hypnotist and the other is the "trance partner" (Brian's preferred term). One of the other people in the line is the "challenger," who comes up with an everyday object, idea, concept, etc. (or a specific induction to use, depending on how you want to work it), then the hypnotist has a limited amount of time to start talking and complete the process. For example, start talking within 15 seconds, and the whole process takes less than 3 minutes.

There were some ... creative inductions invented during this exercise. One group had a "jock strap" induction. Not sure how practical that is, but ... ;)

During the lunch break, we broke off to do walkabout trance sessions. This didn't go too well, as pretty much everyone went to the same place for lunch, so the waitresses were too busy taking care of us hypnotists to have the time to be hypnotized.

Saturday and Sunday were the other workshops and seminars. Tom Vizzini gave a 2 hour seminar on his 3D Mind process, which was interesting. John Cerbone and Richard Nongard gave a 2 hour seminar on their Speed Trance techniques and were very entertaining. There were several stage shows in the evening, as well.

Now to the Walkabout Trance event I just got back from. This was held in Hermosa Beach, CA, and was also very fun. In some ways, it was a repeat of Brian's advanced track at Hypnoticon, only more in depth. This one had more therapists than recreational hypnotists, I think, so the atmosphere was a bit different.

This time, when we broke for the walkabout sessions, things actually happened. That may have been partially because of the different environment (on a beach full of young people, and in an area open to the "woo-woo") and partially because Brian learned his lesson from Hypnoticon and did *not* arrange for a particular establishment to expect us.

So we didn't all go to the same place this time. ;)

I would have loved more time going around doing the hands-on stuff, personally, but I had a great time down there nonetheless. I got to meet some of the people I've only known online; Seth-Deborah, Stephanie Rothman, and others. And I got to see Wendi again, which is always fun. I even went clubbing with Wendi Saturday night! :o

I'd recommend attending either of these if they're offered again. I know Hypnoticon is planned to be done again next year, and I don't know for sure about the Walkabout Trance event. Great people and great tips and techniques.

Joshua