The 2007 S.M.I.L.E. Conference was our 9th annual event on September 27-29 in Scottsdale, Arizona. This year’s event featured Bubba Sikes who was the hit of the 2005 Conference. 

The Conference started out with a full day of classes on safety education. Presentations by Peter Banks from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children was a highlight for many. We also had classes on bullying prevention, juvenile fire setting, substance abuse, gang prevention, cyber safety, and more!

Above: During the Evening Show, Bubba and the clowns taught the audience a fun dance!

(Photo by Frank Padilla, Jr.)

The second day was all things Bubba with classes on make-up, improvisation, finding your character, magic and much more. One of the best parts of Bubba’s classes was the improvisation when everyone got up and did the machine. Bubba ended the day with his thoughts on the state of clowning today.

Above: The conference attendees make a "machine" during Bubba's workshop.

(Photo by Frank Padilla, Jr.)

The third and final day tied everything together by combining the safety messages of the first day with the clowning and magic of the second day. We had presentations on safety magic by Bruce Wall and Mark Ruffennach, safety puppetry by Jerry Quarles, and science magic by Frank Padilla, Jr.  The Billy Awards were presented.

Above: Pack Rat Frank demonstrates some Science Magic!

(Photo by Frank Padilla, Jr.)

Special thanks to Conference Chair Mark Ruffennach and the committee: Carrie Abts, Patty Meagher, Jerry Quarles, Bruce Wall and Debbie Wood. The Inn at Pima resort did a fantastic job. We would also like to thank “Streets of New York” and “California Pizza Kitchen” for donating lunches!

We can’t wait until next year! If you missed it, plan on attending next year!