One of the best parts of starting a new role at DMC is getting the chance to celebrate with your new coworkers. Welcome parties are a long-standing tradition that lets each group of new hires plan a fun event to meet and connect with the rest of the team outside the office in a social setting.
For our welcome party, fellow new hire Loren and I wanted to do something a little out of the ordinary—and when they suggested the Chicago Magic Lounge, I couldn’t help but be on board!
Behind the Hidden Door
The event kicked off with a little mystery. Upon arrival, our group was led into a room resembling a laundromat with washing machines and industrial dryers. After a few curious looks and some poking around, we found the secret door that led us into the actual venue: a cozy, speakeasy-style theater with table seating and an intimate stage setup.
Before the main show began, magicians made their rounds performing close-up tricks right at our tables. For about an hour, we were pulled into an interactive experience full of card tricks and quite a few “how did they do that?” moments.
Magic Moments from the Lounge
The venue was one of the most unique places we’ve visited, with serious hidden gem energy. The magic tricks were so impressive that they felt like real-life glitches, leaving us wide-eyed and entertained from start to finish.
Trent James, the headliner, blended comedy and illusions into a high-energy performance that had the whole room laughing. And just when we thought we’d seen it all, the appearance of a ventriloquist dummy (aka William, his “lifelong friend”) completely caught us off guard—in the best way. It quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the night.
A Welcome Party Worth Remembering
The night perfectly exemplifies DMC’s “have fun” core value in action. We weren’t just watching a show—we were laughing together, trying to guess the magician’s next move, and bonding as a new group. It was the type of evening that makes you feel welcomed and excited about what’s ahead.
The fact that DMC hosts a welcome party for everyone who joins the company is one of those standout perks that makes an impression. Getting to plan a fun and unique event helped us feel like part of the team from day one—and the Chicago Magic Lounge was the perfect choice. From hidden entrances to jaw-dropping illusions, the night was full of surprises. It was a fantastic way to kick off our time at DMC and a great reminder that shared laughter and a little bit of magic go a long way in building connections.
Learn more about DMC’s company culture and check out our open positions!