Executive Retreat Magician | David Malek

Material and Tone

Effects are straightforward and conversational: impossible changes with small objects, information revealed cleanly, and borrowed items returned exactly as they were. Nothing requires applause to succeed. Language remains neutral and professional. When appropriate, light references to the retreat’s themes or industry can be threaded in without turning the material into a pitch or a lesson.

Sound, Space, and Sightlines

Retreat venues often bring challenging acoustics—glass walls, high ceilings, terraces, or fire pits. I work at a natural speaking level and select pieces that read clearly in close quarters and across a long table. For elongated seating, key phases are mirrored so both sides see the same clarity without seat shifting. If a short unified moment benefits from reinforcement, a compact microphone ties into house sound at an even, understated level.

Timing That Protects the Agenda

Nothing begins while plates are landing or wine is being poured. Moments are modular—typically two to five minutes—so they compress or expand as needed if discussion runs long or the kitchen adjusts pacing. The table is never held beyond what’s comfortable; conversation remains primary.

Privacy and Protocol

Retreats regularly include confidential topics and guests who prefer privacy. I maintain a low profile: early arrival, accurate name pronunciations, and no unsolicited photos or recordings. Attire follows your code, and vendor check-ins, parking, and credentials are finalized well before call time. The goal is to blend with the environment and support the room’s purpose.

Sample One-Day Outline

Late Afternoon: after the final work block, two short interludes in the lounge or on a terrace to reset the group.
• Seated Dinner: discreet passes between courses so small groups share an experience without interrupting service.
• Before Dessert (Optional): a concise shared moment that unifies the room, then immediate return to the host.
• After Dinner: quiet farewells for those who invite them; no finale demanded of the whole table.

Check David’s Availability

Property-Specific Adjustments

• Coastal wind or mountain air: material shifts toward low-angle handling and close proximity for reliability.
• Candlelight or bright glass rooms: selections favor strong silhouettes and contrast so details remain visible.
• Long farm tables or U-shapes: choreography ensures clean sightlines from both sides without rearranging seats.

Logistics and Documentation

Arrival is ahead of schedule to confirm room diagrams, staff flow, and service cues. The working footprint is minimal—what fits in hand and on a small tray—so walkways stay open. I carry full liability insurance and provide a certificate on request. If your company uses a vendor portal, onboarding is completed in advance to avoid day-of delays.

These companies plus countless more trust David when it comes to hiring the best in class entertainment.

Budget and Scheduling

Fees reflect date, travel, guest count, and the mix between arrival touchpoints, breakout interludes, and dinner passes. If your agenda is compressed, segments can be shortened or split so discussion time remains protected. You select only the portions that serve the plan.

Regional Focus

I frequently support retreats across Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Diego—resorts, private estates, and executive centers. Familiarity with these properties helps anticipate access routes, valet policies, and neighborhood sound considerations that can affect timing.

Outcome

A successful retreat feels unhurried and clear. The entertainment adds a few precise, impossible moments that foster connection and then step aside, leaving the schedule intact and the room focused on the work that brought everyone together.