IJA & WJF

This year the IJA's annual juggling convention, which is happening in Sparks NV 7/26 - 8/1 is going to be the week after and in the same geographic area of the WJF juggling convention. The WJF will be holding their event on 7/20 - 7/25 in Las Vegas. I am thinking that this is a great thing for jugglers. I have never really desired to attend a WJF convention for a few reasons. Mainly, cost, time and location. I already attend 1 or 2 juggling festival every year and therefore usually can not afford to take time off from performing to attend even more non paid events. However, the another reason has been the fact that the WJF conventions were a little too strict and stringent with all of their rules combined with the fact that I am more of a fan of performance based juggling and not such a big fan of sports juggling. It appears that the WJF has decided to change the format of their festivals, loosen a lot of the silly rules and to actually open up a competition to artistic or performance based acts. Smart move, I think. Sadly, for me, I am not going to be able to attend the IJA festival this year. I have bookings and family conflicts that will prevent me from attending any festivals in the month of July. But, if I were available and was planning to go to the IJA this year, I would certainly be planning on doing the WJF too. What a great opportunity to do two festivals on back to back weeks, in the same area and, as a bonus, you get to go see some Las Vegas acts while you are there. Of all the years to have to miss a convention, I am sorry that this is the year for me. I wish both organizations the best and I hope that they are both well attended. I can't wait to hear the reports.